I've never been one for the main stream sports so when I was asked to start a blog as a university assignment I decided to blog on alternate sports, which to me are far more exciting and extreme yet don't get the media exposure the deserve, so after Qualifying as a Exercise Scientist last year I decided to keep my blog going and focus on these sports as well as document my travels being a profession surf judge and a bit of my new interest in sport journalism, feel free to use the question box or post comments, Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Response to Louise Kent’s question: How do you train proprioception for surfing?

Surfing being a sport that requires movements in all directional planes , proprioception is of significant importance.

I’m not sure if you are familiar with an Indo board (it’s a wooden board , similar in shape to a skate board which you balance on a p.v.c pipe)the board then moves from side to side while you have to balance the board with out touching the floor by becoming aware of your positioning (spatial awareness).

Another training technique you could use is:
Start on a stable surface with both feet on the ground with your eyes open , then move to single leg , eyes still open. As your balance improves progresses to eyes closed and ultimately perform the tests on an airex (unstable surface).

The goal is to not sway side to side or back and forth , ensure your feet are flat on the ground and you don’t fall.
These exercises enhance an individual’s proprioception.

Hope this answers your questions , if you should require more assistance feel free to contact us.

Wade Botha
Sport Scientist and International Surf Judge

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