Common Signs Of Fatigue Every Paddler Should Know

Regardless of whether you’re an expert paddler with decades of experience or still new to the sport, every paddler is susceptible to fatigue. Whether you push yourself too hard, are recovering from an illness, or are still learning the paddling basics, exhaustion can creep up suddenly and when you least expect it. Therefore, you should know the common signs of fatigue to ensure you’re never exhausted and stranded far from shore.

Some common early signs of fatigue include dull muscle pain, difficulty concentrating, and back pain from poor posture. Dry mouth and thirst indicate fatigue-related dehydration. If your arms feel heavy or you are unintentionally slowing down, your body is likely in need of rest. Some symptoms that should cause alarm include dizziness, delirium, and blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, cut your paddle short and head for shore.

Nobody wants to feel like a depleted and sore bag of bones on the water, but it can happen to the best of us. The ability to spot fatigue symptoms is a skill every paddler should have. Listening to your body and knowing what to look out for can help you avoid potentially catastrophic scenarios on the water.

10 Fatigue Warning Signs Every Paddler Needs To Know

1. Struggling To Concentrate

One symptom of fatigue you might not associate with being tired is difficulty concentrating. If you find yourself paddling and unable to think about the route or answer questions thoughtfully, then you might be over-tired.

When you push your body too hard, your brain also suffers. Your central nervous system can become depleted, causing a phenomenon known as cognitive fatigue. If you’re struggling to make decisions, are unable to focus, or have noticeable brain fog, then you should cut your paddling route short and take a break immediately.

2. Lethargic Arms

One sign of fatigue that’s very easy to identify is heavy and lethargic arms. If you find it hard to paddle because your arms are completely exhausted, then it is likely time for you to take a break and cut your paddling route short.

Arm fatigue is common among new paddlers who haven’t yet mastered the correct paddling stroke technique. Once you learn to engage your core muscles when you paddle, you are less likely to experience this type of fatigue.

3. Back Pain From A Slumped Paddling Posture

Incorrect posture and paddling position can cause more than just tired arms. Slumped posture is horrible for your back. If you’re a new paddler, you might slouch or contort your body because it feels more comfortable at first. You will quickly find, however, that bad posture will quickly tire your back.

As soon as you experience back pain, you should stop paddling. Bad posture can quickly tire out your back muscles, and the pain is likely to get worse.

4. Running on Empty

Paddling takes energy, and that energy comes from the food you eat. One of the most common forms of fatigue is low blood sugar, also known as “bonking” or “hunger knock.” If you feel hungry or irritable – the dreaded “hangry” – low blood sugar could be the cause. Eat a good, balanced meal before paddling, and bring some snacks. It’s best not to wait until you’re hungry to eat that energy bar or handful of GORP. Keep your tank topped up.

5. Unintentionally Slowing Down

When you’re paddling in a group, the goal is to stay close together. If you find yourself unintentionally lagging behind the rest of the group, there is a strong possibility your body is more tired than you think.

If you continue to put out what feels like the same amount of effort but are moving more slowly, your body is likely experiencing fatigue. Communicate with your fellow paddlers, take a break, and consider slowing down.

6. A Change In Your Breathing

Whenever you paddle, you should pay attention to your breath, as it can tell you a lot about your body. Consistent and deep breathing is a sign that you are in a great rhythm. If your breathing changes and becomes shallow, rapid, and even panicked, then you’re likely pushing yourself too hard.

A change in your breath from a flow state to a less ideal rhythm is an early sign that your body is experiencing fatigue. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the way you breathe while on the water.

7. A Change In Your Mood (For The Worse)

Paddling in nature should put you in a good mood. If, however, you notice your pleasant disposition slipping, you should take it as a warning sign. Over time, exercise can drain your body of both dopamine and serotonin.

If you find that your mood has gone from cheerful to irritated, then it’s probably time to wrap up your paddling session, or at least take a long snack break.

8. Intense Thirst or Dry Mouth

Dehydration and fatigue often go hand in hand, especially when you’re completely exposed to the sun on the water. While there are many symptoms of dehydration, dry mouth and thirst indicate rapid dehydration.

If you experience sudden thirst and dry mouth, take a break and hydrate immediately. Addressing dehydration as soon as you notice it can often lessen its severity, but you should also shorten your paddling route for safety. As a paddler, you must always find ways to stay hydrated on the water.

9. Sore Muscles Or Dull Pain

If you start to feel dull pain and soreness, it’s likely your body is getting tired. This pain can come from overexertion or from energy and electrolyte depletion.

When you experience dull muscle pain, you should take a break and listen to your body. If you ignore this mild pain, it can quickly become significantly worse.

10. Dizziness, Delirium, Or Blurred Vision

Dizziness and delirium are two severe and worrisome symptoms of fatigue you should never ignore. If you ever experience either of these symptoms, communicate your issues with your paddling buddy and head for shore.

If your vision becomes foggy or blurred during your paddle, fatigue could be the root cause.

As you grow tired, your muscles grow tired, including your eye muscles. Muscle fatigue can result in fewer blinks per minute and may also cause you to produce fewer tears. These factors can combine to cause blurred vision and irritated eyes.