Surf Stretches with Elle Fit

Our favourite yogi, Elle Fit, shares her top pre or post surf stretches that are easy, simple to follow and guaranteed to relax your muscles. All you need is a beautiful beach, good waves and our Signature Towel, which so happens to be the perfect workout towel with it’s plush, luxuriously soft texture, quick drying fabric, and convenient size.

Downward Dog

Stretching out the legs in a downward dog position feels great before and after a surf. Start on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders, and knees directly under your hips. Walk your hands forward a touch, curl your toes under and slowly press your hips towards the sky bringing your body into an inverted V. With your knees slightly bent and feet hip width apart, press into the ground keeping your shoulders away from your ears. Walk your legs out by bending one knee at a time to give your hamstrings and calves a nice stretch. Repeat for as long as you need.

Reverse Warrior

From here step forward into a lunge position placing your right foot in between your hands and your back foot out to 90 degrees. As you come up place your left hand on your left leg as you extend your right arm up overhead and behind you. Gaze up at your right hand as you feel a yummy stretch across the right side of your body. Stay here for 5 deep breaths and then repeat on the left side.

Seated Hamstring Stretch

To counteract the time spent paddling on our boards with an arched back, a simple one-legged seated hamstring stretch can work wonders. When reaching overhead with the opposite arm you can target the hamstrings and lower back at the same time. Hold this stretch for a minimum of 5 deep breaths and repeat on the other side.

Spinal Twist

From here lay down on your back for a spinal twist. Keep your left leg extended whilst you hug your right knee into your chest. Shift your hips to the right and bring your right knee across your body. Extend your right arm out, look over your right shoulder and open your chest. Stay here for 5 deep breaths or as long as comfortable and when you are ready repeat on the other side.

Upper Back Stretch

This last stretch is my favourite way to target my upper back and shoulders after surfing. Begin with your arms out in front of you, palms facing down. Cross your right arm under your left, bend at the elbows and aim to connect the palm of your right hand with the palm of your left. If this is too difficult aim to connect the backs of your hands. Round your upper body to create space between your shoulders and gently move your arms up and down to increase the stretch.