By Coach Dave Post
What do Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, and Kelly Slater all have in common besides dominating their sports? They all have coaches. A surf coach is a person who has experience and knowledge of the sport and has a unique way of communicating that with his athletes to help them become the best they can be. There are three main aspects of coaching a surfer: Mental, Physical, and Technical.
Mental
The mental side of things can prove to be the biggest challenge because surfing is an individual sport. Even though you're competing against others, ultimately you're surfing against yourself. Helping the athlete see outside their normal way of thinking, like not getting intimated by the conditions of the surf, other competitors, or the importance of an event, is crucial of a coach.
Physical
The coach encourages the surfer to work with the right trainers or to develop a training regimen. Eating the right foods before and after practices is crucial, too. Also getting proper rest and staying focused during training periods, but also knowing when the athlete needs to relax so they can get into their natural rhythm and let their talent take control.
Technical
Finally coaches touch on the technical points of surfing: Helping the athlete know what boards and fins to use, what approach to implement for the conditions at hand, and what contest strategy to use during certain heats are just a few keys to helping a surfer excel.
Even if you don’t want to be a professional someday, being able to be your best is something that can be helped along by a coach. The main thing in life is to be happy, work hard and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Coach Post's Bonus Tip of the Month
If you want your board to turn fast and feel loose (which helps you do explosive maneuvers) put your back foot over the back fin not the front two fins. When your foot is over the front two it gives you more of a driving turn, which is good for long cut backs and drawn out bottom turns. The farther back you put your foot on your board the quicker the response will be during the turn, which is good for blow tails and airs. I also recommend having your tail pad as far back as possible because putting your foot against the tail block will give you more control during airs and blow tails. Until next time, keep charging!
For more info on Coach Post check out www.CoachPostGroup.com. Shoots!
Posted by: Ghetto Juice at: 01 Oct 2013 02:29
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