Best Exercises to Improve Your Surfing Technique
Surfing requires power, strength, and balance. Being in top shape is a must before paddling out. If your hamstrings, quads, and other muscles are weak, you may experience injuries right from the start. Certain exercises can boost your performance and improve your surfing technique. The key is to prepare your body ahead of time and stick to your workouts.
The summer is already here, but you still have time to get in shape. Here are some of the best exercises to hone your surfing skills and stay injury-free:
Single Leg Squats
Single leg squats are an excellent form of unilateral training. They help build lower body strength, increase your power, and boost metabolic conditioning.
Compared to traditional squats, this exercise puts less stress on your back. Additionally, it activates your quads, hamstrings, and glutes to a greater extent. At the same time, it strengthens your core. These muscles have a direct impact on your surfing performance.
BOSU Ball Pushups
The BOSU ball challenges your balance in a similar way to the surfboard. When you’re doing pushups on a BOSU ball, your core and arm muscles work harder to keep you stable. For extra resistance, place your feet on an elevated surface. To make this exercise easier, rest your knees on the ground.
If you don’t have a BOSU ball, do standard pushups. Use your core muscles to control the movement. You can also try ring pushups, which add more instability.
Squat Jumps
Surfers need a lot of power in their legs and glutes. This allows them to generate speed and land safely. Squat jumps help develop explosive power while building lower body strength. It’s a dynamic exercise that boosts your endurance, vertical jump, and functional fitness.
This exercise requires nothing but your own bodyweight, so you can work out in the comfort of your home. Do at least five reps per set, and up to five sets per session.
Balance Drills
Lunges, Bulgarian split squats, ice skater squats, and single leg deadlifts are all an excellent choice for improving your balance and stability. These movements can be done with or without weights, providing a full body workout. Over time, you will be able to dynamically stabilize your joints, react faster, and improve your surfing technique.
Your workout can also include pull-ups and chin-ups, sprints, deadlift variations, kettlebell swings, Turkish get-ups, and more. It all comes down to your fitness level. For best results, hire a personal trainer. He will evaluate your physical condition and develop an exercise plan that targets your weakest areas and builds overall strength.
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