Surfing is relaxation for some, excitement for others, and a combination thereof for almost anyone who has ever surfed before. For Ken Liberman, a University of Oregon professor, Tibetan Buddhism Scholar and yoga practitioner, surfing is one of his biggest passions in life. But Liberman argues that one’s surfing life can be dramatically prolonged and enhanced with the practice of yoga, which is the basis for his recently published book, Yoga for Surfers.
In his book, Liberman demonstrates and details specific asanas (poses) that are intended to relieve spine stress, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles used to surf, and tone body parts such as the neck, which commonly causes surfers pain. He also demonstrates poses that can be done on one’s surfboard, such as spinal twists and forward bends. In practice, these exercises are intended to help others, “Learn to surf like you’re thirty until you are seventy.†What more could a surfer ask for? You can order or buy Yoga for Surfers through the UO bookstore.
