The metabolic cost of paddling at low speeds (v) was measured from oxygen uptake (VO2) and anaerobic glycolysis in an annular pool or calculated from submaximal VO2 measured at higher speeds when the kayaker was assisted in overcoming water resistance. Also calculated were the total drag (D) and the net mechanical efficiency (e). Each of the above variables was determined in male (n = 17) and female (n = 7) kayakers ranging in experience from beginners to elite. The VO2 increased with v to a peak of approximately 3.4 l.min-1 (80%-100% of peak VO2 during running) in men and of approximately 2.8 l.min-1 in women, while at higher speeds the additional energy was accounted for by anaerobic glycolysis. In all subjects the energy cost to paddle a given distance (C) increased according to a power function with increasing v. The C was lower for the elite male paddlers than for the unskilled group, while that for elite women was slightly less than that for the elite men. Also the rates of increase of C appeared to be inversely proportional to the subjects' skill. Total D for elite men increased from approximately 15 to 60 N over a range of speeds from 1 to 2.2 m.s-1 while those of unskilled men and skilled women for the same speed range were 10-20 N greater and slightly less, respectively. The e increased linearly, but at a different rate, with increases in v for the unskilled and the elite kayakers (males and females) being 4.2% and 6%, respectively, at v = 1.2 m.s-1.