Purpose: The announcement of Teaupho’o as the location of the Paris 2024 Olympics, became at catalyst for female focused performance research in surfing. This was driven by both athletes and coaches, stressing the impact that sprint paddle speed would have on performance at one of the largest waves of consequence in the world. A wave not surfed by females in the modern era. The aim of paddle to podium (P2P) was to maximise sprint paddling velocity in elite female surfers, resulting in improved wave-riding performance at the 2024 Olympic games. 

 

Methods: A synergistic partnership between Surfing Australia and three other organisations (QAS, AIS, and Griffith University) committed to supporting Queensland (QLD) and Australia’s Olympic success in elite female surfing was established. This included the appointment of a postdoctoral research fellow and two PhD students. A four phase sports-specific strategy was devised to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and its application in the elite daily training environment (DTE), resulting in tangible real-world performance outcomes. These phases were: 

Explore (phase 1): Semi structured interviews of coaches (n=10), elite surfers (n=10) and performance support staff (n=8) were undertaken to explore the perceived importance of sprint-paddling technique.

 

Examine (phase 2): Comprehensive analyse of sprint-paddling technique in elite female surfers (n=7), was undertaken, identifying characteristics of sprint paddling technique that commensurate with superior sprint-paddling velocity. 

 

Execute (phase 3): The formulation and implementation of an evidence-based training intervention to evaluate the magnitude of improvement in sprint-paddling velocity in elite female surfers was completed. 

 

Sustain (phase 4): A successful and long-lasting integration of phase 2 and 3 into the Surfing Australia elite DTE.

 

Results: This four phased multi-organisational strategy has yielded significant performance outcomes for the sport and all organisations involved. Although the ultimate outcome of contribution to Olympic success cannot yet be reported, the implementation of P2P at the 2024 Olympic camp, and its ongoing engagement with elite female surfers is fulfilling the aim of improved paddling velocity. World-leading integration of biomechanics, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, skill acquisition and psychology, as well as a pivotal cross sport collaboration with QLD swimming has created a framework for applied research in the elite DTE. The successful integration will be evident with the dissemination of P2P both across the Australian sporting system, and through academic outputs. 

Conclusion: P2P has not only augmented the preparation of the Australian Olympic team for Paris 2024 but is providing a legacy for elite female surfing in Australia for decades to come.