For those accustomed to surfing on the East Coast, it is a given that long spells without waves are the norm and staying in surfing shape can be a challenge, especially during the winter months.
Local surfer and personal trainer Patrick Smith has brought the first set of SurfSet Fitness apparatuses to the Wilmington area for just that reason: to provide surf conditioning and introduce a fun workout alternative.
Founded by Mike Hartwick, a former professional hockey player who loved to surf during the offseason, SurfSet Fitness boards are designed to recreate on land the balance required in surfing. The concept was featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
Each RipSurfer X board is 5 feet 10 inches long and is shaped like a surfboard with padding on top. The board sits atop three medium-sized exercise balls with bands that attach the board to the base, creating the feeling of a surfboard in the water.
With four routines designed for the board ranging from plyometric exercises to resistance band training, Smith said the focus is all on core strength and balance. As a longtime surfer, Smith said the board has helped him with his overall performance and stamina. For the beginner surfer or someone who has never been on a surfboard, Smith said the board provides a good introduction to the balance and flexibility required.
“For the beginner, it is great to do it before you get in the water,” Smith said. “This helps people explore other water adventures that are out there.”
More than anything, Smith said, training on the board brings some fun to exercising.
“The main thing is to have fun with fitness instead of the intense fitness atmosphere you see at some places,” he said. “I just wanted to make a difference in the community and bring some fun, adventurous training to the table.”
Smith has seven SurfSet Fitness boards in his studio, 100 Percent Fitness off Market Street in Ogden, which will have its grand opening Saturday, Nov. 15.
In addition to offering SurfSet Fitness classes and programs, Smith will also use his eight years of experience as a certified personal trainer to concentrate on sports-specific training and general fitness.
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