How Fit Do You Need To Be To Learn To Surf? Surfing is an exciting sport that blends balance, endurance, and strength. If you’ve ever watched surfers gliding over waves, you might wonder how fit you need to be to give it a try. The good news? You don’t have to be a professional athlete to start surfing. However, having a certain level of fitness can make the learning process a lot easier and more enjoyable.
What Kind of Fitness Do You Need?
You don’t need to be in peak shape to learn to surf, but being comfortable with these physical aspects will definitely help:
- Cardiovascular Endurance – Paddling through waves can be tiring, so having decent stamina is a plus. If you can swim or do moderate cardio for 20-30 minutes without stopping, you’re in good shape to start.
- Upper Body Strength – A lot of surfing involves paddling, which means your shoulders, arms, and upper back will get a workout. You don’t need to be super strong, but some arm and back endurance will make paddling less exhausting.
- Core Strength – Balance is key when you’re on a surfboard. A strong core helps keep you steady when popping up on the board and riding waves.
- Leg Strength – Once you’re up on the board, your legs do most of the work to keep you balanced and absorb the movement of the water. Squats, lunges, and balance exercises can help with this.
- Flexibility and Mobility – Surfing requires a good range of motion, especially in your shoulders, back, and hips. Stretching or doing yoga can make movements smoother and reduce the risk of injury.
Do You Have to Be Super Fit?
No! Many beginners start with little athletic experience and build their fitness along the way. The most important thing is your attitude—being patient, willing to learn, and ready to have fun makes a bigger difference than how fit you are at the start.
How to Get in Shape for Surfing
If you want to prepare before hitting the waves, here are some great ways to build up your fitness:
- Swimming – Helps with endurance and strengthens the muscles used for paddling.
- Yoga – Improves flexibility and balance.
- Strength Training – Focuses on core, upper body, and leg strength.
- Running or Cycling – Builds stamina for longer surf sessions.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be in top physical condition to learn to surf, but having a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience more. The best part? Surfing itself is an incredible full-body workout, so the more you practice, the fitter you’ll become. Just take it at your own pace, have fun, and enjoy the ride!
