And it’s not just something that occurs in humans either.

In fact this same reflex happens to all air breathing vertebrates (a vertebrate is an animal with a backbone/spine).

BABIES AND THE MAMMALIAN DIVE RESPONSE

Have you ever seen a baby just chilling underwater?

Eyes open, smiling, even doing breast stroke whilst they’re at it. 

That's the mammalian dive response in action right there.

Furthermore, babies can comfortably hold their breath underwater for longer than most adults, often for 30-40 seconds or more comfortably (strangely this ability is something that’s lost when they begin walking).

They didn’t learn how to do this, it’s just a natural response to immersion in water.

And when you think about it, it kind of makes sense.

As little embryo’s we grow fins before we grow feet.

And we spend our entire time in the womb in fluid that’s 99% the same as sea water too.

In fact, during the first five weeks of conception a fetus will have two heart chambers, just like fish do, and what's crazy is that human blood is 98% identical to sea water as well.

All in all, we’re much more fish-like than you think.

HOW THE BODY IS AFFECTED BY THE MAMMALIAN DIVE RESPONSE

As previously mentioned, some pretty crazy stuff happens to the body during this hard-wired response. 

So, what are the changes happening in the body during the diving reflex?

Let’s find out:

HEART RATE DROP

Upon immersion in water the heart rate drops (bradycardia) immediately. 

For normal folk like you and me the heart rate will drop by around 10-30%, and for experts - big wave surfers and free divers - a heart rate reduction of up to 50% can occur.

Why is this important?

Well, a lower heart rate means you burn through less oxygen helping you stay underwater for longer.

Helping free divers dive deeper, and surfers stay under for longer too.

BLOOD FLOW REDIRECTION

Blood flow is redirected away from the extremities of the body - hands, arms, feet, and legs - to preserve energy, and focus the distribution of oxygenated blood to the vital organs like the heart and brain.

This blood flow response is known scientifically as peripheral vasoconstriction, and it’s basically the narrowing of the blood vessels to reduce blood flow to the areas that need it least.

BLOOD SHIFT

The deeper you go underwater, the more the atmospheric pressure increases.

In fact, the atmospheric pressure underwater doubles every 10m!

It’s that pressure that causes your ears to pop underwater, and it does some wild things to the body’s anatomy too.

Now, because the blood is redirected away from the extremities like we outlined above, there’s now an abundance of blood circulating the vital organs. 

Where does all this excess blood go?

Good question.

As the atmospheric pressure around the body increases, it puts pressure on the lungs.

And just like a balloon will shrink in size as it’s pulled down to depths underwater, so too will your lungs, and the additional space created due to the smaller lung size will now be occupied by higher volumes of blood. 

Pretty neat if you ask me.

Now they used to think that the maximum depth the lungs could handle would be about 100ft, however they’ve since gone on to smash past that threshold diving to depths of 600ft and beyond.

The body truly is amazing right.

HOW TO TRIGGER THE MAMMALIAN DIVE REFLEX

The mammalian dive response is triggered in the following ways:

One thing to note too, is that the reflex is triggered faster - and more emphatically - when all the above exposed to cold water rather than warm.

This cold water exposure has led to some incredible survival stories of people being underwater for upwards of forty minutes and still surviving to tell the tale.

SOME CRAZY UNDERWATER MAMMALIAN DIVE REFLEX STATS

HOW DOES THE MAMMALIAN DIVE REFLEX HELP SURFERS?

I'd love to say that the mammalian dive reflex will help you to stay under water for minutes on end during a wipeout, or when a wave breaks on you, unfortunately though, you have the fight and flight response to overcome on that front first - which is no joke.

However, in dropping the heart rate this reflex is what gives us that really nice sensation we experience when we come in from a surf.

Centred, rejuvenated, and satisfied.

Just one of the many health benefits of surfing.

Even when you have the worst surf ever you always feel better for it afterwards right?

And that's down to our good friend the mammalian dive response.

WRAPPING IT UP

How does this relate to surfing?

Well we spend half our time in the ocean, so it’s good to know what’s going on in the body when we’re out there.

And in knowing this, it’s no surprise that you feel so damn nice after each surf too.

Built into our genetic makeup, this hard-wired physiological response of the mammalian dive reflex happens to us without even thinking.

Maybe this is why surfers are known for being so laid back? 

Who knows.

Regardless, this stuff is mighty interesting and food for thought to say the least.

Yew!

Rowan

In today's society with depression, anxiety, and PTS on the rise, surfing is proving to be a valid therapy as a combative measure against them.

