Hi everyone!
I’m embarking on an expedition this summer: a 100km kayaking trip through Greenland. I’ll be joining a guided group, but I want to make sure I’m physically prepared so I can actually enjoy the scenery instead of just struggling to keep up.
The challenge:
I’m an occasional paddler, but I’m definitely not used to back-to-back long days on the water. To make things trickier, I don’t own a personal kayak, so getting "on-water" hours before the trip will be limited to occasional rentals.
What I’m looking for:
Off-water routines: What are the best gym or home exercises to build the specific endurance needed for multi-day paddling? (Focusing on core, back, and shoulders).
Injury prevention: Any specific stretches or mobility work to avoid tendonitis or lower back pain during long sessions?
Stamina: Since I can't paddle every day, should I focus on rowing machines (ergs), swimming, or something else?
General tips: For those who have done expeditions in cold environments, is there anything specific regarding physical prep I should keep in mind?
I’m highly motivated and have a 3 months to get in shape (I’m already quite active, but I’m looking for kayak-specific conditioning).
Any advice, training plans, or "I wish I knew this before my first expedition" tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!