Physiological assessment of Olympic windsurfers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Olympic boardsailing is a demanding endurance sport.
• Elite windsurfers utilize sail pumping for propulsion, especially in light to moderate winds.
• Pumping involves rhythmic sail pulling to act as a wing, generating additional forward motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the energy and cardiorespiratory requirements of Olympic boardsailing.
• To compare the physiological demands of pumping versus non-pumping sailing.
• To determine the intensity of Olympic class windsurfing as an endurance sport.

Main Methods:

• Utilized portable metabolimeters to measure energy costs and cardiorespiratory responses in elite Olympic board-sailors.
• Recorded oxygen uptake (VO₂) and heart rate (HR) during sailing in wind velocities from 4 to 15 m/s.
• Analyzed data from various windsurf boards, including Mistral and Neil Pryde RS:X.

Main Results:

• Pumping significantly increased oxygen uptake (VO₂) and heart rate (HR) demands compared to non-pumping sailing.
• Oxygen uptake increased from 19.2 to 48.4 ml/min/kg, and heart rate from 110 to 165 beats/min during pumping.
• Aerobic demand exceeded 75% VO₂max and heart rate exceeded 85% HRmax during racing conditions.

Conclusions:

• Olympic class windsurfing is a high-intensity endurance sport, comparable to rowing.
• Sail pumping is the primary factor contributing to the high aerobic demand.
• The multi-race format necessitates specific training strategies and nutritional considerations for athletes.