1. ANXIETY BUSTER

Does surfing reduce anxiety?

Well, if recent studies are anything to go by then yup, damn right it does.

Immersed in nature - no phone, no advertising exposure, no 'things to do' - pre-frontal cortex stimulation is non existent and the body's fight and flight system is able to be at rest.

Calming the body, bringing you back to a place of peace.

2. STRESS, WHAT STRESS...

Stress and anxiety kind of go hand in hand, so it's no wonder that surfing has been shown to reduce stress too.

It's no secret that physical activity and it's stimulation of the amygdala and the hippocampus in the brain have a positive impact on stress levels, which probably explains why most surfers are pretty chill (not all, but most..).

In fact studies have shown that physical activity alone can increase the size of the hippocampus by some 14% in just 8 weeks!

I'm not really sure why that's a good thing, but if a big hippocampus is a byproduct of surfing everyday and it's meant to be good for you I'll take it

3. MAMMALIAN DIVE REFLEX (THE MASTER SWITCH)

This blows my mind...

The Mammalian Dive Reflex (often referred to as the Master Switch) is a physiologic reaction that occurs in mammals (humans included, we are animals remember!) when submerged in water.

Check this out:

When you immerse yourself in water something incredible happens, your body calls upon millions of years of evolution reigniting a fish-like response completely altering the body's physiology.

The heart rate slows, blood is redistributed to the vital organs only, stress levels drop instantly, and a state of calmness ensues.

This is why you feel so good after surfing, and this is why surfing as a therapy can be so valuable.

BODY

Surfing is the ultimate full body workout with tonnes of benefits to your health.

4. STRENGTHENS YOUR HEART

Do you ever feel totally, utterly, 100% GASSED after surfing?

Yup, me too, but that's a good thing.

All of that physical exertion is like a workout for the heart, and the more you do it, the stronger the heart will become.

The perfect excuse to spend more time in the water!

5. IMPROVES CIRCULATION

All that blood pumping around your body when you're surfing has the knock-on effect of improving circulation.

Effective circulation ensures that blood and oxygen flow freely throughout the body, giving your organs what they need to function properly. 

Not only that but it's been shown to heal wounds faster, contribute to a healthy heart, reduce brain fog, and it even gives your complexion a natural flush too.

It's official, surfing makes you better looking!

6. FAT BURNER - SURF YOURSELF SKINNY...

Surfing is a great way to burn fat.

Here's why:

Surfing is a high intensity anaerobic sport with short explosions of effort, followed by short periods of rest.

Much like interval training.

And this type of exercise has been proven to be epic at burning fat.

So if you've got a few extra pounds knocking around that you want to get rid of, give the diet the flick and just go surfing instead - it's way more fun

7. FULL BODY WORKOUT

Unlike going to the gym where you work out specific muscles, surfing is a frickin whole body workout like no other.

Literally every muscle gets a workout.

And what's even better is it's free, so you can give your gym membership the flick whilst you're at it too.

8. KEEPS YOU ACTIVE

You don't need me to tell you that surfing keeps you active, but I'm going to do it anyway

But think about it, on those miserable rainy days whilst everyone is stuck inside all glum and depressed - you're out surfing.

When it's 6am and everybody is still in bed - you're out surfing.

When everybody else in your office is working - you're out surfing...

Oops, I probably should keep that last one on the d-low

9. GLOWING SURFER SKIN

The circulation health benefits of surfing already contribute to naturally glowing skin, but so does the salt water and natural elements exposure too.

That's why surfers always look so hot!

Radiant, natural, glowing skin - perfect for doing away with those pimples!

10. VITAMIN D TOP-UP

Your body needs vitamin D for a healthy immune system, and the best source of vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun.

During the summer months this sun exposure is easy to come by, but in the winter months where you're locked up for months on end this isn't so easy.

Surfing consistently however changes that, keeping your vitamin D levels topped up, happy and healthy all year round.

11. COLD WATER IMMUNE BOOSTER

Exposure to cold water has been proven to boost the immune system (just ask Wim Hoff he loves this stuff).

Exposure to these cold elements helps to trigger our natural immune system - one that's been lost in our constant quest for comfort and warmth - helping the body to fend off illness and disease.

12. SURFER HAIR

Ok, this isn't really a health benefit of surfing, but it's good nonetheless.

But it's a fact, surfing makes your hear look cool, right?

In fact, city-folk the world over pay good money for the surfer hair look and you get it for free!

