Paddling

Paddling, in regard to waterborne transport, is the act of propelling a human-powered watercraft using at least one hand-held paddle. The paddle, which consists of one or two blades joined to a shaft, is also used to steer the vessel via generating a difference in propulsion between the two sides of the watercraft. The paddle is not connected to the boat, unlike in rowing where the oar is attached to the boat.

In paddling sports such as canoeing and kayaking, the characteristics that are most important include "dynamic balance, core stability, pulling power, speed, endurance, stature, and rhythm".^[1]

^ Teunissen, Jan Willem; ter Welle, Stijn; Platvoet, Sebastiaan; Faber, Irene; Pion, Johan; Lenoir, Matthieu (February 2021). "Similarities and differences between sports subserving systematic talent transfer and development: The case of paddle sports". Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 24 (2): 200–205. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2020.09.005. hdl:1854/LU-8693591.

[1] Teunissen, Jan Willem; ter Welle, Stijn; Platvoet, Sebastiaan; Faber, Irene; Pion, Johan; Lenoir, Matthieu (February 2021). "Similarities and differences between sports subserving systematic talent transfer and development: The case of paddle sports". Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 24 (2): 200–205. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2020.09.005. hdl:1854/LU-8693591.

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