Whats the best way to train for a boaterCross competition?

there are lots of little specific tricks and stuff, but none of it matters if you don't have a good aerobic base to start with. Months and months of long, low impact paddling sessions is what most people lack. Aerobic capacity takes the longest to build, and goes away quickly.

What are some tips and tricks? Whats important during the race? Is anything Taboo or is it anything goes?

don't pull skirts or purposely hit someone. I've seen people take a paddle stroke off of another paddler's chest and get away with it. But, if you are being very mean I'm sure they won't let you compete again.

The \"hole shot\" is important. The first one off the starting line to get the lead often is the one who keeps the lead. So 10 second sprints are really important.

There is a nice trick that is similar to hollywood police car chase technique. If you are behind someone, but overlapping their stern, you might be able to hit their stern and make them spin out. Especailly effective when you guys are close to an eddy line, or some other feature that is a different speed from the main currrent.

But, if you are the one in front, and someone's bow is getting lose to your cockpit, you can plant a paddle stroke off of the tip of their boat, making you go faster,and slowing them down at the same time.

A fun cross training method is to get on a wide wave and play \"king of the wave\" with your friends. Try to knock each other off the wave, while you try to stay on the wave the longest. You'll figure out some pretty sneaky things to do.

Hey Alex,

Make sure all your draw strokes are waxed as well as good overall technique. It's all about optimising your strokes. Don't work hard, work clever. Check out your forward stroke and see if you can improve. Get someone to watch your movements.

Practise on the water and learn to find the fastest route through a rapid. Dice your mates on different lines and see what works and what doesn't. Basically just paddle as much as possible and paddle the same boat in the race as the one you trained in!

Don't underestimate the importance of overall fitness too. Like the much neglected lower body. Usually the walk back up to the start is long and uphill and a couple of heats can really take it out of one. Maybe climb on a bicycle or do some running. It will make a big difference.

Don't forget to have fun too Otherwise, whats the point? Keep your training interesting and motivate and reward yourself.