Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club

Paddling and Shoulder Injuries

On most outrigger teams, we find one or more paddlers who suffer shoulder, neck and/or spinal strain. It doesn’t seem to correlate with fitness level - I’ve seen everyone from the weekend warrior to the most fitness-conscious athlete present with achiness, restricted motion, overt pain or joint noise upon movement.

So, what is the predisposing factor? Is outrigger racing bad for shoulders? What can you do to ensure it isn’t your shoulders that keep you from getting the most out of this sport you love - I’ll try to empower you with some knowledge adapted from paddlesup.ca and “Stretching for Fitness, Health & Performance” to put your shoulder into your stroke with confidence!

Saving Your Skin With Sunscreen: Part Two

What you don't know can hurt you, but what you think you know may be even worse.

Choose carefully. Use too much rather than too little. Make sure you're getting UVA and UVB protection. Reapply regularly. Don't fret. Go surfing. Get annual skin checkups. Stay tuned.

Read the whole article at Surfline.com (seriously, read it)

Saving Your Skin With Sunscreen: Part One

What you don't know can hurt you, but what you think you know may be even worse.

"What is clear is that using a goodly amount of sunscreen of a lower SPF rating, and reapplying it frequently, will provide greater protection than not using enough of a higher SPF-rated product."

» Read the article at SurfLine.com (seriously, read it)

Nutrition Over the Holidays

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas… ahhhhh, the holidays are upon us! For many, that means parties and gatherings where food and drink is the center of the occasion. The athlete’s diet does not mean treats and delicacies are forbidden. However, remember that you are still fueling your body for optimal performance. Everyday.

more @ pdxpaddling.blogspot.com

Fun in the Sun: Athletes, Protection, and Increased Performance

Proper skin protection is an essential part of developing a sustainable training program, maintaining a high level of performance during competition, promoting optimal energy management and increasing overall athletic potential.

via watermansappliedscience.com

Paddling Injuries

A report (see link below) published in the Hawai'i Medical Journal by Amanda Haley MD and Andrew Nichols MD assesses the types and severity of  injuries and medical conditions that affect adult outrigger canoe paddlers on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. Not surprisingly, the most common types of injuries were to the shoulders (40%), and back (26%).

A Survey of Injuries and Medical Conditions Affecting Competitive Adult Outrigger Canoe Paddlers on O‘ahu