SURFERS don’t need convincing, but research has shown long-term recreational surfers have stronger bones in old age.
The Bond University study found surfing might well be the ideal physical activity for middle-aged aquatic enthusiasts.
Associate Professor Mike Climstein said the Gold Coast and south-east Queensland were meccas for surfers, with people well into their 70s and older still keen to be part of the action.
Surfers had a significantly higher mean bone mineral density in the arms, trunk, ribs, spine and lumbar spine.
“A time and motion analysis of recreational surfers reported that a 60-minute recreational surfing session involved 34 per cent sitting, 55 per cent slow to moderate paddling, 8 per cent fast paddling and only 3 per cent wave riding,”
Associate Professor Climstein said. High-impact activity was limited to less than two minutes of the session. Data collected included past and present physical activity questionnaires, biomarkers, bone mineral density, bone mineral content and lean mass versus fat mass.
The study identified beneficial bone health effects for people who had been long-term recreational surfers.