In this section we'll build a series of articles that hopefully help in choosing the right board as well as assist in developing your surfing. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

CURRENT ARTICLES:

- Understanding Surfboard Volume or "Foam is your friend!!"

- Warming up

UNDERSTANDING SURFBOARD VOLUME by Jackson Surfboards Owner- Rod Eagles

“Foam is your friend!”

In case you have missed it, Surfboards are now measured in volume or Litres of Foam. Gone are the days of guessing whether a board is the right size for you. This fantastic system has taken out the guesswork and once you understand how it works you will really appreciate its simplicity.

 Several years ago I made the switch to a volume/litre measured short board. I read several articles and used about 5 different online Surfboard Volume calculators to work out what was the right litreage (not sure if that is a word!) for me. The results were confusing so I took the plunge and purchased a second hand board that I thought was my ideal size- 30 litres of foam.

My thinking was that if I get the size wrong then I haven’t done a lot of cash and I can resell it to try another size. Luckily for me I nailed it first time and the 30 litres of foam gave me enough paddling floatation but also allowed me to duckdive the board. Perfect!

 Now to assist you with your next purchase here are some tables to help lift the fog and give you a solid guide:

 Note:-

• This guide is for shortboards or funboards- Malibu boards are another story- they will float us all and need only minor adjustments for bigger folk. We all know they are hard to roll and impossible to duckdive so small wave surfing is their main domain.
• My observations in the surf are that many surfers are surfing under volumed boards- this results in ugly bogged down turns and reduced wave count- go for fun and flow everytime.
• Be realistic about your surfing ability (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced).
• If you are over 45 years or below average surf fitness I would add 2 litres to the equation (that’s a milk carton extra and it really does make a difference to your enjoyment levels)

What perfect volume looks like !!! Jackson team rider Jordan Widenstrom nailing it.

Jackson Shortboard/Funboard Volume Guide 

Surfing Warming Up

Probably like all of us I struggled to come to grips with a pre surf warm-up concept. Wasn’t surfing a laid back recreational pursuit? Is surfing a sport? Do I need a warm-up?

It took me many years and many sidelining (beach bound) injury phases to realise that a Warm-up before surfing is crucial. Would I play any Touch, Oz Tag or Soccer without a solid warm-up? Never! So why is surfing any different!

Let’s be honest- out of my group of surfing friends I am the only one that warms up! Not great stats really. They are often hurting after a session, bad backs, sore necks and ankle problems. My smile is one of knowing. Knowing that a warm-up is critical especially as we grow older!

Having many years experience as a Personal Trainer and PD/H/PE Teacher gave me the knowledge and skills to create my own Pre –Surf Routine that is effective for me and I think would suit any surfer.

I like the feeling of being able to paddle out and know that if the first wave that I take off on is a good one then I have the physical capacity to ride it to the best of my ability without the “I’m just warming up on that one” mentality.

 Why:

• Surfing is a dynamic sport- if your muscle and joints aren’t warm then your performance suffers.
• Surfing is a dynamic sport - yes again - and if you try and put yourself into a big carving turn at speed with a relaxed, half asleep body then your risk of injury is seriously heightened.
• Being asthmatic also means I need to have a solid warm-up to help increase the oxygen transfer/flow through my lungs. It is essential for me to paddle out feeling relaxed and breathing freely
• Focus, sometimes I get distracted about what I am doing at the beach. I’m not here for a swim or relax on my towel, I am here to catch waves and have fun. The warm-up helps me switch ON.

Jackson Team rider- Jordan Widenstrom-moves like this need a warm-up.

Surfing Warming Up

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Step 1- Increase Heart rate- I always run from the car to the water mark. The increase in core temperature means your body is now in a heightened state and the muscles are ready to fire and stretch
Step 2 Warm up- upper body & Lower body- in this phase I have 5 key dynamic movements which turn on my upper back , shoulders, mid section and lower body
1. Double Arm Swings Do both arms at once and complete 8 reps per side
2. Rear shoulder/Rotator cuff movements Do both arms at once and complete 8 reps
3. Single arm swings 8 reps per side
4. Trunk 1 side at a time Side swing with arms to parallel then up in a flowing motion with a slight rotation 8 reps per side
5. Lower body warm-up 1 leg at a time Forward lunge 8 reps per side