Paddling strength exercise

[LostAtSea]

I just got back from a surf trip and was sorely out of paddling shape. My excuse was the surf has been completely blown out here for a month before my trip and was out of the water the whole time.

The local pool is a circus, I don't like being there at all. I'm thinking about something like this:


Any thoughts? I have a rowing machine but I don't think it's working those muscles. When I'm surfing regularly it's not as much of an issue (although I could always be a stronger paddler)

I'm looking for a home exercise when I cant be in the water, mostly in the winter. We can be blown out for long stretches.

[Big H]

IMO paddling is not about strength per se as much as it is about poise on the board, endurance strength (think jumping jacks as opposed to pushups), and being able to hold a body position so that you can really paddle as quickly as possible with good form as opposed to trying to drag mountains. There really isn't anything that simulates it well I think.....if totally dry docked doing what you describe with light resistance probably would be a good thing, but so would planking, abdominal exercises, holding superman poses, and doing that thing we did in gym class where you stick both arms out to the side and make big circles then gradually smaller circles until the circles were really small then gradually bigger until your shoulders felt like they were on fire. I'd try to get into the circus as well; swimming practice at the very least will help you to be more competent in the water.

[LostAtSea]

Thanks BigH,

Yes, I should work on cardio too, that’s a good point. I also noticed my technique was pretty sloppy too (reaching too far forward).

I was noticing the muscles in the tops of my shoulders were seizing up after a while of paddling. Could be bad technique, lack of strength, or both

[oldmansurfer]

I am currently doing physical therapy for a shoulder problem from playing with my dog about 3 months ago. I use these stretchy bands with handles and a device that attaches to a closed door. those exercises are all good for surfing. I can feel the extra strength and better form when I surf. but it is important to have good form with the exercises. I pay attention to pinching my shoulders together behind my back while doing them. However apparently surfing is not bad for my shoulder either but yard work is. Too bad I can't just quit doing yardwork. You can hook the device in the top of a door and pull down while pinching your shoulders together behind your back which will be sort of like your exercise then turn around and pull from over your head There are endless variations to do with the stretchy bands but I have limited time so I currently do a series of 3 sets of 10 to 20 reps doing 7 different exercises. I am currently on the strongest band but can double them up if I get stronger. The kit I bought comes with 4 different strength bands from amazon for about $14. I surf 2 x a week so most of my surf muscles get worked out regularly anyway but I do feel the difference after 2 weeks of daily exercise

[RinkyDink]

I just got back from a surf trip and was sorely out of paddling shape. My excuse was the surf has been completely blown out here for a month before my trip and was out of the water the whole time.

The local pool is a circus, I don't like being there at all. I'm thinking about something like this:


Any thoughts? I have a rowing machine but I don't think it's working those muscles. When I'm surfing regularly it's not as much of an issue (although I could always be a stronger paddler)

I'm looking for a home exercise when I cant be in the water, mostly in the winter. We can be blown out for long stretches.

Edited because my idea would waste too much water. Never mind

[LostAtSea]

Thanks for the amazon tip OMS - that sounds like the way to go.

Im curious about your idea Rinky Dink

[waikikikichan]

I would recommend a Total Gym.

Fast forward to 1:17

[LostAtSea]

I would recommend a Total Gym.

Fast forward to 1:17

That's awesome. Thanks.