Surfing Media
Surfing Exercise - The Top 5 Fitness Areas That Will Make Any Surfer Even Better
Article: Richard Merino
Image: hold it, I'm focusing
A surfing exercise program can benefit any level of surfer, from the wide-eyed beginner, to the grizzled veteran, and everyone in between. Even if you consider surfing just a casual hobby, you don't want to be the guy who exhausts himself after only a few minutes of paddling and then spends most of his time in the water just trying to recover. And for the serious surfer who is already in pretty good shape, see how focusing on five specific areas of surf fitness will take your training to the next level, resulting in immediate improvements on the waves.
So what are the five critical types of surfing exercise that will make you a better surfer?
1. Cardiovascular: as part of your surf fitness, you will want to build up your endurance. Paddling takes a lot of energy, and you will be doing it for long stretches at a time. Running and swimming are very good surf exercises with cardio benefits. Be sure to do enough to keep your heart rate up for 30 minutes at a time.
2. Core strength: addressing your core means building up your abdominal and back muscles, which also are very important for paddling. In addition, core fitness is a big part of fighting against the weight of the water, which is something you do almost constantly while surfing the waves. Abdominal crunches, presses, and planks are good examples of core surf exercise.
3. Upper body: yet another area that will help with paddling! But again, because you spend so much time paddling, there are huge benefits to doing it well. By paddling faster, you'll be able to catch more waves. A stronger upper body also will allow you to pop up onto your board more quickly. The bench press, pushups, pull-ups, and upper back moves like lat pulldowns are good in this area. Specific surf paddling exercises are shoulder presses and rowers, if you have access to a machine.
4. Flexibility: your surfing exercise program also should include stretching, something that a lot of people tend to avoid. More flexibility and mobility will allow you to maneuver your board better, remain upright, and do more tricks. As an extra benefit, if you are like some surfers and have lower back problems, stretching your back and hamstrings should give you some relief.
5. Lower body: conditioning your lower body is another way to help you remain on your board and do more advanced maneuvers. Movements involving balance and power will help strengthen your lower body. Your surf fitness program should include drills like lunges, squats, and calf raises. Incorporate the use of a stability ball to improve your balance even more; squats and bridges with a fitness ball are examples of enhanced lower body strength exercises for surfers.
By getting yourself fit for surfing, you will reach a level of health that most people only can imagine. You also will transform your appearance, which will have plenty of benefits too, especially when you're on the beach lounging in your bathing suit. And perhaps most importantly for those of us who truly love to surf, your surfing exercise plan will help you reach your full potential as a surfer, allowing you to enjoy yourself more every time you step in the water.
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To discover more tips and tricks for putting together a multi-dimensional surf workout, see pictures and video of the surfing exercise program designed by a licensed fitness trainer at http://surfingfitnesstips.com. |
DVD: Bombora - The Story of Australian Surfing
ABC produced a brilliant doco on the history of Australian surfing. It covers the very early days of bodysurfing and surf boats in Sydney and the original visit by Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku who first surfed a board in Australia. He lit the fire that lead to Midget Farrelly, Bob Pike, Nat Young, Michael Petersen, Wayne Lynch Bob McTavish, Mark Richards, Tom Carroll, Occy, Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson.
The whole thing runs for almost 3 hours and some of the very early footage is fantastic. Some of the images from Pipe are terrifying. There are interviews with the old timers who are still clearly stoked on their surfing and 10 Aussie world champions. The doco also covers the cultural aspects of surfing and how surfing has helped shape modern Australia.
You can buy the dvd at the ABC Shop or even download it for half the price. You may find some copies on ebay too (see below).
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Bombora – The Story of Australian Surfing - Music - Var |  |
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AU $24.99 | 18h 47m |
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NEW Out the Back with Bondi Rescue by Nick Carroll | |
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AU $26.99 | 1d 19h 59m |
![Bombora [ Jet The Church The Triffids The Cruel Sea ]](http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/250626775067_0.jpg) |
Bombora [ Jet The Church The Triffids The Cruel Sea ] | |
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AU $18.95 | 2d 15h 29m |
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BOMBORA=The Story Of Australian Surfing=BR NEW DVD= R4 | |
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AU $27.95 | 3d 1h 36m |
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Bombora - The Story of Australian Surfing - DVD - - su | |
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AU $29.99 | 6d 18h |
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BOMBORA - HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN SURFING NEW DVD. | |
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AU $26.44 | 9d 16h 43m |
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BOMBORA - STORY OF AUSTRALIAN SURFING VARIOUS CD NEW | |
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AU $24.99 | 12d 12h 32m |
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Bombora - History Of Australian Surfing The DVD NEW | |
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AU $20.95 | 25d 13h 24m |
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Story of India The DVD NEW | |
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AU $28.95 | 25d 14h |
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Mr Untouchable DVD NEW | |
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AU $28.95 | 25d 14h 54m |
Bali Surfing Tours - Snag A Wave
Bali is an amazing island surfing location in the Indonesian archipelago of 18,700 islands just 8 degrees south of the equator.
