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

You can collect points from the 5 and 10 miles races and compete in general race rating. Entries are limited to one per week for a paddler in the same boat. Racing in different boats is strongly encouraged.

Here are some nice comments submitted by John Appel from Long Island, NY who started virtual racing this year:

Started paddling regularly summer 2006. Bought first boat, an old Eddyline Raven, Sept 2006. Got a wing paddle in April 2007. First (only) race on May 5th, finished strong but didn't place. Use a Forerunner 305 with heart monitor.

Struck by the similarity of this sport to bicycle racing and training. Basic training approach, spend as much time on water as possible, mix up long days and speed days, concentrate on form until it becomes automatic. Balance with weight (circuit) training and treadmill.

This morning I weighed 187 lbs for the first time in over 10 years. This is 20 lbs under where I've been for a couple of years and only 15 lbs above my bike racing weight. Your race is part of the motivation that's kept me going. Thank you.

Brit Adams, Auburndale, Florida, is the old virtual racer with numerous entries in Seda Glider. This year he started to train and race in a new multisport kayak from New Zealand, Ruahine F1:

Another veteran virtual racer, Dan Murn, Fairport NY, is also playing with a new toy, KayakPro Vampire which replaced his old WSBS Thunderbolt. Here is a short video clip of Dan paddling his Vampire kayak:

KayakPro Vampire