Philip Morrison (@philip.morrison)

Posts

The Everyday Surfer's Guide to High-Performance Surfing

2024-05-21

In this captivating episode, we embark on a transformative journey, exploring the intriguing question: “Can an everyday surfer conquer the enigmatic realm of high-performance surfing?” To unravel this mystery, I embark on a bold experiment, transitioning from my beloved 5’2” fish to a sleek, responsive high-performance shortboard. As I paddle out, a surge of excitement mingles with trepidation. Upon my first ride, I’m immediately struck by the board’s incredible responsiveness and drive. It’s a stark contrast to my trusty fish, leaving me in awe of its precise control and effortless maneuverability. Delving deeper into the technicalities, I notice the significant differences in board design. The shortboard boasts a longer outline, thinner rails, reduced width, and enhanced rocker. These attributes combine to create a board that thrives in fast, powerful waves. While my seaside fish effortlessly generates speed in smaller, less energetic conditions, the shortboard demands commitment to maintain momentum. It requires impeccable technique and unwavering focus, punishing any hesitation with swift retaliation. Days later, I venture into smaller, more forgiving waves with the shortboard. Here, the contrast is even more pronounced. The fish glides with grace, while the shortboard demands constant effort and precision. So, after this thorough exploration, what is the verdict? Can the average surfer harness the power of a high-performance shortboard? The answer, I’ve discovered, is not a straightforward yes or no. For novice and early intermediate surfers, the answer leans heavily towards no. These boards demand a level of skill and technique that is simply beyond their current abilities. However, for intermediate to advanced surfers, embracing the challenge of a high-performance shortboard can yield immense rewards. It opens doors to more radical, dynamic surfing, empowering riders to push their limits and unlock their full potential. Yet, the path to high-performance mastery requires unwavering dedication and patience. It’s a demanding journey, but one that can culminate in a profound connection with the ocean and an invigorating elevation of surfing skills.

#shortboard
#boarddesign
#surfingtechnique
#highperformancesurfing
#surfexperiment
#everydaytohighperformance
#surfingjourney
#radicalsurfing
#waveknowledge
#surferprogression

Standup Paddleboarding for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started

2024-05-06

In this episode, we’re going to help you get started with standup paddleboarding. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right location and launching your board to getting on your board and paddling around. First, let’s talk about choosing the right location. Standup paddleboarding is a versatile sport that can be enjoyed on just about any body of water. However, it’s important to choose a calm location, especially when you’re first starting out. Look for a spot that’s protected from wind and waves. Once you’ve chosen a location, it’s time to launch your board. Be careful not to damage your board’s fin by launching in too shallow water. Instead, wade into the water until you’re in about knee-deep water before getting on your board. To get on your board, place your paddle perpendicular to the board, just in front of the carry handle. Then, place one knee on the far side of the carry handle and the other knee on the near side. If you’re new to standup paddleboarding, you may want to spend some time paddling around on your knees before trying to stand up. This will help you get a feel for the board and the paddling motion. When you’re ready to stand up, place your paddle across the board in front of you. Look towards the horizon and tuck your toes. One at a time, bring your knees up to your chest and place your feet flat on the board. Press up like you’re doing a squat, keeping your back straight. As you’re standing up, get your paddle in the water quickly to help you maintain your balance. Once you’re up and standing, you’ll need to trim your board. This means finding the sweet spot where you’re balanced and the board is level in the water. If you need to adjust your trim, plant your paddle on the board and move your weight forward or backward accordingly. Now that you know how to launch your board and get on your board, you’re ready to start paddling! In the next episode, we’ll teach you the basics of paddling, including how to hold your paddle and how to make efficient strokes.

