Beth:
I finally have time to dedicate to taking up surfing. The hitch is, I’m now 43 years old! Please reassure me that I’m not too granny to start a new sport. My question is this: I plan to attend a surfing school in Santa Cruz sometime in late fall/early winter. Until then, I am power-walking 3 miles/day, with pushups and sit-ups daily as well. I’m adding lap swimming 45 min/day, 3 days/week to the mix. Do you have any other suggestions for strength/endurance training? Also, do height/weight have any bearing on surfing? I am freakishly tall and thin. Thanks. – Mary M.
ANSWER:
Hey Mary,
You mean 43 years too young! If it is in your heart to surf, age is irrelevant. Sounds to me like you are on the right road to getting fit for surfing, especially by swimming 3 times per week. Just make sure you are pushing it hard and getting your arms fatigued so you actually build some strength in those guns. You may want to add some chair dips (for your triceps, back of arms) and pull ups. Makes sure you are doing at least 3 sets of 15- 20 pushups. Oh, and definitely add a bunch of sit-ups at least 3-4 times per week. Core strength is KEY in surfing. Don’t be alarmed if you still feel worked when you first get on the board. Believe me, the best thing to get in shape for surfing is surfing itself.The only trouble you may encounter with your height is that you need to bend your knees a bit more to lower your center of gravity. The weight issue, too little, is that you may get a bit colder out there then someone with a bit more meat on their bones.
Good luck Mary and most of all, enjoy the ride!It is never too late to have fun in life.
Hasta,
Beth(Posted 9-14-02)
Related posts:
