The Health Benefits of Surfing

It’s common knowledge that the general majority of sports are beneficial for both health and mental wellbeing. Included in this is surfing. The sport offers an exciting way to spend a few hours while also enjoying the company of the surf community and a great view.

It’s often easy to forget that you’re participating in exercise when you’re having fun. Most won’t even realise just how good surfing is for you. It combines aerobic exercise and strength training while also relieving stress.

Once you’ve finished reading this article, you might find yourself looking for the best shorty wetsuits for kids so you can get the whole family out in the ocean for a fun and physical day out!

A sun, arrow and smile painted on three blocks of wood in the sand

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential; it regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is vital for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can incur:

  • Fatigue
  • Bone pain
  • Low moods
  • Muscle weakness, aches and cramp

Because surfing takes place out in the sea in the natural sunlight, you’ll be absorbing a sufficient amount of vitamin D, helping to strengthen your body and regulate your mood for a more positive disposition.

Healthy Skin and Hair

Due to being sat out in the sea for long periods of time, you’ll be surrounded by salt water, a natural exfoliant. The water acts as a natural detoxifier, drawing out any pollutants harbouring in your pores that naturally occur from pollution and city dwellings. The salt also exfoliates your hair and scalp, naturally cleansing it.

Boosted Immune System

Studies show that regularly immersing your body in cold water can offer major health benefits. This practice is referred to as ‘Cold Therapy’.

Cold Therapy is used to activate your body’s natural healing properties. This helps to relieve symptoms of various medical conditions and improve your immune and lymphatic systems and circulation.

A man holding a surfboard

Strengthen & Tone Muscles

Surfing might not look it at first glance, but it’s a full-body workout. The sport builds your upper body, legs and core muscle strength. More accurately, surfing works a variety of muscles, including:

  • Trapezius
  • Rectus abdominis
  • Latissimus dorsi
  • Obliques
  • Triceps
  • Biceps
  • Deltoids

Healthy Heart

Surfing is a cardiovascular exercise, which builds heart strength through paddling out, standing on the board and working core muscles.

Because of the consistent use of muscles, you will build your heart’s strength and increase your cardio. Over time this will lower your blood pressure, reducing the risk of strokes, heart attacks and other diseases.

A close up of a man’s legs as he surfs

Improved Coordination and Balance

Because of the nature of the sport, surfing involves balance and coordination. When these skills are consistently practised, they can help lead to a better quality of life when ageing; this is because surfing helps to maintain good balance, coordination and muscle strength.

To conclude, if you want to take up a sport that’s fun, exciting and offers you an array of health benefits, surfing is definitely one to try out. It helps with your overall mood and physique, supports your heart and helps to promote healthy ageing.

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