The Health Benefits of Surfing!

Health Benefits – Surfing is addictive! but it’s probably the softest of the extreme sports

Physical Health

Adrenaline rush means you can't wait to get back out for another wave so it's self motivational.

• An awesome workout for practically every muscle in your body as you work your arms to paddle out, your whole body to spring up on your feet, and leg and core muscles as you ride the waves!
• Great for aerobic fitness, flexibility and strength.

Mental Health

Positive ions released in the breaking surf energise and rejuvenate.

• Beat anxiety and depression with the challenge of the surf and the calm of the sea.
• Concentrating on the varied challenges of surfing can focus, refresh and clear the mind from daily distractions.
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem as you meet the challenges of conquering the challenges of the surf.

Rehab and Recovery

• Always discuss any rehab or recovery plan with your health care provider.
• Even if you are not hugely fit you can build up your surfing fitness through other sports including swimming, walking and other muscle training.

Social

• The best way to learn to surf is through a 'surf school', they can also help you with equipment such as wetsuits and boards.
• You can enjoy surfing alone or in a group.
• Surfing has a great social scene and part of being a 'surfer' is hanging out and waiting for the waves.

Weight Management

• Wave goodbye to those unwanted pounds and keep them off as you surf.
• Surfing for around one hour can burn around 300 calories.
• An afternoon's surfing can easily burn up to 800 calories.

(Some of the above are extracts taken from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's website)