How fit? (i.e Vo2max for pipeline?)

[Geezer]

All this fitness talk and goal setting is fine; fitness is important for sure and these general exercises and tests help to give a frame of reference. Personally I do pushups, pullups and dips then alot of stretching days when I dont surf. While I can ace the minesweeper minimums, not really the issue to address, which is getting tired in a wavepark and having a tough time catching waves that break exactly the same in the same spot over and over.

You can be as fit as you like; Ive seen some real gym specimens in the lineups who couldnt surf. And thats the real issue; comfort and a relaxed feeling in the water, positioning, anticipating clean ups sets, knowing where to kick out so you don’t get worked on the inside, catching waves you paddle for and not getting frustrated, not falling on takeoff then getting worked on the inside, knowing where channels are, where you can sun yourself on the shoulder without being in the way or getting caught inside. Working on your paddle strokes and knowing how to use different ones fir different situations. And paddle fitness…..being able to maintain posture and form on the board which translates to a stronger and more effective paddle.

I applaud the verve to tackle a fitness regime; it can’t hurt at all and will surely only serve you well. But the point that WKK was making posting the picture of Big Jimbo Pelligrine at Padang Padang was that fitness isn’t everything, in fact it factors well behind several skills needed to surf well. If you want to surf big Batu Bolong, it isnt that hard, but you’ll need to be able to find the peak, beat the crowd for the wave, and take the wave when you have your chance which means progressively working up to that level in the water. There unfortunately is no substitute.