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IntroductionThis study investigated surfing performance in surfers with transfemoral amputations (TFAs) and transtibial amputations (TTAs) who participated in international para surfing competitions. The purpose of this research was to compare surfers with lower-limb amputations with judged wave scores and surfing experience for para surfing classification efficacy.Materials and MethodsCollected archived data (n = 20) from classification records included demographics, residual limb lengths, surfing experiences, and judged wave scores. Continuous variables age (years), residual leg length (cm), remaining leg length (%), prior surfing experience (years), and duration of competing experience (years) were analyzed using independent sample t-test. Ordinal variables surfing performance scores of 2019 and 2020 between the groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman ρ correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between the duration of prior surfing experience and duration of competition experience with the surfing score in both groups.ResultsSurfers with TFA with longer residual limb lengths (n = 3) and surfers with TTA (n = 14) surfed with a prosthetic leg standing. Surfers with TFA with shorter residual limb lengths (n = 3) surfed without a prosthesis kneeling. We found that para surfers who stood or kneeled with TFA performed significantly better than para surfers with TTA, reflected through judged wave scores in 2019 (P = 0.028) and 2020 (P = 0.019). No statistically significant relationship existed between para surfers with TFA who kneeled or stood. No statistically significant relationship existed between years of para surfing and judged wave scores.ConclusionsSurfers with TFA who stood or kneeled received higher judged wave scores than surfers with TTA; however, no other significant significance was found for TFA intragroup comparisons or prior surf experience. The data size was too small for confirmatory analysis. Results appeal to a new need for inquiry on para surfers with TFA and TTA, specifically biomechanical performance surfing differences.Clinical RelevanceIndividuals with transfemoral and/or transtibial amputations can participate competitively in para surfing contests. Surfers with TFAs can successfully compete either standing with a prosthesis or kneeling without a prosthesis.

The sport of competitive para surfing is growing internationally without established classification procedures. A classification structure is essential for equitable sport competition and worldwide sport progression. This narrative review summarizes the existing knowledge on Paralympic classification and surfing biomechanics. Its primary purpose is to describe the development of an evidence‐based para surfing classification structure that follows the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Code. Two databases—PubMed and Google Scholar—were searched for three themes: “Paralympic classification”, “performance determining factors in surfing”, and “impact of impairments on surf performance”. The IPC Classification Code and IPC regulations were obtained from the IPC website and official publications. Seventy‐six relevant articles were utilized to guide the design of this preliminary para surfing classification structure. A conceptual framework on athlete characteristics, adaptive sport characteristics, and use of equipment is presented to build the essential knowledge base for continual growth of para surfing. This classification structure and conceptual framework will support para surfing sport expansion and help pave the way for its inclusion in the Paralympic Games.