Ditch the board shorts: A guide to having the right surfing gear

When I was younger, I always thought surfers only wear board shorts and bikinis. As my passion for the sport deepened, I found that these won’t suffice when it comes to being hit by the waves, and there’s a chance the wave can leave me shorts-less. 

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Gear for warm water 

Comfort is always part of the requirement when looking for something to wear for surfing. However, comfort isn’t the only thing that has to be considered; find a gear that stays put and doesn’t move around. If you desire to have that nice tan line on your body, it’s okay to wear board shorts and sporty bikinis, but beware of the chafing the sand on the board might cause to your body. Once you’ve achieved the tan you want, it would be best to wear a rash guard to protect your skin. A clothing’s flexibility and weight should be considered as well; leaving the waves naked is the last thing you’d want to happen to you. 

Gear up for cold water 

Depending on the temperature, you might need to wear a wetsuit. In very cold climates, a hooded wetsuit would serve you well. However, pro surfers are most likely to skip this as it gets too hot to wear. Even so, the gloves, hood, and booties are encouraged if the water gets too cold. A basic wetsuit will do if you’re surfing on the east coast of Australia or California’s sunny west coast. 

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Hi! My name is John Clemenza, and I’m an 18-year-old surfer from Oahu, Hawaii. My love for the sport began when my parents taught me how to ride the waves when I was 7. I’ve participated in some local and international amateur surfing competitions, and I think I’m ready to take on the challenge of turning pro. For more updates like this, click here.

A Few Things We Recommend On Your First New York Trip

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Every time we hear someone say they’ll be visiting New York City for the first time, we feel a twinge of jealousy. There’s just an awesome wonder when you visit the Big Apple for the first time. There are literally hundreds of things to do. Here are some of our suggestions.

Brooklyn flea market

The Brooklyn flea market is a world-renowned nostalgic treat for collectors of vintage items and memorabilia. You can find anything from old music records, to books (first-editions if you’re lucky), and many more. The food’s great as well.

Sheep Meadow

Sheep Meadow, located in Central Park is another popular place to visit in New York City. It’s been featured in hundreds of movies. Whether with family or friends, or even alone, Sheep Meadow is an ideal place to go.

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Flushing

Flushing, located in Queens is a paradise for foodies within a paradise for foodies. This is an ideal place to satisfy your cravings since almost every kind of food is available here, cooked in unique and unforgettable ways.

The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is home to over a staggering 2 million art pieces collected in 5,000 years. There is something for everyone here.

Hi! John Clemenza here. I’m a surfer, foodie, blogger, and a college student. I also love to talk about my favorite city in the world, New York. Visit this page to know more about me.

Three health benefits of surfing

You may have noticed that surfers look younger than their age, are always positive, and are generally in a good mood. You can say it’s a surfer stereotype, but it’s generally true. And that comes from the benefits surfers get from surfing. 

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Here are three health benefits you can get from surfing. 

1. Surfing makes you physically stronger 

Surfing is a great cardiovascular exercise that keeps your heart pumping. And since a large part of surfing involves paddling, it makes for a good core and upper body workout. And once you catch a wave to ride, you are using your core for balance, and your legs to remain on the surfboard. 

2. Surfing helps you with weight loss 

If you’re planning on losing weight, then surfing is one of the best activities to do it with. The average person burns around 400 calories an hour while they surf. Since you’re going to enjoy surfing, the hour tends to go by very fast, and you’ll likely want to surf for another hour. 

3. Surfing provides mental benefits 

I’ve stated earlier that surfers tend to always be in a good mood. That’s because extended physical exercise leads to the release of endorphins that provide a natural euphoria and good mood. And since surfing is done in nature, you find this time a release from thoughts from your busy schedule.

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Hi there, John Clemenza here. I’m a semi-pro surfer from Hawaii. I have a part-time job at a smoothie station near Waikiki beach. Besides Hawaii, my favorite place to be is New York. Follow me on Twitter for more updates.

A few exercise routines for the surfer in you

Surfing is amazing. Whoever hasn’t done it is missing half of their life right there. The feel of the waves taking you along with it, the warmth of the sun blended with the refreshing ocean spray – there’s nothing like it on Earth or any other planet. But, it’s a very physical hobby, and your body better get used to the forces it’s about to encounter. Thankfully there are some exercise routines you could do to condition yourself. 

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First off, you have to understand that surfing is a full-body routine in itself. It works all muscle groups, but some more than others. One of the best exercise routines to help you get ready to face the waves is pretty obvious – swimming.

The entirety of surfing is literally in the water, which makes swimming the most practical of all the exercises. Swimming strengthens your whole body, especially your shoulders and legs. 

Speaking of which, routines that work the legs and shoulders should be prioritized as much as routines that strengthen the core. A strong core can keep you balanced through the tough turns on the pipes. Do squats, deadlifts, crunches and reverse crunches. 

Arm and back routines may also come in handy since there will be plenty of times for you to pick yourself up from the ocean and onto the board. 

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Hi there! John Clemenza here. There’s nothing I love more than surfing. Learn more about me and my passion here.

Three Essential Workouts To Improve Your Surfing Skills

Surfing is a sport as much as it is a way of life. It’s fun, exciting, and even helps in destressing at times. But you don’t get good in surfing without proper training, and you won’t get proper training without good exercise. That said, here are three exercises to improve your surfing skills.

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Balancing

Surfing is all about balance and maneuverability, but most rides aren’t long enough to have a dramatic effect on your balance. Stand on a balance board and perform a variety of squats and lunges. If you don’t have a balance board, stand up on one foot with your eyes closed for 30 seconds.

Side plank with reach through

This workout focuses on the core. Strong core muscles are needed to stabilize your torso to help your paddling, balance, and maneuverability. Stack your feet and support with your right forearm. Raise your left arm toward the sky and focus your attention on your left hand. Reach your left hand underneath and behind your body. Do 15 to 2o reps per side.

Single leg squats

Stronger legs improve your balance on the board. Stand on your right foot and lift your left foot about 5 inches off the ground. While keeping your right knee aligned with your middle right toe, lower your body to a 45-degree knee bend. Do 5 reps for each leg.

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Hi, John Clemenza here. I’ve been catching waves since I was 7. Now that I’m 18, I join semi-pro competitions, setting my sights on the pro scene. For more surfing tips, subscribe to my blog.