Yoga and surfing go hand-in-hand. It is understandable when you consider how these practices complement one another. Many pro surfers - such as Kelly Slater, Gerry Lopez, Nikki van Dijk and Greg Long - practice yoga to enhance their surf, boost their performance, and support their recovery. Surfing requires strength, focus, balance, mobility and flexibility - all of which are delicious results of spending time on your yoga mat.
Through yoga we connect our mind and body, using our breath. This practice reduces stress, allows the body to calm, and brings us into a more mindful and present state. When you surf, you require strength. Paddling out, popping up - even when you are sitting on your board in the swell - you need to have a strong posture, and know how to engage your core. So many surfers crouch over their board, with their shoulders close to their ears, as they wait for a wave. This leads to cramping, and often fatigues other muscles that compensate. Through yoga surfers learn to practice skills - such as bringing the shoulders down and back, and sitting up tall on the board – which strengthens the body in a way that allows us to be more open and mobile in the water.
Breathe
In the ocean it so important to breathe. Our breath is our anchor - it keeps us calm, grounded, and mindful. The breath is the foundation of yoga, and so as we practice breathwork and mindfulness on the mat, we naturally take this into the surf. Becoming more aware of - and connected to - our breath, assists us with moving with intention, being present and sustaining our energy in the ocean.
Balance
Balance is a key aspect of surfing. In yoga we practice poses that enhance our balance. We focus on the breath, strength, and being aware of our body, to improve balance. As our balance improves on the mat, our balance improves on our board, allowing our surf to progress.
Mobility and Flexibility
Yoga is also known to enhance mobility and flexibility through specific poses and breathwork. By enhancing our mobility and flexibility we will experience less stiffness, we will move around better in the wave, and experience less injuries.
Reduce Injury
Surfing is so incredible, but we have to ensure to take care of our bodies. Common challenges experienced by surfers are tight hips, lower back pain, stiff neck and shoulders, pain in the joints and side body. Long hours in the beautiful water is meditative and great for the soul, however this can also lead to fatigue, in both the body and mind.
Yoga is a valuable tool for surfers. It increases balance, mobility, flexibility, coordination and core strength. It also improves posture and reduces risk of injury. Overall, yoga improves our awareness of - and connection to - our body. So, take a moment, come flow on the mat, so you can flow better in ocean!