Perforated Ear Drum

[Sammy T]

Hi

After being hit on the side of the head by a big wave, (yes, I know, I need to keep a better lookout) I've got a perforated ear drum and can't go back in the water until it has healed (stupidly I did go in a few days later, convincing myself all was ok, but couldn't even balance on the board and was very dizzy). As I'm very new to surfing, only been doing it for 4 months, I'm really fed up about it as I feel that I'll lose all the progress I've been making, the water is also getting pretty chilly here (Tasmania) and I know I'm going to really feel it when I get back in!

Anyway, I've got 2 questions I hope you can help with:

Ear plugs - can anyone recommend good ones that stay in, I'm keen on trying them as the GP told me I'll have a weakness on that ear drum and I don't want it to happen again, not sure if ear plugs would help or not?

Fitness - I'm not overly fit anyway but have been doing 2 x 2 hour surf sessions a week and have noticed some improvement in my upper arm and shoulder strength, is there anything I can do to keep this up while I'm out of action. I do have some 2 kg weights and I do an upper arm session a couple of times a week anyway and I have just started yoga too (I'm female, 5ft 4 and 60kgs). Any tips?

Thanks for any comments.....

Sam

[Aloha]

Ouch. Quite a few guys are big fans of blu-tack as an ear plug, they swear by it.

[Deepwaterdesigns]

definately do some upper body resistance workouts for your upper body strength. my suggestion is high rep, lower weight workouts to build muscular endurance and strength. do alot of body weight exercises such as Dips (triceps and chest) pushups (triceps and chest) and pullups (arms and back) these will help with your pop ups speed and explosiveness, and for paddling strength and endurance, do lots of lateral and front raises, shoulder presses and upright rows. you also want to build your leg and core strength so squats, lunges, sit-ups, crunches to the side and leg tucks should help in that area, this will help with your movement and flexibility.
try to keep sets and reps to 10-15 reps and 5 sets for each exercise, this should increase muscular endurance. also consider buying some resistance bands, which are available at most sports stores for added resistance, if you dont understand how to do some of the exercises here, go to www.bodybuilding.com where you can see vids of the exercises ive mentioned. any questions PM me.
hope that helps

[Sammy T]

Ouch. Quite a few guys are big fans of blu-tack as an ear plug, they swear by it.

Thanks, I'm using blu tac in the shower, seems to stay in ok!

[Sammy T]

definately do some upper body resistance workouts for your upper body strength. my suggestion is high rep, lower weight workouts to build muscular endurance and strength. do alot of body weight exercises such as Dips (triceps and chest) pushups (triceps and chest) and pullups (arms and back) these will help with your pop ups speed and explosiveness, and for paddling strength and endurance, do lots of lateral and front raises, shoulder presses and upright rows. you also want to build your leg and core strength so squats, lunges, sit-ups, crunches to the side and leg tucks should help in that area, this will help with your movement and flexibility.
try to keep sets and reps to 10-15 reps and 5 sets for each exercise, this should increase muscular endurance. also consider buying some resistance bands, which are available at most sports stores for added resistance, if you dont understand how to do some of the exercises here, go to http://www.bodybuilding.com where you can see vids of the exercises ive mentioned. any questions PM me.
hope that helps

Thanks for all the ideas, should keep me busy for a few weeks!
Will also check on the link
Sam

[Deepwaterdesigns]

no worries, hope you get better soon and back in the water before its too damn cold!

[parrysurf]

http://www.proplugs.com/
These are the plugs I see most...guys swear by them. I am a non user.

Strength upper body and balance I do the SUP on the days it is to flat to surf regular. Or on days I am done surfing and I want an extra workout. Lost 40 lbs in a year, and my chest, shoulders, and lats are getting very strong. Not to mention the improved balance, leg strength, and added surf days....hoooray!

[Sammy T]

http://www.proplugs.com/
These are the plugs I see most...guys swear by them. I am a non user.

Strength upper body and balance I do the SUP on the days it is to flat to surf regular. Or on days I am done surfing and I want an extra workout. Lost 40 lbs in a year, and my chest, shoulders, and lats are getting very strong. Not to mention the improved balance, leg strength, and added surf days....hoooray!

Thanks, I'll have a look at the proplugs.

Well done on the weight loss and the balance and strength gain, sounds good!

Sam