Yoga for Surfers

Rating:
Summary: The Natural Connection between Surfing and Yoga
Review: "Yoga is accessible to anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Yoga isn't just about flexibility - it's about awareness, about being fully alive in each moment." -Peggy Hall

Top professional surfers swear by yoga and now see the infinite sea of possibilities in taking up yoga in addition to their favorite sport: surfing. They rely on the advice of instructors like Peggy Hall who writes articles for "Surf Life for Women."

In the Fall 2002 issue, she introduces some of the poses she has incorporated into her new workout video. She is an avid surfer and certified yoga instructor.

Peggy created the "Yoga for Surfers" video series and teaches yoga clinics and private classes. This is a unique workout because it is especially designed for surfers and their specific needs. Expert yoga instruction is interspersed with surf footage.

"Every surfer should discover Yoga." -Rochelle Ballard ("Blue Crush" stunt surfer)

"Yoga changed my surfing - and my life." -Taylor Knox (a noted big-wave charger admired for his powerful, fluid surfing style)

The Setting: Filmed at Ballard and Knox's favorite surf breaks on the North Shore in Carlsbad, California.

The Level: Beginner to Intermediate

The Poses: Classic yoga with a few very creative twists I hadn't seen before. Intriguing. I really loved the poses and the pace.

The Results: Injury prevention, increased strength, flexibility and focus. Helps you to avoid chronic pain and has specific moves that will sharpen your mental focus.

I loved the soundtrack, which is pleasant and calming.

Volume I has three sections:

Pre-Surf Session: Flexibility and Focus

You can use this routine to warm-up before surfing. It is an energizing routine that flows from one pose to the next and can be done at the beach. At home, a "sticky" yoga mat and a towel is recommended. This section of the workout will help you avoid injury, ease neck, shoulder, or back pain and sharpen your mental focus.

Water Session: Energy and Confidence

These are simple moves you can do while on a surfboard out in the water between sets. They can also be done at home while seated as most of the poses are for the upper body. It is fun to do the poses in your living room with the aid of the "top of a step" between
two chairs (so adventurous). There is a segment where you should really be sitting or on a surf board and it was not difficult to incorporate most of the poses into an at-home workout. If you live at the beach and can see your TV from the sand, then
you have it made.

Post-Surf Session: Stretching and Rejuvenation.

This is my favorite section. It is just so relaxing and you could do this section after a long
day because it helps to calm your mind and rejuvenate your body.

Yoga will also enhance other areas of your life and make you feel more in control of your inner world. This video has been very well received in surfing and yoga circles.

Highly Recommended because this workout not only gives you a great workout, it will help you to find a deep sense of well-being and increase your energy level.

A workout lifestyle to give you the flexibility to surf better, longer.

Also look for Volume II: Fluid Power Yoga for Surfers which is a 40-minute routine to strengthen and stretch all your surfing muscles while improving stamina, balance and mental focus.

Rating:
Summary: Improves Surfing Fitness
Review: As an east coaster we are forced to spend a lot of time out of the water thanks to periodic swells, not to mention our high living costs prohibit us from working the typical 9 - 5 so time is limited.

Over the last year I've been looking for ways to improve both my surfing and personal fitness level without having to pay 200 a month for a gym membership. When I spoke to a friend they recommended these videos and after looking at the reviews and information online they seemed like the perfect fit.

I live in central NJ and work in NYC so 4 hours or more of my day are spent commuting via train, not to mention that I go to school at night 3 days a week, so like I said above, time is limited but practicing with the YFS videos has taken me to a really positive place and fitness level.

It's a great product.

Rating:
Summary: I like the idea, BUT...
Review: As both a surfer and yoga enthusiast i was excited to see this program created, however, upon watching the video it became clear that it's not all that great. It's hard to follow the poses when you can't see the instructors feet b/c they're buried in the sand and unless you have a decent knowledge of yoga there are a lot of important details about many of the poses that are left out. I'd recommend a non-surfing specified yoga dvd over this. You'll get more out of it.

Rating:
Summary: Yoga For Sufers Review
Review: As far as yoga instructional DVDs go, this is not one I would recommend. Particularly if you are not familar with yoga already. The poses are not explained as well as in most not-for-surfers DVDs. Often times, you can not see the feet of the instructor, so you do not know how to place your feet unless you already know the pose. I think Peggy is probably a good instuctor, but this DVD isn't a good example. The best part of this DVD is the advert for Rochelle's surf camp, which includes a cameo appearance of Minnie Driver. I found this portion of the DVD to be inspiring. If you are looking for some instruction on yoga poses, this is not a good choice.

Rating:
Summary: Yoga for Surfers
Review: Even though I'm not a surfer, I love this video! Excellent production, quality -- beautiful, inspiring music! The poses are great for beginners through advanced, and I love how there are 3 routines to choose from. The whole video is beautiful -- a "must have"! I watch it ALL the time!

Rating:
Summary: Yoga for Surfers
Review: Even though I'm not a surfer, I love this video!!! Excellent production, quality -- beautiful, inspiring music! The poses are great for beginners through advanced, and I love how there are 3 routines to choose from. The whole video is beautiful -- a "must have"! I watch it ALL the time!

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: For ten years I've had chronic lower back pain from a gnarly snowboarding accident that really affected my surfing, my work, and my active life. I tried pretty much everything -- physical therapy, tons of stretching, chiropractic care -- and nothing really provided nay lasting results.

A friend of mine recommended trying yoga as a remedy, but I never took it seriously until I saw the Yoga for Surfers video. I figured I'd buy the tape and give it a try (heck, I tried everything else!). And after two months, I was virtually pain free! I've been doing it for 6 months now and it has been an amazing turnaround. I also picked up Yoga for Surfers II and I'm working my way into that routine.

When my dad told me he had back pain, I also got him this dvd, and I know he'll love it.

Rating:
Summary: Extremely Beneficial for Any Athlete!
Review: I am not a surfer, but an avid tennis player, and I find Yoga for Surfers extremely beneficial for any athlete. The video is well-produced, easy to listen to, and a great workout. Thank you!

Rating:
Summary: Best Yoga Tape Ever
Review: I got Yoga for Surfers about two months ago. I use it religiously (everyday, sometimes twice a day). I am convinced that it is, by far, the best yoga tape, ever. It really has improved my surfing, and helped with those sore spots I never thought would feel good again! I can't wait for YFS volume 3 !!

Rating:
Summary: just awesome
Review: I hate excercise dvds, yoga dvds, and instructional videos. I do Yoga for Surfers every night. Its really the only decent, tolerable video out there. Im getting in shape to get back into surfing and its really helping me. It makes my muscles nice and long, lean, and loose. The relaxation part really is fantastic and helps me stay focused to reach my goal of being a surfer again. My only complaint is that its slightly talk-ey for me. I could do with less talking. Overall though, it has lovely music, Peggy Hall is a great teacher, and its very relaxing. I would say its a great purchase for any level.