Many of you have off seasons (where here in Texas I consider summer the off season ..lol)

What, if anything, do yall do to keep in shape specifically for your kayaking. Particular workouts? etc I was at the gym last night and I was curious to what the best workout would be to stay in shape for this sport/activity

Just curious.

Robert

I think flexibility, core(low back and abdominals), shoulder and back are top priorities both for good technique and injury prevention. We are lucky to not have an off season here in the NW but here's my 3x a week gym workout and a couple of good links:
I usually do 3 sets of 10 repetitions of each exercise. Takes a little under and hour with no breaks. I don't do everything every time but I never miss the core and stretching.
http://www.bodyresults.com/s1paddling.asp
http://www.bodyresults.com/s2paddling-flexibility.asp
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-strength/SM00047
pull-ups
push-ups
reverse flys
russian twists with medicine ball
back extensions
side extensions
plank
crunches
shoulder press with dumbbells
bent-over row
cable row with rotation
cable chest press with rotation
incline press with dumbbells

Nick makes me feel inadequate, but somehow I manage. The most I can claim is that I do my morning exercises--pushups, setups and a couple of other things. I also regularly put a lot of miles on my bicycles, but mostly I paddle. I'm retired, so I paddle a lot and I do the very best I can to use what feels like proper form. I have learned the hard way that no matter how good a shape you think you are in, paddling is a repetitive motion and as such it is prudent to use some moderation. If you think you can go out there and go full blast for extended periods, you are going to hurt something.

Better gyms have a piece of equipment called an "Adaptive Motion Trainer." It's made by Precor. It simulates the rotation of paddling better than anything I have ever used, especially when it's on max resistance. It's a little like an eliptical, but with a much greater range of motion.

I cardio kick box 3-5 days a week for general exercise, which also include pre and post stretching and calisthenics, beside the boxing and kicking skills. Great overall body workout which strengthens the core muscles, as well as upper back, shoulders and arms.

That's a great way to toughen up one's core muscles. Even better is working a heavy bag with feet & fists while using good torso rotation. That will really get those abs.

What I've noticed is that most kayakers aren't in very good shape and do fine. This is an activity where form and technique trump muscle power. I know a young kayaker whose upper arms are about the diameter of my wrists. As far as core strength goes, I would blow him outta the water. But... put us in identical kayaks for a drag race and he would smoke me. I have a decent forward stroke but he has an excellent forward stroke. Now if I had his skill set with my hp

Byron, you are right about the heavy bag. I should have mentioned the boxing and kicking is all done on a heavy bag. I am working really hard on perfecting my rotation with a high angle stroke (aka Brent Reitz). I am newer to paddling, and didn't think you could develop a relaxed high angle touring stroke which is ultra efficient and durable. It's working great so far, due to the improving my core fitness.

Not necessarily all the time. There was a muay thai at my gym (he has since moved on) that would "share" leg kicks with me. Ouch!...

Sounds like your forward stroke is progressing nicely. I'm headed out this afternoon to work on skulling, bracing, and rolling for a little bit. Hope the winds keep it interesting

I use a combination of Om yoga, rowing, stretching and free weights. Also during the winter doing a lot of pool session for rolling practice keeps those core muscles in shape.