Do Yoga And Surfing

By Rosendo Eilbert


You'll probably agree that the sport is hard on the body when we talk about surfing especially if you are a surfer. You're on an unstable surface with uncertain elements to begin with. In Indonesia, most of their sports are not set for someone who has the slight bicep nor the faint hearted because you are going to battle sharp reefs or 5 knots current (at Nusa Dua) to make it out. What would be your key to keep your body primed with the high demands of surfing? Yoga might be a best choice.

You don't have to become a vegetarian to do yoga as what most popular belief tells. Since the late '60's, surfing and the practice of Yoga are intrinsically linked when hippies and surfers searched soul connection on the beaches of Hawaii and California. The only difference is that while yogis turn inward to find peace, seek their Zen in the outward art of riding waves. With surfing, can physical yoga be of any help? According to Vancouver-based Eoin Finn, who teaches yoga, ecology and surfing at retreats in Bali, Mexico, and Costa Rica, he said, "ABSOLUTELY".

Yoga only improves flexibility as known by some people. What they have to know is that as the situation demands through Yoga, you can develop an intelligent body that can be loose and twisty or strong and centered. An intelligent body that can be loose and twisty or strong and centered as the situation demands can also be developed in yoga. The presence of mind to remain calm under pressure is also gained in yoga.

For at least five minutes in a quiet spot on the beach that you found give yourself time before hitting the waves. The bliss lies in the experience of the surfer not in the outcome of the surfing, keep that in mind. You could practice a few of the position before hitting the waves. Downward Dog

Your hand and knees should come. Legs slightly straighten, but do not lock the knees. Hips should be sending away diagonally away from hands. Fingertips should also be spread. For about five counts, breathe and hold. And it is not necessary to touch your heels to the sand. While making an upside down V with your body tries to find length in the harm string and spin. To counter over development of frontal extension muscles from padding back body should be lengthened is the benefit.

Triangle Pose

Face the ocean standing and your left foot stepped back about one leg length behind. At 45 degree angle facing to the front and step it a few inches to the left point your left foot. And inhale then slowly extend the right arm towards the front, keeping your core strong, knee slightly bent and reach your arm toward your knee, shin or if you are more open, towards your toes. Rotate your hips and torso up toward the sky while toes are spread on the sand. Then follow with your left arm and reach it overhead and stay in this for a few deep inhales and exhales, then repeat on the opposite side. The benefit of this is that it can stretch the side of the body to allow for more reach when you are to paddle on your surf and it also strengthens the inner legs and overall balance is improve.




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