Training Methods in the Sport of Surfing: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. ABSTRACT Surfing has grown significantly in the past decade as highlighted by its inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. This growth substantiates a need for training methods that improve surfing performance. The purpose of this review is to (a) identify training methods available to competitive and recreational surfers in peer-reviewed literature, (b) evaluate the effectiveness of these methods, and (c) highlight any limitations and potential areas for future research. Five electronic databases were searched, and 8 papers were identified that met the eligibility criteria. Five of these studies used a quasiexperimental design, and 1 used a case study. The remaining 2 studies used field-based outcome measures specific to paddling; however, no study demonstrated improvement in wave-riding performance. The main training methods identified were (a) resistance training, (b) unstable surface training, and (c) cardiovascular training. Maximal strength training of the upper-body and high-intensity and sprint-interval paddling demonstrated effectiveness for improving paddling performance; however, unstable surface training was ineffective. Although all interventions improved laboratory-based outcomes, there were no objective measures of wave-riding performance. The findings of this scoping review demonstrate a paucity and low level of evidence in peer-reviewed literature relating training methods to surfing performance.