Get Board this Summer
Right now you might be preparing for Summer with a more sensible diet and stepping up your exercise routine. At this stage of the year, many of us dig deep with our healthy disciplines so we can feel more confident during swimsuit season. If you’ve put work into getting your body holiday ready, why not keep it going throughout Summer and have fun at the same time?
Fitness gurus tell us activities such as surfing, paddle boarding and kite-boarding are not only rewarding, but also an amazing way to keep in shape. Most water activities are excellent at building core strength, which is key to developing or maintaining posture and works all your muscles.
If you live in a capital city that’s close to a beach, or you want to make your Summer holidays an exercise adventure, here’s some ideas on how to dip your toe in the water.
Surfing
Surfing is one of the most rewarding and joyful activities I have ever attempted. I was so smitten by my first lesson with Go Ride a Wave that it led me to a two-year sea change that involved surfing every day. I highly recommend you start by taking a lesson, and please don’t let anyone talk you into trying surfing on a board less than nine foot – the longer the board, the easier it is to stand up.
Victoria and Queensland: www.graw.com.au
Sydney: www.letsgosurfing.com.au
Adelaide: www.surfandsun.com.au
Perth: www.surfschool.com.au
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding, or SUP (Stand Up Surfing) is a terrific exercise to build up your core strength and balance. Great for days when there is no surf, or if you prefer calmer ocean conditions. There are many schools popping up around Australia and you can organise private lessons.
Visit schools throughout Australia:
www.academyofsurfing.com/sup-australia/sup-schools
Kite-boarding / Kite-surfing
If it’s windy and you’re feeling more adventurous you can try kite-boarding. Kite-boarding harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard. The rider is attached to kite which looks like a small parachute. The best way to go from novice to up and riding is via a series of lessons – three should get you going.
Melbourne (St Kilda) www.kiterepublic.com.au
Sydney (Botany Bay) www.kitesurfinglessons.com.au
Perth: www.kiteboardingschool.com.au
Brisbane: www.brisbanekiteschool.com.au
Adelaide: www.redbaronkiteboarding.com.au
Windsurfing
Another great exercise to build up core strength is windsurfing and if you are planning a resort holiday, many offer lessons. Just make sure you book before so you can get as many lessons you want. For those working through the holidays, there are also lessons close to town.
Visit www.windsurfing.org/train01.htm
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