There's a money saving reason to surf right there

SOUL

Surfing helps us to connect to ourselves, nature, and those around us.

13. GET CONNECTED TO NATURE

As a society we NEED to connect to the nature around us a whole lot more that we currently do.

We're not apart from nature, we are a part of nature, and this is something we must constantly be reminded of.

And what better way to connect with the nature around you than to literally immerse yourself in it, distraction free, total immersion.

Just you, and it, together.

14. ACCIDENTAL MEDITATION

Surfing inadvertently transmutes as the perfect accidental meditation.

The ebbing and the flowing of the waves, the lack of artificial stimulation, the alone time and the connection with nature culminating in a meditative state.

A state of presence where the mind shuts off, and focus is purely on the here and now.

An accidental meditation maybe, but a powerful one nonetheless.

15. IMPROVES SLEEP

Surfing and all the many health benefits outlined in this post culminate in improved sleep.

Tired, content muscles, a clear mind plus ample vitamin D, all compounding to help you rest at night and sleep like a baby.

16. CONNECTS YOU TO YOUR TRIBE

As a social species we need to connect with other like minded people and in our ever more segregated world this is getting harder and harder.

Surfing however brings together likeminded people, people with similar values and world views, and connects them around a shared love of the sport.

Go anywhere in the world and meet a surfer and there's an instant connection right there.

This is something we all need in our lives right now

WRAPPING IT UP

The health benefits of surfing are slowly starting to be more widely researched with scientific studies proving time and again just how good surfing is for your health.

But you don't need to be a doctor or scientist to work this stuff out, just go in the water and see for yourself.

Does it make you feel good? Does it make you happy?

If yes, DO IT MORE OFTEN!

According to this article you'll live longer, be thinner, have better skin, nicer hair, be better looking, more calm, happier, fitter, stronger, more connected to nature...

...the list goes on.

So do yourself a favour, if you're Umming and Arring about whether or not to go surfing, quit being a slug and just get in there, your body will thank you for later I promise.

Yew!

Rowan

DOES SKATING HELP SURFING?

First things first. 

Jump on a skateboard, blast around the block, grab your surfboard and you’ll smash every lip you encounter. 

Really?

Kind of. 

You see, skating is one of the most beneficial activities (out of the water) you can add to your surfing repertoire. That’s of course , you are serious about improving your surfing. 

In short: Skating is the closest thing to surfing itself. More on that in a minute. 

The best part. 

It shares so many of the fundamental elements of surfing that you can practice over and over, regardless of what the surf conditions are doing.

That’s why so many surf camps & private surf coaches (like me) are using skating as a way to teach students better technique, improve their balance, fitness and coordination during surf lessons.

The end result?  

Skating is a great option for surfers who wish to improve their surfing ability. 

And, you don’t even have to rely on the conditions. Even better. 

IS SURFING AND SKATING SIMILAR?

Learning to surf is hard. We all know that. 

Thankfully surfing and skating mimic similar bio mechanics to one another. 

Which means when you're skating, your body's muscle memory is being directly stimulated as if you were surfing. 

The good news...

The more work you put into skating, the better the results you'll see in your surfing. 

Even better, you’re able to break down each movement step by step to really grasp the auto mechanics of movements needed to perform and execute each surfing manoeuvre. 

From top turns, to carves to cutbacks. Skateboarding is the perfect partner to your surfing. 

Although this isn't new information, it's also hasn't been widely publicised. 

Surfing and skating have always had a close symbiotic relationship. The feeling of riding a skateboard is similar to riding a wave. 

Wait! there’s so much more.

Let’s have a look at some other characteristics they share:

BOARDSPORTS

I know it’s pretty obvious... both skateboarding and surfing are deemed as board sports. 

So, it goes without saying; both share a need for balance. Good balance is essential for maximising your fun!

INDIVIDUALISTIC

You. Your surfboard. And, the ocean. 

Or maybe it’s you, your skateboard and the concrete.

Either way both sports are a great promoter of individuality and self expression. 

Could there be anything more freeing?

Probably not. 

Don’t take my word for it. Ask every surfer and skater what they love about these two boards sports and I’ll betcha they’ll say… All I need is me and my board. 

You heard it here first. 

SUBCULTURE 

Both skating and surfing have had a long history of underground subculture.

They’ve both individually and collectively attracted an audience of anti establishment, freedom seekers and ‘fuck the norm’ kind of gal and guy. 

This has been well documented in surf and skate films such as Lord of Dog Town. Where surfing and skating symbolizes the same cultural values. 

