Surf vacations offer a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation on the beach. Especially if you are thinking of traveling to Fuerteventura, this blog is designed to give you the basics of how to prepare your body for surfing. It is not a blog for professional preparation or optimization. It is a blog for surfers who try it for the first time or can only surf two weeks a year during their vacations.
To get the most out of it, it is essential to know that surfing is a complex and energy-intensive discipline.
In this blog, we will explore the most appropriate training to ensure you are fit and ready to take on the waves with confidence. But more important than physical preparation is to understand that it is more important to expose yourself to conditions that are truly appropriate for your level and not to underestimate the ocean.
There is no perfect physical training, it has to be in accordance with your age and fitness level. One of the strongest points of the blog is that you should think that surfing loves you to have a very balanced body. I mean a balance between endurance and strength will be the formula that will lead you to accelerate the learning curve. Prioritize repetition over strength is a very personal advice.
- Physical Training:
Core Strength: Surfing requires a strong core to maintain balance on the board. Incorporate exercises such as planks, crunches and yoga to strengthen this area.
Upper Strength: Work your arms, shoulders and back with exercises such as push-ups, deadlifts and rowing.
Cardio: Improve your cardiovascular endurance with running, swimming and cycling. Cardiovascular capacity will help you stay active during long sessions in the water.
2. Balance and Flexibility:
Balance is fundamental in surfing. Practice balance exercises, such as yoga and Swiss ball training, to improve your stability on the board. Flexibility is also essential to maneuver with ease. Stretch key muscles, such as hamstrings, hips and shoulders, regularly.
3. Pool Practice:
If you are new to surfing, consider that one of the best exercises you can do is to train in the pool. It is the closest way to train all the muscles you use in paddling. If you can paddle in a pool with a board and know the basic paddling patterns, so much the better. This will allow you to become familiar with the board and basic techniques in a controlled environment.
4. Do Paddle surf:
One of the most ingenious options to be in shape is to practice stand up paddle (without waves better) is a discipline that will help you get familiar with the water, balance training and of course get fit the whole body as the stand up paddle is a perfect discipline to work most of the parts that you will need in surfing with a board.
5. Do surfskate:
I have commented before on what an incredible complement to your training is surfskate. In a blog I wrote some time ago, I comment on the huge physical training and muscle memory of the position. All this homework you already do at home.
6. Food Planning:
Maintain a balanced diet rich in lean protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats to maintain energy. Drink enough water to stay hydrated, especially when you are out in the sun for long periods of time.
7. Rest and Recovery:
Don’t underestimate the importance of rest. Surfing can be exhausting, so make sure you get enough sleep and allow your body to recover after long sessions in the water.
Thank you very much for reading this blog, if you have any questions or suggestions on how to prepare your surf training for a vacation or just to be a better surfer. Don’t hesitate and contact me. Surely I can help you in many things in reference to this sport so complete and exciting.
Good waves
Jordi