Legend has it that Bali was first discovered as a great surfing destination in the late 1960s by Australian surfers, but whether or not this is true, Bali has since become one of the hottest spots on the world surfing itinerary by leagues of surfing enthusiasts.
These days Bali has a huge surf culture, so whether you're a novice trying out your first beach breaks or an accomplished reef break rider, Bali offers some of the best surfing beaches anywhere in the world.
The peak season for Bali surfing tours is from April to November, which is considered to be the dry season, but you can catch a mean wave at any time during the year. During the dry season, Bali picks up the swells from the Indian Ocean so it's possible to find surf up to 12 feet or higher off the reefs on the southwest and southeast coasts.
Kuta is usually the drop-off point for surfing enthusiasts from all over the world as it's only a short distance to legendary surfing spots like Padang Padang, Uluwata, Nusa Dua and Impossibles. Kuta Beach also produces some great beach breaks but it is a popular tourist haunt so the chances of getting on a clean barrel all the way into shore are not good.
Unlike many of the well-known heavy reef breaks around some of the other islands in Indonesia, Bali's surf conditions are milder, which better suits the novice to intermediate surfer looking for consistent, 3 to 5 foot waves.
Bali has so many advantages to offer anyone planning a surfing adventure, it's hard to know where to start. What about the fact that you can get around the entire island in a day, so once you know where the great waves are breaking, it's easy to make your way there. Or how about the fact you don't need a wetsuit because the waters around Bali average a balmy temperature in the low to mid 20 degrees Celsius (just remember to take a good sunscreen!)
Catch a Bali Surfing Tour
In addition to the pleasures already mentioned, surfing in Bali has to be on top of the list of premier surfing locations because you don't need to rough it in a crude beach shack. Even the most budget-conscious surfers can stay in premium Bali accommodation with air conditioning and satellite TV thrown in for unbelievably reasonable prices.
What's more, if you travel with one of the expert Bali surfing tour operators, they will make sure that everything you need to make your Bali surfing holiday a treat will be laid on for you. They will even supply you with a board if you want to try a different ride or if you can't be bothered lugging your own board all over the place.
The Bali surf guides will meet you each morning during your stay and tell you where the best waves are breaking, then take you there in one of their air conditioned SUVs or beach craft. They can recommend the top breaks for your style and skill level and you can even take your pick from left or right breaking waves if the conditions are right!
Better yet, their network of local informants know where everyone is headed, so will happily steer you away from the crowds to an equally good location with less riders competing for the breaks.
Bali hotels are fabulous value for money and if you stay in one of the popular tourist spots like Kuta or Legian beach, the best surfing options are close by.
And then after you've spent a monumental day on the waves, you can retire to your luxury Bali accommodation for a refreshing ale before you hit the local night spots for some riotous activity.
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Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Accommodation. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Horsfall |
How to Wax a Surfboard
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Author: Sebastian Grodd
Believe it or not, there’s an art to this.
Wax is the only thing connecting your feet to your board so it pays to get it right.
1. Score Some Wax.
1 bar basecoat.
1 bar wax. It’s important the temperature rating suits your break or the wax won’t do it’s thing.
Get a wax comb too.
2. Remove Old Wax.
Leave your deck in the sun for 20 minutes till wax is soft, but not runny. Use the flat scraper on the comb to remove it.
You can also use a Wax Pickle or special surf wax solvent to get it all off if you’re keen (now is not the time to get DIY with funky chemicals or you may melt your board).
2. Apply Basecoat.
Hold the bar at a 45 degree angle so you rub with the edge.
Rub basecoat on lightly in a circular motion - roughly 25cm (10”) circles.
If you’re a learner/intermediate then go hard and cover ¾ of the deck from the tail up.
Don’t wax the side rails, but do rub a little where your hands grip to pop and duck dive.
