In today’s Episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob breaks down the respiratory pump, explains what respiratory muscle training (RMT) is, outlines some studies showing the impact RMT has on performance, and how this training could relate to surfing (i.e. should you use it ..read more

In today’s Episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob is honored to interview Rob Sleamaker, author, coach, and creator of the Vasa Trainer. They discuss the origins of the Vasa Trainer, how it can be used for both training and technique, overcoming challenges, and the use of the Vasa Trainer in swim and surf science research ..read more

In this episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob examines an old myth – can an incoming tide increase the power of the waves coming in? He explains why tides are different geographically, why they change from day to day, why there are Supermoons and other facts about tides. Finally, he sums up how the understanding of tides help surfers, and whether or not an incoming tide increases the power of waves ..read more

Rob breaks down a detailed CSU San Marcos study which characterized upper extremity muscle activation generated by surfers while paddling. The study describes which muscle groups are firing, and their duration, magnitude and timing of activation throughout the stroke at different speeds. The team at CSUSM also measured oxygen consumption, paddling cadence, and surfboard motion. The results of the study provide further evidence towards what efficient and effective paddling is, which muscles to train for different paddling speeds, the intensities at which to train for each scenario, and provides ..read more

In today’s Episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob investigates two Scripps Institute of Oceanography research reports that were conducted at the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. Diving deeper into the data collected and the results, Rob links how this information can help surfers’ duck dive technique, getting out strategy, decision making and riding area on a wave. Sometimes the by-product of a study can reveal breakthrough knowledge ..read more

In today’s Episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob breaks down what a wave's vortex ratio is, how you can use it to assess your skill level, improve your wave catching, and help you decide which board to ride on a given day. Surf science nerds unite! Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show ..read more

In this episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob shares the amount of force a surfer is applying when taking a stroke. Does a surfer really need to “paddle hard”? Additional metrics are shared and discussed as well as what makes a paddling stroke effective versus ineffective. Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show ..read more

Rob is joined by Dr. Charles Theivagt, Otolaryngologist, on today’s episode of the Dropping In Surf Show. They discuss methods to optimize performance by stimulating the Vagus nerve, why using a breathing pattern from crying helps, why sight is so important in balance, and what’s the deal with surfer’s ear. Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show  ..read more

In today’s episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob provides the top two things that a surfer needs to accelerate their skill learning in a surf session. He outline the science behind why these two steps are important and how you can modify your sessions to optimize skill learning and performance ..read more

In this special Dropping In Surf Show episode, Rob investigates and analyzes takeoff video of five different surfers, which provides unique observations because he is able to see the underwater angle of attack as well as the above water sequence of the surfers getting to their feet. He finds some consistency between the surfboards and is able to see some similarities between the shortboard surfers vs the longboard surfers. This analysis yields several questions regarding effortless takeoffs, and begins a thought-provoking exercise towards better understanding the physics behind what is ideal ..read more