The characterization of thermal perception in recreational surfers wearing wetsuits.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the perception of heat loss, comfort, and wetness in recreational surfers wearing wetsuits, to compare these data with changes in skin temperature reported in prior studies, and to examine the impact of wetsuit thickness, zipper location, and accessory use on thermal sensation and comfort. Following their surf session, nine-hundred and three male (n = 735) and female (n = 168) recreational surfers responded to a series of questions regarding thermal comfort/sensation, wetsuit characteristics, and surfing history. Average whole body thermal sensation rating was 0.8 ± 3.6 on a scale of -10 to +10 and average whole body thermal comfort rating was 1.5 ± 1.2, midway between "just comfortable" and "comfortable." Overall, surfers felt coldest in their feet, hands, and head. Under their wetsuits, surfers felt the coldest, wettest, and least comfortable in their chest, lower legs, lower arms, and upper back. Wetsuit accessory use had the greatest impact on regions identified as coldest, least comfortable, and wettest. These data suggest that wetsuit design should focus on optimizing water access points and improving accessories for the feet, hands, and head.

Skin Temperatures in Females Wearing a 2 mm Wetsuit during Surfing.

The aim of this investigation was to examine regional skin temperatures in recreational female surfers' wearing a 2 mm thick neoprene wetsuit while surfing and to compare these results to previously published data collected in males participating in an identical study. Female surfers (n = 27) engaged in surfing for at least 40 min while wearing a commercially available 2 mm full wetsuit. Skin temperature of eight different anatomical locations were measured with wireless iButton thermal sensors. Regional skin temperatures significantly differed (p < 0.001) across almost all anatomical regions. Furthermore, regional skin temperatures significantly decreased across time at all skin regions throughout an average surfing session (p < 0.001). The greatest reduction in skin temperature was observed in the lower leg (-5.4 °C). Females in the current study exhibited a significantly greater skin temperature decrease in the lower back (-15.2% vs. -10.8%, p = 0.022) and lower arm (-13.6% vs. -10.8%, p < 0.001) when compared to previous data published in males. Overall, results of the current study are consistent with data previously published on male recreational surfers. However, the current study provides preliminary evidence that the magnitude of change in skin temperature may differ between male and female recreational surfers at some anatomical locations.

Electromyographic Analysis of the Surf Paddling Stroke Across Multiple Intensities.

Nessler, JA, Ponce-Gonzalez, JG, Robles-Rodriguez, C, Furr, H, Warner, M, and Newcomer, SC. Electromyographic analysis of the surf paddling stroke across multiple intensities. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1102-1110, 2019-Surfers spend a majority of their time in the water paddling. The purpose of this study was to examine activity in 5 muscles that contribute to paddling at different velocities and to characterize oxygen use, paddling cadence, and surfboard motion at each velocity. Twelve recreational surfers completed an incremental paddling test on a short surfboard in a swim flume. Surface electromyography was recorded bilaterally from latissimus dorsi, upper and mid trapezius, and posterior and mid deltoid. Electromyographic activity increased as water velocity increased for all muscles, but the change in activation between endurance and sprint paddling was greatest for latissimus dorsi (p < 0.001). At higher water velocities, the middle deltoid was activated earlier in the paddling stroke (p = 0.005). Oxygen use, paddling cadence, and surfboard roll/yaw increased with increasing water velocity. These data may be useful for athletes, trainers, and equipment designers interested in increasing power and efficiency of the paddling stroke.

Differences in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak of Surfers When Paddling in Water vs. on a Swimbench Ergometer.

Furr, HN, Warner, ME, Copeland, TL, Robles-Rodríguez, C, Ponce-González, JG, Nessler, JA, and Newcomer, SC. Differences in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak of surfers when paddling in water vs. on a swimbench ergometer. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1095-1101, 2019-The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that surfers would achieve a higher V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak when tested in a swim flume vs. on a swimbench ergometer. Forty-eight surfers (male: 38, female: 10) aged 18-45 years participated in the study. Protocol 1 and 2 both measured heart rate, oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), and respiratory exchange ratio while subjects performed an incremental paddling test both on a swimbench ergometer and in a swim flume. Protocol 2 additionally measured muscle activity and changes in skin temperature. V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak was significantly higher in the swim flume (33.03 ± 1.04 ml·kg·min) vs. on the swimbench ergometer (29.86 ± 1.08 ml·kg·min) (p value < 0.001). There were also significant differences in muscle activation and changes in skin temperature between the flume and ergometer (p-value < 0.05). Surfers significantly increased their V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak in the water suggesting previous reports of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak likely underestimated surfer's aerobic fitness when measured on a swimbench ergometer. Future research investigating the aerobic fitness of surfers should be conducted while paddling in water or account for the 11% difference in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak when tested on a swimbench ergometer.