This study classified stand-up paddle (SUP) practitioners by using cluster analysis of kinematic and neuromuscular activity. 14 male paddleboarders (24.2 ± 7.1 yrs) performed 3 submaximal trials of 65-m. Surface electromyography of upper trapezius (UT), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis, on both sides of the body. Speed, stroke frequency, distance per stroke, and stroke index (SI) were also assessed. Clusters were discriminated between performances in different groups according to speed (F = 4.24, p = 0.043, ?2 = 0.44). The left UT of the left pull (F = 7.20, p = 0.010, ?2 = 0.57), the right TB of the left recovery (F = 6.21, p = 0.016, ?2 = 0.53), and the right TB of the left pull (F = 5.80, p = 0.019, ?2 = 0.51) were the main variables of the clusters. Best performers were characterised by high activations of the left UT during the left pull and the left TB during the right recovery, along with greater SI. Poor performers displayed low activations of right TB during the pull and recovery phases. Better performers showed high activations, in UT and TB during the pull and recovery phases, emphasising their role in SUP performance.
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