1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURFBOARD

Is the high-performance shortboard you used to shred now too small for you? Don’t be ashamed to let go of your go-to high-performance shortboard for something with a bit more volume. Adding more volume to your board will allow you to paddle into waves easier and will give you more stability when you pop-up to your surfing stance. A good board volume for old surfers is 40 liters and beyond.

If you think it’s finally time to move on from shortboarding, many old surfers will replace their high-performance shortboards with high-performance longboards. Unlike traditional longboards, high-performance longboards are designed to surf a wave like a shortboard because they have much less volume, a narrower outline, and more rocker through the tail. Of course, classic longboards are also a great option for old surfers. The laid back Southern California style of gliding on a noserider truly embodies the soul of an old surfer.

2. STRETCH EVERYDAY

Let’s face it - staying in surfing shape becomes more difficult as you get older. With old age comes stiffer and weaker muscles, poor balance, and a loss of flexibility. To successfully combat these weaknesses, you will need to start stretching every day and focus on your problem areas. For example, if your lower back is causing you pain after you go surfing, start there with your stretching routine.

Even though it may feel like an uphill struggle to stretch every day and stay in optimal physical shape, you need to do it to avoid injury and to keep on doing what you love most (surfing!). If you love surfing just as much as I think you do, you will be determined every day to properly stretch and do the appropriate upkeep to help alleviate your muscles.

The best way to prep your body for surfing is to practice yoga. Yoga will help improve your flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. You can practice yoga in the comfort of your home, at a local studio, and most importantly, on the beach before and after you paddle out. Yoga will help you feel young again out in the lineup and will improve every aspect of your surfing.

3. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Many old surfers make the mistake of pushing their bodies too far in the surf and suffer an injury as a result. Know your body and be honest with yourself. If you have days where your energy levels are low, take a break from surfing and give your body the rest it needs. If the surf is pumping all week, make sure to take a surf break or two to recover so you can enjoy every session with ample energy levels. Think twice before paddling out on the biggest day of the year - one mistake or fall on a big wave could put you out of surfing for a while. Surfing small waves can keep you surfing for decades.