| What if I told you that your surfing will take on a | | | | and provides the same mental focus lessons that |
| whole new meaning once you have have cultivated | | | | have benefited all peoples for centuries. After |
| physical, mental and spiritual growth. If you're like me, | | | | becoming familiar with your body's needs, you will |
| your first question might be "Ok, what's the catch? | | | | develop a shortened routine that you can practice on |
| Do I have to quit smoking and eat beet greens | | | | the beach before every session out. You will come |
| every day?" The answer is "yes," those things are | | | | to love this time just before paddling out; your |
| no-brainer's. But the real secret lies in a growing | | | | opportunity to bring mind, body and spirit together. |
| phenomenon that is deeply rooted in history - surf | | | | The opening prayer for the practice of yoga reads: |
| yoga. | | | | "Because I want more peace of mind and stability in |
| Your ability to surf better is directly related to your | | | | life, I faithfully practice Yoga as it has been passed |
| core strength, balance, your focus and determination | | | | down by the surf gurus." |
| and your mental and spiritual well-being. Improving | | | | I've taken the liberty of adding "surf" into the mantra |
| your ability in the water just doesn't happen with out | | | | before "gurus" just for you. Recite it a couple times. |
| a good surfing fitness program. Yoga is practiced by | | | | Close your eyes and clear your head for a moment. |
| many of the world's best surfer's, most notably | | | | Set aside your worries and inhibitions. Breathe deeply |
| 9-time World Title holder Kelly Slater. Kelly is just one | | | | and slowly a few times. Picture yourself flashing the |
| of thousands of surfer's who practice surf yoga as a | | | | peace sign as you tuck into a perfect barrel. Feel the |
| ritual, and the benefits are obvious; improved | | | | crystal clear blue water as it spills over your shoulder. |
| performance in the water, improved mental health | | | | Now, relax your body and focus on the words "surf |
| and improved physical well-being. | | | | gurus" and you've got it. You're ready to start |
| Disciplining yourself and getting to know your body in | | | | practicing surf yoga and soon you will be opened up |
| this way may be something new to you, so take it | | | | to a whole new perspective on life, and most |
| easy at first and then push yourself once you have | | | | importantly, surfing. |
| an idea of where your limits are. Learning what your | | | | All surfers are young at heart, but the harsh reality is |
| body is actually capable of will not only surprise you, | | | | that the body just doesn't keep up. If you want to |
| but will translate directly into more radical turns, | | | | continue to surf better, then you need to start |
| faster recoveries from slip-ups and falls, and overall | | | | looking after your body. Surf Yoga is a whole lot |
| harmony with the waves. | | | | more fun that running on a treadmill, lifting weights, |
| Yoga for Surfers borrows the best poses and | | | | or just plain stretching. Yoga for surfers is really an |
| exercises from other Yoga disciplines and combines | | | | extension of the sport you already love. Embrace it |
| them into a routine that targets specific muscle | | | | now, or you may as well start giving away waves to |
| groups, builds the inner body strength surfers need, | | | | the kids next time you paddle out. |