How to Train to Be a Big Wave Surfer

Big wave surfing is a sport that is not for the feint of heart. It involves taking on the largest of waves with nothing more than a surfboard and your skill, a daredevil maneuver that makes big wave surfing a dangerous, and occasionally, deadly sport. It takes a certain level of physical fitness and a lot of training to become a big wave surfer.

Things You'll Need

  • Pool
  • 10- to 11-foot surfboard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a workout routine that involves a large amount of upper body strength training since the much of surfing, and especially big wave surfing, consists of paddling.

    • 2

      Practice holding your breath to expand your lung capacity. Big wave surfing also entails getting knocked down a lot. Once knocked down, you will potentially be rolled by multiple waves. Although a swimming pool will not include simulations of waves, you can use the pool to practice holding your breath. Try to hold your breath for at least 30 seconds, come up and take a deep breath and then go back under again. Try to work up to doing this four or five times to mimic the waves that will knock you down when big wave surfing.

    • 3

      Talk to other big wave surfers for guidance and support. The best way to learn about how to approach big wave surfing is to talk to those who have been doing it themselves.

    • 4

      Find a training partner, such as an experienced big wave surfer. When doing breathing training or attempting to surf your first big waves, it is always best to have someone with you who can monitor you for safety reasons.

    • 5

      Be aware of your fear. Surfing big waves is scary due to the high level of danger that comes with it, and this can be used as a guide when sizing up waves. A certain degree of big wave surfing entails pushing past your fear and having the confidence to take on such big waves. However, if a wave is so daunting that you cannot get past the fear, go with your instincts and let the wave pass.