boys, who lived sans structure, motivated only by conquering the next half-pipe, black diamond or wave.
For the serious athletes, that label was never accurate.
Surfing isn’t just for the boys either.
These days, fearless chicks around the globe reap the physical and psychic benefits of riding waves.
Just ask pros like “Big Wave” surferMaya Gabeiraand adventurer/pro-surfer Karina Petroni.
Before I tout the benefits of the sport, I need confess: I am a surfing dropout.
Mostly, I stuck with the former.
As he yelled at me to “Get it together!”
(not like a “mellow surfer dude”), I dreamed of escaping back to my hammock.
Until I stood up.
I wish I could say that I’m now a champion surfer with a body like Karina Petroni.
That’s not the case.
But I did develop new found respect and understanding for the sport.
Many of the pros credit riding waves alone with toning their bodies.
But she says surfing itself is the most valuable workout: “You have to be your own trainer.
[For the sport] It’s extremely important to have a strong back.
Just surfing itself will strengthen that.
It’s amazing how fit you become by strictly surfing.
You use muscles you didn’t know you had.”
Plus, the cirdadian rhythm of the waves triggers “feel good” chemicals in the brain for most.
Balance & Lower Body: There are few sports that really help you with your kinesthetic awareness or balance.
The micro-adjustments for surfing make you extremely aware of your body.
This also makes surfing an excellent exercise for strength and muscular endurance for your lower body.
You use every single muscle from your ankles and calves to the fine muscles in your toes.
Surf city, here we come.
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