Swimming Metrics for Surfers

Useful Metrics

• RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and breath cadence
• Repeatable pace over short repeats at easy effort
• Heart rate trends (lower HR for the same pace over time)
• Consistency: even pacing and relaxed form

Contextual Metrics

• Stroke rate (cadence): spikes for sprints, moderate for cruising
• Stroke length: helps economy but not at cost of a slipping catch
• EVF quality (qualitative): clean catches per length

Misleading or Overrated

• SWOLF: pool-focused; boards and ocean conditions change the game
• Absolute pace: wetsuits, chop, currents skew comparisons
• Counting strokes alone: ignores catch quality and body position

What to Track in Practice

• Easy aerobic swims with nasal breathing and calm exhale
• Short technique sets prioritizing EVF and relaxed shoulders
• Occasional cadence-focused sprints maintaining a clean catch
• Calm under stress and post-set recovery time

Related Reading

• Stroke Rate vs Stroke Length
• Swimming for Surfers