Surfing is not only a blast, but it’s also an incredible cardio workout.
It strengthens your muscles and mind, as well as your flexibility. However, if you struggle with your balance on the board, there are ways you can improve it.
BALANCING ACT
1. SKATEBOARDING
Wanting to improve your balance before hitting the waves? Jump on a skateboard. Skateboarding and surfboarding both require a great deal of stability. When you’re not able to practice in the water, skateboarding is the next best thing to practice on.
2. BALANCING EXERCISES
Leg balance exercises are great for improving your balance on the board. There are several leg exercises that you can do including:
- pistol squats
- elevated split squats
- squat jumps
- single leg deadlifts
These exercises are fantastic for both strengthening your muscles as well as improving your balance on the surfboard.
3. CORE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES
When it comes to improving your balance, you need to strengthen your core. Core strengthening exercises can help you get the results you’re looking for. An active center is not only necessary for balance, but it also makes you less susceptible to injuries and improves mobility.
A few core strengthening exercises you can do are:
- planks
- standing crunches
- side planks
- pushups on a stability ball
Doing these exercises will benefit you on and off the surfboard.
4. BALANCE BOARD
Using a balance board, like the Indo Board, can improve your balance for surfing. You want to balance on the board as long as possible without letting it touch the ground. This is a fantastic way to strengthen your core and balance.
5. SLACKLINE
One of the favorite surfing exercises involves a slackline. Slacklining is a balance training that will improve your form in the water. It’s like tightrope walking and is beneficial to athletes across the board.
6. HANDSTANDS
All those handstands you did as a kid weren’t just fun. They are also a great way to improve your balance. Freestanding handstands, as well as handstands against a wall, will enhance your balance they require full body muscle control to hold the position. Start practicing handstands every day for balance improvement.
7. YOGA
Yoga is an excellent workout in general, but it’s one of those surfer exercises that can significantly improve your performance on the surfboard. Yoga improves your flexibility, core strength, and balance. Plus, it’s relaxing which makes it a great way to end the day after you’ve been out on the waves.
8. BOSU BALL
The Bosu ball is another great wall to improve your balance so you can improve your surfing. Training on an unstable surface like the Bosu ball requires a lot of balance. You can do squats, lunges, and pushups to gain more stability.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE ON THE BOARD
No more wondering how to improve your balance on the board! With these simple tips, you will find yourself getting stronger and looking more like a pro in no time.
Are you looking for surfing lessons for yourself or the kiddos?Check out our selection of surf lessons. You’re sure to find something for everyone!
FAQs
Start with a Single Leg Balance.
Hold this position as long as you can, aiming for around 30 seconds. Place your hands on your hips, lift your left leg to the side, and bend your leg back at the knee. Hold this for 30 seconds and then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
How to stay balanced on a surf board? ›
The best way to find the perfect balancing point is to sit just below the middle of the surfboard, which will help you to avoid falling back when waves pass by you. The longer you do this, the more comfortable you'll get with finding the perfect balancing position as soon as you pop up from paddling.
Does surfing require a lot of balance? ›
Skateboarding and surfboarding both require a great deal of stability. When you're not able to practice in the water, skateboarding is the next best thing to practice on.
How do you stay low when surfing? ›
Bend the knees & have them pointing in towards each other.
The best way to keep your balance on the board is to compress the lower body down while keeping your upper body straight. Not only should your knees be bent, but they should be pointing in towards each other.
How do surfers stay so lean? ›
When you ride the waves, This constant use of your muscles helps to tone and sculpt your body into the lean and ripped physique that is so often associated with surfers. So we can see that surfing, as a hobby or as a profession, is an activity that works out your entire body – it's a full-body plus cardio workout.
How many days a week should you surf? ›
If you can spare the time to surf three to four times weekly, you should find you've developed good skills in about two years. What that means is that you'll probably become a good judge of surf and tides, will be able to catch all the waves you aim for, and won't have any problems paddling a long way out.
How can I increase my lung capacity for surfing? ›
Here are the most important lung training tips for surfers:
- Stop smoking;
- Design a simple stretching plan or a Pilates program;
- Practice meditation or Yoga exercises;
- Get a full inhale/exhale daily plan; do it completely and slowly;
- Inhale deeply and splash your face with cold water to activate bradycardia;
Single Leg Balance with eyes shut: As a surfer when you can hold this for 60 seconds on each individual leg with your eyes shut, it is considered a satisfactory level of balance. As you build up towards 60 seconds it is advised to stand near a wall so you can touch or hold the wall as required to prevent falling.
What happens if you surf every day? ›
Riding the Waves: Physical Benefits of Surfing Every Day
Your upper body, particularly your arms, shoulders, and back, will develop strength and endurance like never before. Core stability: Balancing on a surfboard demands a strong core. Prepare to welcome your new six-pack abs!
How do you stay fit in the surf? ›
Indoor exercises such as yoga, bodyweight exercises (e.g., squats, lunges), and balance training can help enhance core strength and stability crucial for surfing. How important is strength training for surfers when they're not on the waves? Strength training is essential for surfers during off-seasons.
Practice on flat ground
- Keep your center of gravity low. Staying low with a slight bend in the knees will make it easier to stay on the board.
- Work on foot placement. Angle your front-facing foot slightly and place it at the front of your board. ...
- Try one foot at a time. ...
- Switch your stance.
I've found it can be yet another tool to help surfers (and all board riders) get their board-balance reps in, burn some workday calories, and add variety to their workout plans. Here's a few uses I've found after countless “sessions” on some sweet boards.
