Think you have what it takes to join the elites on board the World Surf League tour? Find out at the Gold Coast Pro with a free physio test from Bond University.
Experts from the university’s Water Based Research Unit and physiotherapy students will measure strength, flexibility, and conduct a bioimpedance analysis on event goers, and compare the data against that of professional surfers.
Bond University Assistant Professor Physiotherapy James Furness said the activation was a rare opportunity for the community to compare their fitness levels against the likes of Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore.
“We have access to data on professional surfers from around the globe, so we’re inviting the community to get down to Coolangatta to see how they stack up against the pros,” says Dr Furness.
“Not only is this activation a bit of fun for WSL fans, but it also provides our physiotherapy students with an opportunity to gain real-world practical experience.”
Dr Furness’s research uses cutting-edge technology to improve the health and performance of individuals participating in aquatic sporting activities.
“I have a background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and am passionate about conducting innovative and novel research in the sport of surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming,” explains Dr Furness.
“At the end of the day, we want to improve the wellbeing of our aquatic sporting community by developing practical strategies and solutions through pragmatic health research.
“My research has taken me all around the world. I’ve worked with the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre and have collaborated internationally with universities in New Zealand and the USA.”
Current projects the Water Based Research Unit is investigating include understanding the effects of surfing on hydration status, injury epidemiology in the sport of surfing, and musculoskeletal screening techniques for the shoulder and hip in the surfing population.
Bond University’s physio sessions at Snapper Rocks are open to members of the public from Saturday May 7 until Sunday May 15, 2022.