Relationship Between Surfer's Posture and Mechanical Properties of Surfboard During Turn in Surfing

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K11378
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59020:Sports sciences-related
• Research Institution: Shonan Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Nonaka Takako 湘南工科大学, 工学部, 教授 (20449549)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 小島 一恭 湘南工科大学, 工学部, 教授 (60361391)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 機械特性評価 / ねじり特性 / サーフボード / モニタリング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study explored the movements of surfers, the behavior of their surfboards, the mechanical properties of the surfboards, and their relationship. The multiple cameras were used to evaluate the surfer's motions but revealed a challenge in obtaining suitable video during fast and large turns due to the board or waves obstructing parts of the body from all angles. A mechanical evaluation system of boards for bending, twisting, and vibration properties was developed, and accuracy in evaluating torsional stiffness that affects tricks like turns was improved. Additionally, the board's behavior during surfing activities was monitored and replayed using a customized IMU sensor to capture posture angles. However, measurements in laboratory conditions showed that load and deformation characteristics varied significantly depending on board shape and surfer position. This underscores the need for further research to measure deformities while in use at sea.

Free Research Field

スポーツIoT，複合材料

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

サーファの体型や熟練度、使用環境によって、適したサーフボードの形状や素材は異なることが知られている。本研究で開発したボードの特性評価手法により、長さや厚みの異なるボードの機械的特性を定量的に評価することが可能となった。これにより、サーフボード設計の最適化と安全で高性能なボード開発に寄与することが期待できる。また、ターンにおけるサーファの映像による動作解析は、オンボード・オフボードいずれの映像でも難しく、使用中のボードの変形様相の可視化にも対応した室内型サーフィンシミュレーター開発の重要性が示唆された。