The UK has some of the best surfing beaches in the world, so if you're heading to the coast, surfing is a fun sport to try out.
It's also a surprisingly good workout: not only will it improve your balance and flexibility, but it's a great workout for your muscles too. The specific muscles used might change depending on what type of surfing you're doing (such as shortboard or longboard), but here is an overview of what you can expect.
What muscles does surfing work?
Surfing works lots of muscle groups, but particularly your arms, shoulders, back, core and legs.
Before you can even start thinking about catching a wave, you'll have to paddle out on your board past the breaking waves (known as breakers). Your shoulders and arms, specifically your biceps and triceps, will therefore be doing a lot of the initial heavy lifting. Your deltoids and rotator cuffs will also benefit from this exercise, similarly to stand up paddleboarding and swimming.
As you lift your and chest when paddling (this improves efficiency, as well trying to avoid a smack of salty sea water to the face), your erector spinae (along your spine) and abs will be engaged. All of these muscles will be activated when you paddle to catch a wave. As conditions can quickly change from a flat sea to a promising-looking swell, it's important to paddle quickly and hard enough to catch the wave – meaning your muscles will be working even harder.
Your arm, core and back muscles will be worked as you drive your weight forward and stand up on the board – known as your pop up – specifically your deltoids, triceps, chest and dorsals. When you're actually standing on the board, your core, calves, glutes and quads will all be working to ensure you stay stable and upright, as well as if you're changing direction.
Main image: Getty
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