How to Quickly Loosen Your Body with Stretches Before Paddling Out to Surf

Paddling out into fierce or even baby waves takes a toll on your body. You'll want to be limber and less prone to injury so that you can have a good time in the water without the added risk of pulling a muscle. With specific stretches that take less than a minute or two you can loosen up your body and get right into the action in the water. Walking to the beach if you live close by will warm up your muscles prior to stretching.

Instructions

    • 1

      Twist your body from side to side with your muscles relaxed. You must be wearing comfortable, flexible clothing like your swimsuit so you won't restrict your stretching. Do not twist vigorously, especially if you have cold muscles that haven't been warmed up.Your feet must be shoulder-width apart and you can either place your hands on your hips or spread your arms out to your sides at shoulder level. Twist for about 10 seconds.

    • 2

      Bend at the waist to stretch your legs. Your feet must be spread farther than shoulder width by two inches for each foot. You must be able to touch your hands to the ground or to your ankles. Start the stretch by leaning to your right, touching your right foot with your hands and feeling the stretch in your leg. Do this for eight seconds, breathing normally as you stretch and then switch to your left foot and do the same technique.

    • 3

      Stretch your arms by pulling your left arm across your chest with your right hand. Keep your arm somewhat loose and do not straighten it. Your right hand should be holding onto your left arm just above the elbow, not on the elbow. You can also hold your left arm in the crook of your right elbow. Either method works fine. Do this stretch for eight seconds on both arms.

    • 4

      Stretch out your arms and shoulders by raising your left arm into the air next to your ear and bending at the elbow to touch your right shoulder. Use your right hand to hold your left elbow; this will deepen the stretch. Leaning in the opposite direction of the arm being stretched also deepens the stretch. Hold this stretch for eight seconds and then switch arms.