Biological maturation influences muscle power, which is associated with competitive performance in adolescent male surfers

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of biological maturation on physical capacities and competitive performance in young surfers by analyzing groups under and over 16 years of age during an official surfing competition. Twenty-six surfers were divided into two groups: under 16 years (n = 15) and over 16 years (n = 11). Maturity Offset (MO), Countermovement Jump (CMJ; height, relative power), Medicine Ball Throw (MBT), fat percentage, and Total Heat Score (THS; sum of the two highest wave scores) were assessed. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between variables. Among surfers under 16, MO showed significant correlations with MBT (r = 0.66), CMJ height (r = 0.59), CMJ power (r = 0.90), and relative CMJ power (r = 0.75). THS correlated positively with CMJ height (r = 0.52) and relative CMJ power (r = 0.52). In surfers over 16, no significant correlations were found between variables. Biological maturation significantly influences muscle power in surfers under 16, indirectly affecting competitive performance. After this age, maturation effects appear attenuated as other factors such as technical-tactical abilities become decisive for success. Results suggest caution in talent selection based solely on competitive results.