Two reliable protocols for assessing maximal-paddling performance in surfboard riders.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Surfboard riding (surfing) demands significant upper body power and endurance.
• Assessing maximal-paddling performance is crucial for training optimization in surfers.
• Previous research has not definitively established the reliability of these performance measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the reliability of maximal-paddling performance measurements in surfboard riders.
• To compare the reliability of laboratory-based and field-based testing protocols.
• To establish consistent methods for evaluating surfer's paddling power and speed.

Main Methods:

• Eleven male surfers underwent six 10-second maximal-intensity paddling tests on a swim-bench ergometer over two days.
• Peak power output was recorded during laboratory tests.
• Peak speed was measured during field tests in a swimming pool, including arm paddling with leg kicking and arm paddling only.

Main Results:

• High reliability was found for laboratory tests (Intraclass correlation coefficients (r) = 0.98–0.99, P < 0.01).
• Field tests also demonstrated excellent reliability (r = 0.99, P < 0.01) for both arm paddling with kicking and arm paddling only.
• No significant differences were observed among repeated trials within laboratory or field test conditions.

Conclusions:

• Maximal-paddling performance in surfers can be reliably measured using swim-bench ergometry in a laboratory setting.
• Field tests conducted in a swimming pool also provide reliable measures of paddling performance.
• These findings support the use of both laboratory and field testing for consistent evaluation of surfer's paddling capacity.