For a good long time now, it has been the case with many surfers that they is mainly attempting to achieve return on something because it’s worth more dollars than what goes out of their pocket. Yoga for surfing is about something you can’t put into words, but know inside yourself as the heart of your spirit.
Before you head into the water, you should lay down a colorful thin plastic mat. Have you ever thought of doing this? Might seem a bit odd now when used to stepping on nothing but sand or wet grip but then again not all things that happen should be thought about in logical detail. That feeling when Yoga and surfing seem as natural to Thursdays Bubble & Squeak. _
Similar to investing in a house, instead of simply buying one, Yoga means balance and mental focus. In the case of surfing, pebbles must become boulders; bamboo poles turn into cedar trees. Yoga combines strength and flexibility to give you this feeling:
Try breathing this way for a change. Ever been thoroughly buried by a house-high wave? It’s like being thrown inside the spin cycle of some gigantic washing-machine! While you are forced to brave those long, breathless tumbles underneath waves–Yoga will help make sure that proper breath control helps bring you back around soon enough. Skilled surfers are always capable of remaining calm under water by exercising some control over their breathing.
Think about the focus it takes to catch the right wave. Surfing demands just as much attention as threading a needle during an earthquake. Yoga tunes up your focus, so your mind does not wander when the right set does arrive.
Let’s not forget about your center strength, that place where this surfing prowess comes from. Picture trying to haul yourself up onto your board without firm abs. It’s like a frog trying to swim through needlessly deep water. And even the most experienced athletes would find that challenging indeed!
It’s not something to be taken very seriously either. While Yoga is going on, put your head gently off to sea. Then imagine being a kind of bridge between two worlds. People laugh at it now at just that time because, after all, balance is difficult whether you’re in or out of water.
In fact, when conditions are less than perfect and waves go flat, yoga keeps you in touch with the surf. We all know this feeling quite well. Eating cake before dinner is like having a pleasant surprise!
Story: I was really into those sunrise beach sessions until the day I got tangled up in seaweed while out surfing. It was funny and also a very humbling experience for me at the same time! This little incident taught me a lesson called resilience which is reflected beautifully in yogic practices. It’s better not to make trouble out of your imperfections any more than absolutely necessary because that way all you’ll end up taking in return is one end to each side of life’s unpredictable journey.
Taking classes is another way to create community. By attending classes, you will meet other sports enthusiasts of the same ilk who know just what “living” weekends spent chasing swells under blue or gray sky are.