Can Yoga Make Me a Better Surfer?
Surfing is one of those weird and (sometimes) frustrating pastimes whereby to master it, you need to actually do it.
There aren’t many substitutes for paddling your way out to the lineup. And you can’t train for wipeouts in the bathtub at home.
Surfing, it seems, requires you to live in a place that is close to the ocean, have ample free time and be willing to wipeout along the way.
But what about those of us who don’t live near the ocean? Isn’t there something, anything, that we can do to improve our surfing skills?
Turns out, the key to accelerating your learning curve and recovering quicker post-session has been right under our noses.
Yoga.
The connection between yoga and surfing
Yoga and surfing are like brothers from another mother or sisters from another mister, if you will. Their origins couldn’t be more different.
Yoga was born in ancient India and practiced by monks as a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Surfing, on the other hand, originated in Polynesia (or Peru… depending on who you ask) as a pastime for fishermen and warriors.
Despite this, both surfing and yoga have many overlapping qualities. These include:
- They both promote physical fitness
- They’re ancient practices adapted to modern times
- Surfing and yoga work multiple muscle groups
- There exists both a surfing and yogic philosophy
- Breathing techniques and mindfulness are key aspects of both pastimes
- Yoga can help us overcome our fear of bigger waves
- Doing one or the other fosters are deep connection with the self
- Both the yoga and surfing experience are invigorating for the soul
Surfing masters like Gerry Lopez, Kelly Slater and Malia Manuel have all credited yoga for their surfing success. And thousands upon thousands of Average Joes and Janes from around the world attest to the positive impact yoga has had on their surfing and overall wellbeing.
How exactly does yoga improve your surfing experience though?
How yoga enhances surfing performance and recovery
Surfing is an intensely physical activity that requires a unique combination of strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.
There’s really nothing like it, and you’ll quickly discover after your first (actually… the same goes for your 100th) surf trip that muscles used when surfing don’t get used unless you’re surfing.
In layman’s terms, it helps to think of surfing like a ‘closer’ of the body. The contractions and twists your muscles go through are like High Intensity Interval Training… but doing it in a giant washing machine. Which brings us to the yoga mat.
Yoga is the opposite to surfing, at least physically speaking, in that it ‘opens’ the body.
Take note after your first surf lesson, surf camp or surf and yoga retreat.
Do you notice how much tighter and achier your muscles feel after surfing? This is because you’re using muscles that have likely been neglected in day-to-day life.
Yoga, with its focus on stretching and strengthening the entire body, helps to counteract this tightness and create balance within the body.
This in turn not only helps you surf better on your next surf trip, but also aids in recovery and injury prevention.
How both yoga and surfing improve your mental health
Beyond the physical, surfing and yoga also share many mental benefits.
Both activities require focus, concentration and the ability to let go of distractions and be present in the moment.
In surfing, this can mean letting go of the stresses and worries of daily life as you ride a wave. In yoga, it means being fully present in each pose.
You can’t be thinking about tomorrow’s to-do list when you’re fully engaged in the downward facing dog pose. Nor are you figuring out dinner plans when you’re gliding gracefully across a glassy wave first thing in the morning.
Both pastimes, whether you’re practicing yoga or seshing a new surf spot, pull you into the present and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
The result here is that pressure is alleviated from our everyday lives.
We can think more clearly.
Make better choices.
Become more attune with our own body.
Surfing can even rewrite your brain!
These mental benefits are an important aspect of these two practices. But they don’t mean squat if you can’t figure out a way to integrate both into your life.
5 tips for integrating yoga into your daily routine
Life has a habit of getting in the way of, well, living. Between work, family, friends and other commitments, sometimes it feels like there’s just no time for anything else.
If you’re serious about indulging in this perfect combination of pastimes though, you need to get real about surfers yoga.
We’ve already created a comprehensive article featuring yoga tips from our resident guru, Cici. But here are five more top 5 tips for integrating yoga into your daily routine.
- Set a specific time
Choose a consistent time each day for your yoga practice. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during lunch or before bed. Have a set time. Stick to it. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb.
- Start small
Begin with just 10-15 minutes of yoga each day. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the duration. Short, consistent sessions are more effective than infrequent, longer ones.
- Create a dedicated space
Designate a specific area in your home for yoga. This space should be quiet and free from distractions. This’ll put you in the right mind frame for practicing yoga.
- Use online resources
Utilize online classes or apps to guide your practice. This provides structure and variety, making it easier to stay committed. Look for beginner-friendly options if you’re new to yoga.
- Incorporate mindfulness and breathing
Pair your yoga practice with mindfulness and breathing exercises. After your session, take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Never skip leg day Savasana (corpse pose) either. It’s essential for telling your body and mind to relax.
The best yoga poses for beginner surfers
Yoga retreats are the best places to learn the finer points of yoga when it comes to physical exercises and physical balance.
Incorporating the following yoga poses into your daily routine will greatly enhance your surfing abilities and overall wellbeing. Trust us.
You’ll notice the difference yoga makes after one surf lesson post-stretching. The physical benefits are real!
- Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
How to do it: Start on your hands and knees, then tuck your toes and lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs. Your body should form an inverted “V” shape. Press your heels toward the floor and relax your neck. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
Benefits: This pose stretches the spine, hamstrings and calves, improving overall flexibility and strength.
- Warrior pose II (Virabhadrasana II)
How to do it: Stand with your feet wide apart, turn your right foot out 90 degrees and bend your right knee over your ankle. Extend your arms parallel to the floor, gazing over your right hand. Hold for 5 breaths then switch sides.
Benefits: This pose builds strength in the legs and core, enhancing balance and stability for paddling and popping up on your board.
- Pigeon pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
How to do it: Start in a tabletop position, bring your right knee forward and place it behind your right wrist. Extend your left leg back. Keep your hips square and lower your torso to the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths then switch sides.
Benefits: This pose opens the hips, improving flexibility and preventing injuries while surfing.
- Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)
How to do it: Lie face down, place your hands under your shoulders and press your palms into the floor. Lift your chest while keeping your hips on the ground. Hold for 5 breaths then lower back down.
Benefits: This pose strengthens the back and opens the chest, which is essential for paddling and maintaining good posture on the board.
- Child’s Pose (Balasana)
How to do it: Start on your hands and knees, then sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward on the ground. Rest your forehead on the mat and breathe deeply. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
Benefits: This restorative pose helps release tension in the back and shoulders, allowing for relaxation and recovery after a surf session.
Wrapping up
Yoga classes, online resources and yoga retreats are all great ways to learn and incorporate yoga into your daily life. But when it comes to yoga for surfers, palm trees and sand under your feet are a must!
Book a surf and yoga retreat with your friends at Rise Up. We’ll show you how to move sticky body parts and surf epic waves. It’s a winning combination for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Namastay stoked!
