Surfing

Surfing Solo, Shark Rumors Swirl: Encounter Turns Out to Be a Manatee

My closest shark encounter. They haven't been. Thank God too crazy or scary. I've seen plenty of sharks in the water but never too close to me. Although I definitely, you know, they're being close enough within six feet but I haven't been bumped or anything but they're everywhere and we're surfing in their habitat. So we need to be able to That be respectful of their space and sometimes it's best to exit the water. And sometimes it's you know you can see the shark has an attitude like Territorial and once you out of there or if he's just cruising or the Sharks cruising and there's no problem. I was surfing a couple days ago by myself and there's rumors that there's a shark at the spot that I was surfing and I got left by myself towards the End of the day, which is, you know, you don't want to serve by yourself too often for security reasons. You know, you want to make sure if you hit your head, doesn't need to be big serve or anything. You want to be able to, you know, have somebody looking after you. But with that said, I had the shark in my mind and then to my surprise, I was looking away and all of a sudden, has sent something real close to me. I turned around it was a huge Manatee, literally, within reaching distance I could have Reach out and touched it. So it wasn't a shark. Thank God but it scared the living life out of me. So being in the ocean, it's an amazing experience and I think it's one that you always learning and appreciating Mother Nature.

I have seen plenty of sharks in the water but never too close to me. Recently, while surfing by myself, I had a scary encounter with a huge Manatee that was close enough to touch. It was a reminder that even though the ocean is an amazing experience, we need to be respectful of the wildlife and their habitat.

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In terms of my closest shark encounter, I've been fortunate that they haven't been too crazy or scary. While I've seen plenty of sharks in the water, they have never come too close to me. There have been instances where they were within six feet, but I haven't been bumped or had any direct interactions. It's important to remember that we are surfing in their habitat, so it's crucial to be respectful of their space. Sometimes it's best to exit the water if there's a shark with an aggressive or territorial attitude. However, there are also times when sharks are simply cruising, and there's no cause for concern.

Recently, I was surfing alone, and there were rumors of a shark in the area. Being alone in the water is generally not recommended for safety reasons. However, towards the end of the day, I found myself alone. With the shark in mind, I suddenly sensed something close to me. When I turned around, I was startled to see a huge manatee right within reach. It wasn't a shark, thankfully, but it still scared me. Being in the ocean is an incredible experience, and it constantly reminds me to learn from and appreciate Mother Nature.

What is the most selfless or supporting act you've ever witnessed?

Surfing Heroes: Saving Lives and Inspiring Acts of Kindness

Hi Joe, so, because of ours for surfing, I believe you, you get a lot of different situations. Like, almost every time you serve, you'll see all the faces of humans and Humanity. It's kind of interesting because you'll see people are really loving, and giving, and people are more greedy. So with that said, I witnessed some amazing stuff. And it happens here actually, I live in Puerto Rico and we rescue people. Swimmers that have drowning all the time which is unnecessary but we were the only ones there. There's no lifeguards where we serve. So and seeing that it's I mean, you're saving lives and while you're practicing your sport. So I will say, that's really amazing but also I see and you see a daily when you know, people step out of their way. Way to help a kid, catch a wave or an older person. Or one time, I had the chance to help and guide out this amazing Surfer, Derek from Brazil and he's blind. And that was an amazing, very amazing humbling experience. So seeing how he could connect with the ocean and understand what was going on at a crowded spot. Would Over 50 people and chaotic and I was able to watch that and how people react around it. So people want to help some people don't know how to act. So people, you know, yell at him, hey, Here, Comes away to left or whatever. Anyhow, there's many things that happen with surfing and the camera. T that happens when people are watching and looking after each other, even, even if you don't know that person or you tell me, Mate, you know, don't paddle out there, there is like that crazy current or the reef is sharp or you can hurt yourself. So it happens constantly in our sport.

Surfing has taught me a lot about humanity, from witnessing rescues of swimmers to guiding a blind surfer in a crowded spot. People want to help, but they don't always know how, and people look out for each other even if they don't know the person.

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One of the most selfless acts I've witnessed happened during my time surfing. Surfing exposes you to a wide range of human behavior, from loving and giving to more selfish tendencies. Living in Puerto Rico, where there are no lifeguards at the beaches where we surf, I've seen incredible acts of rescue. We often find ourselves rescuing swimmers who are in danger of drowning. It's a powerful experience to save lives while pursuing our passion for surfing.

Additionally, I've witnessed daily acts of kindness in the surfing community. People go out of their way to help kids catch waves or assist older surfers. One particular moment that stands out is when I had the opportunity to guide a blind surfer named Derek from Brazil. It was a humbling experience to witness how he connected with the ocean and navigated a crowded surf spot. Some people were unsure how to react, while others shouted directions to help him catch waves. It was a reminder of the compassion and support that can be found within the surfing community.

