Profiling the sport of stand-up paddle boarding

Shoulder, Trunk, and Hip Sagittal Plane Kinematics during Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) as both a competitive and recreational sport has grown in popularity over the last decade. Better understanding paddling kinematics is beneficial for both injury prevention and informing coaching practices in this growing sport. The purpose of this study was to analyze sagittal plane kinematics during both standing and kneeling paddling postures commonly adopted by injury-free, recreational SUP participants. Eighteen recreational SUP participants (seven males/eleven females) were asked to complete a series of paddling tasks on a SUP ergometer in two postures, during which kinematic data were acquired. Sagittal plane kinematic data were analyzed for joint excursion, or range of motion used, while paddling on both sides of the body in each posture. Analysis of variance was used to compare joint excursions across tasks. There were no significant differences in hip or trunk sagittal plant excursion between postures. However, there was significantly greater sagittal plane excursion at the shoulder in the kneeling as compared to the standing posture with the shoulder opposite the paddling side demonstrating the greatest total excursion. These results help establish the parameters of the paddling technique currently in use among injury-free SUP participants and may be used in the future to inform coaching practices.

Sport dependent effects on the sensory control of balance during upright posture: a comparison between professional horseback riders, judokas and non-athletes

Introduction

Compared to judokas (JU) and non-athletes (NA), horseback riders (HR) may develop specific changes in their sensory control of balance.

Methods

Thirty-four international-level JU, twenty-seven international-level HR and twenty-one NA participated. Participants stood upright on a plateform (static condition) or on a seesaw device with an instability along the mediolateral (ML) or the anteroposterior (AP) direction (dynamic conditions). These conditions were carried out with eyes opened (EO) or closed (EC), and with (wF) or without a foam (nF). Experimental variables included conventional (linear), non-linear center-of-pressure (COP) parameters, Romberg Quotient (RQ) and Plantar Quotient (PQ).

Results

Group effects. COP Surface (COPS) and standard deviation of COP along AP (SDY) were lower in HR than in JU in Static. SD Y was lower in HR than in JU in Dynamic AP. COP velocity (COPV) was lower in both HR and JU than in NA in Static and Dynamic. Sample entropy along AP and ML (SampEnY and SampEnX) were higher in HR than in JU in Static. SampEnY was higher in HR than in JU in Dynamic ML. Sensory effects. In EC, COPV was lower in JU than in NA in Dynamic AP, and lower in JU than in both HR and NA in Dynamic ML. In EO, COPV was lower in both JU and HR than in NA in Dynamic ML. RQ applied to COPS was lower in JU than in both HR and NA in Dynamic AP, and lower in JU than in HR in Dynamic ML. RQ applied to COPV was lower in JU than in both HR and NA in Static and Dynamic. PQ applied to COPS was higher in JU than in both HR and NA in Dynamic ML.

Conclusion

Results showed that the effects of sport expertise on postural control could only be revealed with specific COP variables and were directionally oriented and sport-dependant. HR seem to rely more on vision than JU, thus revealing that the contribution of the sensory inputs to balance control is also sport-dependent. Results open up new knowledge on the specificity of sport practice on multisensory balance information during upright posture.

Sport-specific training induced adaptations in postural control and their relationship with athletic performance

