New Study Reveals the Hidden Key to Surfing Mastery: Exceptional Glute Strength

Researchers noted moderate to large correlations between glute-dominant strength measures and judges' scores for speed, power, and flow.

A few days ago, we joined together to celebrate the imminent arrival of Kelly Slater’s third child, the announcement made by simultaneously by Slater and his Chinese girlfriend Kalani Miller, and which was illustrated by a series of black-and-white photographs.

Sharp-eyed readers who examined the carousel of photos were quick to point out the unusual physique of the 11-time world champion, noting a barrel-like midsection strapped to the most beautiful Grecian vase-like ass.

And it was this observation that brought to mind, the tour success of Ethan Ewing, whose ass has been described as “overwhelming” and as the “plumpest and most spankable bottom in surfing” and a report from one of the world’s best shapers that John John Florence is the owner of an ass that would overwhelm even Ethan Ewing’s.

All three men deliver surfing of such joyous purity and energy it hits you right there in the stomach.

(Such a contrast to the herky-jerky turns and handstands of no-ass Italo Ferreira.)

Now, groundbreaking research has highlighted the gluteus maximus as a primary driver of elite wave performance, with “champions like Kelly Slater, Ethan Ewing, and John John Florence exhibiting outsized development in the muscle group.”

In a finding that may reshape training regimens across the professional surfing world, a comprehensive new peer-reviewed study has identified the gluteus maximus,, which is, as you know, the body’s largest and most powerful muscle, as “a decisive factor in achieving greatness on the waves.”

Published in the Journal of Biomechanics and Performance, the research analysed muscle activation patterns, force production, and performance metrics among elite and competitive surfers. It concludes that superior gluteus maximus strength and hypertrophy directly correlate with enhanced wave-riding power, rotational control, and explosive manoeuvres.

“While paddling endurance and upper-body strength have long dominated discussions of surfing physiology, our data show that the posterior chain — particularly the gluteus maximus — serves as the foundational engine for translating wave energy into dynamic performance,” said lead author Dr. Elena Vasquez, a biomechanist.

“Hip extension powered by the glutes is critical during pop-ups, bottom turns, aerial rotations, and high-speed carves. Elite surfers generate significantly greater peak torque from this muscle group, allowing them to maintain speed, project higher, and recover from off-balance positions with unmatched efficiency.”

The study drew on electromyography data from simulated wave-riding scenarios, as well as longitudinal tracking of professional athletes. It built on earlier findings linking lower-body power — including countermovement jump height and isometric hip extension force — to competitive success.

Researchers noted moderate to large correlations between glute-dominant strength measures and judges’ scores for speed, power, and flow. Particularly striking were observations of prominent figures in the sport.

The study’s authors suggest this anatomical edge may explain their ability to generate explosive hip drive and maintain board control under extreme G-forces.

“Everything starts and finishes at your ass,” says John John Florence. “It is the beginning of the chain. It’s crazy how much it’s all connected.”

Terrific news yes?

Or are you a no-ass man?