This iconic subculture and unconventional lifestyle quickly became pop culture. And both surfing and skating went from underground grass roots to multi million dollar industries.  

Chuck those city slickers away now! 

Or faced being banished from your very own community. 

HIERARCHY

To earn your spot out in the line up or around the skate bowl there is a certain hierarchy to adhere too. 

Both sports honour and respect the pecking order. If your local, you’ve got first dibs followed by talent.

Sorry but, kooks are way down...

If you’re a newbie I strongly suggest scrubbing up on the unwritten rules of both sports and if it’s a busy line or a busy bowl, tread carefully. 

In fairness, without some form of order there would be carnage. This hierarchy is paramount to keeping all surfers and skaters safe. 

Be ignorant and it’ll cost you. 

IS SURFING EASY IF YOU SKATEBOARD?

Just because you skate, doesn't mean you can surf. 

Nope. 

Surfing is still so goddamn hard.  Damnit!

It’s not like skateboarding where the conditions are always the same, where you can practice the same tricks over and over again until you get it.

In surfing the conditions are never the same, they're constantly changing, and this is what makes it so difficult.  

Granted, some days everything just clicks, and you ride some of the best waves of your life.

Other days, you want to give up altogether. 

We’ve all been there. 

But, what skateboarding can do is, teach you how to become a better surfer. 

And this is what will make your surfing easier.

WHAT MAKES A SKATEBOARD GOOD FOR SURFING?

There are certain skateboards which exacerbate the surfing movements more than others. 

These skateboards are particularly good for your surfing. 

Why?

They have a unique set of trucks which allows you to turn more tightly, enabling you to mimic the same types of auto mechanics movements performed on your surfboard. 

What’s most important is the front truck swivels and enables the board to pivot in either direction.

This is particularly vital if you wish to practise your surfing more often and arn't able to get to the surf frequently.

These trucks allow for a larger range of motion than a longboard skateboard or a regular high performance skateboard. 

They encourage you to make short, sharp and snappy truns by distributing your weight onto either rail and by rotating and compressing your body. Rather than lifting the board off the ground. 

The same concept is needed for completing truns and carves in your surfing. 

Hence the reason why these types of skateboards are perfect for flat day fun as well as surf specific training.

WHAT SKATEBOARD IS MOST LIKE SURFING?

Any skateboard is better for your surfing than no skateboard, but, in recent years there’s been a lot of advancements in skateboards built specifically for surfers.

As mentioned earlier, the main difference between your standard skateboard and one that’s specifically designed for surfers comes down to the front trucks.

It’s the manoeuvrability of these trucks that really allows you to emulate the movements of riding a wave.

Check out the video below to see one in action.

But, there’s a lot of choice out there now (and some are better than others).

Recent years there’s been more and more demand from surfers specifically wanting something which can help with their surfing.

Here’s a list of the most popular skateboards for surfers for you to go check out:

Which one do I recommend?

For me it’d have to be the Smoothstar.

I get it, these boards aren’t cheap (the cheapest model in their line starts at $450). But as with everything you get what you pay for. 

I particularly like the Smoothstar because they feel the most like surfing to me. 

The wheels are super smooth, and the trucks are really responsive which helps to enable surf-like rail-to-rail transitions, tight turns, and tail slides (my favorite). 

And it also helps that they come highly recommended by the likes of Felipe Toledo and many others, not to mention top class coaches too.

10 BENEFITS OF SKATING HAS IN YOUR SURFING

With a surf skateboard you can practice your surfing from anywhere. The world can be your training ground. 

But if you want to get the most out of your dry land training a well constructed surf skateboard setup is essential. 

In this simple and clear guide to the many benefits skating has on your surfing, I'm going to walk you through the many positives.

And we'll start with the one most people talk about... 

FLOW

There aren't too many sports where you can practice flow. Luckily though, skateboarding happens to be one of them.

Flow is initiated in the body, performed by gentle movements between your upper and low body, generating speed and forward momentum.

Practicing flow on a skateboard is an easy way to learn the biomechanics of surfing as you have complete control of your surroundings.

With repetition, you'll understand the effects of moving your body in relation to the way your board responds.  

Practicing this will teach you the principles for generating your own speed when you get back in the water.

PRACTICE

Skateboarding is an awesome practice ground for your surfing. It allows you to experiment with new carves, visualize new lines and mimic surf movements in real life.

But here's the thing...

Unlike surfing - which is so damn condition dependent - skating can be done virtually anytime, anywhere.  So you can essentially practice whenever you want!