Effects of various exercise programs on postural balance control in athletes and their underlying physiological mechanisms have been extensively investigated. However, little is known regarding how challenging sport-specific conditions contribute to the improvement of body balance and to what extent these changes may be explained by sensorimotor and/or neuromuscular function adaptations. Analysis of the literature could provide useful information on the interpretation of changes in postural sway variables in response to long-term sport-specific training and their association with performance measures. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was (1) to analyze the literature investigating postural control adaptations induced by sport-specific training and their relationship with measures of athletic performance, and (2) to identify gaps in the existing research and to propose suggestions for future studies. A literature search conducted with Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library was completed by Elsevier, SpringerLink and Google Scholar with no date restrictions. Overall, 126 articles were eligible for inclusion. However, the association between variables of postural balance control and measures of sport-specific performance was investigated in only 14 of the articles. A relationship between static and/or dynamic balance and criterion measures of athletic performance was revealed in shooting, archery, golf, baseball, ice-hockey, tennis, and snowboarding. This may be ascribed to improved ability of athletes to perform postural adjustments in highly balanced task demands. However, the extent to which sport-specific exercises contribute to their superior postural stability is unknown. Although there is a good deal of evidence supporting neurophysiological adaptations in postural balance control induced by body conditioning exercises, little effort has been made to explain balance adaptations induced by sport-specific exercises and their effects on athletic performance. While an enhancement in athletic performance is often attributed to an improvement of neuromuscular functions induced by sport-specific balance exercises, it can be equally well ascribed to their improvement by general body conditioning exercises. Therefore, the relevant experiments have yet to be conducted to investigate the relative contributions of each of these exercises to improving athletic performance.

Effects of a paddling-based high-intensity interval training prescribed using anaerobic speed reserve on sprint kayak performance

The aim of this study was to investigate physiological and performance adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) prescribed as a proportion of anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) compared to HIIT prescribed using maximal aerobic speed (MAS). Twenty-four highly trained sprint kayak athletes were randomly allocated to one of three 4-weak conditions (N = 8) (ASR-HIIT) two sets of 6 × 60 s intervals at ∆%20ASR (MAS-HIIT) six 2 min paddling intervals at 100% maximal aerobic speed (MAS); or controls (CON) who performed six sessions/week of 1-h traditional endurance paddling at 70%-80% maximum HR. A graded exercise test was performed on a kayak ergometer to determine peak oxygen uptake (V̇O_2peak), MAS, V̇O₂/HR, and ventilatory threshold. Also, participants completed four consecutive upper-body wingate tests to asses peak and average power output. Significant increases in V̇O_2peak (ASR-HIIT = 6.9%, MAS-HIIT = 4.8%), MAS (ASR-HIIT = 7.2%, MAS-HIIT = 4.8%), ASR (ASR-HIIT = -25.1%, MAS-HIIT = -15.9%), upper-body Wingate peak power output and average power output (p < 0.05 for both HIIT groups) were seen compared with pre-training. Also, ASR-HIIT resulted in a significant decrease in 500-m - 1.9 % , and 1,000 - m   - 1.5 % paddling time. Lower coefficient of variation values were observed for the percent changes of the aforementioned factors in response to ASR-HIIT compared to MAS-HIIT. Overall, a short period of ASR-HIIT improves 500-m and 1,000-m paddling performances in highly trained sprint kayak athletes. Importantly, inter-subject variability (CV) of physiological adaptations to ASR-HIIT was lower than MAS-HIIT. Individualized prescription of HIIT using ASR ensures similar physiological demands across individuals and potentially facilitates similar degrees of physiological adaptation.

