5 yoga postures to paddle longer
We all know that in surfing the paddling is super important. Improving your paddle endurance is crucial! (Of course, you should also work on your paddle technique in the water!)
Good news, incorporating yoga in your routine helps strengthen the muscles involved in paddling. Yoga also increases flexibility of those muscles and improves the overall stamina. And that’s what we want!
Here are 5 great yoga postures that can help you paddle longer & stronger.
Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
This great, classic postures has a lot of benefits: It strengthens the shoulders, the upper back and the arms, while also stretching the hamstrings, calves and spine
How to do it:
Start on your hands and knees.
Tuck your toes under and lift your hips up and back.
Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart.
Press your chest toward your thighs and hold for 1-2 minutes.
2. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
This next common posture is great to strengthen the spine, shoulders, and arms. Plus, it also helps to open up the chest.
How to do it:
Lie face down on the mat with your hands under your shoulders.
Press into your hands and lift your chest off the ground.
Keep your elbows close to your body and hold for 30-60 seconds.
3. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
The benefits of plank pose are obviously the building of core strength, but it also tones the shoulders, the arms, and the wrists.
How to do it:
Start in a push-up position with your hands under your shoulders.
Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
Engage your core and hold for 30-60 seconds.
4. Locust Pose (Salabhasana)
This posture is mostly known for strengthening the lower back, the glutes, and the hamstrings but it also has a major effect on improving your posture.
How to do it:
Lie face down on the mat with your arms by your sides.
Lift your head, chest, arms, and legs off the ground.
Hold for 30-60 seconds, keeping your neck neutral.
5. Boat Pose (Navasana)
This posture is a major core strengthener, but also strengthens the hip flexors and the spine.
How to do it:
Sit on the mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your sit bones.
Extend your arms forward and straighten your legs to form a V-shape.
Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Try to incorporate these 5 postures regularly into your yoga practice to improve your paddling endurance and enjoy longer sessions on the waves. Don’t we all want that?
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