Use about ¼ of the bar and you should have lot’s of sweet little bumps.
Do one final layer rubbing rail to rail, then tip to tail.
3. Apply Wax.
Now gently apply wax, again with the bar on an angle rubbing in small-ish circles.
You want to end up with nice small round bumps.
4. Future Care.
Use a wax comb with diagonal cross-hatching strokes to revitalise traction from time to time.
Keep your wax in a plastic snaplock bag so it doesn't get covered in crap and melt all over your pimp ride.
Always put your board in your bag the same way up or you’ll get wax on both sides of the bag, which means wax on both sides of your board. That’ll slow you down.
When your wax gets flat start again from Step 1.
I just wish it tasted as good as it smells.
Visit learninghowtosurf.com for more tips to improve your surfing.
About the Author:
Sebastian writes a surf blog to help people progress in the sport.
It’ll get you catching more waves, styling more tricks and slotting more barrels.
You’ll get a full-spectrum view of progression: From fitness and mindset, through to trick tips and technique.
Sebastian is an entrepreneur and he also stokes out on snowboarding. He lives and shreds in Wellington, New Zealand.
Visit learninghowtosurf.com to improve your surfing.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Wax a Surfboard
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Billabong XXL Big Wave Competition
The mid year review of entries in the Billabong XXL Big Wave comp is available. Check these monsters, mainly from Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania.
Make sure you spot James Hick at 0:56 and the ledge he negotiates at the bottom of his drop in. Hick is from England and looks right at home in the chilly waters of the Southern Ocean. Don't imagine that get too many days like that in the UK though.
Also some huge waves in Mexico, California and South Africa. Plus Layne Beachley at Ours earlier in the year.
Fantastic Noodles Intense Wave Surfing Comp
The 2009 Intense Wave competition saw some of Australia's best junior surfers take on a monster offshore break in South Australia. 15 to 20ft bombs with the competitors pulling into close outs!
Mick Fanning Wins the 2009 Quicksilver Pro
Find Surfboards For Sale
Looking for a new surfboard? Maybe your first surfboard? A vintage board? There are plenty of places to buy surfboards in Australia, the challenge is finding the best deal near you.
Ebay
Ebay is the ultimate marketplace for all sorts of second hand products, including surfboards. At any point in time you 
will find 500 to 1000 boards for sale on Ebay. Sellers list new and used surfboards, fish surfboards, longboards, mini mals, stand up boards and more.
The challenge with buying a surfboard on Ebay is that most sellers offer the "Pick Up Only" option. This means they won't deliver the board, so you need to be able to pick it up. On Surfing Guide you will find surfboards listed on Ebay categorised by location.
Gumtree
Gumtree is Australia's largest free online classifieds website. Gumtree divides its classifieds by city so all you need to do is choose your location and search for "surfboard". Hundreds of surfboard sellers take advantage of Gumtree's free service and you will usually find a wide range available in your town.
Trading Post
Owned by Telstra, the Trading Post has been a high profile victim of migration of classifieds from print to online. You generally won't find many boards for sale here.
Surf Shops
Ah yes, the traditional surf shop. The smell of wax on the boards in the second hand rack, wetsuits lining the walls and the spunky 21 year old behind the counter.
You can't go past your local surf shop for expert advice, after sales service and the confidence of dealing with someone face to face. If you surf you already know where your local surf shops are found. But if in doubt use True Local's online directory to find a surf shop close to you.
Shapers
Buying direct from the manufacturer allows the advanced surfer to get a surfboard custom made. You can specify the board dimensions, artwork, fins etc. Australia is blessed with many of the best surfboard shapers in the world operating on these shores.
There are many shapers offering custom made boards. Try searching Google to find some local shapers.
So You Want To Start Surfing
So you want to start surfing. All those pictures and video of curling blue peaks and crystal tubes have worked their magic on you. Great. Welcome to the world of surfing. Now to get started.
Surfing is a very enjoyable sport but can be dangerous. Spending your time in an ocean full of currents, tows and breaking waves brings risks. It is important to learn to "read the break". Start on a sandy beach; it is best to leave the point and reef breaks until you have some skills. But even on the beach danger lurks so find an experienced lifeguard to show you how to spot a rip and the best places to paddle out.
You will want to be a competent swimmer. It is important that you can make it back to shore in the event you become separated from your board. The ability to swim 100m should be viewed as a minimum requirement.
