Start Surfing and Enjoy the Fun and Fitness

May 12, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Ant Cocco

Surfing is a great alternative to gym style workouts. It can also be a great escape from the cares and worries of the world. The ocean for many can have a very soothing and stress relieving effect. Couple these effects with surfing and you end up with a total mind and body workout.

Surfing promotes aerobic and anaerobic fitness benefits. Or in other words, surfing increases endurance and strengthens muscles throughout the entire body. The art of catching a wave involves several key factors all working together. First and foremost is the understanding of your own limits. Are you a good swimmer? It is oftentimes recommended that you not paddle out farther than you think you would be able to swim without a surfboard or other flotation device. If you have any doubts about your swimming ability you may want to reconsider surfing in the ocean and maybe start with your local wave pool. Next would be knowledge and understanding of swells, tides, currents, channels, reefs, sand bars and wave anatomy. Most of Mother Nature’s tendencies become common sense once you have been ocean educated. Not to be overlooked, and probably one of the most important factors is surfing etiquette. Respect the ocean and be respectful of others.

Start with a large board if surfing for the first time. A larger board will help with balance. Check your equipment. Make sure you have a leash and that you have fastened it to the ankle of the leg that will be placed on the rear of the board. Wax up your board to keep yourself from slipping or sliding off. Make sure to stretch and do not surf right after a meal. You can always practice on the beach before hand with the board on the sand or grass or better yet, just take it out into the white water. Get a feel for the board in shallow water before attempting to paddle out. In shallow water, lie down on the board and find the spot on the board that brings the nose up out of the water by just a few inches. Try your paddling. You should be able to glide without too much effort. If your board feels like it is really dragging then you may be too far back. White water can also be a good place to practice your pop up. If your board is buoyant enough you could probably just turn it towards the shore and wait. Once you feel the white water taking the board, place both hands down flat on the board in a push up movement, bring one of your legs under your torso and slowly stand up. After a few tries you should be able to speed up your pop up.

When you are ready to try your hand at a wave, head out past the white water and into the lineup. Point your board back to shore and wait for the swell. Start your paddling before the wave reaches you. When you feel the wave start to lift yourself and the board lean back slightly with your chest raised and place your hands flat on the board. Wait until you reach the flat of the water before attempting your pop up. Another option is to ride prone the first few times to get used to the feel of catching a wave.

As is the case with any new sport or activity, progress and improvement is going to require consistent effort and hard work. The thrill of riding waves and the fostered connection with nature is well worth the physical and mental challenges that surfing demands.

Ant Cocco enjoys outdoor activity and fitness related articles. Visit her Stand Up Paddle blog and forum at http://supsista.com.

Article Source: Ant Cocco

Start Surfing and Enjoy the Fun and Fitness

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