Use yoga exercises to surf better. We analyze how to pop up in surfing: problems, causes, and possible solutions. In addition, we will review what we can do to improve the speed and precision of our Pop-Up movement. If you want to review part one, follow this link (part 1).
Once we have determined the correct foot placement before and after popping up (see part 1), we must necessarily improve the speed of their movement to generate permanent changes in our surfing.
After much research, at Flysurf, we have come to the conclusion that the best way to approach it, which can mean an instant improvement in your speed and agility, is to focus the attention of the movement on the pelvis.
Let me explain: normally we think that the most important thing for a correct pop-up is to move our feet quickly, but we are wrong. If the pelvis moves high and fast, the feet will do so at an explosive speed, and that is exactly what we need! That's why it's important to use yoga to surf better, because it will give you greater control over your body and its movements.
It's hard to explain in words, but I'm sure your yoga teacher/friend could explain it (hands-on) in a couple of classes. If you can't or don't have time, try the following practical exercise based on Yoga, where in a single fluid movement you will go from the initial surfing position (lying face down on your board) to the final position (standing).
Yoga exercise to surf better:
1. Lie face down on the floor.
2. Place your hands next to your chest, in the correct position to push efficiently. (see part 1).
3. Concentrate and focus your attention on your pelvis. Then, explosively try to lift it as far off the ground as you can.
4. Your pelvis will be in the air, and you will feel a freedom like never before and plenty of space and time to move your feet wherever you want.
5. Bring both feet (and legs) forward between your hands.
6. Stand up.
As you may have noticed, it's a simple exercise, not exactly the same movement as popping up in surfing, but it perfectly recreates what we want to achieve. LIFTING THE PELVIS, to move the legs quickly under our body.
You should take this movement and modify it to be as similar as possible to a final surfing position, that is, one foot forward and one foot back. Practice it on the sand, then in the water, and finally on a wave.
It always works for me to write a reminder on the board (on an adhesive cloth): LIFT THE PELVIS!, as it's incredible how easily such things are forgotten out there. DON'T FORGET the reference points where your feet should go to "aim" correctly at them (part 1).
Over time, your brain will process these commands automatically, without the need to look at your board or think about reference points. Always remember, once standing, look where you want to ride the wave (Why do I always surf in the whitewash?).
In SUMMARY, to surf better:
Forget about your feet, lift your pelvis! If your pelvis "lifts off" the board quickly, you'll have all the space and time you need to move your feet and aim wherever you want, and not just wherever you can.
Friends. That has been today's tip.
REMEMBER: Position, Speed, Hands, and Pelvis are the key to a good pop-up.
Now, time to practice and share the knowledge! Use yoga to surf better!
