Macdermid PWFink2017-022016-12-1815/03/2017Sports Med Int Open, 2017, 1 (2), pp. E50 - E57https://hdl.handle.net/10179/13238The ability to quantify power within the sport of slalom kayaking would provide coaches and athletes objective data to monitor performance. This study determined the validity of a kayak paddle power meter and subsequent relationship between work rate and stroke kinetics. One participant completed multiple trials of a flat-water, straight-line sprint and a sequence of slalom gates at numerous intensities to attain the velocity:power relationship. Laboratory results identified the kayak paddles' strain gauges were valid and reliable, and field tests presented a cubic relationship for power as a function of velocity in the straight-line sprint (R 2 =0.982) and the slalom-specific test (R 2 =0.993). Further analysis of stroke kinetics identified velocity of hand movement at individual peak force capability to be critical in the highest work rates achieved for both slalom and flat-water sprinting. It was concluded that the kayak paddle power meter tested is a valid means of recording work rate and stroke kinetics during kayaking in the field.E50 - E57Journal article10.1055/s-0043-1003803494712367-1890Massey_Dark