Whether you have been surfing for years and want to get to the next level or you are a beginner trying to find your way, there are always things you can do to improve your surfing game. From working on your paddling to getting in some training outside of the water, here are six tips you should follow if you want to become a high-level surfer.
Perfect Your Paddling Technique
Paddling is one of the most fundamental aspects of surfing and it is the first thing a surf instructor teaches new students even before they get in the water. Much of your time in the water is spent paddling, whether it's out into deeper waters or quickly to catch a wave, so having the right technique can make all the difference in your performance.
An expert paddler knows how and when to conserve energy, how to position themselves strategically as a wave comes, and can catch waves more easily. To improve your paddling, start with proper body positioning by keeping your back slightly arched and chest lifted to reduce drag. Then, try using deep, powerful strokes instead of shallow, rapid ones. Practicing your breath control is also helpful in keeping stamina as you travel through the water.
Work On Your Wave Selection Skills
If you don’t know what to look for when it comes to waves, then you will waste a lot of time in the water catching the wrong ones. By studying wave patterns and observing how waves break during different weather patterns, you will start to understand when to move toward a swell. If you are interested in learning wave spotting from a pro, you can learn more here where you can sign up for surfing lessons that include honing in on your wave selection skills. After a few lessons and some research on your own, you will start to get the hang of wave selection and start catching more waves during your surfing sessions.
Practice Your Pop-Up Speed
The pop-up, or the moment when you spring from the paddle position to the standing position, will determine how balanced you feel on your board and whether you will have the ability to ride a wave to the end. The faster your pop-up speed, the more likely you are to catch the waves you want and catch them on time. Repetition is key with this skill, so practicing your pop-ups as many times as possible both on land and in the water is the best way you are going to improve.
Improve Your Balance and Stance
Having longevity on your surfboard There are many exercises you can do to work on your balance, even if you are not near a beach. Using balance boards at the gym or investing in one so you can practice at home will greatly improve your balance control out on the water. You can also pick up land hobbies like skateboarding and rollerblading to practice your stance and balance when you don't have time to hit the waves.
Learn to Read the Ocean Like a Pro
Surfing isn’t just about riding waves, a lot of the art of the sport is knowing how to read the ocean. Pro surfers can walk onto the beach and decide if it's going to be a good surfing day just by looking out at the water. Spend some time talking to expert surfers and do some research of your own about how the weather and other factors affect the water.
Train Outside of The Water
In addition to picking up activities like skateboarding and rollerblading, other forms of physical exercise outside of the water will help you up your surfing game. Cardio, strength, and flexibility training at the gym or in your house will help you feel stronger and more capable on your board. For cardio, try swimming laps at your local pool, and in between reps, swim a few laps with a foam board under you to act in place of your real board so your body gets used to the feeling.
When it comes to strength training, focus on your upper body, core, and leg strength by doing push-ups squats, and planks. These can be done anywhere, so you can train any time you feel up to it. If you want to be more flexible so you can stand up on your board with more precision, then yoga and dynamic stretching every day will help you feel more limber.
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