6 Ways Breathwork and Breathing Training Exercises Improve Your Surfing
For surfers, the connection with the ocean goes beyond riding waves; it’s a dance that requires mental clarity, physical endurance, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
One often-overlooked tool that can make a significant difference is breathwork. By integrating breath training and breath-holding exercises into your routine, you can elevate your surfing performance, boost your resilience, and improve your response to challenging situations in the water.
1. Build Lung Capacity and Endurance
Breathwork practices can improve lung capacity, allowing you to stay underwater longer and handle wipeouts with greater confidence. Exercises like slow, deep breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) help strengthen respiratory muscles, allowing you to take in more oxygen with each breath, so you won’t feel as winded after paddling through tough waves.
2. Increase Your CO₂ Tolerance
Breath-hold training builds tolerance to carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, which is key in managing the urge to breathe during underwater holds. Practicing controlled breath-holds on land can train your body to stay calm when CO₂ levels rise, extending the amount of time you can hold your breath safely. This training can be a lifesaver when you’re caught under a big wave or held down longer than expected.
3. Enhance Mental Focus and Calmness
Surfing demands focus, and breathwork is a powerful way to build mental clarity and reduce anxiety. Techniques like box breathing (inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again for equal counts) are proven to lower stress and keep your mind grounded, even in intense situations. This helps you remain composed when navigating larger waves or unexpected falls.
4. Improve Recovery Between Sets
Breath training isn’t just for staying calm underwater but also for quicker surface recovery. Post-wave breathing techniques can help clear CO₂ buildup and reduce your heart rate faster, so you’re ready to tackle the next set with energy and focus. Quick recovery breathing keeps you in peak condition so you can catch more waves and extend your sessions.
5. Deepen Your Connection to the Ocean
Beyond the physical benefits, breathwork can deepen your connection to the ocean. By aligning your breath with the rhythm of the waves, you cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness and presence, which ultimately makes each session more rewarding. Many surfers find that breathwork heightens their appreciation of the water, creating a sense of harmony that goes beyond just riding waves.
I’d like to encourage you to incorporate a few minutes of conscious breathing before and after your surf (or any sport / physical activity) sessions and, over time, experience the profound benefits of controlled, intentional breathing in the surf and beyond.
6. Safety First: Practice Breath-Holding Wisely.
Disclaimer: Always prioritize safety when practicing breath-holding techniques. Never practice breath-holding alone or while in the water, as it can be dangerous and lead to shallow water blackout. Dry land is ideal—try it on a yoga mat, sofa, or even in your bedroom, but never attempt breath-holding solo in the water.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of breath training? Come stay, train with us, and unlock the full potential of your breath to enhance your life experience.