STYLE

Style in surfing is makes a huge difference!

Let me explain.

You see, good surfing is more than just going crazy trying to hit every section that comes your way.

Much more.

Instead, good surfing is an elegant blend of power, grace & flow.  

But, with such little time to practice in the ocean, practicing on a skateboard instead is the next best thing.

A little soul arch here, a bend of the knees there...

...and a hair flick to finish!

Doesn't everything look just so much better with a little style thrown in? 

FITNESS

Have you ever spent a few weeks out of the water only to find that the next time you surf, your puffed before you even make it out the back?

I know I have!

And granted, there's a tonne of muscles that skateboarding isn't going to help with, but when it comes to the lower body muscle groups, skating regularly is damn effective.

Skating often will build up endurance in these muscles groups, improving your overall surf fitness massively.  

And lets face it, going for a thrash around on your skateboard with your girlfriends beats a treadmill in the gym every day of the week!

TIMING

Timing is everything in surfing.  There are so many variables you have to contend with when your surfing that your timing and decision making has to be super on point.

All of the time.

And what's cool is that skateboarding really helps with this too.

As the more time you spend on a skateboard, the sharper your timing will become.

FOCUS

Both surfing and skating require focus.

And without focus, you're going to "eat it!"...

A lot!

True, there won't be too many comparisons to surfing when it comes to your reaction time, but skating comes pretty close.

In fact, with the stakes oftentimes much higher whilst skating - concrete is a LOT harder than water - focus is something that you'll quickly develop as you skate more often.

COMMITMENT

Skating is all about commitment.

If you think you're going to fall you'll fall.  If you half commit, you'll fall. If you 95% commit, you'll fall.

It's 100% or nothing!

If you go into any trick half-heartedly you'll be in a whole world of pain. And the same goes for surfing.

You have to be fully committed, if not, you'll get smashed - ALL the time.

So next time your approaching a late drop, hitting a steep section, or doing a big floater, remember one thing...

Commit!

Every single time.

REPETITION

The key to success is repetition, repetition, repetition.

And apparently, it's possible to become a master at anything, it just takes 10,000 hours of practice!

Which, as a surfer, is damn near impossible (unless you have access to Kelly's wave pool that is).

However, with skating as your best friend, you can replicate and repeat the same movements time and time again, until eventually, they become second nature.

BALANCE

Surfing is a very unique type of balance that's hard to replicate out of the water, but skating happens to be pretty damn close.  

That's why by skating regularly you'll notice a significant improvements to your balance when you're back in the water.

FUN

Lets face it, if it's not fun, what's the point.

Skating is so damn fun and opens you up to a whole other crew of likeminded frothers.

So, stop procrastinating, get yourself a skateboard and go tear it up.

You'll be thanking me next time you hit the water.  Yew!

Note: Before you head to the skatepark, download the skateboarding challenge worksheet here.

CONCLUSION

Whether you're a complete novice, experienced beginner or seasoned pro, having a dedicated surf skateboard is a must have piece of kit.

That's why it makes sense to invest in a skateboard which allows you to practise on land so you can accomplish your surfing goals much quicker. 

So which type of surf skateboard are you going to choose to see massive improvements in your surfing?

Let me know in the comments below.

Talk soon, 

Loz 

BOX BREATHING

Box breathing is a powerful breathing technique to hack your brain, allowing you take control over the body primeval unconscious responses.

Box breathing emphasis control through counts of four on both the in and out breath allowing your automatic nervous systems to maximise the full use of oxygen into the body.

Deep breathing has long been promoted for it's long list of health benefits on both the mental and physical body and box breathing is a simple tool you can use to effectively develop better breathing habits.

Thankfully our subconscious mind automates our breathing so we can focus on more pressing issues - like what's for dinner...

However by simply bringing our awareness to our breath we can greatly enhance our inner and outer emotional state.

What this means is our breathing has a direct link to how we are currently feeling.

This is crucial to building more confidence in the water.

To put this simply:

Deep Breathing = Greater Confidence.

THE CONNECTION TO BREATH AND EMOTIONAL STRESS

When we're feeling anxious, fearful and lacking in confidence our minds tend to race away with thoughts and future scenarios.

Our mind seeks more validation of ‘why not to go in’ or ‘why not to take off on that steep drop’ so its goes around in a looping pattern of negative and fearful thoughts.

If you have experienced anxiety, you will know all too well how this pattern works.

When we connect our minds back to our breath we help to redirect our thoughts.

