My top 8 reasons for practicing yoga

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Surfing and yoga play a huge part of my daily lifestyle in Hossegor. If I am not surfing you can find me in the yoga studio on the mat. This has been my daily routine for years now and I can honestly feel the positive benefits of stretching out. Everyday I take the time to find myself and monitor whats happening with my body.  

I want to have a body in total harmony with my inner self and get my body in the best surfing condition. Most surfers will recommend one thing and it’s yoga practice. 

You might think that surfing and yoga are so far out from each other , but times have changed. Both disciplines have similar concepts that really blend well together – to give you a better lifestyle. 

After yoga you will be warmed up and ready to surf better, stronger and longer. Yoga can help take your surfing to the next level for the following reasons: 

1. Morning yoga: nothing beats getting on the mat and warming up properly before hitting the surf.  Warming up properly in the morning helps your body’s physical ability to adapt to the ever changing and challenging surf conditions.
2. Preparation is key: from stretching the entire body to strengthening poses to target surfers common problems (think lower back , hips  and the core) preparation is key and helps with your body’s range of motion when it comes to movement.   and the correct way we should move on the wave.
3. Yoga helps to increase core strength and overall flexibility: Increasing your core strength and flexibility results in better balance ; more strength, and more power. Without a strong core, performance declines and injuries occur. Yoga helps to strengthen major muscles and stabilizing muscles. When your secondary muscles becomes stronger ; your entire body becomes more balanced.
4. Yoga encourages better movement through breath: Yogic breathing techniques will improve your lung capacity and strengthen your cardiovascular system, allowing you to surf for longer stronger.
5. Range of motion : Better range of motion means more time on the waves, less soreness in the muscles and joints, and less injuries. Also a better range in motion means more agility and more ability to perform your movements on the waves.
6. Daily yoga will help you become lean, powerful machine and a better surfer: start adding yoga to your practice and training. Watch your personal transformation take place in life and in the water. Change is good
7. After surf yoga: I recommend taking some time after your surf sessions (and before your body stiffens up) to ease your muscles into relaxation, making those aches and pain fade away. Ideally after every surf and with some consistance , not only will stretching out create space in your physical body, but they will also keep your mind calm and focussed. 
8. Find your flow: Stretching and strengthening all your muscles helps you to surf with more power and find your flow.

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