So maybe you’ve moved inland, injured yourself or there’s a long flat spell at your local beach. Or maybe a global pandemic has forced the closure of your favorite surf spot?! Here’s a few tips to make sure you don’t lose all that hard earned surf progress.
1. Paddle and swim
Get outside and into the ocean (even if it’s flat!). The more time you spend around the ocean the more you’ll be able to read waves. Paddle technique is key when you’re surfing, if you can’t paddle you can’t catch waves so work on your technique when the surf is flat. Take your board down to the beach and paddle laps until your arms turn to spaghetti. Watch other surfers (particularly the good surfers/locals) and take notes!
2. Practice you pop up at home
Use some chalk to draw a surfboard on the ground (your neighbors might think you’ve lost your mind) or practice on your floorboards or carpet (having a line on the floor such as tiles or a floorboard helps). This will keep you fit as a fiddle and help build your muscle memory. The next time you surf it will feel as natural as breathing and won’t require as much thought.
3. Yoga/ regular stretching routine
Flexibility is a huge aspect of surfing. A lot of professional surfers are also dedicated yogis, so there’s something to be learnt here. Consider joining a weekly yoga class or even practicing at home.
4. Skateboarding or balance boards
Be careful though, nine times out of ten a wipeout on concrete hurts a lot more than a wipeout in the sea. You’ll find there is a large crossover in the techniques used by surfers and skateboarders (particularly maneuvering the board). Just make sure you’re wearing a helmet!
5. Immerse yourself in the culture
Monkey see monkey do right? The more surfing you watch, the more small nuances in technique and style you’ll pick up! There’s no shortage of surf media to absorb. From old Bruce Brown movies such as the Endless Summer to YouTube tutorials and contest footage.
Keen to become a surfer? We have lots of lessons to choose from for beginners all the way to intermediates. Check it out.