Surfing Fitness

We all know that surfing is great fun. It is one of the only sports that requires a mixture of all aspects of fitness; strength, endurance, agility, and balance. By training these specific areas you are setting yourself up to become a better surfer.

Strength when it comes to surfing is simply the ability to propel your body through the water, and the power needed to obtain a standing position on the board. There are an infinite number of strength building exercises, however, to achieve maximum satisfaction while surfing it is best to follow a surfing-specific routine. The most noted method to build muscle strength is the lifting of weights in a series of repetitions or “reps”. A beneficial surfing exercise to follow is known as the “Shoulder Roll”. The shoulder roll is executed by holding a light free weight (5-10 pounds) in each hand and slowly rolling your shoulders in a circular motion, while keeping the back straight. Always make sure that you look after your back and follow proper back care!By building up your muscular strength, you are going to be able to surf much longer, and handle more radical conditions.

Endurance in fitness is simply the ability to withstand muscle strain for a period of time. To be a good surfer, you need to be a good paddler, for the majority of the session is spent paddling. Many surfers would agree that paddling is probably the most strenuous part of any surfing experience. One method of building paddling endurance is known as “suicides”. To perform Suicides paddle in pre-set time increments, and increase that time every repetition. For example, the first repetition would be 10 seconds of non-stop paddling; the second would be 20 seconds of non-stop paddling; and the third would be 40 seconds. And so on and so forth. With this method, you will definitely be able to last more hours in the water.

Agility is very important in pulling off impressive maneuvers such as cutbacks and sprays. One noted method to increase agility is to do “figure runs”, or simply run in the pattern of a specific figure or shape. Cross-training with "street surfers" or long boards is a beneficial way to see an improvement in your agility. These boards are similar to skateboards, and generally range from three to five feet. Long boards, like skateboards, have four wheels and 2 "trucks". By using a long board you will notice that your actual surfing will be more fluid, yet aggressive. If the surf is ordinary, do not sit at home on the play station, get out the “street surfer” and practice your surfing techniques.

To be a good surfer, you have to have balance. Balance is what differentiates between a killer aerial, or simply falling off the nose of the board. Then again, not everyone is born with balance; it is one of those things that are gained with practice and time. However, the learning process can be sped up with the use of a few different tools. The use of the stability ball will be what we focus on to improve balance. A stability ball is simply a large rubber-like ball filled with air that can be used for a variety of exercises; ranging from core workouts to balance training. By increasing the muscle strength in the specified ares, the stability balls increases your balance. To learn about a variety of stability ball exercises, visit the guys at TotalSurfingFitnessPlus.Com

By training these aspects of fitness through physical workouts, you are essentially increasing your potential to be a better surfer. Never give up, just keep looking towards the ultimate goal.

Core Training For Surfers

It is a proven fact that the majority of impressive surfing maneuvers you see professionals pull off are all byproducts of a well-built core. The core is the abdominal muscles, back muscles, and shoulder muscles that make up the torso. When you see a surfer perform a cutback, you can guarantee that their abdominal muscles are being worked hard. By following a specific workout routine, like the ones offered by www.TotalSurfingFitnessPlus.com; you can be on your way to shredding like the professionals.

The main reason many struggle when learning new techniques is usually not due to misunderstanding of the method; rather it is the lack of physical ability to execute it successfully. There are loads of core-building exercises that can be performed without a gym membership and a fancy eating plan. Many of the most effective regimens generally require as little as a weight set, while some others require nothing at all. For example, the plank is a fairly well known example of a core-building exercise. The plank is performed by getting into the push up position, but instead of using your hands to support you, use your forearms. Keep the back erect, and hold this position for as long as possible. If done correctly, your core will become more muscular, and endurance will increase. The next exercise is known as a “chair squat”. The chair squat is the perfect way to learn proper form for a weighted squat, while gaining physical benefits. To perform chair squats, stand up straight, with feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms directly in front of you, and proceed to bend your knees. The chair forces you to keep your knees behind your toes when you squat, prevents any other error in form. And last, but by no means least we have the crunch. The crunch is possibly the most convenient exercise due to the fact that it can be done anywhere. To perform a crunch, lay flat on the ground with your knees bent, and feet shoulder-width apart. Lay your hands flat on your thighs, and as you push your upper-body towards your thighs, exhale.

The next segment of exercises will require a set of dumbbells. When using dumbbells it is always advised to take precaution, and use proper lifting technique. Failure to do so can result in health vulnerabilities and loss of satisfaction in your workouts. The first method we will discuss is known as the “dumbbell crawl”. To perform this exercise you will need approximately 10 feet of unobstructed space. To make a start, take a set of heavier dumbells and place then parallel to each other. Kneel in front of the dumbbells and grasp them in your hands. Obtain the push up position while still grasping the dumbbells. Slowly move each dumbbell several inches in front of you, followed by the respective leg. Alternate until you have reached the end of the room. This may sound simple, but it targets the core specifically, and may well be one of the most strenuous exercises.