Anthropometric profile, body composition, and somatotype in stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding international athletes: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Introduction: the anthropometric characteristics of international stand-up paddle (SUP) boarders are relevant aspects when it comes to their performance. However, very little research has been carried out within this sport, almost none regarding the body composition and anthropometric characteristics of SUP practitioners. Therefore, the aim of this research will be to describe the anthropometric profile of international SUP boarders. Material and methods: a cross-sectional design in thirty-one international SUP boarders (34.2 ± 12.4 years). Height, body mass, 8 skinfolds, 2 bone diameters, and 5 perimeters were measured, and corrected perimeters were calculated by the same two level-2 internationally certified anthropometrists. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Body fat mass (FM) was calculated using Carter, Faulkner, Yuhasz, and Withers equations, whereas muscle mass (MM) was estimated using the Lee 2000 equation. Somatotype was calculated by applying the Heath and Carter equation. Bioimpedance (BIA) measurements were also recorded. Results: international SUP athletes had a body mass of 74.6 (6.6) kg, a body fat percentage of 7.6 % (2.1 %) (Carter), 11.3 % (3.5 %) (Faulkner), 7.6 % (2.1 %) (Yuhasz), and 9.0 % (3.6 %) (Whiters), and skinfold sums of 48.2 (20.6) mm for 6, and 57.8 (22.2) mm for 8 skinfolds. Muscle mass was 47.3 % (2.6 %) and somatotype was ecto-mesomorphic with values of 1.9 (0.9) for endomorphy, 5.4 (1.0) for mesomorphy, and 2.4 (0.9) for ectomorphy. BIA results for FM were 11.7 % (4.4 %), and for MM were 50.0 % (2.9 %). Conclusion: these results suggest that a low body fat percentage and high muscle mass are representative characteristics of international stand-up paddlers, as well as a balanced mesomorphic somatotype. According to these, a low skindfold sum and high arm muscle mass may represent key factors for performance in this sport because of their relation to acceleration and stroke force.

Injuries and Use of Safety Equipment in Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Background:

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport that has gained in popularity. Still, very little is known about its injury profile.

Purpose:

To analyze the incidence, mechanisms, and risk factors for SUP-related injuries in mainly calm waters and the use of safety equipment.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The authors distributed an online survey that gathered information on characteristics, injury history over the past 12 months, use of (safety) equipment, and health issues of SUP riders in German-speaking countries.

Results:

A total of 438 participants completed the survey. The mean participant age was 45 years (range, 8-82 years), 48% were female athletes, and 19.6% took part in competitions. Over the past 12 months, 72 (17%) of 431 respondents experienced a SUP-related injury, resulting in an overall incidence rate (IR) of 1.95 injuries per 1000 hours of activity. Male competitive athletes using a hardboard had the highest risk of injury. The IR for competitive riders was higher (3.21 injuries per 1000 hours) than that for recreational riders (1.41 injuries per 1000 hours). Mechanisms of injury were overuse (n = 29) and contact with the board (n = 18) or ground (n = 12). Injuries affected mainly muscles/tendons and joints of the upper arm/shoulder (n = 20), followed by wrist/hand (n = 18), knee (n = 16), elbow/forearm (n = 12), and foot (n = 11). The highest risk of injury occurred when paddling in wild water (33.3%), followed by SUP surfing (29.4%), and the lowest risk occurred while paddling on a lake (16.1%). A life vest was always used by 27, depending on the situation by 201, and never by 202 participants; a leash was always used by 161, depending on the situation by 244, and never by 26 participants. Of the 272 participants who paddled in winter, 253 wore a drysuit or wetsuit, whereas 19 paddled without any special clothing.

Conclusion:

SUP-related injuries predominantly happened in wild water or while SUP surfing, and male competitive athletes using a hardboard had the highest risk of injury. The main mechanisms of injury were overuse and hitting the board or ground. The upper extremity was more prone to injury, followed by the knee and foot. More effort should be made to educate paddlers on the necessity and correct use of the life vest, leash, and specialized outfits.

Relationship Between Training Factors and Injuries in Stand-Up Paddleboarding Athletes

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an increasingly popular sport but, as in other sports, there is an injury ratio associated with practicing it. In other types of sport, some factors have been linked to the likelihood of suffering an injury, among which stretching, core training and resistance training may be considered the most significant. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify the training factors that could influence injuries suffered by participants in international SUP competitions. Ninety-seven questionnaires were collected from paddlers who participated in an international SUP circuit, with epidemiological data being gathered about injuries and different questions related to the training undertaken. A multi-factor ANOVA test was used to identify the factors which influence the state of injury. Results showed that almost 60% of injuries occurred in the arms or in the upper thoracic region, around 65% of which were in tendons or muscles and, in almost half of cases, were related to overuse. Likewise, the results showed that athletes with injury performed fewer resistance training sessions per week (p = 0.028), over fewer months per year (p = 0.001), more weekly training sessions (p = 0.004) and, lastly, a greater volume of weekly training (p = 0.003) than athletes without injury. Moreover, the most important training factors that reduce the likelihood of suffering an injury were taken into account-in. particular, resistance training alone (p = 0.011) or together with CORE training (p = 0.006) or stretching (p = 0.012), and the dominant side of paddling (p = 0.032). In conclusion, resistance training would seem to reduce the likelihood of injury among SUP practitioners, and such benefits could be obtained by resistance training alone or in combination with CORE training or stretching.

