Qualitative Task Analysis to Enhance Sports Characterization: A Surfing Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a Matrix of Analysis for Sports Tasks (MAST), regardless of the sports activity, based on practice classification and task analysis. Being this a qualitative research our main question was: in assessing sports’ structure is it possible to make the characterization of any discipline through context and individuals’ behaviours? The sample was within a surf discipline in a competition flowing having 5 of the top 16 Portuguese surfers training together. Based on a qualitative method, studying the surf as the main activity was an interpretative study case. The MAST was applied in four phases: taxonomy; tasks and context description; task analysis; teaching and performance strategies. Its application allowed the activities’ characterization through the observation, surfer’s opinions and bibliographical support. The triangulation of the data was used as an information data treatment. The elements were classified by the challenges proposed to the practitioners and the taxonomy was constituted by the sport activities, group, modality and discipline. Surf is a discipline of surfing which is a sliding sport modality, therefore, a nature sport. In the context description, we had the wave’s components and constraints and the surfboards’ qualities. Through task analysis we obtained a taxonomy of surf manoeuvres. The structural and functional analysis allowed finding solutions for learning of surf techniques with trampoline and skateboards because these fit in sliding sports. MAST makes possible the development of strategies that benefit teaching and performance intervention.

Training for success: Do simulated aerial landings replicate successful aerial landings performed in the ocean?

“…Once considered a predominantly recreational pursuit, surfing is developing into a mainstream sport, particularly following its inclusion in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games . As such, professional surfers are increasingly using more traditional athletic training methods, including dry‐land training, to prepare for their sport and to refine their surfing skills . Resistance and plyometric training have been successfully applied in many sports to complement the skill‐specific training of athletes with significant improvements in performance .…”

Understanding successful and unsuccessful landings of aerial maneuver variations in professional surfing

“…These researchers identified several key technical features, or cues, for superior landing performance that could be used by coaches to promote better landing technique. Although video analysis is frequently used in surf coaching, very little information is available on systematic technique analysis of surfing maneuvers . Furthermore, current coaching analyses of aerials in surfing provide no specific, evidence‐based recommendations for improving aerial performance, particularly the crucial landing phase of the maneuver.…”

“…Although video analysis is frequently used in surf coaching, very little information is available on systematic technique analysis of surfing maneuvers. [19][20][21][22] Furthermore, current coaching analyses of aerials in surfing provide no specific, evidence-based recommendations for improving aerial performance, particularly the crucial landing phase of the maneuver. As a result coaches have limited evidence upon which to make adjustments to their surfer's aerial technique to ensure successful task completion.…”

Return to surfing using an adapted prosthesis

“…However, in surfing, environmental conditions are unpredictable, the surfer has to evaluate the wave and execute the maneuvers considering each wave as unique and requiring constant adaptation to varying situations. 6–8 Unfortunately, the current prostheses cannot be precisely adjusted to environmental conditions directly on the beach. Moreover, they are often too heavy and not salt water resistant.…”