Finally, we will discuss the stability ball or “fit ball” and provide a sample targeted exercise that can be performed with it. The stability ball is an amazing piece of equipment, having countless exercises covering the entire body. The versatility of the stability ball stems from the fact that it can be inflated and deflated in a matter of minutes. When choosing a fitness ball, it is best to find one that provides somewhat of a challenge to balance on. It is best to test a ball before you purchase it, but if you do not have this option look for one that is approximately 25 inches in diameter. Our sample exercise comes from www.SurfingTraining.org and it is known as a ball crunch. To properly perform a ball crunch Sit on the exercise ball and find your balance spot. Next, lean half-way back without moving your feet, then return to the sitting position. For full crunches just lean back completely. You will notice a substantial improvement in your surfing after completing 10 - 15 repetitions per workout.

Physical fitness is one of the most important aspects in the sport of surfing. By following a core workout regimen such as those offered by My Blog, you gain the ability to perform insane maneuvers and exponentially increase your surfing ability.

Spend Your Holidays Enjoying Windsurfing at Mexico

Rocky Point Mexico is the tourist spot where you’ll come across beautiful natural and cultural beauties sufficient to catch the attention of the visitors from all over the world. You can surely make this your next vacation destination, and enjoy your vacation time here in Mexico.

You will come across quite a few sightseeing in Mexico but windsurfing near Rocky Point is something that cannot be left out! You will learn about some attractive sightseeing in this article.

1. Windsurfing:

Rocky Point is remarkable for its beautiful seashores and therefore, there is an ample opportunity for windsurfing. You may find out which direction is best for it. Moreover, you should also learn whether there is any hazard that you may encounter during your windsurfing.

2. Gunpowder Falls State Park:

It is remarkable for its ability to boosting up southerly winds during the summer months. Winds blowing from a westerly direction are off-shore and are always fluky. But there are still have chances to sail with a floaty-boat. Here you will find fair chances for windsurfing, kayaking and catamaran sailing and much more.

3. Sandy Point:

Sandy Point in Rocky Point offers you to experience leisure time on the beach. You can relax on the sandy beach and can see the beautiful fresh blue sky. You can wander with your friends to enjoy the surroundings.

4. Horn Point:

You can also make Horn Point – United States as your next vacation destination. It’s a land area which is much more prominent than a point. It is projecting into the sea and marking a notable change in coastal direction. It is usually crowded in the summer. Sail here for your enjoyment to have fun and good time.

5. Terrapin State Park:

This launch is situated at the north side of the Bay Bridge hitting the Kent Island. Because of its shallowness, it is comfortable for all. You will come across here with kiters.

In order to make your staying at Rocky Point Mexico more comfortable and enjoyable, you can find out the best Rocky Point house rentals and have fun.

Main Types of Surfboard Fin Critiqued

When surfboard design was still in its infancy, an important finding was that adding a fin to the underside would give the rider greater control and overall stability. Since then fin design has come on a long way and there is a huge variation of different fins made from multiple materials and a whole host of different shapes. However, in general terms the 2 main surfboard fins types are the glassed on and the removable fin. Here we look at the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Glassed on fins are actually built into the board and cannot be removed. They are generally found on older second hand surfboards but are now actually again being used in modern surfboard design. The great thing about these fins is that the form a very smooth and well finished join to the board, which reduced drag and speeds up the board. The fins also will not fall out in the water which can sometimes happen with removable fins. The weakness of glassed on fins is that, although rare, when they do break it is a huge headache trying to fix the fin again. On top of this, damaged fins can let water penetrate the inner layers of board and cause more extensive damage.

There are number of different types of removable fins, but the best and most widely used is generally accepted to be the FCS system. Their are a whole range of various FCS fins you can get hold off, differing in material and design. This means that you can have a number of different fins ready for certain surf conditions or riding styles. They are also very easy to replace if any get damaged as you just by a new fin, slot it in and tighten the grub screws. The fact that the fins cause a little more drag in the water and can sometimes come loose and get lost in the ocean are the only major flaws.

If you’re looking for second hand kayaks or surfboards then please visit Extreme Sports Trader

Is Surfing As Harmless As It Could Be?

Surfing and nature seem to go hand in hand. The crashing waves, the fresh sea air and the reliance on mother nature for good surf, all suggest that this is the most organic of extreme sports. A large number of environmentalist have pointed out however that something sinister lies under the surface. In actual fact, the production of surfboards has many negative effects on both the environment and peoples health.

Most surfboards nowadays are formed from a core of polyurethane foam. 1 or 2 layers of fibreglass are then added to all sides and the whole board gets a polyester resin coating. A substance widely considered as carcinogenic can be found in the foam, named toluene diisocyanate. Styrene fumes can also be emitted during its production and exposure to styrene can cause headaches, nausea and malfunctioning of the nervous system according to health officials. Additionally, carbon dioxide and VOCs (volatile organic components) are released into the atmosphere during production. Most surfboard materials these days score very low on biodegradability also.

Gordon Clark, a surfboard producer in California has even shut his factory down after all the negative attention it received recently. 85 percent of all blanks came out of Clark’s factory at one point but when State of California leaned on him heavily it was the last straw and he made the decision to shut down the equipment for good. This had led to the predicted shortage of pre-shaped surfboards in the States and so many big companies are in desperate need of alternatives.

