Yoga and surfing are incompatible activities because one requires stability while the other requires movement. Is this, however, the case? Are both reduced to adjectives that we attribute based on our ability to observe?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means "union". It’s the union of the body and mind with the environment and with oneself. It´s extremely important to have this union in surfing, to have all of them centered to perform the right movement at the right moment.
It´s necessary to be synchronized with the speed and intensity of the waves in the sea since there is no time for posture corrections. On the other hand, on the Yoga mat it’s possible to slowly improve and maintain your posture, thus acquiring concentration, stamina, and fullness - all of which are necessary in surfing - until it becomes a habit.
Therefore, it is important to warm up your body before practicing surfing to prevent any future injuries.
Advantages to your mind
The connection between Surf and Yoga allows us to acquire respiratory awareness by circulating the prána, vital energy, within us, as a new state of perception and presence in the here and now.
In this connection we gave ourselves fully – boy and soul- to achieve all the necessary self-confidence and self-sufficiency. This will make us more confident, patient, calmer people, leading to a greater control over our emotions, particularly in challenging situations, in which surfing fits. Let us not forget that to our body performs better if our mind is continuously peaceful while practicing this sport.
Thus, practicing Yoga enables one to improve their surfing abilities. Before venturing in
practicing surfing, it is wise to do it with the right mindset for the next challenge in the water. After the session, Yoga is a great tool to calm down and relax.
Advantages to your body
Besides many benefits mentioned above, Yoga has a strong positive effect on your body as well. No doubt that Surfing and Yoga complement each other perfectly. Regular Yoga practice can help strengthen the muscles and areas of the body that are most important for surfing.
Before surfing, Yoga exercises can help you warm up and stretch all the significant muscles in your body. After surfing, it helps you relax and allows your muscles to regenerate faster.
Surfing can sometimes become tiring and exhausting for your body, leading to uneasiness in the lower back, shoulders, neck, and even hips. Regular Yoga practice and proper exercises ease and often completely remove these aches and pains, as well as bringing more flexibility and the range of motion. After the maneuver, remaining on the board requires a lot of balance. By practicing your balance on land first, it will be easier to stand on the board for a longer period.
Summary of Yoga's importance in surfing
- Increases flexibility and the range of motion
- Strengthens the core
- Improves posture
- Reduces the risk of injury
- Reduces recovery time
- Relieves pain and strain
- Improves balance
- Improves body awareness and coordination
- Increases endurance (stamina)
- Improves breathing
- Energizes the body and mind
- Relaxes the body's muscles, allowing for more effective movement.
- Increases focus
- Elevates self-confidence and self-reliance
Maria Laura Teves’ statement
As a surfer, and after having the opportunity to start Yoga meditation as a complement to surfing, I can say that it was a physical and personal uplifting experience. Personally, Yoga has given me a stronger mind and enabled me to deal more calmly with life challenges. Practicing Yoga led me to improve my flexibility and the range of my movements on the surfboard. Also, I learned to control my breathing while practicing, to maximize my energy in the water and enjoy longer surfing sessions, because controlled breathing means more endurance The effectiveness of muscle relaxation in my body was very important to me during these weekly sessions. This helps to prevent future injuries, which is an important aspect of an athlete's life. Aside from all of this, I was in a trustworthy happy place and felt at peace with myself. A place where I could learn a variety of skills from teacher Carolina.
In short, all athletes should include Yoga in their routine.
