Exploring the Influencing Variables for Frontside Air Reverse in Professional Female Surfers: A Case Study

PURPOSE: In 2021, a successful front-side air Reverse (FAR), scoring 9.9 out of 10, was confirmed in the women’s quarterfinals of the Championship Tour (CT) held in Newcastle, Australia. This study aimed to explore the related variables influencing successful FAR among professional female surfers and verify gender-based differences in these variables.METHODS: Using video recordings provided by the World Surf League in 56 competitions of the eight CTs in the 2021 season, the FAR, which was the only aerial that a female surfer succeeded in, was analyzed among female and male surfers.RESULTS: Female surfers failed during the airborne phase, while male surfers failed during the landing phase. During the approach phase, female surfers succeeded in FAR when the board’s angle was less than 45° from the vertical, and when they used upper-extremity rotation. This characteristic was observed in male surfers, regardless of success or failure. Additionally, during the airborne phase, female surfers succeeded when they gripped the board, whereas male surfers did not grip the board, regardless of success or failure. Foot movement was observed in female surfers when they failed, but was absent in males, regardless of success or failure. During landing, female surfers succeeded when their knee angles were less than 90° and when the board’s nose made first contact with the wave’s center. In contrast, male surfers landed on flat waves, with the board’s center making first contact, and their knee angles greater than 90°, a pattern observed regardless of success or failure.CONCLUSIONS: These results could offer coaches and female surfers detailed technical insights into FAR techniques, potentially enhancing their chances of success.