In surfing, practice makes perfect, but we can’t always be in the water to improve our technique. That’s why dry simulations are an excellent way to train movements and develop the muscle memory needed to progress in surfing. At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we use these techniques to help our students strengthen their technique and build confidence before facing the waves. In this article, we’ll tell you what surfing simulations are and how to incorporate them into your training routine.
What Are Surfing Simulations?
Surfing simulations are exercises performed outside of the water to replicate the movements done on the board. These practices help create muscle memory, improve coordination and posture, and allow surfers of all levels to refine their technique without needing to be in the ocean.
Benefits of Dry Simulations
- Muscle Memory Development: Repeating movements outside the water helps you solidify motor patterns, making execution easier in the ocean.
- Technique Improvement: Practicing on land allows you to correct posture, balance, and movement synchronization.
- Mental Preparation: Simulating specific situations and maneuvers reduces fear and increases confidence when facing those same situations in the water.
- Accessibility: You can practice these exercises anywhere, without needing waves or specialized equipment.
How to Perform Surfing Simulations?
Here are some of the most effective simulations to improve your performance in the water:
Paddling Simulation
Paddling is one of the most important movements in surfing, as it determines your speed and ability to catch waves. Practicing it on land will help you develop the necessary strength and technique.
How to Simulate Paddling?
- Starting Position: Lie face down on a flat surface (you can use a surfboard or a mat).
- Paddling Movement: Extend your arms forward, make a circular motion back with one arm and then the other, as if you were paddling in the water.
- Technique Correction: Make sure to keep your torso stable and paddle with a long, smooth movement, avoiding short or tense motions.
Take-Off Simulation
The take-off is the movement in which you go from lying down to standing on the board. It is essential to execute it quickly and controlled to catch the waves properly.
How to Simulate the Take-Off?
- Starting Position: Lie face down on a mat or board on the ground.
- Push and Stand Up: Place your hands at chest level and, in one motion, push your body up, bringing the front foot forward and the back foot back, adopting a surfing stance.
- Technique Correction: Practice the movement repeatedly, ensuring you maintain a balanced and stable posture, with bent knees and eyes looking forward.
Turning Simulation (Bottom Turn and Top Turn)
Turns are essential maneuvers for changing direction and making the most of the wave. Simulating these movements on land helps coordinate the use of the body and the board.
How to Simulate Turns?
- Surfing Position: Stand in a surfing stance on a board on the ground or a flat surface.
- Bottom Turn Simulation: Rotate your torso towards the inside of the wave, shifting weight to the back leg and moving the front arm towards the direction of the turn.
- Top Turn Simulation: After the bottom turn, shift your weight to the front leg and rotate your torso in the opposite direction, imitating the upward movement on the wave.
Balance Exercise on Bosu or Balance Board
Balance is key to maintaining control on the board, especially in challenging sea conditions. Using tools like the Bosu or a balance board will help improve your stability.
How to Practice Balance?
- Starting Position: Stand on the balance board or Bosu, with your feet in a surfing stance.
- Maintaining Balance: Try to keep your balance without touching the ground with your feet, making up and down movements as if cushioning the motion of a wave.
- Technique Correction: Keep your knees bent and your core engaged to improve stability.
How to Integrate surf Simulations into Your Training Routine?
Dry simulations are the perfect complement to your surfing sessions. Here are some tips on how to incorporate them into your routine:
Regular Training
Spend 10-15 minutes before each surf session doing paddling, take-off, and turn simulations. This will help you warm up your muscles and prepare your mind for what’s to come in the water.
Weekly Routine
Incorporate 2-3 dry training sessions per week, focusing on specific movements you want to improve. You can combine simulations with strength, balance, and stretching exercises for a complete workout.
Review and Correction
Record yourself while doing the simulations and compare it to videos of professional surfers or your own sessions in the water. Analyzing your technique will help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments in your training.
Surfing Simulations at Peña Txuri Surf Eskola
At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we use dry simulations as part of our classes and personalized training. Our instructors will guide you through each movement, ensuring you master the technique before facing the waves. This approach not only improves your performance but also gives you the confidence needed to enjoy surfing to the fullest.
If you want to learn to surf with solid technique and advance faster in your progress, book your surf lesson with us. We’ll help you master the simulations and transfer that knowledge to the water so you can enjoy every wave. We look forward to surfing with you in Sopelana!