#fitness
#balance
#outdooradventure
#fun
#watersports
#standuppaddleboarding
#sup
#coordination
#beginnersguide
#howtosup

Unveiling the Science of Drowning: From Asphyxia to Anoxia

2024-04-20

Prepare to delve into the captivating realm of understanding drowning, a process that holds both horror and scientific fascination. As we embark on this journey, we’ll first define drowning as the respiratory impairment caused by submersion or immersion in a liquid. This impairment can be temporary, leading to a non-fatal drowning, or irreversible, resulting in a fatal drowning. Intriguingly, factors like age, gender, ability to swim, and the location of the drowning incident play crucial roles in shaping the risk of this tragic event. While young children and males are more prone to drowning, it’s essential to remember that even skilled swimmers can succumb to drowning in certain scenarios. Now, let’s unravel the intricacies of human lungs. They’re remarkably spongy and composed of elastic tissue, allowing them to expand with each breath. Attached to the lungs is the trachea, which transports air in and out. The larynx, or voice box, sits atop the trachea, playing a pivotal role in regulating breathing. When we breathe, oxygen travels down the trachea, branching into countless microscopic air sacs called alveoli. These alveoli exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide with the bloodstream, ensuring a continuous supply of oxygen throughout the body. However, when drowning occurs, this exchange process is disrupted. In the initial stage, a voluntary breath-hold is maintained until the overwhelming urge to breathe becomes irresistible. This leads to an involuntary inhalation reflex, drawing water into the respiratory tract. The second stage of drowning ensues as water fills the airways, triggering a cough reflex. However, in some cases, a laryngospasm or bronchospasm may occur, shutting off the airway in a desperate attempt to prevent further water entry. As the drowning process progresses into the third stage, oxygen deprivation intensifies, leading to hypoxia and eventually anoxia. This lack of oxygen wreaks havoc on the brain, causing irreversible damage to its delicate neurons. In the final stage, fatal drowning occurs due to brain death. At this point, the irreversible loss of brain function marks the tragic end of life. Non-fatal drowning victims can experience varying degrees of brain damage depending on the duration and severity of the anoxic state. While some may recover with minimal impairment, others may face significant long-term consequences. It’s crucial to note that while I endured a non-fatal drowning incident, I was fortunate to have been rescued before reaching an anoxic state. As such, I avoided any lasting cerebral damage. For this, I express my eternal gratitude to the vigilant swim instructor who intervened promptly.

#swimmingtips
#watersafety
#swimminglessons

Conquer Your Fear of Water: 7 Essential Swimming Rules for Beginners

2024-04-11

Embark on a transformative journey to conquer your fear of water and embrace the liberating experience of swimming. Our comprehensive guide will empower you with seven essential rules that will not only enhance your swimming skills but also equip you with lifesaving knowledge. Overcoming Fear: Embark on a gradual approach to dispel your fear of water. Practice controlled breathing techniques and explore different poses to discover the buoyancy of water. Remember, progress is made one step at a time. Mastering Breathing: Learn to breathe effectively while swimming. Inhale through your mouth above water and exhale through your nose or mouth underwater. Develop a steady rhythm and practice holding your breath for extended periods. Embracing the Water: Cultivate a positive relationship with water. Lie back on its surface, spread out your arms, and relax. Immerse yourself in the underwater world with goggles, allowing your attention to shift and your confidence to grow. Leg Propulsion: Begin by practicing the crawl. Extend your arms and hold onto the pool’s edge or a swimming board. Move your legs up and down, slightly bending your knees. For breaststroke, hold onto a swimming board, spread your legs outward, and push them forward. Arm Coordination: Advance to using your arms for propulsion. In the crawl, lift your arms over the water, making half circles. In breaststroke, stretch your arms forward, spread them out, and bring them together at your chest. Coordinate your arm and leg movements for optimal efficiency. Treading Water: Master the ability to stay afloat vertically. Move your legs like in breaststroke, spread your arms, and make circular motions. Alternatively, tuck in your legs and imitate riding a bike, using circular arm motions. Exploring Underwater: Dive into the underwater world with confidence. Push off the floor and form a narrow shape with your arms. Pull your chin towards your chest and push forward. Use breaststroke arm movements, dolphin kicks, or flippers for propulsion.

