Skimboarding Training - Balance: Yoga

Many recreational, as well as professional surfers have begun to use yoga to help increase balance and flexibility. Skimboarders as well can benefit from integrating yoga into their fitness program. The following video discusses some of the connections between yoga and surfing. Many of the same connections can be extended to skimboarding as well.



Here are three Yoga exercises that will help increase your balance.

Warrior III Pose
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and bring your hands together like in prayer at chest level.

Rotate your upper body to the right and at the same time take a step to your right. Keep your left leg straight and left foot facing forward. Your right foot should end up facing 90 degrees to the right of the direction you were facing when you started (Perpendicular to your left foot). Your right thigh should be parallel to the ground and your upper body will now be looking directly over your right knee. Your hips should also be rotated 90 degrees so they are now facing to your right.

Now bring your weight forward onto your right foot and rasie your left leg. At the same time, bring the torso forward until it is parallel to the floor. Keep your hips pointing toward the floor as you bring the your left leg in line with your body. Stretch your arms out along side your head and point them forward.

Hold this position from 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat in the opposite direction stepping, then balancing, with your left leg.

Half Moon Pose
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and bring your hands together like in prayer at chest level. Rotate your upper body to the right and at the same time take a step to your right. Keep your left leg straight and left foot facing forward. Your right foot should end up facing 90 degrees to the right of the direction you were facing when you started (Perpendicular to your left foot). Your right thigh should be parallel to the ground and your upper body will now be looking directly over your right knee. Your hips should also be rotated 90 degrees so they are now facing to your right.

Bend forward and reach your right hand forward, at least 12 inches beyond your right foot. Press your right hand and right heel firmly into the floor, and straighten your right leg, simultaneously lifting the left leg parallel to the floor.

Now rotate your body and lift your left arm toward the sky. Rotate your head to look toward your left hand. Your arms, sholders, hips and legs should all be in the same plane.

Hold this position from 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat in the opposite direction balancing on your left leg.


Tree Pose
Stand with your feet shoulder together and bring your hands together like in prayer at chest level.

Raise your right foot and place the sole against the inner left thigh. The toes of your right foot should be pointing toward the floor.

Firmly press the right foot sole against the inner thigh and resist with the outer left leg.


To increase the difficulty of any of these exercises, try them with your eyes closed.