Many aspiring surfers learn Why Age is More Functional Than Chronological. New students from kids to seniors can succeed or fail based on conditions much different than age. Activity levels have changed during the pandemic and capabilities are also a function of how active a lifestyle a person enjoys.
These days most kids are not nearly as strong nor flexible as they should be. On the other hand, adults and seniors that have maintained normal weight, strength, and flexibility make good surf students. Its a simple as that, almost. Next is a person’s ability to learn. In surfing specifically, students are taught movements that are not familiar. How capable is a person’s brain of listening and executing the novel movements to their body.
The Basics of the Surfing Sequence for Learning to Surf
People who are active generally have better movement flow in their muscles and joints. Any area of dysfunction can impede the flow of rising from a lying position to a standing position on the surfboard. Being physically fit gives a person more confidence in learning new movements and dealing with the intimidation of getting in front of ocean waves on a surfboard.
The first step is rolling over smoothly on a surfboard and paddling before a foam wave arrives. Overweight people can have trouble balancing on surfboard while trying to paddle. I utilize boards bigger than an experienced person of the same size would use to help new surfers with this issue.
The student needs some natural abilities and instincts to get the timing of paddling and catching waves. The more connected one is with their body and senses, the easier this is. Next the person has to perform a sequence that is technical to stand on the surfboard correctly. It is not enough to stand up. People trying it on their own can often stand up, they just can’t ride. The surfer must stand up in the correct position of balance.
The new student goes through a sequence of putting their hands on the surfboard, their rear foot, standing on that foot, and placing the other foot near the nose of the board. They must arrive with feet shoulder width apart, hips and shoulders squared to the front, hands in front of the body, and weight equal on front and back leg. This is a little tricky on a small platform getting pushed on an uneven surface at 10 mph per hour and not at all stable like standing in the living room.
I give new students a count to keep them at the right pace, stop them from thinking, and warn them not to rely on their instincts. Instincts rarely serve in learning this process. An experienced surfer has great instincts, but a beginner’s instincts are all wrong. A new student willing to submit their will to learning the instructions is often up on the first ride. The more resistance a student has to learning something novel, the longer it takes them.
Having a body that is flexible and strong is a big advantage regardless of age. Aerobic conditioning helps students stay energetic for a longer learning session. The brain will actively learn until the body becomes fatigued and then it starts losing focus. Active learning can occur at 8 years or 70 years of age. It all depends on the individual.
Read a good book to get ready.
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Get the Learn to Surf Guide Course in Kindle, Paperback or Audio
A great 29 page course on the fundamentals of catching waves, doing beginner and advanced pop ups, riding real waves, how to do maneuvers on real waves, which surfboards to ride, and how to progress. Great for lesson preparation, after lesson review, or learning on your own.
Kindle price $2.99 on Amazon. Paperback price $6.95 on Amazon. Audio download price $7.95
Get Fit to Surf
A great guide to strength, flexibility, stamina, and leanness for surfing. Beginner strategies for getting stronger, more flexible, stronger cardiovascular system, and nutrition to lose weight. An improving surfer or one who wants to prepare must meet the whole body physical demands of surfing. Getting stronger improves ones ability to perform better.
Buy on Kindle for $5.99 or the Paperback for $7.99
Every Body Can Surf
To read a great book for getting in shape to surf or getting in better surfing shape, read my new book Overweight People Can Surf, a Health, Fitness, Nutrition, and Surfing Adventure
Description:
Get healthy and fit to surf or set a goal of surfing to improve weight, fitness, nutrition, and health. This guide by a surf instructor/health coach/personal trainer gives the short version of how to lose weight, get strong, build stamina, develop nutrition, and learn to surf. Surfing is a lifestyle enjoyed by millions and so is fitness. Fitness creates opportunities to enjoy life through lots of different kinds of recreation. No need to stand on the sidelines while others are having a great time. Start your program to health with easy steps and progress at your own pace. That is the secret to maintaining a lifestyle. Do it at your pace. This book will start you on the path.
Buy the E book on Amazon for $5.99
Buy the Paperback on Amazon for $7.99
Seniors Get Fit to Surf
Description:
Seniors often ask if it is too late to learn to surf. Age is functional not chronological. If people have been exercising and maintaining body strength, surfing can be accomplished. If people have not been exercising, then getting in shape to surf could be a life changing move. Learn how to develop strength, flexibility, and stamina to learn surfing. If you are in surf shape, you could pursue most any recreation.
Buy the E-book on Amazon for $5.99
Buy the Paperback on Amazon for $7.99
