Surfing isn’t just a thrilling sport; it’s also an incredible workout that combines fun with a full-body fitness routine. With over 23 million surfers worldwide, this outdoor activity has proven to be more than just riding waves. Whether you’re an avid beachgoer or someone looking to blend adventure with exercise, is surfing a good workout delivers a unique mix of benefits that challenge both the mind and body.
But what makes surfing such a powerful workout? From building strength to improving cardiovascular endurance, this blog dives into the stats and science behind why surfing might just be the best workout you’ve been overlooking.
Surfing as a Full-Body Workout
When you hit the water with your surfboard, your body engages in a wide range of movements. Every wave challenges your strength, coordination, and balance.
Upper Body Strength and Endurance
The act of paddling engages your shoulders, arms, and chest, offering an intense upper-body workout. Studies have shown that surfers can paddle up to 1,600 meters per session, making this activity comparable to a solid swimming workout.
This repeated paddling movement builds endurance in your shoulder and back muscles, which, in turn, help to improve posture and overall mobility.
Core Strength and Stability
Balancing on a surfboard relies heavily on your core muscles. Your abdominals, obliques, and lower back work together to keep you upright while riding waves. Studies suggest that activities such as surfing improve dynamic stability, which contributes to better control in other fitness activities as well.
Leg and Lower Body Power
Every time you pop up on your board, you’re engaging your legs. Surfing requires the explosive strength of your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves to drive upward, while staying balanced and maneuverable on the board. Add to that the constant adjustment needed to match the ebb and flow of waves, and your lower body gets a workout it won’t forget.
A Great Cardiovascular Exercise
You might not think of surfing as a cardio exercise, but it definitely gets your heart pumping! Paddling, wave-riding, and jumping back on your board all increase your heart rate.
Experts note that surfers can burn up to 400-500 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of their session. Add the intervals of high and low activity during surfing, and you essentially get a cardiovascular workout similar to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Mental Benefits of Surfing
While the physical benefits are undeniable, surfing also works wonders for mental health. Being out on the water, surrounded by nature, reduces stress and allows surfers to experience mindfulness in the moment. Research highlights that activities like surfing help release feel-good endorphins, improving mood and reducing anxiety.
Some studies have even found that surf therapy is a growing practice, where the activity is used to treat cognitive and emotional challenges.
Why Surfing Stands Out
There are countless workouts that target your muscles and cardio, but surfing brings something extra to the table. It’s a skill-based activity that’s both challenging and rewarding, requiring physical fitness and mental focus to succeed. Plus, unlike monotonous gym sessions, surfing constantly changes depending on weather and wave conditions, keeping it fresh and exciting.
Final Thoughts
Yes, surfing isn’t just a fun hobby, it’s also an exceptional workout for your entire body and mind. Whether you’re improving your strength, endurance, or balance, all while soaking up some vitamin D, surfing ticks every fitness box costa rica surfing.