Month: February 2013

SOGA is yoga infused core control and balance training for surfers 🙂

How does it differ from muscle and strength focussed training?
Muscle and strength focussed training tends to place a strong emphasis on the development of strength through repetitions and sets. These movements become increasing difficult and are often continued with until failure and through pain. While these exercises do achieve strength to some extent, they are most effective for developing muscle mass. Early in his career Bruce Lee stated that “a stronger muscle is a larger muscle.” He later changed his mind.

Balance, flexibility and core control are often compromised by an over-emphasis on strength. Muscle strength is largely irrelevant when one considers the holistic balance of factors that enable explosive power in board sports. And that really is why we do them!

SOGA is about finding  this explosive power.  The practice is largely about alignment, recovery and simple movement. Relaxed muscle control is prioritized over strength. No pain should be experienced in the sessions. The exercises are all slow, comfortable and within individual student ranges. The goal is to become conscious of points of tension and to work at softly releasing them to enable freer movement. It is very much about letting go and exploring natural easy movement.

There are some strength and fitness benefits that arise from this process but they are incidental to rather than goals of the practice.

Those who practice SOGA have found a freer more flowing movement in their daily lives and in their sports. Reductions in the  frequency and intensity of injuries have also been reported.

The exercises are accessible and fun from start to finish.

Small group workshops and individual training sessions are available.

SOGA presents…

A workshop at the magical, historic Stone Cottage and Plettenberg Bay Lagoon

On the sun deck at Stone Cottage, on a lagoonside beach and in the water

With surfing and kitesurfing coach Stuart Barnes

Saturday 23 February 2013

The workshop will suit all levels of surfers and kitesurfers – from beginners keen to build a solid foundation to advanced riders aiming to improve performance. Those looking to avoid injuries or aid recovery from existing injuries will also benefit.

Fun, concise and highly effective exercises that target the muscles and develop the movements of surfing will be practiced. They will take place both on land and in the water. Exercises that use a range of boards to develop balance, style, flow, control and technique will be used.

Places are limited and booking is essential

Contact Stuart: onreturn@gmail.com with any questions and to secure your booking

The workshop duration is 3 hours and it will be followed by a social lunch and free surf

Accommodation options are available for those keen to stay over in Plett

Join us for a super fun day 🙂