Tips to Prevent Cramps and the Most Common Injuries in Surfing
by Jessica Merrel WriterWith
our human body consisting of 320 pairs of muscles, any of these can cramp at
any time with cramps in surfing being very common, especially in cold waters.
You can significantly reduce the chances of getting calf cramps while surfing
through flexibility, hydration and adequate nutrition.
Cramping
seems to arrive without warning, which can be frustrating as cramps can destroy
the perfect surf session. Hyperflexion, lack of oxygen, drastic changes in body
temperature, metabolic disturbances, dehydration, low blood salt,
gastroenteritis, and even menstruation can all create painful, stiffened
muscles or rapid muscle contractions or surf cramps.
Tips to avoid cramps
during surfing:
1.
Drink
plenty of fresh water and make sure your body has enough sodium and potassium.
A simple salted biscuit can add to your sodium levels whereas bananas and
melons can boost potassium levels in your body.
2.
Nutrition
alone isn’t enough, physical exercise on a regular basis is very important.
When talking about regular surfers, warming-up before hitting the water is very
important- one or two sessions per week will get your body ready for greater
demands.
3.
Work
on your flexibility to ensure a greatly reduced amount of cramping. Stretch out
and complete a few pre-surf exercises prior to hitting cold waters. Stretch
again after surfing so that the muscles relax and can heal. Some of the main
muscle areas affected by cramps include legs, arms, feet and back muscles with
calf muscle and foot cramps being the most common and painful among surfers.
In
extreme surfing conditions, if you suffer an uncomfortable cramp, instead of
panicking try to stay calm and stretch the affected muscle gently. You can
either call for help or try to paddle towards the beach with the help of waves.
Taking San
Clemente surf lessons
can prove to be highly beneficial. San Clemente is known for its consistent
surf spots and is one of Orange County’s real-deal surf towns. San Clemente is
considered the “home” of many word class surfers.
Common Injuries in
Surfing:
There
are no two ways about surfing being a safe sport. But, as in any other sport or
physical activity, injuries can happen. Occurrence of injuries can be
attributed to the fact that surfers are constantly in contact with water and
with their boards, near sandy or rocky obstacles. Accidents can happen in any
size turf but there are a few ways you can minimize your risk of getting hurt:
1.
Perform
pre-surf workouts that can go a long way to getting the body in shape for
knocks and sudden muscle and joint movement and can also help you avoid things
like lumbar sprains, cervical damage, dislocated shoulders, knee and ankle
injuries.
2.
It
is the surfboard that causes the severe surf injuries. The fins, the nose, the
tail and the rail can hit you in your head, eyes, lips or ears which can lead
to pain and blood. This highlights the importance of handling the surfboard
with great amount of care.
3.
You
can easily avoid lacerations not only with the protection of a good wetsuit but
also by practicing risk avoidance when near a jetty or in a reef break.
4.
Cramps
are also very common, particularly if you’re surfing big waves. Stay calm and
ask for help if you cramp up.
Look
up the internet or consult experts on ways to reduce the probability of having
severe injuries while surfing. It is also advisable to start your surf training
program.
Contact Us:
https://www.aquasurf.com
Aqua
Surf School
Address:
2801
Ocean Park Blvd, #335
Santa
Monica, California, 90405
Phone
number:
(310)
902-7737
Sponsor Ads
Created on Apr 24th 2019 07:29. Viewed 554 times.