Surf Fitness- Upper Body Strength
Before you read the following post, keep in mind that you DO NOT have to be strong as you start surfing! Like any sport, gaining physical strength will simply help make it easier to perform the sport. So don't get discouraged!
One of the most important aspects of surfing is having a strong upper body. Why is that? Let me explain. Upper body strength is critical for surfing because it helps you with:
-Paddling: As the primary way to move your board in the water and catch waves, you must use your arms, shoulders, back, and chest muscles to propel yourself forward and maneuver your board.
Paddling also requires endurance, as you may have to paddle for long distances or against strong currents. A strong upper body will make paddling easier and faster, allowing you to catch more waves and have more fun.
-Pop-ups: An explosive movement you do to stand up on your board when you catch a wave. You need to use your arms, shoulders, chest, and core muscles to push yourself up from a prone position to a standing position in a fraction of a second. Having a strong upper body will make pop-ups smoother and quicker, improving your balance and stability on the board.
-Duck diving: A technique you use to dive under breaking waves when paddling out. You must use your arms, shoulders, chest, and back muscles to push your board down and then pull it up as you pass under the wave. A strong upper body will make duck dives more efficient and effective, saving you energy and time.
-Turns: The maneuvers you do to change direction or carve on the face of the wave. You need to use your arms, shoulders, chest, and core muscles to twist your torso and shift your weight on the board. A strong upper body will make turns more powerful and precise, enhancing your performance and style.
As you can see, upper body strength is essential for surfing. It will help you improve your skills, increase confidence, and enjoy the sport more. So how can you develop upper body strength for surfing? There are many exercises that you can do at home or in the gym that target the muscles involved in surfing. Some examples are:
-Push-ups: engage your whole body, strengthening the core, aligning the spine, and improving shoulder control. When it comes to surfing, a strong upper body means easier pop-ups and duck dives, as well as shoulder injury prevention.
-Chin-ups: help surfers by working on upper body strength, including the biceps and the back. These muscles are essential for paddling and turning on the board.
-Landmine exercises: involve placing one end of a barbell on the ground with the other propped up on a weight. You can then perform various movements with the weighted end of the barbell, such as roll-outs, deadlifts, or presses. These exercises work on your core and upper body stability, which are vital for surfing.
These are just some exercises to improve your upper body strength for surfing. You can also try other activities that involve using your upper body, such as swimming, rowing, or boxing. The key is to be consistent, challenge yourself, and have fun.
Happy surfing!
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