Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Characteristics of Chilean Elite Junior Surfers

Abstract

Anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics significantly influence surfing performance. Despite this importance, the anthropometric profiles of elite junior surfers remain poorly characterized in the scientific literature. The objective of this study was to analyze the anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness of elite junior surfers by sex. Eight surfers from Promesas Chile, the national high-performance government program (5 men: 18.8 ± 3.0 years, and 3 women: 20.2 ± 4.2 years) participated in the study. Anthropometric characteristics, somatotype, muscle strength, lower-body power, functional movement, and stability were assessed. The results showed differences in muscle mass (p=0.036), with men having higher level of muscle mass (35.2 vs. 25.6 kg). Men had a higher CMJ jump in the right leg (p=0.036), and in handgrip of the right and left hands (p=0.036), the IMPT was higher in men compared to women. The somatotype of men was Ectomorph-Mesomorph (2.1-5.0-2.7) and that of women was Mesomorph-Endomorph (4.2-4.2-1.8). Men also presented higher levels of isometric shoulder strength than women. Men also presented higher levels of isometric strength of the posterior chain at 30°. It is concluded that men present different anthropometric characteristics than women, with men presenting greater ectomorphy and less endomorphy. In addition, men have higher levels of handgrip strength, mobility and stability. The results of the present study allow for the orientation of differentiated training strategies by sex to optimize anthropometric characteristics and physical performance in athletes.