Surfing Waves

i found when i went out last, that after a while i got a pain at the back of my neck, like at the base, so it could have been my shoulders... like a muscle ache, is that from paddling? i thught it might be because of when you look ahead of you to see the waves, i might have pulled my muscles a bit , but i can't tell, has anyone ever had this problem? it didn't stop me surfing but it affected me, because it hurt to look up, i had to keep resting my neck, lol.

After a long session, my neck aches in the same way, especially if I have to do a lot of paddling.

Sometimes I end up having to sit out back and let a few sets go by while my neck calms down!

I think it is from looking forwards when paddling.

Still it takes away from the incredible pain in my knee! (I had a motorbike accident and have a bad knee - have to wear a big brace under my wetsuit!)

Sinista

it's from looking foward and up when paddaling out. If you have a longer board you can paddal on your knees which gives you better visibility so your neck wont hurt.

when you're paddling, your body tends to be contorted in a fairly unnatural position, so sore necks ( and for me lower back pain) is pretty common. maybe do a few warm up exercises before you go out to loosen up your neck and take frequent breaks to look down or just relax your neck muscles. Sometimes i just lie on my board and prop up my head with my hands for a few seconds. or sit on my board and rub my neck. maybe get some deep heat or tiger balm on it. good luck with that anyway!

I always find that having an attractive member of the opposite sex rub your neck and other aching parts is a good way to round off a session!!

Sinista