Lets talk about wipe outs….. How to keep your cool while getting worked.
Okay, getting worked, falling, tumbled, wiping out. Whatever you want to call it. Happens. And sometimes, yes, it can be scary. But we have some tricks we have tried and tested. (trust me we have many times) That really work and can help you to embrace wiping out instead of being fearful of it.
Here we go.
breath - it is great if you can get one good deep breath when you are anticipating a wipe out. Not always possible but if you can ideally that is the way you want to go into wiping out. But the real trick we use here is to count the seconds while you are under water. By counting as you are getting worked you take your mind of what could happen and put yourself in the REAL present moment. You will be surprised to learn that most hold downs only last 3- 5 seconds. And everyone can hold their breath for that long.
calm- also not always easy to stay calm but try to let your body go limp and let the wave take you. Fighting it will only make you use more energy and breath.
own it- it is okay to wipe out. it is part of the learning process of surfing. while it may be humbling at times if we can learn to celebrate our wipe outs and be empowered by them. you did it, it was gnarly but you charged it and survived.
These tips will hopefully help you through your next big tumble out there in the water. Remember wiping out is all part of the ride, sometimes you get a really great wave and sometimes you get a really great wipeout. Ultimately it is the Ocean that is in charge.