First off, I am absolutely pumped that the world's best surfers are in Long Beach dueling it out in prime conditions. It is nice to see the pro tour come to the east coast. Often the "right coast" gets overlooked by the surfing industry. Many of the top surfers on the tour are originally from this side of the world, including the 10x world Champion, Kelly Slater. We definitely have amazing surfers from the east, but a contest of this magnitude has not been held on the east coast.
Today is the final day of the pro event, so check it out if you have some time! The waves are on point! Quiksilver Pro-Long Beach .
However, this is not the main reason for my update today. While listening to the live broadcast, one of the commentators called the surfers "athletes." This was the first time I have ever heard professional surfers referred to as athletes! Surfing is something only a small percentage of the world's population can do well. A lot of people can surf, but not many people can surf well. Yet, until the last five years, surfers did not really prepare themselves outside of the water the same way other athletes prepare outside their field of competition. I believe this is one of the reasons professional surfing was not always taken seriously by others outside of the sport.
Now, at pro events, the sponsors provide specific warmup areas with swiss balls, stationary bikes, stretch chords, and other apparatuses. Surfers perform sound dynamic warmups before their heats and have solid preheat routines that include more than just listening to their favorite pump up song. Also, the pro with the beer belly is now not seen on the tour. Every surfer is a lean, powerful, fit individual. The surfers now engage in consistent training outside of the water, and it shows in competition. The level of competition has risen so rapidly, and each surfer is capable of winning the event.
I believe fitness has changed surfing for the better! It is awesome to see the sport take off. To hear surfers called "athletes" is something to be proud about. Thanks to Kelly Slater for always setting a standard for excellence with is preparation for competition.
Below are a few pictures from my own surfing adventures.
