title: A comparison of pop-up velocity between younger and older recreational surfers

authors: Enticott, David

subjects: surfing

abstract: Background: The pop-up is the physiological task that places a surfer on a wave. The aim of every recreational surfer is to catch as many open-faced, rideable waves as possible with pop-up velocity being crucial to this. Recent research shows a clear trend of an aging surfing demographic all of whom have the potential to experience an age-related reduction in their pop-up velocity. A slower pop-up would likely limit wave-riding options for these older surfers; therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine if age reduces pop-up velocity in intermediate recreational surfers. We hypothesised that pop-up velocity between younger and older recreational surfers would exhibit no statistically significant difference as a result of older surfers having developed efficient movement patterns and skill sets over many years that offset any age-related muscular decrement Methods: Fourteen intermediate recreational surfers (13 males and 1 female) were placed into two groups based on age, a younger group (25.2 ± 9.0 years old, 9.7 ± 10.9 years of surfing experience) and an older group (51.8 ± 6.6 years old, 30.0 ± 9.1 years of surfing experience). The cohort had at least two years surfing experience and did not follow a specific dry-land resistance training programme. Participants completed a simulated pop-up in a controlled laboratory setting with pop-up velocity captured by dual Kistler force plates. A countermovement jump test was also completed by each participant to assess lower-body power and velocity. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV0, and typical error (TE) were calculated to determine inter-group reliability between the older and younger surfers’ pop-up velocity tests and between pop-up tests featuring simulated paddling strokes and those without. An independent samples t-test was conducted to examine the differences between the two age groups’ pop-up velocity and between pop-up tests featuring simulated paddling strokes and those without. The strength of correlation between surfer age and relative maximal power was assessed with Pearson’s r. Results: The test showed good (ICC 0.75-0.90) reliability and no apparent difference between paddle and non-paddle and the older and younger cohorts; however, the CVs all exceeded 10%. The younger group demonstrated significantly quicker surf pop-ups (1.12±0.16 vs 2.03±0.52 s; p = 0.0009; d = 2.21 [1.10, 4.20]) and relative maximal power (53.8±12.9 vs 41.2±2.2 W·kg−1; p = 0.0252; d = 1.28 [2.84, 0.23]) than the older group. Interestingly, the negative coefficient (slope) that described the overall relationship between age and leg power observed (m= -0.53) was attenuated when looking at surfers over the age of 35 (m=-0.10). Discussion: Loss of pop-up velocity can be expected in older surfers but the typical age-related decline in muscle capability may be offset by surfing. The incorporation of dry-land resistance exercise including power and strength training is recommended to improve pop-up velocity and thus wave wave-catching ability and enjoyment in older surfer. These findings demonstrate positive ramifications of participation in surfing and can support longevity in older recreational surfers. Conclusion: Age clearly had a negative influence on pop-up velocity.

text: A comparison of pop-up velocity between younger and older recreational surfers Background: The pop-up is the physiological task that places a surfer on a wave. The aim of every recreational surfer is to catch as many open-faced, rideable waves as possible with pop-up velocity being crucial to this. Recent research shows a clear trend of an aging surfing demographic all of whom have the potential to experience an age-related reduction in their pop-up velocity. A slower pop-up would likely limit wave-riding options for these older surfers; therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine if age reduces pop-up velocity in intermediate recreational surfers. We hypothesised that pop-up velocity between younger and older recreational surfers would exhibit no statistically significant difference as a result of older surfers having developed efficient movement patterns and skill sets over many years that offset any age-related muscular decrement Methods: Fourteen intermediate recreational surfers (13 males and 1 female) were placed into two groups based on age, a younger group (25.2 ± 9.0 years old, 9.7 ± 10.9 years of surfing experience) and an older group (51.8 ± 6.6 years old, 30.0 ± 9.1 years of surfing experience). The cohort had at least two years surfing experience and did not follow a specific dry-land resistance training programme. Participants completed a simulated pop-up in a controlled laboratory setting with pop-up velocity captured by dual Kistler force plates. A countermovement jump test was also completed by each participant to assess lower-body power and velocity. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV0, and typical error (TE) were calculated to determine inter-group reliability between the older and younger surfers’ pop-up velocity tests and between pop-up tests featuring simulated paddling strokes and those without. An independent samples t-test was conducted to examine the differences between the two age groups’ pop-up velocity and between pop-up tests featuring simulated paddling strokes and those without. The strength of correlation between surfer age and relative maximal power was assessed with Pearson’s r. Results: The test showed good (ICC 0.75-0.90) reliability and no apparent difference between paddle and non-paddle and the older and younger cohorts; however, the CVs all exceeded 10%. The younger group demonstrated significantly quicker surf pop-ups (1.12±0.16 vs 2.03±0.52 s; p = 0.0009; d = 2.21 [1.10, 4.20]) and relative maximal power (53.8±12.9 vs 41.2±2.2 W·kg−1; p = 0.0252; d = 1.28 [2.84, 0.23]) than the older group. Interestingly, the negative coefficient (slope) that described the overall relationship between age and leg power observed (m= -0.53) was attenuated when looking at surfers over the age of 35 (m=-0.10). Discussion: Loss of pop-up velocity can be expected in older surfers but the typical age-related decline in muscle capability may be offset by surfing. The incorporation of dry-land resistance exercise including power and strength training is recommended to improve pop-up velocity and thus wave wave-catching ability and enjoyment in older surfer. These findings demonstrate positive ramifications of participation in surfing and can support longevity in older recreational surfers. Conclusion: Age clearly had a negative influence on pop-up velocity.