Surfing creates a sense of camaraderie and a willingness to look out for one another, even among strangers. Whether it's warning someone about dangerous currents or sharp reefs or offering advice to protect someone from harm, these acts of care and support happen constantly in our sport.

What was the surf scene like in Venezuela when you first started?

Surfing in Venezuela: Thriving Scene in the Late 80s

Hello. Benny be I like your question. I like your question. So I grew up surfing in Venezuela and I was around the early 80s. I mean, sorry, late 80s, so I actually started surfing 89 and there was a big scene back then. There was a lot of good Surfers and there was a national circuit. That remember at one time of the Open the vision had over 100 entries, which was pretty amazing back. Then, the full Junior category and opens and some of the best Surfers in the, in the nation, back then, where Josie Mojica Perot, ran her Sergio Martinez. And Rachel are perilous Amarillo around longer and those guys were, you know, most of them were, if not just turn Open. They were still a junior. So I came into the scene then and it was pretty amazing and a lot of Surfing and everything was very different back then, but surfing was like, you know, only not in its Heyday, I will say back in their late 80s, early 90s. The also before that, there was a spot called Los Cocos in front of this hotel named Malia by the Sheraton Hotel and John damn. A guy that famous surfer back in the day he is to said that that be trick before he got Altar and they created a little chatty, said he was the best speech rate, most consistent best betraying and the whole Caribbean. So, great times friend,

I started surfing in Venezuela in the late 80s and there was a big scene with some of the best surfers in the nation, such as Josie Mojica Perot, Sergio Martinez, and Rachel Amarillo. There was also a spot called Los Cocos which was said to be where John Dunlop performed his first aerial trick before he went pro.

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When I first started surfing in Venezuela in the late 80s, the surf scene was thriving. There were many talented surfers and a national circuit that attracted over 100 entries for some events. Surfers like Josie Mojica Perot, Sergio Martinez, and Rachel Amarillo were among the best in the nation, and many of them were still competing in the junior category. It was an exciting time to be part of the surfing community.

There was also a popular surf spot called Los Cocos in front of the Malia hotel by the Sheraton. It was known for its consistent and excellent waves, and renowned surfer John Damn even considered it the best beach break in the entire Caribbean.

Those were truly great times for surfing in Venezuela, and I have fond memories of being part of that vibrant surf scene.

When am I supposed to start paddling to catch a wave?

Catch the Wave: Start Paddling Before You See It

Ray question here. When am I supposed to start? Paddling to catch a wave? I like to think that the paddling Begins by way. Before you see the actual wave in front of you. I like to tell my students and my clients to start scanning The Horizon looking for lumps in the Horizon from four possible sets approaching. Not to wait till the last minute. When you have the wave in front of you to actually move towards the ideal spot with that said, scanning The Horizon. It's going to give you the first piece of information to actually move and start paddling towards the spot that you think will be the closest to where you want to be to catch a wave. This is without even seeing the full wave in front of you, that could be a first wave and you I'm looking for the second wave of a set behind it, but you can see it peeking from the top of the first wave. So I think anticipating is super important moving fast. And also once you see the wave that you want to paddle towards the steepest part of the way that it's going to be a comfortable take off, not too far on the shoulder and obviously not too deep or turn around too soon. So the live can hit you on the head. So, it's really important to pay attention to it and also remember the wave comes with certain speed. If you wait until the wave, actually, it starts to hit you to start paddling, you may not have enough speed to match the speed of the way and to catch a wave. So paddle deep and fast. First, and then ease your paddle usually, and you'll be on the way with you, no more time and on a more comfortable situation. So, Don't wait until the last minute, though. The last second to, like, do your fast paddling because I should be done prior to it. Alright, hope you get a lot of ways.

Start paddling to catch a wave by scanning the horizon for upcoming sets, moving towards an ideal spot that offers a comfortable take off, and paddling deep and fast before easing your paddle as the wave approaches. Don't wait until the last second to start paddling or you may not have enough speed to match the wave.

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When it comes to paddling to catch a wave, it's important to start before you see the wave in front of you. Begin by scanning the horizon for lumps or signs of approaching sets. Don't wait until the last minute when the wave is right in front of you. Move towards the ideal spot based on what you anticipate from scanning the horizon.

Anticipating and moving quickly are key. Even if you can only see a peek of the wave behind the first wave, paddle towards that spot. Aim for the steepest part of the wave where you can comfortably take off, not too far on the shoulder or too deep where the wave can hit you.

Remember that waves come with speed. If you wait until the wave is about to hit you to start paddling, you may not have enough speed to match it and catch the wave. Paddle deep and fast initially, then ease your paddle as needed. Don't wait until the last second to paddle fast, as it should be done prior to the wave reaching you.

