WHY DO THE BEST SURFERS PRACTICE YOGA?

Yoga and surfing. Two sports that may seem like worlds apart, but are actually a golden combination. Yoga is the perfect complement to surfing, and they have much more in common than we think. Surfers who practice yoga report better posture and better concentration in the water. What to do on those days when there is no sea? Since we can't do what we like the most, a yoga session is the perfect activity to perform to the maximum in the next bath. In another article we told you about yoga benefits and the most incredible places to practice it, Today we want to explain all the benefits that yoga brings to surfing . Read on…

PHYSICAL CAPACITY, BREATHING, CONCENTRATION AND BALANCE

Yoga and surfing have a lot to do with each other. They share several strengths, both physically and mentally. To begin with, the physical capacity. Surfing is a fairly demanding sport in terms of physical level, so yoga is ideal to improve our physical shape and perform better in the waves.

In both sports a key factor is breathing, through which we listen to our natural rhythm and connect with ourselves. When we are surfing, we are in tune with the force of the waves and our mind is focused, in the same way as when we practice the "here and now" in yoga. In the water it is important to know how to stay calm, especially in dangerous spots. Breathing well is essential to stay calm, and in that yoga is the best teacher.

But if there is something that yes or yes you have to train in surfing, it is balance. When practicing yoga, all the postures we do have our core as the central axis, from there balance is born. Of course, this is surfing, it is something basic, so doing yoga sessions translates into a better balance on the board.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF PRACTICING YOGA?

Every rider who practices yoga agrees that since he started in this world he enjoys his baths much more. Yoga teaches us to enhance our attention span, and this is noticeable in the water, since our minds are totally focused on the sea, the waves, our minds, and our bodies.

And this is something that reaches the most top surfers. What do Kelly Slater, Rochelle Ballard, and Gerry Lopez have in common? In addition to being masters of the waves, these three athletes have been practicing yoga for years. In their case, yoga has been a fundamental element for the longevity of their careers.

YOGA POSES FOR SURFING

Within the universe of yoga, there are an infinite number of different types, depending on the goal you have set for yourself. Today we are going to show you our favorite yoga pose to do before surfing. Spoiler alert: it will change your life.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)

One of the most popular, ideal for warming up and stretching the body. Here are the steps:

1. On your knees, with your hands a little wider than shoulder height and your fingers spread apart.
2. Rising on your toes, inhale, exhale, and lift your knees, letting all your weight fall onto your hands and the balls of your feet. Raise your hips, bringing your tailbone up.
3. Exhale as you press your upper thighs back and straighten your legs. Bring the heels towards the ground.
4. Stretch the arms from the wrists to the shoulders. Make sure to keep your head in a straight line with your spine and push your shoulders back.
5. Hold this pose for 1 to 3 minutes, breathing deeply and gently.
6. Exhale, bend your knees to the floor and relax into balasana (baby's) pose.

Now you know why surfers love yoga so much. What are you waiting for? Whether you are a surfer or not, go ahead and try it, it will change your life.