The Ultimate Guide to Improving Your Surf Skills with Balance Training
Surfing is all about balance. Whether you're paddling out, popping up, or carving through a wave, your ability to stay steady on your board is what sets apart great surfers from beginners. The good news? You don’t have to be in the ocean every day to improve your balance. Balance training on land is one of the best ways to enhance your surf skills and take your riding to the next level.
Why Balance Training is Essential for Surfers
Balance training isn’t just about standing on one foot; it’s about strengthening your core, improving coordination, and building muscle memory that directly translates to better surfing. Here’s how balance training benefits surfers:
Enhanced Stability: Helps you stay steady on your board, even in choppy conditions.
Stronger Core Muscles: Engages your abs, lower back, and legs to improve endurance and control.
Better Coordination: Trains your body to react faster, helping with quick turns and maneuvers.
Injury Prevention: Strengthens muscles and joints, reducing the risk of common surf injuries.
Best Balance Training Exercises for Surfers
To get the most out of your balance training, incorporate these exercises into your routine. Using a balance board, like the ones we offer at Barefoot and Salty, makes these workouts even more effective.
1. Basic Balance Hold
Stand on a balance board with feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent and engage your core.
Hold your balance for 30–60 seconds, increasing the time as you improve.
2. Squats on a Balance Board
Stand on the board and slowly lower into a squat position.
Keep your chest up and back straight.
Return to standing and repeat for 10–15 reps.
3. Surf Pop-Ups
Start in a push-up position on the floor or balance board.
Explosively jump into a surf stance, just like popping up on a wave.
Repeat for 10 reps, focusing on speed and smooth transitions.
4. Single-Leg Balance
Stand on the balance board on one leg.
Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs.
For an extra challenge, close your eyes or add small movements.
5. Carving Drills
Mimic surf turns by shifting weight side to side on the balance board.
Engage your core and visualize carving a wave.
Perform for 1–2 minutes at a time.
How to Incorporate Balance Training into Your Surf Routine
To see real improvements in your surfing, consistency is key. Here’s a simple way to integrate balance training into your week:
Before Surfing: Warm up with a 5-minute balance routine to activate your core and legs.
On Flat Days: If the waves are small, spend 15–20 minutes practicing on a balance board.
Post-Surf Recovery: Use balance training to strengthen stabilizer muscles and prevent injuries.
Level Up Your Surfing with Barefoot and Salty Balance Boards
At Barefoot and Salty, we’re all about helping surfers improve both in and out of the water. Our high-quality balance boards are designed to simulate the feel of surfing, making them the perfect training tool for any skill level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence or a seasoned surfer refining your turns, our boards will help you stay surf-ready every day.
Ready to take your surfing to the next level?
Check out our range of balance boards and start training like a pro today!
Balance training is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your surfing without even getting wet. By incorporating these exercises and using a Barefoot and Salty balance board, you’ll gain better control, stronger muscles, and the confidence to tackle bigger waves. Stay stoked and keep training!