News Journal, Daytona Article!

Nov 2, 2021 | ecotour, General, Kayak New Smyrna Beach, New Smyrna Beach Surf, Nichols Surf Shop, Press, SUP, Surf NSB, surfing

Nichols in the News Journal

You can read the article online

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Wild Florida: Your guide to 9 great kayaking spots in Volusia County’s rivers & springs.

One of the best ways to spend time in the sun is by kayaking or canoeing into the wilderness. Central Florida is home to some of the country’s finest springs, and the Indian River Lagoon is the most biodiverse estuary in North America.

The Daytona Beach News Journal recognized Nichols Surf Shop as one of the top ecotour companies in Volusia County, FL!

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In case the article is missing from the link, or you cannot access it for other reasons you can download the .pdf

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Need guidance on how to “stand up” on a SUP?

Feb 13, 2020 | General, New Smyrna Beach Surf, Stand Up Paddle Board, SUP

StandUp PaddleBoard

Technique for getting on your board

Start off in knee-deep water and free of any obstacles.
Find the center of the board — it’s easy to find because this is where the handle is located on most boards. Climb onto the center in a kneeling position. Line your knees up with the front of the handle, keeping them about shoulder width apart.
For many beginners, this position is a comfortable spot to practice taking a few paddle strokes before standing up. This is also a good position to get into if you need a break from standing or you are facing unfavorable conditions.
When you are ready to stand up, go on all fours and place the paddle under your palms while tenting your fingers. Once you’re ready, you’ll stand up on the board one foot at a time. Place your feet where your knees were and try to keep your heels flat as you come up from a squatting position.
Slowly slide your hands into position on the paddle, and take the first stroke right away — this is important to build momentum.

Increased flexibility.
Stronger core muscles.
Better breathing techniques.
Improved balance.
More stamina.
Greater mental focus.
Restored and revitalized energy.

5 Ways to keep “Surf Fit” in Cold Weather

Feb 3, 2020 | General, New Smyrna Beach Surf, Surf NSB, Surfing Fitness

Yoga

Benefits of Yoga for Surfing

Increased flexibility.
Stronger core muscles.
Better breathing techniques.
Improved balance.
More stamina.
Greater mental focus.
Restored and revitalized energy.

read more about yoga and surfing here: https://www.swimoutlet.com/guides/the-benefits-of-yoga-for-surfers

Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an outstanding cross training activity for surfing. Skateboarding was born from surfing and came to fruition as a non-water surf activity. It’s a great way to work on balance and maneuvers. Get yourself a Sector 9 with gullwing trucks or a surf-skate Carver or scour the market and start skating.

Weight Training

Maybe boring, but weight training is invaluable for increasing strength, toning muscle groups, and preventing osteoporosis. Weight training for surfing, of course, doesn’t mean bicep curls and bench presses. It doesn’t mean you’re training solely to make your muscles bigger, it means you’re training to make the muscles important for surfing more efficient. Not only that, but if you’re on the correct program, you’ll be less likely to get hurt, have a much faster recovery time, and be able to surf longer.

Squat to Stand

One of the simplest things you can do to improve your surfing outside of the water is develop a deep squat. Being able to get low and stay balanced is key to tube riding and is needed as a ‘go to’ position to prevent falls and recover from committed turns. The deep squat requires ample hip knee and ankle mobility, it decompresses the lower spine and improve digestion. Spend some time in the deep squat every day. Put the laptop on the coffee table and sit deep instead of slouching in your chair. All surfers should be able to do a deep squat. Here is a great video with some drills on how to improve yours:

Pushups

Pushups engage your whole body, strengthening the core, aligning the spine and improving shoulder control. When it comes to surfing, a strong upper body means easier pop-ups and duck dives, as well as shoulder injury prevention.