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Sean Morley Team Notes
Hi Folks,
Well done for stepping up for the Team. I think I was voted in as Team Trainer for 2009. I am not sure how much surfing I will get to do in the next couple of months as I am travelling much of April and May but I am still contactable by email.
I can put together training programs for you, including cardio vascular, strength endurance, power and skills related. Whatever you want. I also have video of most of you and can give advice on technique, equipment and tactics if you want that. If you are thinking of changing any of your equipment, now is the time to do it, not July!
I want to share a few thoughts now. In my view performance kayak surfing is made up of 4 intertwined components: Technique, Physical ability (Strength/Endurance/Power/Flexibility), Psychology, Reading the waves. You may think that the only way to improve your surfing is by going surfing. I believe you can really help your surfing by staying dry.
Technique: Watch video of kayak surfers and wave skiers, but don’t just watch it, “be it”. Sit on the floor, put yourself in the right body position for each move, visualize each move, eat, sleep and dream it.
Believe it or not there is something to be learnt about technique by reading a book – check out “Kayak Surfing” by Bill Mattos ISBN: 0-9547061-0-2. It is excellent and though provoking.
Physical ability: Let’s be honest, most of us can lose a few pounds – me especially. For most of us it is probably the single most important thing we can do to improve our surfing. Surfing comes from your core. Work your abs in as many ways as you can. Don’t go pumping huge weights – do fast reps with less weight and sweat! How long does the average paddle-out take? A minute? At least 30 seconds. Use that as your guide. Being fit enough to paddle-out fast and then immediately take and perform on a wave is crucial. Flexibility - being flexible will not only help you be more radical, it will stop you getting injured. Surf beach breaks – it’s the best training there is!
Psychology: Train your weaknesses, race your strengths. Decide what aspect of your performance needs work and concentrate on that. That goes for the gym work as well as out in the surf. Don’t go out and surf like you always do. You will not improve. Work on the things you are poor at. Spend at least 30minutes of each surf session working on those then do a couple of 19 minute heats aiming to get 4 best waves, with 10 minutes break (free surf) in between. That’s a one and a half hour session. You will only improve by making mistakes. If you don’t capsize multiple times during a session you’re not trying hard enough. Without killing yourself, go for it! Hit that lip, roll under that wave, tuck into that barrel. Push yourself – you will be amazed, truly amazed at what you can do!
Reading the Waves: Dan Gavere (Werner Rep, SUP dude and SCKSF commentator) kept talking about his phantom surfer. Be that phantom surfer. Watch the waves, watch other surfers, try to understand why the same few surfers get all the best waves. Learn about the Santa Cruz ( Portugal ) break. Try to find video, photos, etc. Find a wave near you that is similar.
I want to put together a ‘training camp’ for the Team and a few guest ‘coaches’ (if you want them) on June 27/28th. Location, etc to be advised but it will most likely be in the Santa Cruz area. It will involve physical training, technique, video feedback, peer judging, etc. I have cc’d a few likely coaches into this email. If you are interested in helping out with this please let me know.
I hope to surf with you all before the Worlds and am keen to help you prepare in any way I can. Use me.
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice……get surfing!
Cheers
Sean
River and Ocean LLC
www.riverandocean.com
Team P&H, Team Kokatat
CA, AZ, NV Sales Representative for:
Kokatat Watersports Wear, Snap Dragon Design, Mitchell Paddles, Lettmann Paddles, Gath Helmets, Barz Optics, and Gaia Sports.
Director of the Gold
Apr 01, 2009
