Human powered travel can roughly be divided into four ranges of speed: Slow, intermediate, fast and incredible.
Slow: Walking, Snowshoeing and Swimming
With the exception of crawling,
walking is the slowest method of getting around. But it is the most energy
efficient method of getting around without any kind of aid.
Walking is like a moving pendulum, for an individual, there is a natural speed that is most efficient. Walking faster or slower than this speed takes more energy. Above a certain speed, it becomes more energy efficient to switch to a different gait, such as running, skipping, hopping or loping. Usually, running is chosen when walking gets too difficult, but small children may naturally choose a different gait such as skipping.
Snowshoeing is similar to walking, but usually requires a bit more energy. Yet snowshoeing is easier on the joints. Snowshoeing can be faster than ordinary walking for some people because poles are used. Poles slightly increase a stride length, enabling a slightly faster speed. Poles can also be used for walking, but are not used as often in practice.
Intermediate: Canoeing, Kayaking, Skiing, and Loping
Fast: Biking, Scooters, Roller Blading, Running
Faster: Recumbent Bicycles
A good trick
for fast speed is to decrease wind resistance. A fully faired recumbent
can reduce wind resistance by a factor of ten or more. That means that
top speed can be at least twice as fast. Two methods can reduce wind resistance
-- improve aerodynamics and lower the position of the rider. A proper
fairing can reduce turbulence.
http://freespace.virgin.net/playboater.uk/ Speed records
http://www.dansprint.com/tech.htm Canoe speed with horsepower