Surfs Up! Warmer weather inviting for water sports

By Samantha Copeland

The Post Newspaper Fitness Writer

We are leaving the snow behind and getting ready for warmer weather, water sports season is here!  

The advantage of living on the coast is that there are numerous water activities that we can participate in! Water sports are tons of fun and great for your health both physically and mentally. While the list of water activities is long, when most people think of the Gulf of Mexico, surfing isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, the Gulf has some excellent local surf spots and is more than capable of producing quality surf. 

Not only is surfing an excellent cardiovascular workout, it requires the constant use of your arms as you paddle around. This makes it a great workout for your chest, back and shoulder muscles. Surfing will also help to build good core muscles and leg strength. 

When you start to surf regularly, you will see your body change and tone up rather quickly.  The average surfer can expect to burn 200-300 calories an hour.  

So where do you go to catch some stellar wave close by? From beginner to expert, Surfside Beach is a great location to start. You will find the best surf about a half a mile north of the jetty when the wind is bowing east or northeast. This is a great spot, particularly if you are new to the sport.  For a little harder surf, Jamaica Beach is a great location to catch some ripping waves that may turn into getting tubed now and again. Jamaica Beach offers a sandy bottom with beach break waves and swells that come from the right and left. No matter what the tide Jamaica Beach provides excellent surf conditions and the overall wave here is hollow, fast, and fun.

Lastly, check out the Galveston Ship Channel. If you are an experienced surfer and are willing to spend a little money, there are surf charter companies that will take you and your friends to surf the supertanker waves on a full-day charter. This type of surfing offers impressively long waves. 

If you don’t own a board you can rent one! Typical pricing in the Galveston area is $15 per hour or $25 for the day. I would recommend going for the full-day rental and enjoy the thrill surfing provides as well as being able to relax on the board out on the water in between catching waves. So suit up, head out and enjoy the perks of living on the coast for your health and fitness needs.

Samantha Copeland is the owner of Texas City’s Yoga on 6th With Sam. She has an extensive background as a licensed massage therapist, fitness coach, personal trainer and yoga instructor. Ms. Copeland follows a simple and holistic approach of staying in balance mentally, physically and spiritually.