Comparison of the General Fitness Level in Junior Kayakers with Different Sports Level Running title: Comparison of the fitness level in kayakers

The objectives of this study were to see if the general performance of kayakers depends on the level of their specific preparation and to identify the parameters of general preparedness that determine specific preparation. The subjects were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the result of a specific test: paddling over a 2000-m distance. Group 2 included kayakers whose paddling time did not exceed ±1 SD for the whole sample, while group 1 included the best athletes with paddling times shorter than –1 SD and group 3 individuals who needed more than +1 SD to cover the 2000-m distance. The study included 55 junior flatwater kayakers, represented various sports classes. All athletes manifested a similar level of endurance running, power and endurance pull and push barbell, 30 m running tests. The only differing characteristic between all groups was the level of asymmetry in distance of ball throw from sitting position of at 29%, 45% and 66% in each group and paddling for 2000 m time. All athletes manifested a similar level of general fitness preparation. The only differing characteristic between all groups was the level of asymmetry in distance of ball throw from a sitting position.