Sprint kayaking is prominent in Europe with training methods devised and adopted from Eastern bloc training systems. There is a lack of published research on sprint kayaking locally and internationally. Consequently, the aims of this research directly address establishing a relationship between kayak specific training and the Profile of Mood States (POMS); monitoring training duration and intensity and establish a link with the POMS and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE); to monitor the general wellness of the kayakers. Seven elite sprint kayakers (two male, five female) with the following characteristics: age 26.5 (1.4) years, training experience 8.4 (3.7) years were part of the South African national sprint kayaking squad selected to participate in this study, based on their preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (one male athlete did not qualify but continued to train). The females trained for the 500m K1, K2 and K4 events and the male for the 1000m K1. Three training camps (TC1, TC2, TC3) were held from 12 November to 09 December 2007, 25 February to 22 March 2008 and 14 July to 04 August 2008. RPE (Borg Scale) was recorded for each session. The 65-item POMS was completed twice a week, after half a days rest (Wednesday) and after a day and half rest (Sunday). Daily training load was calculated from RPE and session time; and an energy index calculated from the POMS vigour and fatigue scores. The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey recorded illness and injury. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Friedman’s rank test for k correlated samples, The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Spearman rank-order correlations were used to analyse the data. Statistical significance was calculated at 5% (p=0.05) and 10% (p=0.1). The results showed higher vigour scores associated with lower RPE and low training load; and high RPE associated with higher anger, confusion, depression, fatigue and total mood disturbance scores. There was a relationship between increasing POMS scores and duration of the training camps. The POMS findings could not completely explain the relationship found between RPE and duration of the training camps. The energy index was higher pre-camp and the extended rest periods during the camps. The findings for the POMS and RPE suggested that a state of overreaching might have occurred during the camps. Monitoring of the kayakers for an extended period after the training camps would have been useful to determine whether any of these individuals became over-trained. In accordance with Kentta et al (2006), regular use of the POMS may help detect under recovery, preventing staleness and unwanted rest for extended periods. Future studies will enable a retrospective view on these results. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / unrestricted

Stockholm archipelago has over the centuries been fairly unknown and anonymous place for many. Unless you were involved in fishing or trade you did not know much about this sea landscape. Besides its commercial value it had also a military significance for a long period. During Gustav Vasa’s reign Vaxholm was decided to consolidate in order to protect the entrance to Stockholm by sea. Up until mid 20th century it was occupied mainly by fishermen and farmers. It was a place where people lived, studied and worked because of its natural riches. In the early 1900s more and more land was bought by rich Stockholmers for recreation purposes. A new typology has appeared on the islands, great summer villas. Even artists and writers were drawn to this place, including August Strindberg, Bruno Liljefors and Gustaf Fröding. After WW II, the population in archipelago rapidly declined. It was mainly due to compulsory education. People were forced to seek places to settle on mainland where higher education facilities were located. It also offered a wider range of jobs. The islands were slowly transformed from agricultural land into recreational resorts for the rich. Nowadays, it is very popular summer holiday destination among Stockholmers and many others which is represented by 50 000 summer cottages that are spread out on many of the islands. It is becoming a luxury holiday destination with popular water sports and fast loud boats disturbing the natural habitat of archipelago. thesis The aim of this project is to better understand complex nature of Stockholm’s Archipelago, its inner working and relation between natural habitat and people. Through series of sensitive micro-interventions I would like to tell a story of archipelago, provide a “path“ to follow and explore this beautiful biotope. However, this should be achieved in meaningful and practical way. These small (temporary) structures range from a bench with a beautiful view of the sea, tree house library, public WC, floating sauna to a small desalination plant for residents as well as tourists. The objective is to provide a sustainable future experience of the Stockholm archipelago as well as education and information regarding preservation and protection of the environment.