Common Injuries in Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Paddle sports continue to be popular forms of outdoor recreation in the United States and around the world. This includes not only the more traditional sports of rafting, kayaking, and canoeing but also the newer and growing sport of stand-up paddle boarding. Because these sports are based in an aquatic environment, and frequently whitewater, there are unique, significant risks of injury. Overall, injuries in paddling sports are mostly musculoskeletal and are both acute and chronic in nature. Some injuries, such as environmental and head injuries, are especially problematic because they can lead to serious morbidity and mortality, most importantly drowning. This review describes the epidemiology, type, and location of injuries across paddle sports. It not only focuses on whitewater injuries but also includes information on injuries sustained in other aquatic paddling environments.

The Effect of Different Cadence on Paddling Gross Efficiency and Economy in Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Background: Due to the importance of energy efficiency and economy in endurance performance, it is important to know the influence of different paddling cadences on these variables in the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of paddling at different cadences on the energy efficiency, economy, and physiological variables of international SUP race competitors. Methods: Ten male paddlers (age 28.8 ± 11.0 years; height 175.4 ± 5.1 m; body mass 74.2 ± 9.4 kg) participating in international tests carried out two test sessions. In the first one, an incremental exercise test was conducted to assess maximal oxygen uptake and peak power output (PPO). On the second day, they underwent 3 trials of 8 min each at 75% of PPO reached in the first test session. Three cadences were carried out in different trials randomly assigned between 45–55 and 65 strokes-min⁻¹ (spm). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate, perceived sense of exertion (RPE), gross efficiency, economy, and oxygen uptake (VO₂) were measured in the middle (4-min) and the end (8-min) of each trial. Results: Economy (45.3 ± 5.7 KJ·l⁻¹ at 45 spm vs. 38.1 ± 5.3 KJ·l⁻¹ at 65 spm; p = 0.010) and gross efficiency (13.4 ± 2.3% at 45 spm vs. 11.0 ± 1.6% at 65 spm; p = 0.012) was higher during de 45 spm condition than 65 spm in the 8-min. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) presented a lower value at 4-min than at 8-min in 55 spm (4-min, 0.950 ± 0.065 vs. 8-min, 0.964 ± 0.053) and 65 spm cadences (4-min, 0.951 ± 0.030 vs. 8-min, 0.992 ± 0.047; p < 0.05). VO₂, HR, lactate, and RPE were lower (p < 0.05) at 45 spm (VO₂, 34.4 ± 6.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; HR, 161.2 ± 16.4 beats·min⁻¹; lactate, 3.5 ± 1.0 mmol·l⁻¹; RPE, 6.0 ± 2.1) than at 55 spm (VO₂, 38.6 ± 5.2 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; HR, 168.1 ± 15.1 beats·min⁻¹; lactate, 4.2 ± 1.2 mmol·l⁻¹; RPE, 6.9 ± 1.4) and 65 spm (VO₂, 38.7 ± 5.9 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; HR, 170.7 ± 13.0 beats·min⁻¹; 5.3 ± 1.8 mmol·l⁻¹; RPE, 7.6 ± 1.4) at 8-min. Moreover, lactate and RPE at 65 spm was greater than 55 spm (p < 0.05) at 8-min. Conclusion: International male SUP paddlers were most efficient and economical when paddling at 45 spm vs. 55 or 65 spm, confirmed by lower RPE values, which may likely translate to faster paddling speed and greater endurance.

