Conditioning

[beeichbum]

ok, so like I haven't been on a board of any type since like mid Febuary. I need to start conditioning again and I can't hold my breath underwater as long anymore. My lifeguard re cert is coming up as well as going home in a few weeks and surfing I have never gone this long without being on a wave it has been like 5months. HELP! So any ideas on how to condition so I don't kill myself when I hit a wave next?

[kieran]

bit of yoga

[surf patrol]

swim, pressups, jogging, gym, cycling - anything you can really.

[sinistapenguin]

Swimming is by far the best. I usually swim a length at a good speed (crawl only) turn round then dive and swim as far as I can underwater (to increase lung capacity) then when I break the surface, swim again at full speed for a few yards (to simulate coming out of a duckdive and having to paddle over the next wave to get out back) then slow for a bit to the end of the length, then turn round and start again.

I also practice swimming underwater until I absoultely HAVE to come up for air. I can currently go for 2 min 17 secs.

Cycling is good for the legs, pushups are good to practice popping up.

I have a 'custom' squat thrust, which is 'pop to my feet in a surf style' then jump as high as possible to build the legs.

Any cardio exercise is good for building stamina!

Cheers

Sinista