What are some good stretches/exercises to do right before entering the water? I’ve never been the real limber type, nor much of a stretcher. But at 37 and still full of surf stoke, those fall and winter days at Ocean Beach are getting tougher. I’m always too pumped up to hit the water before stretching enough, is there a regimen you can recommend?
Thank you,
Paul
ANSWER:
Hey Paul,
You betcha! There are definitely several great pre-surfing stretches that can be done and I am going refer you to a book that will show them to you. It is called Surf Flex by Paul Frediani. You can purchase it on-line at Amazon.com or pick it up at some of the local surf shops (if you live in the SF/Bay Area).
Warming up prior to surfing is key, but make sure you are also doing an extensive stretching regimen after you surf. Studies show that you want to warm up first, but you don’t need to get super deep into the stretches until afterwards. A good way to get the heart rate going pre-water entry is to run from the car to the water. Then do some stretches. If you know any yoga, now is the time to incorporate your sun salutation. It definitely heats up the body and warms up the spine. Not to mention it opens up some of your muscles.
So, get the book, study some stretches, warm up your body pre surf but then really get down and dirty with the 45 min+ stretching routine once you have chowed down and dried off!
Good luck, and don’t worry, we are all getting older and tighter!!!
Hasta,
Beth(Posted 8-5-03)
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