CHOOSING A GREAT SURFING FITNESS TRAINER & SURF COACH
When choosing a surfing coach it is vital they are the right person for you. Choosing a coach because they surf well or because you like they way the look, may not be the best idea. You want a qualified coach living in reality so that s/he gives good advice and holds you accountable for your actions.
Choosing a Great Surfing Coach is a bit like Selecting the Best Wave
You have to choose between many waves before that great one comes along. There are many people who offer coaching yet it takes time to develop as both an athlete and a coach. Great coaches in all disciplines have spent years fine tuning their coaching skills and learning how to deal with the variety of people that come their way asking for help.
Many professionals and amateurs don’t know exactly how to choose a great surfing coach because they have never had one in the past. Surfers often try to work everything out on their own and forget most other sports have coaches to help athletes develop, train and fine tune skills. There are many factors qualified coaches can help you with to quickly improve your surfing performance in the water.
A surfing coach should obviously be a surfer, yet more importantly s/he should be someone with a career in the coaching profession. Great coaches have often experienced life and management challenges and understand there are many important aspects to consider to consistently raise sporting and athletic performance.
Surfing Training Coach: FIVE Tips To Help You…
Tip 1. When first considering a surfing coach visit their sites, books or manuals and find out as much about them as you can. Contact them by phone or email and ask specific questions related to you and where you want to go as a surfer. See if they are a good match for your personality and personal needs.
Tip 2. Understand that all coaches have their own techniques and abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Are you wanting to ride Mavericks, Jaws and huge waves? Or, is your goal to get on the WQS or ASP Tour? Perhaps you are just starting out and want to get sponsored. What are your specific needs? Find a coach to help with those specific needs.
Tip 3. All surfing coaches aim to help you surf better, however it may be that you need more than one coach. You may need someone who is an expert on competition strategies and another one who is a professional at video analysis and performance. You may want a physical therapist or trainer. Avoid limiting yourself by only having one coach.
Tip 4. One of the most important keys is finding a coach who specializes in movement and performance. Many coaches are great surfers yet may not be able to teach or instill correct motor patterns for faster and more powerful surfing. A great coach will study and understand physiology, psychology, human development and human performance. They will take into account who you are as an individual and will consider all angles.
Tip 5. Just ask them the biggest thing that is holding you back or that you want to focus on ( anxiety, gaining power, wrong board or fin selection, competition nervousness, cant seem to develop power, recovery between surfs or heats etc, lack fitness, lacking in energy, surfing nutrition, mind games, sore shoulders, need to lose flab etc) and see how they reply to get a feel for their unique style. Ask them who have they worked with in the past? Who have they helped reach better levels of performance and how they can help you specifically achieve your goals.
Even if you only check in with your surfing coach once a month for ongoing support and advice at least you have a coach!
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For private performance coaching contact me at info@surftrainingsecrets.com
Surf Training Secrets
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