Surfing is experiencing a surge in popularity as more people are eager to go out and try new activities in nature. According to an industry report, sales of seven to nine-foot surfboards increased by almost 3,700 percent in May 2020, compared to the same period in previous years. Moreover, places that didn’t have a booming water sports scene, such as Dayton, Ohio, now have tight-knit and growing surfing communities, as locals and out-of-state visitors are heading to these city to enjoy this exhilarating pastime. Surfing not only allows you to reconnect with nature, but it’s also a great workout that promotes cardiovascular fitness, improves strength and coordination, and instills confidence. If you’re about to go surfing for the very first time, or if you’re about to take it up again after a long break, there are certain workouts that you must do in order to get in shape before heading to the water. Here are the best exercises to get fit for surfing.
Don’t Underestimate The Power Of Yoga
The combination of yoga and surfing isn’t new in professional surfing: US competitive surfer Kelly Slater, who is ranked Number 1 in worldwide lists of the greatest and most skilled surfers of all time, regularly practices yoga as cross training. Though he started his career in the early 90s, Slater, who holds the record for being both the youngest and oldest World Champion in surfing history, continues to be active in the sport to this day. Yoga may have contributed to his skill and staying power, as this practice enhances strength and flexibility, and studies have shown that it also improves lung capacity. Improving lung capacity can help you increase paddling speed and maximize your wave count. Consider doing yoga at least three times a week to improve your balance and overall surfing performance before taking to the water.
Try CrossFit Training
Just like any other sport, surfing requires a lot of endurance, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by doing regular CrossFit training sessions. CrossFit improves endurance, as it tackles all areas of fitness, and its high-intensity, multi-joint movements can enhance your stamina. This workout can also improve mobility and agility, which is essential whether you’re surfing for fun or you’re about to join as a professional competitor. It’s also a particularly good exercise for those who can surf but are unable to go to the beach everyday, since CrossFit mimics a lot of surfing movements, such as the quick jump that you have to do from lying prone to standing on the board.
Take To The Dance Floor
For a fun workout that’ll keep you in surfing shape, try busting out a move on the dance floor – or in your living room. Dancing is a full-body workout that improves coordination, allowing you to get quicker to rise on your feet when you’re on the board. It also allows you to move your feet better, and enables you to complete turns with more ease. You’ll also be able to execute more powerful turns and feel more in tune with your body, so include dancing in your workout routine before grabbing your surf board.
Whether you’re a beginner or you’re about to go back to surfing after a long break, doing yoga, CrossFit or dance can help to enhance your surf experience. Try these workouts to get in shape for surfing, and see how it can improve your overall performance.
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Sally Perkins
