# Fluid Balance in Surfers: A Scoping Review

## TL;DR

This review explores how fluid balance in surfing is affected by environmental conditions and equipment, highlighting the need for better research on hydration strategies for surfers.

## Contribution

The study identifies gaps in understanding fluid balance in surfing and emphasizes the need for quality research on hydration in this unique sport.

## Key findings

- Surfers wearing wetsuits experience greater body mass loss compared to those not wearing them.
- Elite surfers in wetsuits have high fluid losses (1.68 L/h), which could impair performance.
- Fluid losses in surfers are generally lower than in land-based athletes, but elite surfers show significant losses.

## Abstract

Surfing, performed semi-submerged in varied environmental conditions and apparel, evokes unique fluid losses compared to land-based sports, despite the inherent difficulties in collecting urine losses in surfing, making direct sweat loss comparisons challenging. This scoping review aimed to identify factors that influence fluid balance in surfing. Nine databases were systematically searched for relevant studies specific to the concept of fluid balance in surfing participants. A total of 153 studies were screened, and seven met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were cross-sectional designs, and two were randomised controlled trials, aligning to levels of evidence IV and II, respectively. Reported body mass loss was 1.3%, and fluid loss was 0.57 L/h. The surfers wearing wetsuits incurred a greater decrease in body mass following a surf session (1.05% vs. 0.59%, respectively). Elite surfers wearing wetsuits were reported to have high fluid losses (1.68 L/h), resulting in a body mass loss of 3.9%. Reported fluid losses of surfers are lower than those of land-based athletes; however, the elite surfers were reported to have high fluid losses that would likely impede exercise performance. Available information on fluid losses in surfers is of poor quality; thus, further research is needed to elucidate fluid intake recommendations for surfers in varying environmental conditions and wearing different surf apparel.