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The complete physical guidelines for the average surfer
Thursday, 03 January 2013 15:04

Surfer: only a trained body knows the feeling

More than 95% of all world surfers are amateur, non-professional athletes and ride waves for fun. Nevertheless, the average surfer may have challenges and substantially improve its performance in the water.


Being an average surfer is what most of the wave riders are. Surfing once, twice or thrice a week, it doesn't matter. As Duke Kahanamoku said, "the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.

Staying fit to surf is, therefore, critical. Improving your surf technique depends on how ready you are to challenge the next wave. It is very easy to improve your physical performance with a few guidelines for life.

Amateur surfers have nothing to lose, but they can have great challenges ahead, whether it's getting airborne or deep in the barrel. You'll see how your surfing skills will get a boost with 10 simple behaviors that will also extend your life expectancy:

1. Quit smoking. You'll improve your lung capacity for paddling by 30%, between two weeks and three months after quitting cigarettes.
2. Eat well. You can keep enjoying the taste of food, while avoiding processed food that may cause cancer.
3. Drink water. Always start and finish your day with a glass of water. Mineral water will fight calories and energize your muscles.
4. Exercise your body all week long. One running day, one biking day and one rope workout day will keep your overall fitness for surfing.
5. Plan and memorize a simple pre-surf training scheme. Warming up will prepare your muscles for surfing and will kick-off the blood movement.
6. Avoid alcohol four out of seven days of the week. Alcohol increases blood pressure and reduces the strength of your body.
7. Stretch after surfing. It helps to reduce muscle fatigue and prevent future injuries.
8. Walk for 10 minutes every day. Burn calories, reduce tension and strengthen muscles, bones and joints.
9. Have cold showers during summer. While improving blood circulation, cold showers strengthen immunity, deepens breathing and regulates body temperature.
10. Sleep well. Plan your sleeping, when possible, to meet seven hours of rest. Sleeping helps you get an healthy weight and will improve your surfing performance.

Discover our detailed surf training program.


 

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