Estimation and Visualization of Paddling Effort for Stand Up Paddle Boarding with a Geographical Information System

In this study, the ‘paddling effort’ is proposed as the total amount of physical activity in Stand up Paddle Boarding (SUP) paddling, which should take into account the wind factor during a course race. The estimation and visualization of the paddling effort were done using a Geographical Information System (GIS) to record and evaluate individual performances or to compare the performances of the participants with each other. To do this, a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) watch with heart rate and cadence monitors was used for recording the location, pitch of paddling, and heart rate of a participant during paddling. The wind vector (speed and direction) was recorded by an anemometer, which was synchronized with the GPS data. Additionally, ‘paddling efficiency,’ which was calculated from the paddling effort and heart rate, was proposed for indicating the total efficiency of paddling activity.