Musculoskeletal Injury in Paddle Sport Athletes

INTRODUCTION

Kayak racing has been an Olympic sport since 1936. The sport is evolving with the introduction of ocean skis and stand-up-paddle boards (SUP). Musculoskeletal injury incidence surveys have been conducted for ultra-marathon events, but no data have been published for other racing formats.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and compare the rates and types of injuries sustained by paddling athletes as a function of discipline and training parameters in Sprint, Marathon, Ultra-Marathon, and Ocean events.

METHODS

Competitors from 6 kayak and/or ocean surf-ski races in Australia were surveyed. Before each race, competitors were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire investigated paddling-related injuries over the previous 5 years, athlete morphology, flexibility, equipment and its setup, training volume, and environment.

RESULTS

Five hundred eighty-three competitors were surveyed. Disciplines included 173 racing-kayak (K1), 202 touring-kayak, 146 ocean-skis, 42 SUP, and 20 other. The top 5 paddling-related injuries were shoulder (31%), low back (23.5%), wrist (16.5%), neck (13.7%), and elbow (11.0%). The highest percentage of injury was found in K1 paddlers for shoulder (40.5%), SUP for low back (33.3%), and ocean-ski for wrist (22.6%). After controlling for on-water training hours, the relative risk (RR) of wrist injury was significantly increased in ocean-ski paddlers (1.86) and in paddlers with decreased flexibility (1.53-1.83). Relative risk of shoulder and low-back injury was significantly increased in athletes with lower training volumes (1.82-2.07). Younger athletes had lower RR of wrist and shoulder injury (0.58-0.62).

The physiological and perceptual responses of stand-up paddle board exercise in a laboratory- and field-setting

This study quantified the physiological and perceptual responses of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) during a range of stroke rates in a laboratory- and field-setting. Ten participants (eight male, two female; mean ± standard deviation [SD] age: 23 ± 3 years; body mass: 70.5 ± 9.1 kg; height: 170 ± 9 cm; body mass index [BMI]: 24.3 ± 1.5 kg m²) completed a SUP ⩒O_2peak trial, and two SUP trials in both a laboratory- and field-setting (5-min at 10, 20 and 30 strokes min^-1 per stage). Energy expenditure (EE), metabolic equivalents (METs), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout. In the laboratory-setting, mean ± SD EE and METs increased (P < .001) linearly when SUP at 10 (3.3 ± 1.0 kcal min^-1, 2.7 ± 0.5), 20 (5.5 ± 0.9 kcal min^-1, 4.4 ± 0.7) and 30 strokes min^-1 (7.6 ± 1.6 kcal min^-1, 6.1 ± 1.2), respectively. During these efforts, mean ± SD percentage of maximal HR were 56 ± 5%, 69 ± 6% and 84 ± 8%, respectively. In the field-setting, mean ± SD EE and METs also increased (P < .001) linearly when SUP at 10 (3.6 ± 0.9 kcal min^-1, 2.7 ± 0.9), 20 (4.3 ± 1.8 kcal min^-1, 3.5 ± 1.0) and 30 strokes min^-1 (6.3 ± 2.1 kcal min^-1, 4.6 ± 1.4). During the three conditions, mean ± SD percentage of maximal HR were 58 ± 8%, 65 ± 7% and 73 ± 9%. SUP at ≥20 strokes min^-1 in the laboratory- and field-setting meet the criteria for moderate-intensity exercise (3.0-5.9 METs). These findings may now be included in the latest Compendium of Physical Activities guidelines and offer the potential to improve cardiorespiratory fitness if SUP is undertaken regularly by young, healthy adults.

