Breath Training for Surfers

To prepare for a wipeout, it's crucial to take a deep, diaphragmatic breath to maximize oxygen intake, helping stay calm and avoid panic. Breathing from the diaphragm (rather than the neck) is more efficient, and practicing yoga can improve this technique. During a wipeout, maintaining calm helps switch from the "fight or flight" (sympathetic) response to a "rest and digest" (parasympathetic) state, which reduces oxygen consumption and prolongs breath-hold time. Box breathing is a useful technique for staying calm and promoting faster recovery after a wipeout.