“I’m at the Whim of the Waves”: Laird Hamilton Saw Benefits of Bodybuilding Translating Into Surfing in 2022

A healthy lifestyle can be the key solution to most problems in anyone’s life. However, there has been an eternal debate about the means to adopt a healthy way of living. People generally believe in two approaches to developing a physically healthy ecosystem. Weight training and natural stretching (Yoga) are the two different viewpoints that have divided people. There is a wide misconception about the inclusiveness of these two approaches. Legendary surfer Laird Hamilton had some points to add to discard the widespread misunderstanding. 

On 16th December, the AskMen journal released an interview with Laird Hamilton, where the surfer revealed his approaches during the training period.

Laird Hamilton revealed his training approach

Laird Hamilton has given some of the most exceptional performances in his career. He had managed to stay in the best physical state to perform consistently. In the interview, Hamilton opened up on his fitness regime, which helps him surf the waves which are the size of skyscrapers. Laird Hamilton revealed that he engages in heavy physical activities during his off-season. 

Laird Hamilton admitted to including intense weight training, however, he never made it permanent. He revealed that weightlifting is a part of his off-season fitness routine. “I get a little out of the shape during surfing season because I can’t get into a routine,” he said. Hamilton said that he has felt the positive outcomes of training during the off-season on his performances in the waves. Although Hamilton also said that he had to adjust according to the demands of the sport. He added, “I need to follow the surfing conditions. I’m at the whim of the waves.”

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Hamilton explained that optimizing the cardiovascular alone is never enough. Power and strength play an equally important role in enhancing one’s performance in surfing sport. “It is not just cardiovascular, it also requires strength and power, and that’s what I think makes surfing a very difficult sport,” Laird told the interviewer. The big wave surfer further added that the body needs holistic development, and a single approach often leads to a stagnant growth curve. 

Flexibility is very important for Hamilton

Hamilton further revealed that being a surfer requires a lot of flexibility in the body. Laird added that he monitors his training to keep the balance between strength and flexibility, he admitted. He further revealed that Yoga has helped him to improve his flexibility without hindering his strength. He said, “Yoga is great for surfers”.

Hamilton further highlighted the misconception of the audience between Yoga and weight training. He called it ironic that people either do Yoga or weight lifting. The never-ending attitude of Laird Hamilton has given him the fame and respect he has achieved in life. He believes that getting out of the comfort zone is the first step toward excellence.  

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