Flexibility is the Big Barrier for Most in Surfing
Years of surf instruction has shown me Flexibility is the Big Barrier for Most in Surfing. Flexibility is necessary for surfing because of the need to go from lying down on the surfboard to standing up. Inflexibility is common from kids to seniors. Inactivity is the greatest cause.
New surf students go through a dry land instruction on the beach where they learn the process of standing up on the surfboard. Many students demonstrate on the beach they don’t have the flexibility to do a proper pop up. This becomes a greater liability in the water because it is tougher in the water.
The Path to Flexibility for Surfing
Becoming flexible is not just about stretching. I can put my palms to the floor but that doesn’t make me loose for the pop up. The pop up needs flexibility in the hamstrings, buttocks, and lower back. It also needs the body joints to all be working. When there is a particular problem area in a body, it can be come a handicap.
Strength is also important. At the beginning of a pop up the surfer has to do a push up so they can get their feet under their body. Some don’t have the upper body strength to lift their weight. The legs have to be strong because in the beginner push up, the back leg is lifting the body up until the front leg hits the board.
This, of course, brings in the question of weight for two reasons. More weight is tougher to lift. Weight was probably gained because the person was not exercising sufficiently. This happens now with all ages. The proper course for surf improvement often involves losing weight while getting stronger.
Aerobic fitness is important for having longer sessions. There is a lot of effort in surfing and a body not used to the oxygen uptake will tire quickly. Advanced surfers want to spend a few hours in the water so fitness from surfing often or cross training out of the water become important.
Flexibility is developed in some sports kids pursue like gymnastics. Yoga and dance help adults. Weight lifting helps people develop over all body strength which greatly assists with a pop up. The best specific exercises are burpies, dead lifts, and squats. These develop strength and flexibility in the hamstrings, buttocks, and lower back. Standing on one leg and holding the toes of the other leg is great for the buttocks. Or just lifting the leg to table height and reaching for you toes does the same thing.
Building a full body capability can help a surfer advance more quickly. He can perform the necessary techniques. He has the stamina to practice longer. He has the confidence to attempt bigger waves and risks. A great way to improve your lifestyle by being able and capable of doing what you want.
Read Other Posts:
Beginner Surfers Learn on Soft Tops
5 Steps to Improve Surfing Performance
3 Ways to Catch Real Surfing Waves
Training to Ride the Surfing Short Board
Short Board Surfing Techniques
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