Top 6 Morning Surf Stretches

Here at Pineapple Island, we love all things surfing (check out our beautiful range of surf bracelets to surf in style!)
  
Flexibility is without a doubt essential in becoming an accomplished surfer, and there are a few nifty little stretches that can get all the right muscles supple, limber and ready to hit the waves!
  
Try out these 6 revitalising morning stretches to get your day off to the best start and improve your surfing skills without even having to pick up a board.
  
  
1. Child's Pose
 
Any great stretching routine should start with the child’s pose to release residual tension. Start on your hands and knees before gently dropping your glutes down to touch your heels. Bring your forehead to the ground and extend your arms in front of you. Remain in this pose for as long as you would like – it can be beautifully meditative!
 
 
 
2. Lying Knee Roll Over
 
This stretch is great for hip flexibility, which is incredibly important when balancing on your board! Lie on your back with your knees bent and arms stretched out to both sides. Allow your knees to slowly drop to one side, whilst keeping the rest of your body straight. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side.
 
 
 
3. Standing Toe Touch
 
This stretch is great for overall flexibility. Simply stand with your legs straight, take a deep breath in, and on your exhale, slowly fold your body forward from the hips and touch your toes (or as close as you can get). Relax and admire your stylish surf bracelet or anklet for 10 to 20 seconds.
 
 
 
4. Hip Flexor Stretch
 
The hip flexors are vital for movements involving kicking, swivelling and lifting up the knees – all important in surfing! This stretch is great for increasing flexibility in the hips and glutes. Simply begin by kneeling with one knee in front of you at a 90-degree angle, and slowly lean your hips forward with your back held straight at all times. You should feel a pull in your hip flexor. Hold for 10-20 seconds and repeat on the other side.
 
 
 
5. Glute Bridge
 
The glutes are the largest muscle group in the entire body and are dominant during lower body exercises including surfing. Strengthening the glutes will in turn strengthen your whole body and improve your posture - regularly incorporating glute bridges into your stretching routine is a great idea! To execute the perfect glute bridge, lie down and slowly raise your glutes until your body forms a straight slope from your head up to your knees. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
   
  
  
6. Plank 
  
The plank is a little more challenging, but is super powerful in building core strength. This is incredibly important when surfing to remain well-balanced. Hold your body up from the ground using your toes and forearms, as pictured below. Ensure your back and legs form a fairly straight line at all times.
  
  
  
Charlotte wears a mix of bracelets from our Chakra collection, a Bora Pearl anklet and her favourite Ibiza anklet