"Your breath is always the anchor to the present moment"

Connecting ourselves back to the present moment through our breath helps to ground our energy and stop negative looping though patterns from continuing.

Box breathing promotes deep full inhale and exhale breaths which helps to calm and regulate the automatic nervous system.

This invites a calm and centred emotional state which creates more confidence and enhances greater self belief.

When you develop a great sense of confidence with your surfing, this then has a domino effect on:

You no longer live in the doldrums of what if ... but I can!

It's a huge shift in your mindset.

I’ve used a specific technique called Box Breathing which has personally helped me to see some huge results in my own surfing.

DEVLOP BETTER BREATHING HABITS

Developing better breathing habits and using a tool like box breathing can help to bring greater confidence to your surfing and any situations in which you feel scared, vulnerable or out of your comfort zone.

Box Breathing can be used as an excellent anchor for when you need a confidence boost.

Try it out for real...

If your surfing out the back and you feel it's a stretching your ability, simply take a couple of minutes on your board to practice a round or two of box breathing and you will soon feel the positive effects.

Better still the more you practice box breathing throughout your day the more you will see longer lasting results. 

BECOME AN EXPERT IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE 

Is it actually beneficial to always push yourself?

I am all fall for pushing your comfort zones and breakthrough new paradigms. In fact, I would go as far to say that I thrive in this area of my life.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m actually a little addicted to these situations because of the spike of domaine you get afterwards and sense of accomplishment.

Throughout my year, I will often have personal goals associated with scenarios or events which I find challenging.

I do this purposefully so I can prove to myself that anything is achievable.

But when it comes to confidence in your surfing, this is when I draw the line and I have a completely different approach. 

I'm going to give you a little analogy which I feel will really help you to understand this a little better.

Can you see what I'm getting at here?

SOLID FOUNDATION IS THE KEY TO YOUR CONFIDENCE

You don’t need to go to the very limits of your ability all the time. 

If you want to build your confidence you first need to become an expert in your comfort zone and only then move forward to the next level.

This is so underestimated yet deeply important in your learning curve.

It’s about building on solid foundations and making sure your 100% comfortable within your ability and certain types of surf conditions and only then, do you make the step up to new challenges.

When you do this, you're building on a solid framework which will only assist with increasing your confidence.

You see a lot of surf coaches pushing their clients too early on in their
learning which ultimately results in a negative or unpleasant experiences.

And, it can take a loooong time bouncing back from such an event.

GET REALLY GOOD WITHIN YOUR ABILITY

So weather your beginning to learn how to duck dive or maybe you’re transitioning into cutbacks.

Stay within this specific learning zone until your absolutely 100% confident and comfortable to move onto something new.

Picture B: Positive Confidence Loop

When you adapt this formula to your surfing you can begin to appreciate why you maybe suffering from a lack of confidence.

There are a couple of key strategies which you can implement immediately and will really help you to see some big changes in your confidence.

CREATE ANCHORS FOR BETTER OUTCOMES

What we are hoping to achieve here is, is to associate the emotional feeling of confidence with the physical sensation of the anchor.

Now I want you to be aware of The Emotion Loop next time you go for a surf. Especially when your feeling a lack of confidence.

The next thing I want you to practice is anytime you’re feeling like a superhero, remember to press your anchor.

The reason why this is important is because next time your surfing and your feeling fearful or maybe you are out of your comfort zone, your anchor will help bring your awareness back to the times when you felt super confident.

This will help trigger the positive self fuelling loop.

When you get into the habit of using your anchor, you help to distract the mind and via it off the negative loop and back onto the positive loop.

When you use this tool correctly it can be one of the most powerful and quick solutions to help boost your confidence in and out of the water.

CONCLUSION

The mind is a complex muscle and this is only a teaser of the many tools and techniques to help boost your confidence.

One thing I do know for certain. 

Anyone you know who displays phenomenal confidence has worked hard on themselves.

It takes the inner worker to start seeing the results on the outside. 

Boosting your confidence isn’t an overnight success story. 

But with the right steps it won’t take long for your to start seeing some results in your surfing.

"Bring your superhero confidence into your surfing and your surfing will skyrocket"

There is nothing better than learning, growing and living to your full potential in this life. 

Now I want to hear from you...

Let me in the comments below if there are any tips that specifically have helped you build your confidence in your surfing.

I would love to hear how you get on with the tips I’ve suggested .

Now over to you.

With love 

Lauren

P.s If you would like to know the exact box breathing technique then click here.