IndexIntroductionMethodsPopulationMeasurementsResultsConclusionsIntroductionSurfing is a popular sport played competitively and recreationally on beaches around the world. At a competitive level, surfing requires several high-intensity physical skills, such as muscular strength and endurance, balance, postural control and neuromuscular coordination. Furthermore, athletes are also subject to external factors such as different ocean currents, wind orientation, type of seabed, wave size, water temperature and contact with the board and other surfers, among other factors; these factors require quick and efficient adaptations from athletes. Nowadays, surfing has become an even more acrobatic and dynamic sport, especially at a competitive level, increasing the number of injuries suffered while riding the waves. The adoption of an incorrect posture due to the instability of the board and the environment during the maneuvers generates the ideal scenario for the occurrence of injuries. Assessing postural control in a surfer is a challenge for sport science and injury prevention researchers. This analysis is necessary to evaluate surfers' sensorimotor control, in order to implement injury prevention strategies and adopt specific training practices out of the water. However, the aquatic environment is hostile to electronic equipment, making measurement and data acquisition of postural parameters difficult. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay There are several studies that have developed an electronic solution to determine the kinesiological variables that a surfer's body is exposed to (e.g. strength and acceleration); this contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of injuries. However, no surfers were evaluated in these studies. The evaluation of postural control in different profiles of surfers is important to understand whether variables such as participation in competitions and displaying better execution of techniques, as well as being older (greater maturity) and/or having more years of practice could influence movement control, allowing individuals to perform maneuvers more efficiently. This study aimed to characterize, through a surfing-like postural assessment, the postural control that surfers perform, in order to understand which factors might lead to greater or lesser control of the center of pressure (CoP). Methods A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used to collect data in this study. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Algarve Regional Health Administration. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants; if under 18 years of age, the informed consent was signed by the parents (or by the person who was legally responsible). Population The study population included Portuguese surfers living in southern Portugal. The study included both males and females, and participants were eligible for inclusion if they were 8 years of age or older. All participants agreed to voluntarily participate in the research. To be included, volunteers had to have no current injuries (self-reported), had been surfing for at least a year, with at least one training session per week, and had to be available to be present during data acquisition sessions. Measurements Measurement tools included a questionnaire and a strength platform. The data were collected in the city of Portimão (southern Portugal), in.