Getting In Shape

This section is mainly for those who have surfed very little or haven't surfed at all. However even if you have surfed before we recommend training before your first time surfing in Texas.

The main thing your trying to build is your paddle strength, it's 90% of surfing.

A good way to replicate the ill-defined sets we get in Texas is to paddle around a pool on a boogie board and after every 5 strokes try to duck-dive. Even though duck-diving isn't a very efficient method of getting around waves here, it's a great way to break your momentum, simulating the frequent sets that are so common in Texas.

The other 10% is getting up and riding.

The best way to practice getting up is to do push-ups and popping up on the floor.

Skateboarding on vert ramps or in bowls is a great way to practice for riding the wave.  Indo boards also help with balance training.

Yoga is a great way to build fluidity, it can help your style become smoother even in our rough waves. Since there are so many great Yoga books out there we won't go in to detail... Pick your favorite! Instructors and classes are great too.