Even the best pro’s in the world have surfing exercises and surf training programs to adhere to while on tour and this year’s Quiksiler Pro Contest France demonstrated why they are an important part of the development of surfing. Lots of the guys on tour are injured, many surfers in general have back, shoulder and knee pain and the new school crew are pushing surfing dynamics that will only increase the likelihood of compression, rotational and impact injuries.
The new school surfers are changing the elements of surfing that ultimately means surfers at all levels that aspire to pull off the big moves will do much better when surfing exercises and workouts are incorporated into their lifestyles – pretty much like any other athletes.
I believe the scene has gone full circle. Years ago every surfer was a cruiser, yet Shaun Thompson way back in the 70’s knew that surfers are athletes and as time has gone on surfers are starting to realize that like golf – fitness, core strength, full body power and sport specific surfing exercises are important elements of the body that can be much better trained out of the water to improve surfing performance.
The scene has also gone full circle in terms of how surfing and more dynamic maneuvers have developed over the years. Surfers originally found pools and slopes to skate for their ‘fix’ and to maintain that surfing feel during flat spells. This was their surfing exercise – fantastic and I am a big believer that other board sports should be incorporated into any ones surfing training program. That then lead to snowboarding, wake boarding, ramps, terrain parks, bowls and half pipes. Matt Archibold and Christian Fletcher busted onto the scene in the late 80’s bringing with them skate and snow boosts and today their movement seems to be having a massive affect on pro surfing judging and adds a fresh new element to surfing.
With this however comes more people boosting onto flat landings, boards being blown by the wind, bigger airs with bigger consequence and more injuries. Surfing these days is going more and more like ramp and half pipe riding and when the opportunity presents itself to boost into the air and spin – everyone is boosting...in order to remain in good shape for surfing it is crucial surfers protect the joints in the body that take the impact.
Specific strength and flexibility work is vital to be able to pull such maneuvers and to be able to pull them consistently without busting up your body for life.
Remember, surfing is our medicine – for private performance coaching to improve your surfing fitness and surfing mind-body contact Hayden at info@surftrainingsecrets.com
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