Incredibly, one of these alternatives has been found in England, in the county of Cornwall. The new substance Biofoam was developed with help from the Surfers Against Sewage charity. The material is around 65 percent more renewable and emits 35 percent less harmful toxins due to the fact it is 45 percent plant based. Additionally, they have started using a protective resin coating on their ‘Ecoboard’ that is amazingly 99% natural also.

The company who sell the new Biofoam and Ecoboards have had interest from all over the world. It is still early days but they soon hope to start applying their eco-technology to the production of snowboards as well.

Lanzarote Surfing

Surfing, and just being, in the Canary Islands one cannot help but wonder if one’s not in the Hawai’ian Islands. Unknown to many, these islands share many similar characteristics.

Eruptions from the bottom of the ocean have built the Canary Islands and become famous only a few decades. Both islands are far from the mainland and provide a more relaxed way of living.

The most important thing the islands have in common is the raw power that is unleashed by the thundering waves breaking on the reefs and beaches. The Canary Islands get big powerful surf that comes from far out into the ocean.. The surfing is good all year, but the most consistent months for bigger waves are in the autumn months september and october. Splendid warm, no wind days and lovely swells.

So when this happens, just like in Hawai’i, herds of people cancel all kinds of appointments, dates, meetings, wax up their boards and go play in nature’s biggest playground: the ocean!

Surfing Lanzarote has been called the Hawaii of Europe and definitely lives up to its reputation!

Surfing is one of the biggest, and certainly the most natural, stress relievers of our day and age. When you are out there riding waves, you don’t think about your mortgage, your job, your new car or anything. The focus changes to nothing more than nature and yourself.

There’s nothing like spending the day on the beach with your family and friends, go surf, have food, go surf again, light up the barbeque, get the guitars out and enjoy the nightsky with food, friends, music and swop stories about the surf. And as always the stories go on forever, ever exagerting and becoming more prolific!!

All of this is possible on Lanzarote.

Visit http://www.activeadventures.co.uk/surfing_holidays.html for more info

On a Rasta Tip

Having recently purchased a Breo Sports Watch from surfdome I was amused to find that in order to function as a hands free watch, the display flicks between the time and the date every 2 seconds.

Not only is this a great talking point, but essential for surfing, as I always lose track of what the time is, but to need reminding would be a dream come true.

 

 

I’ve put it through it’s paces and though it’s water resistant to 10m, I don’t think I’ll care what the time or date is if I end up that far down! I can certainly say it is very comfortable, I don’t even notice it when I’m working, and it’s nice to get a quick old school idea of time rather than having to whip my phone out, never mind the obvious advantage of being able to leave the phone behind when I go swimming, surfing, wakeboarding, or when I head out to sea windsurfing (the easiest way to lose track of time!).

Anyway, the puzzle I refer to in the title came about as a result of me explaining the watch to my friend’s Mum. She observed the time and date swapping over could be a bit confusing if they were practically similar. This could be a problem if I pass out drunk on New Years Eve, and come round to see my watch saying ’12 31′ – there will be a split seconds when I will wonder ‘Is it still December 31st, or have I missed New Year by 31 minutes?’

In this instance, I think the fact that the watch is waterproof and easy to clean will be a huge advantage!

There are several colours available, Blue, Green, Red, and apparrently more are coming along this summer. The red one, in the sprit of Carity wristbands, donates £1.50 per sale to Save The Children. Being a fan of the Mighty Bob, I may buy Red, Yellow and Green ones, to with the Nike 6.0 shoes I bought Nike 6.0 Air Zoom Oncore Shoes – Light Choc/Black-Red

You can’t see from the photo on the site, but the sole of the left shoe is green instead of yellow – very cool!

Advice For Buying The Best Surfboard For Your Height

While it can be a real challenge to learn how to surf many people have an even more difficult time finding the right surfboard. When you spend a day to the beach it can seem like everyone out in the water has a tricked out custom surfboard. Even little kids will have colorfully painted boards while teenagers will sport wildly painted boards to suit their personality.

Many adults have very unique boards that they use for many years. When it comes to buying a surfboard the last thing you need to think about is the color. When looking at all the different surfboards for sale, when all you want to do is to learn to surf your main consideration are how you will use the board and the size of the board.

Those looking to make amazing moves on the waves fast will most likely want to go with a short board. Short boards will be much easier for you to control than a regular beginner board. Look for a board that is between six and ten inches taller than you are if the board is standing upright. You could get a slightly longer board if you are above average in height. You want a board that is thicker and wider than a regular board as well. A good option may be a type of surfboard known as a fish which is shorter and wider than a regular board.

A beginner that does not have a lot of time to devote to it may want to buy a fun board. These boards are similar to the standard long board except that they are wider and thicker. They give the novice surfboarder added stability. While it can be easier to learn on a fun board, a fish will give you greater ease of movement.

The best bet for the casual surfer is the long board. They let the casual surfer get up quickly as they make learning easier. The main disadvantage of choosing a long board is the price. You will usually pay more for a long board than any other type of board.




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