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How are surfers in such good shape?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 22, 2026

Going even further, really talented surfers will build muscle in their core and thighs while they're on a wave. The constant pumping up and down the wave engages these muscles by contracting and expanding the limbs. Long story short, the more you surf, the more muscles you're going to build.

Why are surfers in such good shape?

Strengthens muscles

As well as building muscle strength in your upper body and legs, the cross-training effect of surfing is a brilliant workout for your core, making it a full body workout. A lot of surf research suggests we use our trapezius, rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, obliques, triceps, biceps and deltoids.

How do I get in shape like a surfer?

Here are the best surfer exercises you can do to improve your fitness and endurance.

  1. Chin-ups. Getting up on a surfboard and keeping your balance has more to do with your upper body than you might think. ...
  2. Front squats. ...
  3. Running exercises. ...
  4. Pushups. ...
  5. Mobility drills. ...
  6. Dumbbell drills. ...
  7. Planking.

What body type is best for surfing?

Beyond the subjectivity of style, ectomorphs are technically superior surfers. Long, lean muscles allow these athletes to achieve body positions that facilitate both tighter and more elongated maneuvers.

Why are surfers so buff?

Surfers get lean for many reasons. It is a combination of aerobic and resistance training work outs. Aerobics use fatty acids for fuel and recovery from intense muscle use also incorporates fatty acids for restoring energy, repairing, and rebuilding muscle.

22 related questions found

Are surfers happy?

Surfers release a lot of adrenaline and endorphins while they are riding the waves. These hormones cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. A surge of adrenaline makes you feel very alive. Endorphins resemble opiates in their chemical structure and have analgesic properties.

Why do surfers have thick necks?

When the neck has the strength to stay in place, it sets the stage for the core and other stabilizing muscles to do their job. It's hard to stay standing on the water if your neck is moving around. Thus, these neck muscles are built when riding a wave. The combination of all these, leads surfers to have thicker necks.

Why are surfers short?

The fact that twelve of the world's top 34 surfers are precisely 5' 9″ is probably just coincidence (or is it?!), but in many ways being short is advantageous to surfing. Less height allows for a low center of gravity, leading to good balance and a strong power base.

Is surfing good for your skin?

Surfing can be rather damaging to the skin. The frequent contact with the sea, sand, salt, and the wetsuit demands specific measures to keep your skin happy and healthy. Surfing is amazing for the body and the mind, but not so much for the skin.

How tall is the average surfer?

Nineteen of the top 34 – that is, more than half – are between 5'9″ and 6'1″. Seven surfers are 5'11” (the biggest group), and six are 6'1″ (the second largest group).

Are surfers ripped?

So does surfing make you buff? Surfing provides a great workout for chest, arms, shoulders and core muscles. The combinations of muscles that surfing uses make it's one of the best all around workouts you can get from a given sport.

Is 40 too old to learn to surf?

Just like there is no age limit for surfing, there is no age limit for learning how to surf. It's never too late to start! Regardless of your age, learning how to surf can be achieved with enough time and determination.

Is surfing a lifetime sport?

Surfing is also a life-changing activity that requires no prior experience to learn quickly. The best part about surfing is that it has lasting effects that carry over into nearly all aspects of life. Below, we present to you why surfing is the best way to stay in shape.

Is surfing hard on your body?

Surf injuries are serious

Lacerations are common injuries and many surfers will receive stitches over the course of their surfing life. One hopes the cuts occur on the legs or arms rather than stomach or head.

How many calories do surfers burn?

Surfing in small or relaxed waves = about 250 calories per hour. Stand up paddling in small waves = about 300 to 450 calories per hour. Surfing in good waves = about 400 calories per hour. Surfing in tough conditions = 700 calories per hour.

Can you get skinny from surfing?

Surfing works out nearly every region of the human body, including the neck and the feet. And if you're catching waves in cold water regions, you may burn 500 calories in 60 minutes. Weight loss is a natural result of this active interaction of muscle groups.

Why is surfing so addicting?

SURFING ADDICTION IS ALL ABOUT BRAIN CHEMISTRY

This results in you experiencing a flood of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Once you feel the intense joy and pleasure, your body and brain want you to keep going back for more. If you feel irritable after a few days away from your board, this is likely the reason.

Should I lose weight to surf?

You can lose weight while you surf

While “losing weight” may be a misnomer since muscle is heavier than fat, surfing will definitely help you burn fat and excess calories. The average surfer burns 400 calories an hour while surfing.

Can larger people surf?

Yes, they can! Not only can fat people surf but some fat surfers like Jimbo Pellegrine, Shawn Briley and James Mitchell have been the best to ever do it. Fat people may have a steeper learning curve and benefit from a larger board but can certainly still learn to surf.

Does size matter in surfing?

General Guidelines. A novice surfer will need a larger board than a more skilled surfer. A surfer who only surfs occasionally will need a bigger board than one who surfs regularly. A board that is too small will hold back a surfers' improvement and probably result in frustration.

Do surfers take steroids?

Toke up in the parking lot or drop acid, but surfing remains immune to athlete's little helpers such as growth hormone or steroids.

Is surfing good for posture?

Surfing can help improve your posture, if you have good form and outside training. You can help improve your overall posture with surfing, as long as you have good form and balance your surfing with outside training.

Why does my head hurt after surfing?

This physical stress can cause headaches and chronic neck pain. Neck pain from surfing can also arise from a muscle called the levator scapula, which attaches the neck to the shoulder blade. This muscle is hyper-contracted with paddling, and can also cause headaches and/or shoulder pain.

Is surfing good for mental health?

Surfing Aids Mental Health

Due to the fact that it is both a highly sensory and physical experience, you allow your body to disconnect. Essentially, surfing allows you a way to escape your mental troubles for a bit so you can improve your overall mood.

Can you surf all year round?

Surfers can enjoy physical activity and technical maintenance to isolate their free time and stay focused on surfing all year round. For the everyday enthusiast, you can get out and do something surf-related any day of the year, regardless of where you live.