Whitewater Performance
Fundamentals of Training Theory in Canoe Slalom
by Jan Busta

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The book "Za úspěchem ve vlnách" was first published in the Czech Republic in 2020. Since then, it has provided Czech coaches, athletes, parents, and enthusiasts with a comprehensive introduction to the theory of rationally designed training in canoe slalom. The book attracted the attention of many international coaches and athletes for whom the Czech language was entirely inaccessible. The demand for a publication offering a comprehensive approach to training—one that could also serve as an educational resource for coaches—was not limited to the Czech Republic. Coaches and athletes can now finally read this English translation of the book. Performance in canoe slalom is multifactorial, and each aspect could be discussed in far greater detail. However, the primary aim of this book is to demonstrate how to think about performance and training in canoe slalom in a comprehensive way, and how to devote appropriate attention to all performance-related factors. The book may be particularly beneficial for the Development Programme of the International Canoe Federation, which seeks to support structural, coaching, and performance development in less established national canoeing federations. Canoe slalom is evolving dynamically, as is the scientific knowledge surrounding it. It should be noted that this book was written in 2020 and reflects coach slalom coaching at that time. We are fully aware that there are many paths to success in canoe slalom and that these paths to success also develop over time. Above all, we hope that the book will serve as inspiration and motivation, and that it will stimulate meaningful professional discussions aimed at discovering new and better ways to enhance both athletic performance and the personal fulfillment of athletes.

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Jan Busta is a national team canoe slalom coach in the Czech Republic. As a former C1 athlete, he primarily coaches competitors in this category. Jan is a faculty member at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University in Prague where he teaches water sports and prepares coaches for the Olympic canoeing disciplines. Jan has authored numerous scientific and popular science articles, as well as two books that focus on performance and training in canoe slalom. James Wakeling is a faculty member at the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby where he teaches and researches biomechanics. James’ research includes aspects of canoe slalom technique, and he has been whitewater paddling for 15-years. Carmen Costa is a PhD candidate at the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFC) at the University of Lleida, Spain. Her research focuses on regenerative sustainability in blue spaces, including rivers, lakes and seas. Carmen competed for several years with the Spanish national canoe slalom team in the K1W category. In recent years she has been working as a coach, supporting and developing athletes in canoe slalom. Her current interests include women’s performance and physiology in sports.

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Contributors

Author

Jan Busta

Translator

James Wakeling

Contribution by

Carmen Costa Sánchez