Yoga and surfing go together like sand and saltwater. Both disciplines tap into a natural 
flow. Yoga gets you in touch with the rhythm of your breath, body and your soul. Your soul is one with nature. Surfing gets you in sync with the wave patterns, ocean tides ~ nature. In yoga, you learn not to force any pose, but to find the depth of the pose in the moment. In surfing you also need to be in the moment, at one with the ocean. Yoga prepares the body, mind and soul for this.
It’s no wonder surfers, like Kelly Slater, Dave Rastovich and Rochelle Ballard, use this old-school practice (roughly 5,000 years old!) to complement their surfing skills. Whether you’re a Dawn Patrol dude or a Waikiki wahine (female surfer), your surfing will definitely benefit from yoga. Read on to learn some essential tips and tricks.
Stretch Past the Breaks
Yoga offers many benefits that will improve your surfing skills:
- Increased flexibility
- Stronger core muscles
- Better breathing techniques
- Improved balance
- More stamina
- Greater mental focus
- Restored and revitalized energy
Practicing yoga on flat surf days can keep you in great shape until the next big swell. And when there are good surf days, yoga can stretch your body out after a session, helping to avoid neck, shoulder, and back stiffness. Active poses, like Downward-Facing Dog, build strength and flexibility; while balancing poses, like Eagle, sharpen focus and concentration. Plus, practicing yoga just feels good!
Both yoga and surfing teach you to meet and overcome fear, to breathe deeply, and to ride the waves of life with grace and ease. Learning to concentrate during intense yoga poses plays out in the water. As you breathe deeply and calm your mind, you settle into a natural rhythm and balance on your board. So when the big waves roll in, you can stay cool and collected.
Hang Loose with Yoga
Begin incorporating these poses into your pre- and post-surfing routine. Hold each pose for several breaths, but come out of any if you feel pinching or jarring pain. Move slowly in and out of each pose. Keep your breath smooth and even. If you’re struggling to breathe, ease up a bit. Always work within your own range of limits and abilities. Remember: There’s no competition in yoga, only your own challenges.