year: 2024

title: Rethinking regional tourism governance: the principle of subsidiarity

authors: Zahra, Anne Louise

subjects: government

abstract: This paper examines the governance of regional tourism organisations (RTOs) and relates governance to the principle of subsidiarity. The principle maintains that tasks and responsibilities should be accomplished by the lowest and most basic elements of any social organisation, and it is an injustice to assign to a larger and higher association what the lesser and subordinate associations can do. There is little research on understanding RTO governance, on how governance may contribute to RTO instability or on the application of the principle of subsidiarity in a tourism context. A New Zealand case study demonstrates a series of fundamental problems with typical RTO governance structures, linked to problems found in many tourism partnerships. Data collection methods for the case study of the Waikato RTO included observation, interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The paper concludes that the principle of subsidiarity can underpin an RTO governance system if the RTO adopts an ethos of service to the tourism sector and the wider community. This governance style requires open communication and consultation, must foster trust and legitimacy and contribute to securing the RTO's ongoing required resources. Such a governance structure would align well with the principles of sustainable tourism.

text: Rethinking regional tourism governance: the principle of subsidiarity This paper examines the governance of regional tourism organisations (RTOs) and relates governance to the principle of subsidiarity. The principle maintains that tasks and responsibilities should be accomplished by the lowest and most basic elements of any social organisation, and it is an injustice to assign to a larger and higher association what the lesser and subordinate associations can do. There is little research on understanding RTO governance, on how governance may contribute to RTO instability or on the application of the principle of subsidiarity in a tourism context. A New Zealand case study demonstrates a series of fundamental problems with typical RTO governance structures, linked to problems found in many tourism partnerships. Data collection methods for the case study of the Waikato RTO included observation, interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The paper concludes that the principle of subsidiarity can underpin an RTO governance system if the RTO adopts an ethos of service to the tourism sector and the wider community. This governance style requires open communication and consultation, must foster trust and legitimacy and contribute to securing the RTO's ongoing required resources. Such a governance structure would align well with the principles of sustainable tourism.

year: 2011

title: Manaaki whenua. Manaaki tangata: Care for the land, care for the people: Leading critical school reform with mana whenua and whānau Māori

authors: Ford, Therese

subjects: Critical school reform

abstract: Education disparities between Māori and Pākehā students in Aotearoa, have their origins in colonial education policies and practices which considerably advantaged Pākehā students and compromised the ability of Māori students to engage with learning and succeed.  Despite the promises of equality inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi,  this historical foundation has, for over 150 years, perpetuated intergenerational cycles of education failure for Māori resulting in high levels of endemic social and economic disadvantage in many Māori communities.
This thesis examines the leadership praxis of two Pākehā principals, to understand how, with more respectful connections with Māori communities, they were able to address education disparities and facilitate success for Māori students as Māori. Culturally responsive research methodologies guided two, in-depth case studies which employed mixed methods.
Two collaborative stories, with the voices of mana whenua and whānau Māori, identified the importance of school leaders developing critical levels of consciousness, through authentic, bidirectional relationships with Māori communities.  These relationships enabled the principals to understand the authentic local, pre-colonial iwi histories of the land. This in turn fostered connections between the schools and local Māori communities that enabled them to collaboratively respond to the implications of colonisation.  
The thesis challenges the monocultural, monolingual, unidirectional policies and practices that characterise the current model of colonial education.  It presents instead a decolonising model of critical school reform and a framework for implementation and evaluation.  It contends that honouring the Treaty of Waitangi requires an equity focused response with power sharing relationships, critically led by principals alongside Māori communities.

text: Manaaki whenua. Manaaki tangata: Care for the land, care for the people: Leading critical school reform with mana whenua and whānau Māori Education disparities between Māori and Pākehā students in Aotearoa, have their origins in colonial education policies and practices which considerably advantaged Pākehā students and compromised the ability of Māori students to engage with learning and succeed.  Despite the promises of equality inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi,  this historical foundation has, for over 150 years, perpetuated intergenerational cycles of education failure for Māori resulting in high levels of endemic social and economic disadvantage in many Māori communities.
This thesis examines the leadership praxis of two Pākehā principals, to understand how, with more respectful connections with Māori communities, they were able to address education disparities and facilitate success for Māori students as Māori. Culturally responsive research methodologies guided two, in-depth case studies which employed mixed methods.
Two collaborative stories, with the voices of mana whenua and whānau Māori, identified the importance of school leaders developing critical levels of consciousness, through authentic, bidirectional relationships with Māori communities.  These relationships enabled the principals to understand the authentic local, pre-colonial iwi histories of the land. This in turn fostered connections between the schools and local Māori communities that enabled them to collaboratively respond to the implications of colonisation.  
The thesis challenges the monocultural, monolingual, unidirectional policies and practices that characterise the current model of colonial education.  It presents instead a decolonising model of critical school reform and a framework for implementation and evaluation.  It contends that honouring the Treaty of Waitangi requires an equity focused response with power sharing relationships, critically led by principals alongside Māori communities.

year: 2020