Sorry for the off topic question. Just curious if anyone has any tips on improving paddling stamina. I’m only able to get int eh water 2 to 4 times a week (usually 2) and wonder how to keep my paddling strength up to make the most of my sessions??
do some pull ups, swim at the YMCA or a some public pool, use a rowing machine… etc.>>> Sorry for the off topic question. Just curious if anyone has any tips on > improving paddling stamina. I’m only able to get int eh water 2 to 4 times > a week (usually 2) and wonder how to keep my paddling strength up to make > the most of my sessions??
Swimming is the best. I use a VASA trainer when I can’t get to the water. You can develop some incredible padling speed with that thing! Don’t forget to do some core(abs, low back,etc.) work also. Some Yoga moves are also a favorite. aloha,tom
Sorry for the off topic question. Just curious if anyone has any tips on [snip] in addition to the great suggestions already offered, i would like to add one more suggestion: stretching … this is a very important “exercise” in itself - being limber is very important. you’ll be surprised at how much more relaxed you are before and after a session. i have a book that i’ve had since, geez, my early 20’s i guess. it has a section on surfing; it appears to still be in print … {http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0936070226/qid=1008022584/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_3_1/104-1971361-0414340}
in addition to the great suggestions already offered, i would like to add > one more suggestion:>>> stretching … this is a very important “exercise” in itself - > being limber is very important. you’ll be surprised at how much more > relaxed you are before and after a session. i have a book that i’ve had > since, geez, my early 20’s i guess. it has a section on surfing; it > appears to still be in print …>>> > {http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0936070226/qid=1008022584/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_3_1/104-1971361-0414340}
Sorry for the off topic question. Just curious if anyone has any tips on > improving paddling stamina. I’m only able to get int eh water 2 to 4 times > a week (usually 2) and wonder how to keep my paddling strength up to make > the most of my sessions?? Swimming is the closest you are going to get to paddleing unless you can get a Vasa trainer.Follow the advise from above about stretching abdominal work and lower back work.As for cardiovascular training I would suggest an interval type of training regimine in which you mimic the short bursts of effort followed by rest (i.e. paddleing out then resting or catching a wave and surfing.)Do this by swimming or running in short 30 - 60 second hard but not all out bursts followed by a rest of no more than 60 seconds. Then repeat until you can comfortably do 20 or so repeats. This will increase your bodies ablity to absorb oxygen while exercising hard and allow you to recover faster. Means more waves for you! A strength training program can also be used to developed to your paddle speed and musclar endurance. By doing higher repetions using lighter weights and more sets or specific speed movements without weights you can increase your ability for your muscles to continue to perform at a high degree while not succombing to the effects of latic acid build up ( fatigue). If you want to learn how to develope a routine for your self you can email me at I am a strengthening and conditioning specialist and work with elite athletes as wells mere mortals. Doug
L?L…I’ve posted this one before, and I will oblige again…This is even BETTER than a vasa (which I also have access to)! If you can get to a pool…get four kickboards and strap 'em together with 7" rubber bands. Put this pseudo-boogie board under your diaphram (like your center locus on your board) and start paddling like you would your surfboard. BELIEVE me…this is “virtual” and WAY surperior to the vasa. the kickboards have the bouyancy of a shortboard! I have all the beach lifeguards doing this, and much to my “chagrin”, these guys are back competing with me for waves, when it’s on. Swimming is great, the vasa IS good…rowing and lat machines…excellent…but try THIS…all of you…and you’ll thank me. It is JUST LIKE paddling your shortboard! I am shooting over to our local pool with the girlfriend …right after this, in fact. the pool’s set up for 50 meter lengths, and I’m gonna do an hour. superior for cardiovascular! really takes the winter’s edge off! laters, T. (come on!..TRY it!).
Do you strap them together one on top of the other so you have them 4-thick??
You got it, L?L! that’s exactly how…4 thick! I use about 4 - 7" rubber bands for convenience sake…(they WILL snap, every so often {which is why I use four…also… to prevent seperation at “nose” and “tail” areas})…but you can use anything from cord to velcro(the best way). Hop on, bro…good luck! - T.
Although not intended to increase paddling stamina here are a couple of silly “exercises” that have helped me when away from the ocean for periods of time. “Popup” - using any device available (paper, tape, carpet, etc) make a small (18" X 24") elipse and mark center with an “X” - lay down with the elipse under you lengthwise and the “X” directly under your belly button - practice “popping up” to a standing position with feet fore and aft of the “X.” “Spin” - spin around for a minute or two - close eyes and drop to a full deep knee bend and try to maintain balance. You’re in the tube so deep the whitewater is grabbing you but somehow you hang on and make it!