Surftwisted Surf Magazine

If you don’t fancy the pool then regular

sessions using resistance bands can be a real boost to your paddle power and fitness levels. Resistance bands come in a variety of colours each one equating to a different resistance level, they also offer a cheap alternative to pool sessions and allow you to carry out regular strength training in the comfort of your own home. There are a whole range of exercises that will strengthen the upper body many of which are used in paddling and explosive movements during surfing. Pictured below is the exercise called ‘Reverse Fly’. The Reverse Fly will strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder blades and the neck muscles.

Start the exercise with both feet on the band and bend forward slightly keeping the knees soft with hands together in front of the hips. Raise the arms outwards squeezing the shoulder blades together and then return to the starting position. Repeat this movement 10 times and then rest.

Resistance band training is one training type that can boost your fitness and strength for surfing larger waves, however the list of overall training is vast!  Larger waves demand more concentration and reaction skill, the mere fact that you’re travelling much faster than normal, demands more balance and core strength. Core strength training is undoubtedly a great method of training now used by many surfers, in addition to this there is also plyometric training [ explosive power training ], swiss ball work , indo board work, balance discs, free weights training, and medicine ball training, to name but a few.

If you have a lust for advancing your fitness levels for surfing then check out my forthcoming book – see you in there, Lee.

By Lee Stanbury

www.cornwallpersonaltraining.co.uk

~ Surfer.

~ Qualified Personal Trainer.