You should also be reasonably fit. If a wave tosses you off your board you will be required to hold your breath for a time and this does reduce your energy quite quickly. Nothing gets you fit for surfing like, well, surfing. Start with some short sessions in the water and work up from there.
A good way to get familiar with the surf and to build up some fitness is to swim in the waves. Go to a patrolled beach and throw yourself into the whitewater. Let yourself get washed around and become familiar with the sensation of breaking waves.
If you are completely new to the surf maybe try a bodyboard to begin with. Again, find a patrolled beach and use the bodyboard to get out past the breaking waves and paddle into a few. Bodyboarding is a great way to get a feel for the ocean and its movements if you have never caught a wave.
Now for the good stuff. Finding a board. Beginners may want to start with a soft surfboard - a stable board that is softer than the standard fibreglass boards. Ideal for learning the basics of surfing.
If choosing a regular fibreglass board the rule of thumb is that the longer the board, the easier it is to ride. A longer, wider, fatter board is easier to paddle and ride than a shorter, slimmer board. What it gives up in speed and dynamics it makes up for in stability. As you progress as a surfer you will likely try many different types of boards. You will find surfboards for sale in surf shops (obviously) and there are plenty of second hand surfboards on ebay.
Now, just before hitting the waves there is one more think you need to do. Find some flat water somewhere and go for a paddle. Paddling will make or break you as a surfer. Your paddling ability will get you out past the breakers and once out the back will get you into a wave. So become familiar with your board and start building those paddling muscles before your first surf.
Ok. You're ready. Let's go surfing.
Choosing the Right Type of Surfboard
The key to mastering the surf is matching a surfboard to your own surfing style and ability. There are many types of boards and here we profile some of the most popular.
Epoxy Surfboards
Because of its durability, epoxy is a highly useful material for surfboards. Epoxy is a type of resin that is resistant to dents and dings and is combined with foam in surfboards. Epoxy surfboards are usually compared with fiberglass boards but are a lighter and stronger type of surfboard. They often come as hand-shaped or molded epoxy boards.
Beginner’s Softboards
Softboards are the way to go for beginners who are just learning to catch a wave. Beginner’s softboards are flexible but sturdy enough to ride on the face of a wave. In fact, they are stronger than the traditional surfboard and usually have 3 fins. Often called “foamies,” these boards incorporate a foam construction, which makes the surfboard buoyant for the beginner. They are not only stable but they also reduce the amount of injuries for both adults and children. In other words, the softboard is the stepping stone for surfing.
Mini-Mals
The Mini-Mal is a longboard with plenty of buoyancy for a surfer who is just starting out. They are not only long, but also wide, making them excellent choices for catching a wave with stability. The Mini-Mal makes it easier for to turn than a traditional longboard.. Mini-Mals are also known to help beginners transition to intermediate surfers, which is something that softboards lack. Above all, the Mini-Mal offers more maneuverability in comparison to other beginner boards but also has the feel of a longboard.
Longboards
Longboards are designed for beginner surfers to more advanced and can range between 9 to 12 feet in length. They are the prime example of what surfing was back in the days when it first began. The longboard is perfect for just paddling into the water and riding out to the beach. What makes the longboard unique is that the nose is rounded and it tends to have just one fin. Beginners enjoy these boards as they are easy to handle yet fun to hang ten on.
Shortboards
The next step after mastering the longboard is the shortboard, which runs anywhere from 5 to 7 feet in length. It is recommended that beginners do not start out with shortboards as they are quick and more complex to ride. Shortboards are designed for making quick turns with better maneuverability. Compared with other boards short boards are clearly shorter as well as thinner with a pointed nose. They often come with a twin fin, tri fin and even quad fin, which gives advanced surfers more options.
Fish Surfboards
As the name suggests, fish surfboards are designed in the shape of a fish with a swallow tail and a sharp nose. Introduced in the 70s, they are a bit wider and shorter than Epoxy Surfboards and are made for the intermediate to advanced surfer. As a type of short board, the fish surfboard makes it easier to ride flat on a wave rather than vertically. It is easier to ride smaller waves with a fish but more difficult to tackle overhead waves. Those who have perfected their surfing skills fish boards offer great drive through the turn and lift as well as speed and maneuverability.
Gun Surfboards
Guns are surfboards made for those who want to ride the giant waves. Also known as big wave boards, Guns are designed with a pointed nose and tail which help with suction and control in order to hold on to the face of the wave. Guns are wide and designed to avoid spinning out on a waves over 15 feet high.
