I had a disc bulge in 2006 which forced me to hang up the nail bag as a chippy and get a job as a construction scheduler as a precaution ( to reduce the chance of re-injury) I keep reasonably fit through swimming/gym but a recent flare up has me doubting the conv surfing. I have read that SUP is really good for core muscles. Cab anyone share their opinion on this subject as im hanging to get into some form of surfing asap.
Welcome Souwester... I reckon SUP is the best thing for a bad back..except for the putting the board on the roof of the car and taking it off..
Where are you?
It is the best thing for core muscles.. Just get your self a big board and stick to flat water to start with and once you've got the hang of it hit the waves.
Once you get hooked on SUP you'll never need the gym and swimming again..
I too have a dodgy lower back, but have not had an injury like yours Souwester. I find surfing is REALLY bad for your lower back, paddling in the prone position with your head up, and then standing up. However, I've found that SUP is excellent for keeping the back strong. My back gets sore if I don't exercise it, and SUP is the best exercise I've found so far. The old 'use it or lose it' syndrome.
Souwester, I am sure you will SUP as being much easier on the back than conventional surfing. How do I know this? I fractured the end-plate of my L5 about 20 years ago. Although it doesnt typically bother me, there are some things that seem to set it off. Prone paddling is one thing that CAN do this. It doesnt always, but prone surfing can definately cause some spasms in your lower back if you just happen to have one of those "bad back days".
SUP'ing will certainly keep your core strong which is going to help your back in the long run. I had to quit my career due to my back problem and I can promise you that it is hard to stay fit initially.
My $.02 is that SUP will certainly be well suited for you.-Ronnie
SUP overall is fantastic exercise ... if you do it right.
There are two big risks to deal with.
1. SUPs are big and fairly heavy (12kg). You will have to be careful not to damage yourself. I find I can heft 12kg around fairly easily but I get tired after not too long and that's were injuries are possible.
2. Overpaddling is a killer. If you try to paddle too hard or too fast with poor technique you will cause lower back pain. Catching waves is the worst because everyone is desperate to get a wave and paddle super-hard to catch the bastards. The solution is easy. Paddle a bit slower and work on good technique. It's pretty easy but you have to be gentle with yourself.
Hey Souwester In the last 12 months I have found myself wakeing up in the middle of the night with bad back pain and having to have to get out of the sack at 3am just so the pain will go away and this is a real ****, as a result of probably being overweight and numerous M'cycle and horse riding mishaps
Since I was introduced to standup all the pain goes away when I paddle regularly and as soon as I stop the pain returns after a couple of days. So now I still get up early but get straight in the car and head for the water to paddle for a few hours and cant tell you how good it makes me feel.
When I use to surf a long board I woud struggle to get to my feet as I also have hip probs and those days are gone as most of the time I am standing up already and problem solved.
And the best part of all is the weight is falling off and I have a purpose in life again . Cheers Dolla
I had a disc bulge in 2006 which forced me to hang up the nail bag as a chippy and get a job as a construction scheduler as a precaution ( to reduce the chance of re-injury) I keep reasonably fit through swimming/gym but a recent flare up has me doubting the conv surfing. I have read that SUP is really good for core muscles. Cab anyone share their opinion on this subject as im hanging to get into some form of surfing asap.
Souwester, i agree with the other replies you have had regarding the benefits of SUP on your core, though what gorgo writes may be of importance to you in that when you go and have a couple of long sessions consecutively in the waves or maybe on the flat, your lower back will be shattered. So my advice, keep swimming and gyming, get a suitable board/paddle and steady as she goes for a while, get yourself an indo board or make do with a pice of 5inch pipe and a piece of timber and do those B....hit ? stretching/strengthing excercises that the physio gives ya when you do your back. Miko
hey guys sorry for late reply! thanks for your advice nice to know there is still a way I can enjoy the ocean despite injuries. I currently have my 2 surfboards for sale to fund the SUP set up as it is a tad more expensive than the conventional form. Easy does it seems to be the way to go so when I get into it ill try remember! I live in Perth close to the beach (approx 2 streets back!) so might see if I can carry the board? Thanks once again guys
I live in Melbourne about 4 streets back from the beach. My arms and shoulders ache a bit after two streets. I move the board between the on-the-shoulder carry and resting on one hand in front a few times and I can cope fairly well.
I used to use a shoulder sling and that carries fine but it's more stuff to dick around with on the beach and I can't be bothered.
The easiest carry is to have one person one each end carrying the board under your an arm each.
be really carefull, maybe speak to your doc / physio first... i recently did my lower back in whilst paddling on a really mellow day....i put it down to a particular kind of paddling technique i was doing.
When Paddling now , I try and spread the load , between arms,shoulders,pecks,trunk and legs... dont stant too ridgid and overload the lowerback
Carrying your board is going to be your biggest issue for your back. I often find myself carrying my board several hundred metres from my car to where I launch and I find it very convenient being able to carry my board using the paddle looped through two leash plugs placed down the center of it. If you don't have leash plugs a simple sling, strategically placed to balance your board with the strap on your shoulder works pretty well also.
WINDY MILLER said...
i put it down to a particular kind of paddling technique i was doing.
Can you elaborate on this particular technique Windy?
I might just have to take it down to the beach on the roof and sling it or get a mate to give me a hand. Im thinking of getting a few lessons just so I dont form any bad habits. Will be tempting to just get out there and go hard but understand I can do more damage than good with too much bravado.
Hey Souwester, I Bulged a disc (L5S1) in 94.Ive been surfing most of my life and riding SUP's for 4 months.The only time my back bothers me,as DJ said, loading & unloading the big sucker can be tricky and potentionally hazardous for the back injured.The only other time I have trouble is when I find myself stooping forward when Iam paddling hard into an on-shore wind,so I keep having to correct myself and stand up right. But you will sort out all that sh#t,get out there bro,you wont regret it at all, Robbo
The only thing I would add to the excellent advice above is that you will probably get some tender spots in the beginning. Small muscles in your ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and neck may not be used to this excercise. Don't worry, we all went through it. The beauty of SUP is the balance your body will develop. No matter what condition you are in, SUP will find all your weaknesses and toughen them up. Go easy at first, it's harder than people think. The deeper you set your roots, the taller you can climb.
Carrying your board is going to be your biggest issue for your back. I often find myself carrying my board several hundred metres from my car to where I launch and I find it very convenient being able to carry my board using the paddle looped through two leash plugs placed down the center of it. If you don't have leash plugs a simple sling, strategically placed to balance your board with the strap on your shoulder works pretty well also.
WINDY MILLER said...
i put it down to a particular kind of paddling technique i was doing.
Can you elaborate on this particular technique Windy?
yep oly
i was doing J stroke, and i was standing very ridgid, body and arms - basically overloading lower back
now i bend the knees more, and use more body movement when paddling - bit hard to explain - kind of like a pumping motion - not classic paddling but dont want to do the back aGAIN
