Info about Surfing
8 Surfing Advices for Pregnancy
• Be honest about your skill level. If you are an experienced surfer and get out on the water regularly, you should be safe surfing during your first trimester only. If you are a beginning or occasional surfer, surfing may be too strenuous for you during pregnancy.
• Stick to a familiar surf spot. The better you know the area, the safer you'll be. You'll know the sand bars, rip tides, reef breaks, and rocks. And you'll know where you can catch some small, reliable waves. Stay away from unfamiliar, empty, or rocky breaks. Beware of overconfidence when you're on vacation— if you are just visiting, try binocular surfing instead.
• Take breaks. As all surfers know, you don't have to paddle all the way in to get a break. Just rest on your board in the lineup and wait for the perfect wave. Make sure you stop to catch your breath after paddling out so that you don't overexert yourself.
• Underboard and overgear. Consider using a board below your skill level so that you have more flotation and can really sit on it when you're riding the swell. And gear up: wear a wetsuit if the water temperature isn't truly warm-it should be between 82°F and 86°F (28°C and 30°C) for warmth, buoyancy, and sun protection.
• Fall safely. Rather than jumping or diving into the water when it feels like you might wipe out, lean into the water so that you minimize the impact to your belly and vagina as much as possible. If you don't feel the leash tugging your ankle, protect your head with your arms as you resurface.
• Relax. Paddle in long, easy strokes and rest to stretch those muscles once you get past the impact zone. Breathe regularly and don't hold your breath longer than it takes to get through a short blast of white water.
• Protect yourself from the sun. You are very vulnerable to severe sunburn while you're on your board. The best protection is a wetsuit; the next best thing is a long-sleeved t-shirt. And reapply a liberal coat of SPF-30 waterproof sunscreen every time you towel off.
• Enjoy the Zen of surfing. If you are a confident surfer, you can enjoy dawn on the water, waiting for the perfect waves while watching the sun rise. The gentle, ever-present pull of the ocean propels your surfboard and it also promotes a positive lifestyle. There is something about surfing that makes you more even-keeled and optimistic. It's a healthy way to stay fit during early pregnancy—and to prepare yourself psychologically for the challenges and rewards ahead.