A biomechanical analysis of the stand-up paddle board stroke: a comparative study

Background

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing global aquatic sport, with increasing popularity among participants within recreation, competition and rehabilitation. To date, few scientific studies have focused on SUP. Further, there is no research examining the biomechanics of the SUP paddle stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in kinematics existed among experienced and inexperienced SUP participants using three-dimensional motion analysis. This data could be of significance to participants, researchers, coaches and health practitioners to improve performance and inform injury minimization strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational design study was performed with seven experienced and 19 inexperienced paddlers whereby whole-body kinematic data were acquired using a six-camera Vicon motion capture system. Participants paddled on a SUP ergometer while three-dimensional range of motion (ROM) and peak joint angles were calculated for the shoulders, elbows, hips and trunk. Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted on the non-normally distributed data to evaluate differences between level of expertise.

Results

Significant differences in joint kinematics were found between experienced and inexperienced participants, with inexperienced participants using greater overall shoulder ROM (78.9° ± 24.9° vs 56.6° ± 17.3°, p = 0.010) and less hip ROM than the experienced participants (50.0° ± 18.5° vs 66.4° ± 11.8°, p = 0.035). Experienced participants demonstrated increased shoulder motion at the end of the paddle stoke compared to the inexperienced participants (74.9° ± 16.3° vs 35.2° ± 28.5°, p = 0.001 minimum shoulder flexion) and more extension at the elbow (6.0° ± 9.2° minimum elbow flexion vs 24.8° ± 13.5°, p = 0.000) than the inexperienced participants.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate several significant kinematic differences between the experienced and inexperienced SUP participants. These variations in technique were noted in the shoulder, elbow and hip and are evident in other aquatic paddling sports where injury rates are higher in these joints. These finding may be valuable for coaches, therapists and participants needing to maximize performance and minimize injury risk during participation in SUP.

Relationship Between Sport Expertise and Postural Skills

The review addresses the relationship between sport expertise (i.e., sport competition level), postural performance (amount of motion of the center of mass/of pressure of foot or ability to preserve body balance), and postural strategy (geometric organization of different body segments as well as neurobiological involvement of organism). Since the conditions of postural evaluation are likely to influence results, the aim is to compare athletes at different competition levels in ecological postural conditions (specific postural conditions related to the sport practiced) and non-ecological postural conditions (decontextualized postural conditions in relation to the sport practiced). Evidence suggests that the most successful athletes in terms of sport competition level have the best postural performance both in ecological and non-ecological postural conditions. However, in non-ecological conditions, the postural tasks should be preferentially challenging or relatively close to the sport practice stance. Moreover, the most successful athletes also have more elaborate postural strategies compared with athletes at lower competition level. Mechanistic explanations as well as conceptual models are proposed to explain the role of different factors influencing the relationship between sport expertise and postural performance and strategy.

The Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Physiological Response during a Stand-Up Paddle Surfing Session

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) surfing entails riding breaking waves and maneuvering the board on the wave face in a similar manner to traditional surfing. Despite some scientific investigations on SUP, little is known about SUP surfing. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological response during SUP surfing sessions and to determine how various environmental conditions can influence this response. Heart rate (HR) of an experienced male SUP surfer aged 43 was recorded for 14.9 h during ten surfing sessions and synced with on board video footage to enable the examination of the effect of different surfing modes and weather conditions on exercise intensity. Results indicated that the SUP surfer’s HR was above 70% of HR_max during 85% of each session, with the greatest heart rates found during falls off the board (~85% HR_max) and while paddling back to the peak (~83% HR_max). Total time surfing a wave was less than 5%, with the majority of time spent paddling back into position. Wind speed positively correlated with HR (r = 0.75, p < 0.05) and wave height negatively correlated with wave caching frequency (r = 0.73, p < 0.05). The results highlight the aerobic fitness for SUP surfing, where wave riding, paddling back to the peak, and falls appear to be associated with the greatest cardiovascular demand and demonstrate that environmental conditions can have an effect on the physiological response during SUP surfing sessions.