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The turn of the millennium has heralded an explosion in the popularity of adventure sports often also referred to as alternative lifestyle sports or extreme sports. These are offering both new avenues and potential challenges to the traditional ways of conceptualising and practicing sport. This thesis analyses the development of adventure sports, in particular climbing and kayaking, as a subculture. It delivers a socio-economic history of climbing, analyses the role of the media in its development, its participation and its lived experience. Further it investigates the impact of globalisation, commercialisation and consumerism on adventure sports, and considers to what extent they are being brought into the mainstream as a result. The economic impact of participation in adventure sports is reviewed along with a study of how the make up of its participants has changed as the activities have become more accessible. Particular focus is placed on the analysis of the gender order, specifically looking at the experiences of women in adventure sports. For this purpose the sports culture found in climbing and kayaking is examined and the implications for the reconstruction of gender relations are considered. This study employs an ethnographic approach including both semi-structured and structured interviews with both adventure sports experts and participants, document and media analysis, participant observation and the more recent nethnography approach. One of the significant contributions of this thesis has been to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the social, cultural and media environment of arguably one of the most popular lifestyle sports in the UK. It has also shown the strong interrelationship that exists between the media and adventure sports, and has demonstrated how the increased commercialisation and commodification of the activity has resulted in economic development particularly in some remoter parts of the UK through the packaging and provision of the climbing experience. At the same time some participants see this is ‘selling out’. This research has demonstrated how women’s participation in adventure sports has been subject to marginalisation, sexualisation and trivialisation similar to other mainstream sports. However, this work has also highlighted that there is room for optimism as new discourses of femininity contrary to the traditional male hegemony are emerging. Further research opportunities have been identified concerning issues of ethnicity and participation; the social, cultural and economic relationships between adventure sportspeople and rural communities. Emerging feminist discourses also warrant further investigation.

Title: Comparison of selected anthropometric parameters of competitive quadrathletes and racing kayakers. Objectives: The aim of this work is to assess the somatotype and anthropometric characteristics in elite athletes in marathon kayakers and quadrathletes. Methods: This research included the analysis and comparison of two groups of athletes. Using the Heath-Carter system of measurement, somatotypes were calculated using the computer formula, 'Somatotype - Calculation and Analysis'. Body composition was determined through the use of skinfold calipers SK in conjunction with noninvasive bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Specifically, the Tanita 980 MS and BIA 2000 measurement units. Results: Two research samples were developed (speed kayakers as one, quadrathletes as the other), whose results (set average) were compared. On the basis of anthropometric data and calculations, it was found that both research samples corresponded in their somatotype category, ectomorphic mesomorph. According to this research, the speed kayakers (with a focus on marathon distances), are generally taller and heavier than the quadrathlete sample, yet had relatively less body fat. Keywords: Somatotype, body composition, BIA, skinfold, quadrathlon, flatwater kayaking

Syfte med denna studie var att undersöka energiförbrukningen vid havspaddling. Energiförbrukningen undersöktes i vila och vid två olika hastigheter (4 och 7 km/h), först med en olastad och sedan med en lastad kajak (20 kg). Dessutom undersöktes hur det passiva motståndet förändrades vid successivt ökad hastigheten. Studien genomfördes i en försöksgrupp med jämn könsfördelning och med varierande ålder och paddlingserfarenhet. I studiens första del uppmättes försökspersonernas hjärtfrekvens i förhållande till syrgasupptag och koldioxidproduktion vid en successivt ökad belastning i en kajakergometer. För varje försöksperson kunde sedan en korrelationskurva beräknas mellan hjärtfrekvens och syrgasupptag. Utifrån den hjärtfrekvens som sedan försökspersonen hade under paddlingen kunde syrgasupptaget beräknas. Vid paddling med en olastad kajak och en hastighet av 4 km/h beräknades syrgasupptaget till 5 ml/kg/min. Vid en hastighet 7 km/h så ökade syrgasupptaget signifikant till 11.5 ml/kg/min (p< 0.05). Vid paddling med en lastad kajak så ökade syrgasupptaget signifikant från 6,5 ml/kg/min vid 4 km/h till 14,5 ml/kg/min (p< 0.05) vid 7 km/h. Om energiförbrukningen beräknas utifrån syrgasupptaget för en person på 75 kg skulle en paddelhastighet på 4 km/h innebära en förbrukning på 458 kJ (107,4 kcal/h) med en olastad kajak och 585 kJ (139.8 kcal/h) med en lastad kajak. Vid 7 km/h var motsvarande värden 1080 kJ (258 kcal/h) (olastad kajak) och 1350 kJ (322 kcal/h) (lastad kajak). Det passiva motståndet ökade exponentiellt med ökad hastighet. / The aim of this study was to examine energy consumption when sea kayaking. The energy consumption was examined at rest and at two different speeds (4 and 7 km/h respectively), first with an empty and then with a packed kayak (20 kg). Moreover, the kayaks’ passive drag in the water was measured in order to examine how this was influenced by the speed through the water. The study was implemented in a group of paddlers with even gender distribution but with varying age and experience. In the first part of the experiment, we measured the participants’ heart frequency, oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production during gradually increased work load in a kayakergometer. For each test subject correlation curves were constructed from the recorded heart rate and oxygen uptake. Based on the persons heart rate during paddling, oxygen uptake was calculated using the individual regression equation which was calculated in the first part of the experiment. When paddling at 4 km/h with an unpacked kayak, the oxygen uptake was measured to 5 ml/kg/min. At 7 km/h, it increased significantly to 11.5 ml/kg/min (p< 0.05). Paddling with a packed kayak oxygen consumption increased to 6.5 ml/kg/min at 4 km/h and significantly to14.5 ml/kg/min at 7 km/h. If energy consumption is calculated on the basis of oxygen uptake for a person weighing 75 kg, at 4 km/h this corresponds to a consumption of 450 kJ (107.4 kcal/h) when kayaking with an unpacked kayak and 585 kJ (139.8 kcal/h) with a packed ditto. At 7 km/h, energy consumption was calculated to 1080 kJ (258 kcal/h) (empty kayak) and 1350 kJ (322 kcal/h) (packed kayak). The passive drag increased exponentially with increased speed.

