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Paddle to Podium: Redefining Surfing Performance for Paris 2024 and Beyond

04 December 2024

How do you transform a paddle stroke into Olympic success? The Paddle2Podium project, launched four years ago, set out to answer this question—and succeeded.

By revolutionising sprint paddling as a cornerstone of competitive surfing, this groundbreaking initiative prepared athletes for the powerful waves of Teahupo’o, the venue for surfing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The project didn’t just refine techniques—it redefined the future of surfing performance.

The success of Paddle2Podium lies in its collaborative approach, uniting expertise from four leading organisations. Surfing Australia spearheaded the initiative with a female-focused approach to athlete development. Griffith University, led by Associate Professor Clare Minahan, contributed cutting-edge research. The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) facilitated through SPIKE provided project funding, biomechanical insights and specialised equipment, while the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) offered support through its research and innovation division.

By merging science, technology, and hands-on coaching, these organisations elevated surfing performance to new heights.

“This project reflects QAS’s commitment to keeping athletes at the heart of everything we do. The sport identified a need which QAS was able to support with project funding, expertise and resources, and its impact will benefit athletes for years to come,” said Megan Shephard, QAS Research Partnerships Manager.

Research revealed that surfers spend over 55% of their time paddling, yet sprint paddling had been largely overlooked in traditional training programs. Paddle2Podium tackled this gap, proving that refining paddling speed and technique is essential to competitive success.

The project was delivered in four Phases:

  1. Phase 1: Identifying the biomechanical characteristics of effective paddling through collaboration among researchers, coaches, and athletes.
  2. Phase 2: Led by PhD student Sienna Gosney, this phase introduced gym-based interventions designed to enhance power and speed through practical exercises.
  3. Phase 3: PhD student April Denny developed tailored training programs for elite surfers like Keely Andrew and emerging athletes.
  4. Phase 4: Focused on long-term impact, this phase integrated sprint paddling techniques into gym programs and coaching courses.

A standout moment was the 2023 Olympic camp, where four elite Olympians trained together under the guidance of swim coach and two-time Olympian Tommy Fraser-Holmes. For the first time, surfers refined their paddling techniques with expert feedback, pushing their performance to the next level.

The results were undeniable. Two-time world champion Tyler Wright credited the program with improving her paddling speed and overall competitiveness, calling it “a game-changer.”

Although no Australian female surfers reached the podium in Paris, the project established a strong foundation for future success, especially for female athletes. With only 6% of global sports research focusing on women, Paddle2Podium broke new ground in inclusivity and innovation.

“This is just the beginning of a new era for surfing performance. By prioritising female athletes and sprint paddling, we’ve created a foundation for future research and innovation that will continue to elevate the sport,” said Associate Professor Clare Minahan from Griffith University.

The true impact of Paddle2Podium lies in its enduring influence. By embedding sprint paddling techniques into training programs and coaching courses, the project ensures its benefits will extend far beyond Paris 2024.

“Well done to everyone involved! This was a true collaboration across disciplines, making a clear impact on the sport. It’s a model that other sports can—and should—follow,” said a QAS staff member.

As the ripple effects of Paddle2Podium continue to grow, the project promises to inspire a new generation of surfers, empowering them to paddle toward the podium.


Last updated: 04 Dec 2024