Exploring the Utilisation of Stand up Paddle Boarding in Australia

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) has grown exponentially in the last few years with unprecedented participation rates globally. Despite some scientific research on physiological and performance variables, minimal information exists regarding participation and utilisation. The purpose of this study was to discover more about how and where people participate in the relatively new sport of SUP. An open-source online survey application was administered internationally to active SUP participants to capture information relevant to both demographics and participation. Of a total of 240 responses, 154 (64.2%) were Australian. The average SUP rider was 42.9 ± 11.7 years, mass 80.4 ± 18.7 kg, 1.75 ± 0.10 m tall with a BMI of 26.1 ± 4.9. More males (69.5%) participate in SUP than females with the majority of participants from the eastern seaboard of Australia. Participants most commonly used SUP for fun and fitness, for around 3 h per week, predominantly at the beach with friends, with around half of the respondents reporting a competitive involvement. This is the first study to date to quantify participation of SUP within Australia. Results revealed SUP is a global activity with a high representation within Australia. Key findings from this study reveal the geographical and demographic distribution of SUP use. Consequently, these findings may inform the industry about its target audience. Additionally, information regarding the 'typical' SUP rider may serve to further promote and grow the sport.

A Performance Analysis of a Stand-Up Paddle Board Marathon Race

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing sport and recreational activity in which little scientific research exists. A review of the literature failed to identify a single article pertaining to the physiological demands of SUP competition. The purpose of this study was to conduct a performance analysis of a national-level SUP marathon race. Ten elite SUP athletes (6 male and 4 female athletes) were recruited from the Stand Up Paddle Surfing Association of Australia to have their race performance in the Australian Titles analyzed. Performance variables included SUP speed, course taken, and heart rate (HR), measured with a 15-Hz global positioning system unit. Results demonstrated that there was a variation in distance covered (13.3-13.9 km), peak speed (18.8-26.4 km·h), and only moderate correlations (r = 0.38) of race result to distance covered. Significantly greater amounts of time were spent in the 5- to 10-km·h speed zones (p ≤ 0.05) during the race. Peak HR varied from 168 to 208 b·min among the competitors with the average HR being 168.6 ± 9.8 b·min. Significantly higher durations were spent in elevated HR zones (p ≤ 0.05) with participants spending 89.3% of their race within 80-100% of their age-predicted HRmax. Marathon SUP races seem to involve a high aerobic demand, with maintenance of near-maximal HRs required for the duration of the race. There is a high influence of tactical decisions and extrinsic variables to race results. These results provide a greater understanding of the physiological demands of distance events and may assist in the development of specialized training programs for SUP athletes.

The physiological, musculoskeletal and psychological effects of stand up paddle boarding

Background

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing sport and recreational activity where anecdotal evidence exists for its proposed health, fitness and injury rehabilitation benefits. While limited scientific evidence exists to substantiate these claims, previous studies have shown that high levels of fitness, strength and balance exists amongst participants of this sport. The purpose of this study was to conduct a training intervention on a group of previously untrained individuals to ascertain the potential of SUP on various health parameters.

Methods

An intervention study was conducted where after being tested initially, subjects were left for 6 weeks to act as their own control before the SUP intervention began. A total of 13 SUP participants completed the training study (nine males, four females) which was comprised of three 1 h sessions per week for 6 weeks.

Results

No significant changes occurred during the initial control period. Significant (P < 0.05) improvements were made in aerobic (+23.57 %) and anaerobic fitness (+41.98 %), multidirectional core strength tests (prone +19.78 %, right side +26.19 %, left side +28.31 %, Biering Sorensen +21.33 %) and self-rated quality of life questionnaires in the physical (+19.99 %) and psychological (+17.49 %) domains. No significant changes were detected in static or dynamic balance over the duration of the training intervention.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and psychological improvements achievable for the novice when utilizing SUP as a training tool. The result from this study provides some evidence to substantiate the claims of health and fitness benefits SUP.