Having grown up skating and snowboarding, and just lately gotten into waves (I’m from the midwest), I can say the physical demands are different in that surfing requires more upper body than other board sports.
Up until now my weight training has not been geared towards surfing but now am incorporating some useful strategies.
There is nothing worse than being gassed and getting caught inside on a large set. Damn! That happened just yesterday.
At least when your snowboarding you can always stop for a breather.
I’ve found that Mt. biking makes for great cross training, especially doing some downhill which teaches one how to handle the adrenaline and to flow in those split second decisions.
Kuri-you are certainly right about the upper body demands of Surfing as opposed to other board sports. It is precise blend of power, speed, endurance, flexibility and yeah - as you said a little mistake costs you bad.
As far as other sports that will help you, while Mountain Biking is great and I use it a lot too - you really need to add classic Surf-Style skateboarding. Once you get that flow going - you’ll really be able to get the feel of your cut-backs, bottom-turns, etc…
I too went throught the renegade surf training with Coach, and lost the use of my left arm for a good portion of the evening. It was a great workout, and I have been in the ocean most of my life, although for some odd reason never learned to surf. The follow-up dry land training with the clubbells and the Indo Board really brought why I do this home. Training outside is in many ways the only way to go. The beach has always been home to me and now I can get the weird stares and questions when I use the clubbell or the Indo - “but Coach I’m 33 - does that mean I’m too old.” lol
that was the best wasn’t “i’m too old” - what an amazing statement. Yeah but it was a great night in the water, you burnt out your shoulders and I was “snack food” for stingrays - lol, blood on the beach. It’ll be fun to get again real soon - saw a perfect board for you too. Talk with you later,
lol