fitness paddling: exercise, train, race by kayak & canoe

When the winter hits Finland, Tommi Ritala moves his training indoors to the basement of an old public bath in downtown Tampere. Some months later, in spring, Tommi comes out in top shape: he is the current national marathon champion in Finland and he came 11th in world championships.

Björn Olin

In the winter I mix the pool training with the ergometer. The pool is better suited for higher intensity training since the shaft has no ropes attached to it. Not so obvious is that it feels more natural to train with the kayak slightly submerged.

Tommi Ritala

How these pictures were shot? I will post some technical details in Paddling with a Camera blog.

Related posts:

• Paddle Marathon Racing in Finland - Photo Correspondence by Björn Olin
• Kayak Racing and Paddling Photography by Björn Olin
• A Rather Odd Paddle Trip - A New Portfolio by Björn Olin
• Racing Kayaker and a Paddle Stroke - 4 Pictures by Björn Olin