In summary, start paddling before you see the wave, anticipate and move quickly, aim for the ideal spot, and paddle deep and fast to match the wave's speed. Don't wait until the last minute, and enjoy catching those waves!

What’s your favorite cross training method?

Unleash Your Inner Surfer with Natural Cross Training

So my favorite cross training method for surfing has to be a method call you natural that evolved from gymnastic, a natural that it comes from a mix between Yugi to yoga and animal movement and it's been around for quite a few years and Rafael Romano. The person that certified me for us a sentence structure, Teachers someone top Elite athletes of Surfing and MMA and other sports as well. So I really like that. There's you hardly ever use any other, like, any other tools besides your own body, and your own body weight. There's hardly any weights, you can add weights if you wanted to, but they, that nine the dynamic movement and the dynamic nature of All of the movements. I was just say, with, in coordination, with the reading and it kind of creates a lot of Mobility creates Harmony creates coordination and besides, you know, strengthening stability and quick response. So I really enjoy that method. I will say it's one of the best that I've ever done and I've seen and it really helps. What your hips, which are huge, surfing, and other Surfers can attest to this. So increases your mobility and your stability, in your region section, especially your hip. So I would recommend it to all of you, even if you don't serve

My favorite cross-training method for surfing is Natural, which is a combination of yoga and animal movement. It helps increase mobility, stability, coordination, strength, and quick response. I recommend it to all surfers as it helps with hip mobility and stability.

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My favorite cross-training method for surfing is a practice called Natural. It evolved from a mix of gymnastics, yoga, and animal movement. I was certified in this method by Rafael Romano, who has trained top elite athletes in surfing, MMA, and other sports.

What I love about Natural is that it primarily utilizes your own body and bodyweight. While you can add weights if desired, the focus is on dynamic movements that enhance coordination, mobility, and stability. It helps strengthen your body and improves quick response, which is crucial for surfing.

One of the key benefits of Natural is its emphasis on hip mobility and stability, which are essential for surfing. It creates harmony and coordination in your movements, enhancing your overall performance.

I highly recommend trying out Natural, even if you don't surf. It's a fantastic method that brings together various elements to improve your body's strength, mobility, and coordination.

How do you work on improving your balance?

Unlocking Balance: Building mobility, stability, and strength in key joints for improved performance

So improving your balance, I believe there is you know there's a lot of elements that come into play but I will say the main joints or your ankle joint your hips and your knees obviously and there is ways to work to create more mobility in this joint also more stability, more strength. You know, a lot of people like to Work on strengthening the glutes and opening the psoas and the hip flexors and all that to create more more mobility and stability. Same with, you know, the muscles around the knee and the foot muscles and everything that it has to do with the range of motion of all this joint. So there's many ways to to work on them. I personally liked single leg standing poses to work, On that ankle and food strengthening by passing sometimes Annie and working in conjunction with the hip as well as the hip openers that you natural movement has available in something that I practice a lot there. I found that once I started really diving deep or deeper into the mobility and the range of motion of my hips. It really helped my surfing and help me get lower. Bring my center of gravity, even lower, and be more comfortable and stable at the end of my turns and during my turn. So I highly recommend that there's a lot of stuff out there, so get to it.

Improving balance requires strengthening the glutes, opening the psoas and hip flexors, and working on the muscles around the knee and foot for range of motion. Single leg standing poses, ankle and foot strengthening, and hip openers can all help with improving balance. Doing these exercises can help bring your center of gravity lower and make you more comfortable and stable during your turns.

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Improving balance involves focusing on key joints such as the ankles, hips, and knees. To enhance mobility, stability, and strength in these joints, various exercises can be performed. Strengthening the glutes, opening the psoas and hip flexors, and working on the muscles around the knees and feet are all beneficial.

One effective approach is practicing single-leg standing poses to strengthen the ankles and feet. Additionally, incorporating hip openers and exploring the natural range of motion in the hips can greatly improve balance. Personally, I have found that deepening my hip mobility has enhanced my surfing abilities, allowing me to lower my center of gravity and maintain stability during turns.

There are numerous resources available to guide you in improving balance, so I encourage you to explore and find what works best for you.

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Surf pro Magnum Martinez began his career at 15 when his brother pushed him into his first wave. Despite a 45 minute commute to the nearest beach, Martinez fell in love with competing and surfing barrels. He won the first gold for Venezuela in an ISA Masters contest in 2012, and was featured on the cover of Surfer magazine. Now a surf coach, Martinez takes a holistic approach to teaching, believing that athletes must spend time in the gym, on a Carver Skateboard, and in the kitchen to be successful. He practices this himself to continue to grow as an athlete.