Title: Comparison of the results of aerobic exercise testing while kayak paddling whith crank ergometry of upper limbs. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the results of aerobic execise diagnostics of 6 elite kayakers (white water slalom) when paddling of flat water with crank ergometry of upper limbs. The results obtained when paddling on flat water were also compared with results obtained when paddling in the pool with counter (bachelor thesis). Based on the results we wanted to answer the question about the possible use specific forms of stress diagnosis (spiroergometry) in routine practice of training proces. Methods: We used standardized laboratory spiroergomtry stress test at crank ergometry of upper limbs and spiroergometry stress test when paddling on flat water of the same protocol. To obtain the functional values of physiological indicators in both test we used mobile spiroergometry equipment Cortex Metamax 3B and sporttester Polar. Feedback of probands were identified based on suervey with closed questions. Results: Testing kayakers reached when paddling on flat water the average functional values: heart rate (HR) 188,5 (±8,77) beats per minute, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max.) 56 ml.kg.min-1 (±6.31); maximum ventilation (VMAX.) 127.31 l.min-1 (±15.16);...

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this thesis is to identify the effect of trunk stabilization training based on Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) on maximum kayak ergometer power output and reported self-disability in the shoulder girdle area. METHOD: Thirty flatwater kayakers of both genders (17 - 25 years old) were randomly divided into two groups. Crossover design was used for this study. Subjects in the experimental group (group A) integrated DNS exercises into standard flatwater training during the first phase. The control group (group B) conducted only common flat water training at the same time. After 6 weeks, the groups were switched. Then group B underwent the same DNS exercise with the same intensity and the same time. The intervention was the same for both phases and took 6 weeks. Group A performed only standard off-season training during the second phase. The maximum power output on kayak ergometer was measured three times (before study, after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks). Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) were analyzed at the same time. RESULTS: Initially, no significant differences in maximum power output on kayak ergometer and the DASH questionnaire score were identified between the groups. During the first phase the experimental group (group A) improved the maximum...

Syftet med detta projekt var att skapa en paddlingssensor vilket mäter paddlingskrafteni flera olika riktningar. Detta uppnås genom att skapa en sensor vars kopplingsschema är i enlighet med en wheatstonebrygga och två trådtöjningsgivare som placeras i strategiskt valda positioner. Dessa positioner tillåter sensorn att mäta flera krafter i olika riktningar. Jämfört med tidigare sensorer som endast mäter spänningsskillnaden i en riktning med endast en givare. Trådtöjningsgivarnas positionering utvärderades samt den optimala positioneringen. Sensorn som konstruerades kunde registrera spänningsförändringar som var proportionella till en pålagd vikt. En tydlig linjär korrelation observerades mellan viktökningen och spänningsförändringen. / The purpose of this project was to construct a paddle sensor that has the ability to measure the paddle force in multiple different directions. This can be attained by creating a sensor where the circuitry is in accordance with a wheatstonebridge and strain gauges are strategically placed on predetermined positions. These positions allow the sensor to be able to measure the force in different directions. The positions of the strain gauges were evaluated, and the most optimal placement was chosen. The created sensor was able to register voltage changes which were proportional to an added weight. As the weight increased so did the voltage changes and a clear linear correlation was observed.

