Surfing is a sport which requires a high level of balance due to
the nature of the unstable surface (waves) that you surf on.
In order to improve your balance and in turn your surfing ability,
there are a number of simple exercises which can further develop
your balance.
These exercises train the muscles which are responsible for your
balancing ability, which includes your core muscles (abs and lower
back) and also the muscles through your hips.
To do these exercises you will need a stability (exercise) ball.
1. Knee balance – Kneel on the ball with your hands out to the
sides for balance. Try and stay on the ball for 30 seconds without
falling off.
2. Knee balance with rotation – Kneel on the ball and hold an
object that weighs 3-5 kgs (eg medicine ball, weight plate). Hold
the ball out at arms length and rotate it from one side of your
body to the other whilst maintaining your balance. Do this for 30
seconds.
3. Knee balance throw & catch – Kneel on the stability ball and
throw a basketball or medicine ball against a wall so you catch it
on the rebound. Test yourself by throwing it at different angles.
Balance is only one fitness component that is important in your
overall fitness for surfing.
Nat said,
June 23, 2008 @ 7:04 am
Hey thanks for those tips. It’s getting into winter here which means less daylight hours and less opportunitiy to get out on the board. I’m always looking for new ways to stay in shape so that the next surf doesn’t result in some kind of injury.