CHP - Supplements & 3 Tips to get Surf Fit.

Not a million eons ago, we at Surf Bunker introduced you to two guys who started a performance tuning center for people that wanted to upgrade themselves. Their name was Cornwall High Performance (CHP) and there and their mission has been beyond successful.

We thought it was about time we caught up with Sam, one of the founders at CHP, and find out his unique stance on some questions we had.

SB: Hey Sam, how have the waves been in Cornwall lately and where is your favorite place to surf?

Sam: Ah there's defo been some swell , but also quite windy so a mixed bag . A good run of swell and good winds a few weeks back so managed to get in a bit ! Favorite surf spots , Praa Sands , Porthtowan and Watergate Bay.

SB:  How important is it to train for a specific sport, like surfing? how tailored can the training be?

Sam: At first, you need to get all the basics nailed , good movement, patterns dialed, good levels of mobility and flexibility ( they go hand in hand with good movement ) once they are in place you have layed down the foundations of a good strength base. Once the above are in place you can start getting specific with how you train the athlete , different modalities can be used, for example power, speed and agility work and more advanced strength training methods.

All these however require you to have the basics nailed. You've got to earn the right to progress. For surfing you can look at specific power work that will enhance aerials or big manoeuvres, and conditioning work specific to the demands of surfing. You can also work speed, agility and reaction times to enhance the surfers ability to react ! So yes when the athlete is ready they can be exposed to specific strength training methods.

SB: How much work do you guys at Cornwall High Performance do with Surfers?

Sam: We've had 2 day workshops every couple of months with the U.K.'s youth elite , on top of that we have 2-3 that we work regularly with . However we have an exciting project lined up that would see us increase our work with both elite uk surfers but also more recreational surfers too .

SB: What would be top 3 training tips for surfers to get started?

Sam: Well since we're not technical coaches I'll keep it strictly fitness

1. Focus on being a good mover , this means nail basic movement patterns for eg squats , press ups, lunges that sort of thing this will put you in good stead for more advanced training.

2. Once you've got the above nailed using your body weight start adding resistance and get strong , this will improve athletic performance as well as bullet proof yourself from injury !

3. Practice yoga to keep yourself supple !

SB: Kelly Slater. How long can he actually go on performing from a cardio/age/fitness point if view?

Sam: Well that's a tough one , as long as he continues to look after himself who knows ! He seems super human so I'll say forever.

SB: What do you think of surfing being in the Olympics?

Sam: I'm not sure tbh , it could really put the sport on the map even more , or it could in fact be a negative thing as surfing is supposed to be done in the sea where you never surf the same conditions or wave twice , so the jury is out on that one ! We shall wait and see.

SB: What do you guys think about food supplements and diet control as regards to fitness?

Sam: yep, they have there place, if an athletes protein or carbs from there food is low and they are struggling to get eat what is required then they can be useful, however here at CHP we would always assess each individual to see what there needs are alongside there goals before we make any decisions on any supplements to add to their diet. For sports people the need for nutrients are critical so they suppse can be a good addition.

SB: Cheers Sam for your time, some useful and simple tips to follow there. We at the Bunker will be keeping our ear to the ground for developments in the CHP camp. In the mean time some very obvious advice from us  Get Fit. Get Barreled. Get Stoked.