Anaerobic Energy Production During Sprint Paddling in Junior Competitive and Recreational Surfers

This study compared determinants of a 30-s all-out paddling effort (30-s sprint-paddling test) between junior surfboard riders (surfers) of varying ability. Eight competitive (COMP) and 8 recreational (REC) junior male surfers performed a 30-s sprint-paddling test for the determination of peak sprint power and accumulated O-2 deficit. Surfers also performed an incremental-paddling test for the determination of the O-2 uptake-power output relationship that was subsequently used to calculate the accumulated O-2 deficit for the 30-s sprint-paddling test. During the 30-s sprint-paddling test, peak sprint power (404 +/- 98 vs 292 +/- 56 W, respectively, P =.01) and the accumulated O-2 deficit (1.60 +/- 0.31 vs 1.14 +/- 0.38 L, respectively, P =.02) were greater in COMP than in REC surfers, whereas peak O-2 uptake measured during the incremental-paddling test was not different (2.7 +/- 0.1 vs 2.5 +/- 0.2 L/min, respectively, P =.11). The higher peak sprint power and larger accumulated O-2 deficit observed in COMP than in REC surfers during a 30-s sprint paddling test suggest that surfing promotes development of the anaerobic energy systems. Furthermore, peak sprint power determined during 30 s of sprint paddling may be considered a sensitive measure of surfing ability or experience in junior male surfers.