4 Reasons why Surfers Need Strength Training

I know, I know, I know, you want to ride the waves and skateboard to get better at surfing. I get it! As a CrossFit athlete, I love the gym. I’ve seen HUGE benefits to my surfing as I get fitter and stronger. Here are some ways that spending a little time in the gym (30-60 minutes 3 times per week) can boost your surfing performance.

Increase Paddle Strength and Endurance:

Being able to paddle hard to get into a wave is key. Incorporating strength training exercises like pull-ups and rows increases your paddle strength and endurance. Simply adjust the reps and weight to work on strength or endurance! Lower reps + more weight = strength training. Higher reps + lighter weight = muscle endurance.

Reduces Risk of Injury:

Training full range of motion exercises reduces your risk of injury by increasing strength throughout that range. Stronger muscles support your joints and ligaments, allowing you to surf for years to come.

You’ll be Swell Ready Anytime:

Say goodbye to feeling out of shape when the swell comes! By creating a strength training routine you enjoy, you’ll be able to paddle out with confidence to crush your surf session.

Increase Your Mind-Body Connection:

Strength training helps create mind-to-muscle connections. By thinking about contracting a certain muscle while it’s working, for example, thinking about squeezing your glutes to come out of a squat, you’ll reinforce the neuropathways that tell that muscle to fire when you’re squatting. How does this translate to surfing? When you train your muscles that help with surfing, let’s use the core. When you train weighted rotational movements like Russian twists or slam ball rotations, you’ll be able to contract those muscles with more power when you’re carving.

Like I said, you don’t have to train for a lot to see results. By incorporating strength training 3 times a week for about 30-60 minutes, you’ll start to see the benefits in the water.