If you’re a surfer, you’ll probably agree that the sport is hard on the body. You’re playing on an unstable surface with uncertain elements. Most spots in Indonesia aren’t for the slight of bicep or faint of heart; you’re often battling sharp reefs or 5 knots current (at Nusa Dua) to make it out. How, then, can you keep your body primed for the high demands of surfing? Yoga might be the answer.

Contrary to popular belief, you dont have to be an om-ing vegetarian to do yoga. Surfing and the practice of Yoga are intrinsically linked and have been since the late ’60′s, when hippies and surfers searched soul connection on the beaches of Hawaii and California. The key difference is that yogis turn inward to find peace, while surfers seek their Zen in the outward art of riding waves. But can physical yoga help you with your surfing?? “ABSOLUTELY“, says Vancouver-based Eoin Finn, who teaches yoga, ecology and surfing at retreats in Bali, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

Most people think that yoga only improves flexibility. But in reality, through Yoga, you can develop an intelligent body that can be loose and twisty or strong and centered as the situation demands. Plus you can develop an Intelligent body that can be loose and twisty or strong and centered as the situation demands. Plus, you gain the presence of mind to remain calm under pressure.

Find a quiet spot on the beach and give yourself at least five minutes before you hit the waves. And remember that the bliss lies not in the outcome but in the experience. There are a few position that you could practice.

Downward Dog : Come onto hands and knees. Straighten your legs slightly, but don’t lock your knees. Send your hips diagonally away from your hands. Spread your fingertips. Breathe and hold for about five counts. Your heels dont need to touch the sand. You’re trying to find length in the harm string and spin while making an upside down V with your body. Benefits: Lengthens back body to counter over development of frontal extension muscles from padding.

Triangle Pose : Stand facing the ocean. Step your left foot back, about one leg length behind. Point your left foot at 45 degree angle facing to the front and step it a few inches to the left. On an inhale, slowly extend your right arm towards the front, keep your core strong, knee slightly bent and reach your arm toward your knee, shin or if you are more open, towards your toes. Spread toes wide into the sand, and rotate your hips and torso up toward the sky. Follow with your left arm and reach it overhead. Stay here for a few deep inhales and exhales, the repeat on the opposite side. Benefit = Streches the side body to allow for more reach when you paddle. Strengths the inner legs and improves overall balance

Half Spinal Twist : From a seated position, bend your right knee. Take the left foot to the outside of your right knee, spread toes into the sand, and hug your left knee toward your chest. Use your left fingertips behind you for support as you twist your torso, all the way from your hips to your left. Try to keep the left hip from lifting up and lean forward not back with your spine. Use your breath: the inhales lift you, while the exhales ease you deeper into the twist. You can hook your right elbow to the outside of your left knee to get your spine nice and tall. Repeat on the other side. Benefit: if you want lip smacking ability, your body needs to twist easefully and fast. This twist not only loosens your hips and side torso but also gives you more range of motion so you can sreate maximum slash on all of your turns.

Breathing : in a seated or standing position, inhale for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, and then exhale for four counts, and then exhale for eight counts. Do this for at least five times, and then breath normally. Benefits helps detoxify your system from last night’s Bintang rampage and prime your lungs for efficient breathing while you’re in water.

[by Luke Veron]