Surfer Strength
Over the years, Swellnet has had a few requests to run a column on surf fitness and training, which we’ve gently resisted. There’s no clear reason why, though if pressed I’d say there’s still a part of me that equates surf tutorials with the learn to surf phase.
Not knocking beginners, but there’s innumerable tutorials out there for them without Swellnet clogging the waters.
As many readers know, I recently had a bad injury and the recovery involves rehab work targeted specifically towards getting back into the water. The nature of the work has opened my eyes to the potential for a program, or programs, designed specifically for surfing.
Sports physiotherapy has blossomed over the last twenty or so years, in line with the boom in professional sport and also the increasing demands aging sportspeople - pros and punters alike - put on their bodies.
What that means is sports physios can point to decades of empirical research. Unless your condition is truly one of a kind, there’s a well-worn path from diagnosis through the various stages of recovery, and onwards to full health. And if your goal is something as simple as increased surf fitness then the path is even clearer.
Swellnet has chosen to work with Dean Jamieson from Surfer Strength at Taren Point. Dean has worked in the fitness industry for seventeen years and has been a surfer for thirty. His current clients include ex- and current-CT surfers, such as Luke Egan and Connor O’Leary, up and comers like Jarvis Earle, plus many average punters, each with their own reason for going through the program. Surfer Strength is also the official training provider of Surfing NSW.
Deano has a go (Photo Tim Bonython)
To begin with, all Swellnet readers will have 7-day access to Surfer Strength’s app:
https://surferstrength.com/core-subscription/
Also, today we’ve run a short video and article on Surfer Strength’s recent trip to Indonesia. While it doesn’t go into the specifics of the program, you get a sense for what it’s trying to achieve.
Lastly, keep an eye out for coming articles and also feel free to make any suggestions in the comments below.
Comments
Sick, I'll give that a go.
Surely this means we get the incomparable strongman himself, “uplift”, back on the pages?
Can’t wait.
Stu, how have you found the program?
Early days. Still just regaining range and movement before we get into the program proper.
However, a few times during those visits I've been surprised by the effectiveness of some movements and stretches Dean put me through.
Like, I come from a family that exercised a lot, so thought I knew a bit, but there were a few stretches that really honed in on particular areas crucial to surfing, and they're just not stretches I'd done before. Same goes with a few balance movements.
I was noticing a few things happening...or more specifically, not happening, in my surfing prior to the accident, so I've resolved to, not just get back to where I was, but also fix those things up. Feels like a sensible time to do it, and so far I like the things Dean has been able to point out.
Cheers, thanks for that. It sounds positive and glad it’s working for you. As I get older, I keep looking for things to help keep me in the water, The drop off in the second half of my 50’s has been pretty rapid, so happy to consider anything that will assist.
I would be really interested in how you go as well Stu, I'm not far from Taren Point so could get down there fairly regularly. But I'd be squarely in the old blokes raging against the decline camp so not interested in high performance, more maintaining and extending.
Will do, bocirl.
What I've found already is that the app isn't great for me. TBH that's not saying much as I rarely use my phone for anything other than talking: no banking, no giving me directions when I'm lost, and no fitness tuition.
The visits to the gym were far more beneficial as I can get shown stretches and movements that work for me, which I remember, then incorporate them into a timetable I devise.
I'm heading OS shortly and, aside from the lingering injury issues, I feel like I'm in really good shape.
When I get back I'll ramp up the program a bit.
I feel my weaknesses are technical rather than strength related…The marketing around Ombe make it looks awesome- and I was considering giving it a go - keen to hear some real world feedback. - has any one tried? Did you get fast benefits?
Ombe is great and Clayton is just a great human. Have a look at their free content there's tons of it on Youtube and their website, it should give you a very good idea. I guess it depends on your level, their core offering targets intermediate surfers.
Another one that's great is Surf Strength Coah from Cris Mills (who collaborates regularly with Clayton). I've got a few of his programs, they are all great.
Thx yeti
Anyone had trouble getting in contact with these guys (Surf Strength) ? Ive signed up and did one stretching session and then life got in the way for a bit. Ive got the App but it's sort of an empty shell. Im not tech savvy at all, but the chat box wouldn't send message either. Any help appreciated
@SouthRock. I've tried to message them a few times through both their website and App and it took about a week for them to get back to me.
Your Bank is Bullshitting you
I thought so to. But its now all sorted out.