The COINS USA Construction Industry Challenge is a war canoe race down the 32-mile length of Lake George, NY. Relying more on technique than sheer force, teamwork will be the key to success. Listed below are several resources that may help your team train. Team members can train individually, on land or on water, to increase their strength and endurance. We also recommend group practice sessions on water, so your team learns to work in unison.

Information on the Web

On-the-Water Training Program for Adventure Racers: 8 Week Cycle
www.simonriversports.ca/english/training.html
Although designed for marathon kayakers, this training program can be used by any paddler with limited time to train for a distance race.

Training Concepts for Paddlers
www.y2kanu.com/trng_concepts_for_paddlers.htm
Training guidelines for the recreational racer; includes information on preparing for long distance races.

Books and DVDs

You may be available to find books with training or fitness tips at local book stores or online, for example at amazon.com. Some titles include:

Bigelow, Jodi. Kayaking for Fitness. (Heliconia Press, 2008). Paperback.
The essential guide to achieving and maintaining physical fitness and body tone with kayaking.

American Canoe Association. Introduction to Paddling: Canoeing Basics for Lakes and Rivers (Menasha Ridge Press, 1996). Paperback.
This illustrated book tells beginning paddlers everything they need to know, from appropriate clothing to the parts of the boat, from correct strokes to proper safety concerns.

Kayak Fitness - The Fusion of Sport and Exercise (DVD)
The Kayak Fitness on-land work out program is designed to develop the ultimate kayaking body by targeting the main muscle groups used for paddling: back, chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, forearms, and abs.