CNN has an article about how surfing helps people stay in shape both physically and mentally.  It also points out some of the physical impairments that long-time surfers face.

For anyone, who’s ever paddled a surfboard in the ocean at least once, this article states the obvious.  If you’ve never surfed and are considering surfing as a way to get into shape, please be careful.  You need to be in decent physical condition before you paddle out into the waves.  There are some good exercises that you can do on land that will strengthen the muscles that you’ll need when you’re charging the waves.  If it’s been a while since you’ve been swimming, then I’d recommend putting in some time at your local pool.

Surfing requires a lot of effort.  An article (on p. 96 of the April 2006 edition of Surfshot) states that when surfers are in the water they spend 48% of their time paddling.  Paddling a surfboard through the surf requires a considerable amount of strength and energy.  And if you don’t have the strength and energy to navigate your board through the surf, then you’re putting yourself, as well as everyone else in the water, at significant risk of being injured.

Surfing takes a lot of dedication, but it’s worth it for a number of reasons: it’s fun, it brings you closer to nature, and it keeps you in shape.  Just remember that it’s no duck walk out there.  People, who make surfing look easy, have been doing it for a long time, so keep that in mind when you decide to charge the waves. 

Another thing to keep in mind if you’re considering taking up surfing . . . . surfers typically don’t surf just to stay in shape.  We surf because it’s impossible not to surf.  It’s a way of life and a good one at that.  Go catch a wave and you’ll see what I mean.