Best Balance Exercises to Improve Your Surfing
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With summer already here, you may be tempted to take in some rays of sun on the beach and maybe even catch some waves. If you want to make sure you’re ready and fit to ride the tide, then improving your balance is key.
Whilst some people may have been born to surf, there are always ways in which you can improve your balance to make your surfing trip more enjoyable. Aside from practicing with a surfboard, there are many exercises that can be done to improve your balance so that you don’t make a fool of yourself!
Here I will outline a few exercises that could have a monumental impact on your surfing and will keep you fit and strong for riding those epic waves we all dream of catching some day.
At home
Photo credit: woman.thenest.com
These exercises are quick and simple and can be easily done at home whilst you are going about your daily life. When it comes to balance, the best way to progress is often through repetition rather than complexity.
- I would recommend you practice standing on one leg on uneven surfaces. A pillow can be used as a makeshift surfboard and you can practice your balance by closing your eyes and standing on one leg.
- It is also a good idea to acquire a balancing board and practice every day. You can start by just standing on it and follow that up by doing some activities like washing your dishes or even doing laundry!
- Doing daily chores on one leg, for example reorganizing your shelves – reaching and moving items from the lowest to the highest shelves whilst staying on one leg at all times – will also lead to the development of your balancing skills.
In the Gym
Photo credit: trxtraining.com
Some of the following exercises are easier to do at a gym and involve strengthening your muscles so that they can withstand the unpredictable nature of the sea. Going to the gym to get this core strength training done will ensure that you don’t get battered and pushed about by the waves.
- I would advise doing multi-joint exercises, which involve your whole body and make your body feel like one piece rather than training just legs or biceps. If you’re looking for the perfect beach body, then focussing on your biceps might be important. But if you are looking to improve your balance, building your body up as a whole rather than isolating muscles is key. Multi-joint exercises, like squats with an overhead press (push press), are great for working multiple parts of the body to achieve strength that will aid your balancing technique.
- It is also important to focus on advanced core strengthening, which can be achieved through TRX exercises. Further exercises like Jack Knife Sit-ups, Seated Leg Tucks and Pikes are fantastic for overall core strength as well. Popping up from the surfboard, whilst involving skill, relies heavily on core strength. If you are looking to become a regular surfer, then developing your core muscles is a must. Otherwise, you might be stuck lying flat on your board floating out to sea!
- You can also practice your exercises on a Bosu ball, which is very useful for both balance and coordination. Often the best way to interact with a Bosu ball is by incrementally progressing your exercises so that they gradually become more difficult. You can start by standing with two legs on the Bosu ball, followed by using just one leg, followed by doing single leg squats. This should lead to a progression of both your core strength and your essential balancing skills!
Photo by Nathan Rupert
Exercises to improve your balance can be done anytime, anywhere. As long as you show dedication and perseverance, you should be able to see a marked improvement in your ability to balance.
This means you will be able to stay on the surfboard for longer and charge big waves in harsh conditions. Of course, the final stage to improving your balance for a better surfing experience is down to your willingness and courage where it counts: the sea.
Now that you have the skills, it’s time to get out there! Go to BookSurfCamps.com and start planning your next surfing trip.