Winner of Surfer's Path Travel Operator of the Year 2007 - Shortlisted for Cornwall Tourism Leisure Pursuit Provider of the Year 2007 - Nominated for Sustainability Awards 2007 - Highly Recommended by the Fat Face Guide 2007 - Official Sponsors of Surfers Against Sewage environmental campaign group

Global Boarders Trip Preparation

In order for you to surf to your full capabilities you should put in just a little work before you hit the waves. Surfing is fun and challenging and you can take it to whichever level you feel comfortable, but if you want to maximise your enjoyment, increase the speed at which you improve and increase the time that you can spend in the water then it helps to do a little work. There are three main areas on which to work.

Upper Body Strength

It helps to have good upper body strength. To paddle to catch a wave, you need the strength to paddle into the waves, and the strength to push up onto your feet, and then the strength ... you get the idea. A good way to increase your upper body strength is to simply lift a few weights. You will look and feel better for it and you will find it helping your surfing no end. If you don't have the time, inclination or money to go to the gym then why not try starting a mild press-up regime starting with as little as 1 or 2 press ups a day. Swimming is a great way to increase your upper and lower body strength, and your stamina and endurance.

Endurance

Endurance means that you will be able to surf better for longer. Take up jogging, slowly building the distance that you run over a period of time. Any aerobic exercise will help you increase your endurance and give your cardiovascular system a good workout.

Flexibility

To perform well at any sport it is a good idea to be flexible. Surfing can be a very physical sport making flexibility all the more important. Touch your toes every day or try a bit of yoga. Being flexible and warming up before a surf will reduce the chance of sustaining an annoying muscle injury during your surfing.

A good level of overall fitness is desirable for a healthy lifestyle, so why not use surfing as an excuse to start getting into shape and living more healthily. You will feel and look better for it - plus you will look a thousand times better in your boardies, bikini or speedos!