Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype of Greek male and female flatwater kayak athletes

Study aim: To investigate some anthropometric characteristics of male and female kayakers of four competitive categories.

Material and methods: Anthropometric characteristics of 83 kayak athletes were measured during the 2009 Greek Cup. Kayakers were divided into four groups according to their competitive category: Women (n = 13; mean age 22.7 ± 3.1 years), Junior Female (n = 15; mean age 16.2 ± 1.1 years), Men (n = 27; mean age 23.7 ± 4.6 years) and Junior Male (n = 28; mean age 16.3 ± 1.2 years).

Results: In both groups, the BMI, lean body mass, and relaxed and flexed arm girth were significantly different with respect to age group; body mass was significantly different, but only in male groups. No differences were found between groups on body fat.

Conclusions: The data provided in this study could be used as a guideline for talent identification from the general population and may help coaches establish a specific kayak anthropometric profile in order to distinguish an elite kayak athlete.