Surfing for nutrition and fitness

No, this is not a post about river surfing, which is becoming popular in eastern Canada. That's the Takhini River viewed from the Research Forest outside Whitehorse, YT. I've been hiking there regularly as part of my quest for staying in surf shape and to give the dogs a good run. I'm still waiting for the Canada Games Centre pool to reopen September 13th before I can get in a good swim and really need to find some alternative for stretching in the meantime. I did wade into Marsh Lake, about 45 minutes south of Whitehorse, on the hot summer days, but most bodies of water in the Yukon are a little chilly. We did also spent a night out camping by the Takhini with the Muktuk crew who had all been in for a swim: www.muktuk.com. But I was busy hammering in tent pegs and only my dogs Owl and Wolf went in.

I've also been researching surfing, fitness and nutrition guidance online. I found a few good articles that talk about what to eat to stay in shape and the most popular snacks to bring with. Chocolate is a favourite energy booster, and bananas. Of course, you should always bring water to the beach. I can vouch for the fact that you get really hungry after burning calories off on and between the waves. Personally, I brought dried fruit and nuts to Wickanninish Beach and that seemed just enough. Before my first lesson in Ukee, we stopped off at a local cafe and I had a potato blintz and bottled orange juice as a bit of a pre-workout boost. I was always starving afterwards and would indulge in a big caesar salad back at the hostel. (See my article: Sunbathing with Bears at trazzler.com)

For most exercise, they don't recommend eating right before a workout, at least that was true for martial arts. But when I was training for my bronze and bronze cross for lifeguarding, I always made sure to eat a hearty breakfast before hitting the pool and I think that's just as valid for hitting the ocean. My regimen in those days was 1 single cup of coffee, and a huge homemade omelette filled with cheese, tomatoes, green peppers, onions and mushrooms and 2 thick slices of toast.

Mark at Inner Rhythm surf shop: www.innerrhythm.com talked about the importance of supplementary salmon capsules as well as a healthy diet that included seafood. In other words, we should eat like the other sea creatures. Luckily, I have fresh salmon in my freezer right now.

A lot of the articles I read talk about burgers and beer, but since I'm a piscatarian (lacto-ovo vegetarian including fish) and not a beer fan, I'll be sticking to the veggie burgers and pure berry blend juice. For vegetarians chick peas, lentils and leafy greens are recommended.

Here's a sampling of some of the better articles:
http://www.surfinghandbook.com/health-benefits-of-surfing.html
http://www.surfing-waves.com/surf/surfersnacks.htm
http://www.surfingcal.com/nutrition.html
http://www.surfingcal.com/surfing-fitness.html
http://www.clubofthewaves.com/surf_nutrition.php

surfergrrrrrl