Youji Wang
It is quite remarkable how solo bamboo drifting (originated from indigenous boating in southwestern China) has transformed into a captivating and innovative sport when compared to more conventional forms of competition. This study focuses on the competitive element of solo drifting on bamboo, which involves direct contact with the terrain. Instead, the focus is on studying a variety of oar-rowing strategies and understanding how successful athletes achieve victory in competitions. The primary objective of the research is to offer training advice that is supported by empirical evidence for the participants/athletes involved in the sport. The investigation involves five athletes who were selected for the case studies based on their performance in the 60-metre straight track event. In this context, the study tools used include literature analysis, observation, video playback, and statistical mathematics. The Dartfish sports technique video analysis system, a specialised app, enables you to scrutinise movements closely and compare them to your athletes to evaluate their pole-rowing techniques. The results suggest that the athletes' technique plays a vital role in determining the competitive outcomes in solo bamboo drifting. Factors such as their position on the bamboo, the angle at which the pole enters the water, the management of rowing power and speed, and the control of the bamboo's direction all contribute to the overall performance. By maintaining proper posture and employing effective pole-rowing techniques, you can greatly reduce water resistance and increase the speed of the bamboo's forward movement. Efficiently managing the force applied during rowing is crucial for maintaining the stability of the bamboo and maximising the overall effectiveness of the rowing process. Furthermore, the competitors' yawing phenomena during the competition have a negative impact on rowing efficiency, disrupting the rhythm and stability of the rowing motions. This study employs comparative analysis to investigate the pole-rowing tactics of three athletes, emphasising differences in their movement intricacies and effectiveness during the rowing cycle. The results of this study provide a solid basis for future training efforts. This paper provides a comprehensive set of training suggestions derived from the research findings. These recommendations involve incorporating cutting-edge technology for technical monitoring and analysis, improving physical training to optimise rowing efficiency, and honing direction control in different competition conditions. The purpose of these guidelines is to help athletes enhance their pole-rowing techniques and elevate their performance in competitions. This research not only provides theoretical justification for the technical training of solo bamboo drifting but also offers practical instructions for the scientific advancement and widespread adoption of the sport.