EXPLORATION OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE CAPACITIES IN EMERGING ADOLESCENT SURFING TALENT

Abstract

Open water surfing conditions are unpredictable and dynamic, requiring athletes to possess well-rounded physical attributes to compete successfully. Current research focuses on adolescent athletes in competitive pathways at state and national levels, however few studies have explored the emerging talent pathway where most athletes compete. Further, adolescent female surfers are underrepresented in surfing research. This study aimed to examine the physical performance capacities of emerging adolescent athletes within a state surfing talent pathway and explore how these athletic properties vary between different sex and age cohorts. Participants (age: 13.89 ± 1.29 years) were recruited from state-based competitions (female n=14, male n=20) during the 2022-2023 season. Athletes completed a testing battery inclusive of anthropometric measures, upper and lower body strength, and power outcomes (dynamic push-up, isometric push-up, counter-movement jump, and isometric mid-thigh pull). Findings revealed significant between sex differences for anthropometric measures, with females demonstrating greater height, body mass and body fat compared to males. However, there were no significant strength or power differences evidence between males and females. Age group comparisons highlighted under-16 female athletes demonstrated superior, but non-significant, upper body strength compared to under-14 females. Contrastingly, under-16 male athletes reported significantly greater lower body strength and power outcomes relative to their younger counterparts. In conclusion, this study provides coaches with greater insight into the development of strength and power in adolescent surfing athletes involved in emerging talent pathways.