Develop Dynamic Strength

SUP is a sport that requires explosive power in the surf, quick reaction times, balance running with the wind and swell on down-winders and long lasting muscular endurance during distance paddles.

- KATE STARLING

“One of the best ways to improve strength and stability for SUP is through performance of dynamic, functional movements. These movements can utilise body weight alone but should ideally incorporate weights.”

It challenges a huge number of physical process including postural control and joint position, muscular strength and your vestibular and proprioceptive systems. It is ultimately a hugely dynamic sport, particularly in big waves, which can place hugely dynamic demands on your body. When it comes to training outside of your SUP sessions how efficient are you therefore at focussing on what you need for high level SUP performance?

Why Train Outside of SUP?

As a human you have a body that is in combination amazing, complex and perfectly evolved. When you SUP your central nervous system works brilliantly at orchestrating a number of controlled and sequenced movements through an enormous number of individual joints, muscles and connective tissues. These structures work together to create coordinated kinetic movement, function and load absorption. To improve at SUP time spent on the water is intrinsic. However, developing a good workout routine in the gym or at home is also important. SUP is such a dynamic sport that if you can improve neuromuscular control and strength offthe water then you’ll improve your overall SUP performance. A good training routine will help to address muscle imbalances across the body, improve your dynamic balance and increase the power and strength that you need to put in a cutback or bottom turn. It will also improve your aerobic fitness for SUP and will hopefully lower your risk of injury when having to react quickly on the water.