
Tassy Swallow and Sam Sunshine share a wave. Photo The Walrus
If you’ve taken a break from surfing, some of us may have slacked off the over winter, that only means one thing, it’s so much harder to get back into it. However now is time to ride the waves of change and step things up.




With this in mind here’s some tips to help make the transition easier:

1.
Surfing uses your entire body, which means it’s so important to stay active and strong when you’re not in the surf. If you don’t use it you lose it – and that very much applies to keeping fit for the surf. Give the high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts a go to increase your fitness levels and endurance for surfing.
2.
Building upper body strength is one of the hardest things to do for women in surfing, which is why it’s important to maintain it once you get it. With workouts on the SurfGirl Premium, practising your pop-ups, planks and push-ups will keep your arms and your shoulders firing for the surf.

It helps to get back into surfing, if like Sam you go with a friend. Photo The Walrus
3.
Keeping strong, supple and healthy for the waves will not only leave you feeling great and looking strong, but it will also mean you can surf for longer. Your recovery time will be quicker, and those paddle outs won’t seem such a challenge any more. Try some of the yoga workouts to help.

4.
Workout with a friend. Whether you’re surfing or working out it helps if you have friends who are on the same wavelength as you. They can help you push yourself when you’re not feeling it in and out of the water.
5.
When you go surfing again, embrace the average days, the choppy days and tiny weak days and all that’s in-between. Surf as much as you can, and you’ll see your surfing come on in leaps and bounds.

6.
Once you’re surfing regularly don’t forget to eat properly. A healthy balanced diet is crucial for your long term health and fitness. Good food choices will help give you fuel for training and help with your recovery after your workout. Take a look at our nutrition advice on SurfGirl Premium and adopt a good food programme to help you stay off the munchies.

Most of all, enjoy the waves, the workouts and the wipeouts. It’s all part of the sport and should be welcomed and don’t forget to pat yourself on the back when you do something you’re proud of – you are smashing it!
