How Yoga Can Improve Your Surfing

These days, it can be hard to keep track of the different styles – new names appear every year, often adapted to suit the preferences of the Western world. This has led many people to associate it only with things like needing to be flexible, seeing it purely as a workout (which it can be, but it’s so much more!), or thinking it takes a long time to get into.

What’s often forgotten is that yoga has existed for over 5,000 years, and it’s not just about the movements we do on the mat. While it has evolved significantly over time, which is something we can be grateful for, the core foundation remains: it helps balance the mind while allowing us to connect with our bodies in new ways. This is exactly why many in the surf world have recognized its value – not just for staying calm in the ocean but also for how the movements directly improve the skills needed for surfing.

Gerry Lopez, one of the world’s most legendary surfers, once said:

“I started surfing when I was 10 years old, but I discovered yoga in 1968. That was really about the same time that I was thinking about maybe starting to get serious about my surfing. Looking back, the reason was that—aside from the fact that it was a good time, it was my time to embrace yoga—I thought it would make me a better surfer. That was the thing that made me grab it with a bear hug right from the very beginning. It really gave me a lot of answers.”

And that’s exactly the point – it isn’t just about flexibility or exercise; it’s about finding balance, focus, and strength, both in and out of the water.

Can Everyone Do Yoga?

Yoga can be adapted to all levels, and you don’t need any prior experience to get started. As we mentioned earlier, it’s common to think, “I’m not flexible enough for yoga,” but these movements will help you tremendously when you’re out in the water surfing! Progress might not always be instant, but it’s not unusual to feel a difference in your pop-up and paddling fairly quickly.

Since we’re on the topic, let’s go through some key poses that will prepare your body before and during your surf trip, ensuring you get the most out of your time in the ocean.

Cat/Cow Pose

This movement helps your spine stay mobile and maintain flexibility, something that’s often overlooked. Move slowly and sync your breath with the motion—inhale as you arch your back, open your chest, and look up. As you exhale, tuck your chin to your chest and round your shoulder blades.

High Lunge

Opens up the hip flexors and activates your core. Make sure your front knee stays at about a 90-degree angle and doesn’t collapse inward. Keep your torso engaged and reach your arms overhead—but remember to relax your shoulders.

Pigeon Pose

A deep stretch for your thighs and hips. Extend your back leg and try to stay centered rather than leaning too far to one side. You can either keep your upper body upright or rest your head on the mat (or a block) like a small pillow for extra support.

If you prefer guided instruction before your trip, we recommend checking out this 15-minute class designed specifically for pre-surf preparation, as well as this session created to help your body recover after a full day of surfing

The Impact of Yoga on Your Surfing

When you start practicing yoga regularly, you’ll likely notice improvements in balance, flexibility, and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. It also helps reduce the risk of injury and speeds up recovery after intense surf sessions.

Yoga strengthens your core stability, which is crucial for maintaining balance on the board, and increases mobility in your shoulders and hips – two areas that endure significant strain during paddling and pop-ups. Additionally, breathing exercises help you control your breath, allowing you to stay focused and conserve energy when facing challenging waves.

As you can see, yoga and surfing complement each other perfectly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, yoga provides the tools you need to progress both physically and mentally in the water.

Is Yoga Available at Our Surf Destinations?

Most of our surf destinations offer guided yoga classes specifically designed to support your body throughout multiple days of surfing. You can check whether yoga is included in your package or available as an add-on under the “Included” and “Not Included” sections on our website. There, you’ll also find details on how to book yoga sessions during your stay.

Benefits of Yoga

Beyond the advantages specific to surfing, yoga offers a wide range of benefits that can positively impact your daily life, whether you’re by the ocean or not. Regular practice contributes to both physical and mental well-being, with effects that extend far beyond the yoga mat.

Here are some key benefits:

• Reduced Stress
  Through breathwork and mindfulness, yoga helps manage everyday stress, fostering a sense of calm and balance.
• Less Stiffness and Pain
  Improved mobility and flexibility can ease muscle and joint tension, particularly in areas like the back, shoulders, and hips.
• Helps Combat Anxiety, Depression, and Worry
  By integrating movement, breath, and meditation, yoga supports nervous system regulation and promotes emotional stability.
• Supports Cardiovascular Health
  Research suggests that yoga can enhance circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function.
• Aids Hormonal Balance
  Yoga helps regulate stress hormones while encouraging the body’s natural recovery processes.
• Improves Sleep Quality
  Relaxing postures and breath exercises can make it easier to fall asleep and achieve deeper rest.
• Boosts the Immune System
  By reducing inflammation and enhancing stress resilience, yoga can strengthen the body’s ability to recover and fight off illness.