The Technical Parameters of the Creation Process for Kayak Paddles as a Sport Product

Abstract

Background. Considering that a person's physical and psychological possibilities are not limitless, the technical means used by athletes are of great importance. In order to achieve high results in the kayak sprint competition, users-athletes orient to the highest quality products; therefore, a significant task falls to their manufacturers to analyze the competitors' products, evaluate users' needs at the maximum, and look for new technical solutions. Quality function deployment (QFD) is one of the methods, the use of which in the creation of high-quality paddles for the kayak sports competition is a relevant object of scientific research. Objectives. The purpose of this empirical study is to establish kayak paddle technical parameters for a sprint event deploying the extended quality function method. The article analyses the concept of quality function deployment, specifying opportunities for quality function deployment method applications when producing a new product. Methods. The research comprises three major phases: the first one is a verbal survey, applying the method of half structural interview, the second one is written survey on the respondents', prize holders', from nine European countries (Lithuania,