Balance is key to improving your surfing. Photo: Little Bantam Trainer
It’s no surprise the more you practice your balance on land the better you feel on your board. Balance is directly affected by your core strength so it goes without saying that core training is ideal to improve your balance.
But, what about engaging your core in an unstable situation just like on your surfboard? I’ve taken this opportunity to list some of the best balance training equipment out there (in my opinion!), giving you a breakdown of their features and benefits to simplify the decision making process. Because goodness knows most garages are big enough to hide them all!
The INDOBOARD is the classic balance trainer with the surfer in mind. Photo: Little Bantam Trainer
1. Indo Board
These babies are my favorite piece of equipment by far. Not only do they offer a rolling cylinder that’s the perfect diameter/height but a cushion option as well – harder to master but not as scary! Great for all human sizes and quality made to boot. Ideal for stabilizing leg strength, practicing your foot placement and great for Upper body stability training as well.
Fitballs are readily available and can always be deflated for maximum storage ability. Photo: Little Bantam Trainer
2. Fitball
Accessible almost anywhere including your office! These balls are cost effective and great for practicing core stability on your knees, including glute engagement, rotation strength, hand eye coordination and advanced core training.
Half fit ball, half flat surface. All building core strength. Photo: Little Bantam Trainer
3. Bosu Ball
This baby is a halfy. Half Fitball, half flat surface. I like to think of this as a step down from the Indo Board as far as difficulty goes and a step up from the Fitball. The ball side is also great for practicing rotational jumps + landings engaging and challenging your feet and ankles. Plenty of single leg exercises to be had here.
Not just for skateparks, skateboards can also be used intentionally to build core strength. Photo: Little Bantam Trainer
4. Skateboard
We all know what a skatey is! The benefits: Full body balance and orientation while moving, great for practicing your long carving turns leaning into your body without falling off! I like the soft wheel options with loose trucks; easy to lean right into your turns and less chance of eating shit when you catch a stone!
These are great for balance training on the go. Photo: Azuni Fitness
Very cost effective, these dimply little cushions can be taken in your backpack, so a great option for travel training. When used with bare feet the cushion flexes below challenging to strengthen your whole foot and ankle area including the calves.
Slacklining is a fun way to get outside and improve your balance. Photo: Pixabay
6. Slack Line
This one comes from my rock climbing days, a big past time for climbers after a hard day up the rock face. All you need is 2 trees and away you go! Slack lining is a great way to challenge your responsive balancing abilities and line of sight, plus its bloody fun! If you don’t want a full flexi slack line I recommend starting with a ratchet strap; thicker and not so bouncy!
Popular for Pilates, rotator discs are a great option to build core strength at home. Photo: Little Bantam Trainer
7. Rotator Disc
One of my new purchases, the rotator disc is popular among Pilates instructors because it’s excellent for rotation strength. Even thought rotational strength is a different entity all together, in surfing it is combined with balance when making your turns. So use the rotator disc to practice full body rotation for turns or balance on one leg for your Surf Style Training moves.
Similar concept to the Bosu Ball, but a little different. Photo: Academy Sports and Outdoors
8. Wobble Disc
Popular among physios this very simple yet effective concept of a hard ball on a flat disc, and is often used for rehabbing ankles, knees and hip function. A great way to strengthen stabilizer muscles in the lower body!
SI Board in action. Photo: SI Boards
9. SI Boards
Another take on the balance board and one I’m yet to try. But what I love about this board is how the balance point is forever moving! The board has a cage in which the balance ball sits within it, allowing you to rotate and move to place your weight in any section of the board. Think full multi directional balance challenges!
For more information + workout videos to help you improve your surfing and fitness from the comfort of your own home, sign up for a Surf Style Training membership ONLINE NOW!
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