Aujourd’hui massivement pratiqués, les « sports et loisirs de nature » sont traversés par des tensions majeures à l’œuvre dans nos sociétés. Comment sont-ils remodelés par l’écologisation des sociétés, analysée ici comme un processus à la fois cognitif, normatif et politique ? Cette problématique est traitée à partir d’usages différents par leur histoire, leurs publics et leurs techniques (chasses anciennes, kayak de mer, chasse sous-marine et chasse à l’arc) mais travaillés par des processus analogues (naturalisation des espaces, sportivisation des usages) dans deux « hauts lieux de nature » en partie protégés, le bassin d’Arcachon et les Calanques de Marseille. Pour l’analyse de tels processus socio-environnementaux, nous avons opté pour une démarche pragmatiste, en retenant notamment les concepts-clés d’expérience, de trouble, d’enquête et de prise. La thèse défendue prend à contrepied le consensus écologique apparent : lorsqu’on les observe « en action », les normalisations écologiques actuelles créent davantage de tensions et de clivages au sein des collectifs d’usagers qu’elles ne les fédèrent. En situations de co-présence au quotidien, les usagers inscrits dans d’autres mondes sociaux que ceux de l’écologie et contrariés dans leurs « passions cognitives » se montrent ambivalents envers les normalisations écologiques. Ils sont partagés entre l'impératif social d’adhésion à l’exemplarité écologique et le rejet de ses appuis normatifs, individualisants et experts (« impact », « écocompatibilité » «écoresponsabilité »). Ces appuis normatifs sont particulièrement présents dans les espaces protégés (parc national des Calanques, réserve naturelle sur le bassin d’Arcachon), où l’écologisation est portée par des acteurs mandatés, les normes sont légales ou réglementaires et traduites en dispositifs de gestion. C’est seulement en tant qu’experts que certains usagers et porte-parole peuvent se faire entendre, sans que ne changent véritablement ni le collectif des participants, ni les manières de formuler les enjeux et les réponses à apporter. Au plan théorique, ces résultats interrogent certaines propositions du pragmatisme. D’un point de vue plus politique, ils nous amènent également à discuter les appuis normatifs des écologisations contemporaines. / More and more practiced, “nature sports and leisure” are affected by strong tensions of our societies. How ecologisation of societies – a cognitive, normative and political process – redefines them? This issue is addressed on the basis of various uses (traditional hunting, sea kayaking, submarine fishing, bowhunting) all affected by similar processes (naturalization of places, sportivisation of activities) in two major “places of nature” partly protected, the Arcachon bay and the creeks of Marseille. To analyse these socio-environmental processes, we have chosen a pragmatist approach, particularly with the key-concepts of experience, trouble, inquiry and “prise”. Our thesis refutes the apparent ecological consensus: when they are observed “in actions”, ecological normalisations create more tensions and splits between users than they federate them. In everyday life situations of co-presence, the users aloofs towards ecology - who belong to others social spheres and annoyed in their “cognitive passions” - are ambivalents towards ecological normalisations. They are torn between the social imperative of being ecologically exemplary and the refusal of the individual and expert machinery (“impact”, “ecocompatibility”, “ecoresponsability”) of this process. These norms are particularly strong in the protected areas (national park of Creeks, nature reserve of the Arcachon bay), where mandated actors support ecologisation and legal norms or rules are included in management devices. So it is only as experts that some users and spokesmen can be heard without real changes in the group of participants, nor the framing of the issues and decision-making. At a theoretical level, these results question some assumptions of pragmatism. From a more political point of view, they lead to discuss the normative machinery of contemporary ecologisations.