Lung capacity for 8-10ft waves?

Question

I get intimidated by any wave over 6.5 ft faces. I'm going to start surfing bigger, but I can only hold my breath for 35 seconds and i'm not the best swimmer. Can anyone give me advice on lung-capacity training or any other useful info?

Answer 1

Holding your breath underwater in the pool or calm seas versus in the middle of the trauma of getting hammered by a gnar-gnar wave is totally different.

The main thing is you have to find a way to remain calm.  Panicking burns a ton of oxygen.  So if you need to, think about staying loose underwater.  Try things like counting how many times you rolled underwater, or counting how many waves passed over you.

For training, swimming is great, as is running on sand to reduce the impact on your joints.  Controlling your breathing while running or swimming is key to training your body to function with less oxygen.  Slowing your breathing while running is great as it forces your body to adapt.  Running underwater with a rock is an advanced way to train, but DO NOT try it without a training partner as you can black out very easily.

Interval training will help your endurance greatly while running.  Sprint for 30 seconds, jog for 60, sprint for 30, jog for another 60, etc.

Answer 2

youll be fine. the main thing is not to panic because it uses up oxygen. go out with someone experinced it helps alot. dont go too big too quick. and go out on a clean day where you can easily tell when the sets are. find a point on the beach or wheever so you can make sur eyou are in the right place. good luck! it might feel like your being held under for a long time. but your not most hold downs are like 10 seconds max.

Answer 3

Brudda,  start running. The better shape you in,  the longer you can hold your breath. Exercises and stay in shape.

Sounds strange just for surfing,  but it really helps.

And no panic when you get pounded,  stay calm. Most times

you won't drown. You no like da chicks see you get dragged out of da water by the life guards eh?