#waterconfidence
#swimtraining
#swimmingtips
#watersafety
#swimmingsafety
#swimminglessons
#drowningprevention
#overcomingfear
#swimmingtechniques
#waterskills

60 Up Balanced Board: Transform Your Movement

2024-04-01

In this comprehensive video, we guide you through the effortless setup of your innovative 60 Up Balanced Board, a program designed to enhance your movement and overall well-being. Upon opening the box, you’ll find the board, two yellow poles, two matching handle extensions, a red stability ball, two hooks, and four bands of varying lengths. Additionally, you’ll receive an information pack with quick setup instructions, a beginner’s intro card, and warranty details. If you haven’t already, access our free workouts at 60up.com or on our YouTube channel. To assemble your board, place it on a soft surface like carpet or our specially designed mat. Insert the yellow poles into the outer holes on the board and secure them with the red push key. Attach the yellow handles to the poles, and insert the red stability ball into the designated hole at the front of the board. Finally, attach the red hooks onto the poles for additional support. For storage, simply reverse these steps, leaving the red hooks on the poles for convenience. Explore our range of accessories, such as metal poles and resistance bands, to enhance your training experience. Join our community on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive updates, success stories, and inspiration. We’re excited to embark on this journey with you and witness the transformative results you achieve with the 60 Up Balanced Board.

#injuryprevention
#rehabilitation
#activeaging
#balancetraining
#homefitness
#fallprevention
#movementoptimization
#fitnessrevolution
#personalizedtraining
#60upbalanceboard

Master Sideways Strokes in Sea Kayaking: Techniques and Tips

2024-03-25

This comprehensive course teaches efficient techniques for moving sideways in a sea kayak, a crucial skill for rescues and various paddling scenarios. The course emphasizes a thorough understanding of the classic draw stroke and its nuances to maximize efficiency and control. Furthermore, the course delves into the physics of edging while maneuvering sideways and explores the advanced sculling draw stroke. You’ll master the technique of sculling draw, enhancing your ability to move effortlessly sideways while paddling forward. This stroke proves invaluable for navigating obstacles on journeys. Finally, the hanging draw technique is meticulously taught, guiding you from basic implementation to refined execution. Through detailed instruction and consolidation exercises, you’ll overcome common pitfalls that often lead to turning instead of sideways movement. By subscribing to online.seakayaking.com, you can delve into the depths of this course and all other exclusive online sea kayaking courses, broadening your kayaking knowledge and improving your skills on the water.

#edgecontrol
#efficientpaddling
#rescuetechniques
#seakayaking
#advancedkayaking
#kayakcontrol
#sidewaysstroke
#scullingdraw
#hangingdraw
#physicsofkayaking

Perfect Your Pop-Up: From Living Room to Line-Up

2024-03-23

In this video analysis, we’ll delve into the technique of Vincent, a surfer who’s transitioning from a longboard to a shortboard. Vincent has been practicing pop-ups in his living room, which is a great way to improve muscle memory. One aspect of Vincent’s technique is putting pressure on his back toes. While this is not necessarily bad, it’s important to be mindful of the situation. For instance, when taking a late drop, it’s crucial to have pressure on the back toes to keep the surfboard’s rail in the wave. However, excessive pressure can cause the surfboard to dig into the wave, leading to a forward fall, especially in situations where it’s not required. Another area to focus on is the timing of Vincent’s feet landing on the surfboard. Currently, he’s planting his back foot first, followed by the front foot. This sends a signal to the surfboard to make a hard right, suitable for late drops or quick adjustments. However, for most regular pop-ups, the goal is to have both feet land simultaneously or with a slight delay for the back foot. This allows for a more balanced and stable stance. Lastly, Vincent has good form in terms of his chest being up, chin up, and eyes focused in the direction he wants to go. To further improve his technique, he can try bringing his chin up a bit more and focusing his eyes about 3 meters down the wave. This may help flatten out his back foot as he pops up. The most important aspect for Vincent to work on is getting his feet to land at approximately the same time.

#surfing
#surfcoaching
#beginnersurfing
#surftips
#popuptechnique
#surftraining
#surftechnique
#popuppractice
#shortboardsurfing
#surfinglivingroom

Into the Blue: Exploring the World of Underwater Photography with Martin Strmiska

2024-03-20

Dive into the captivating world of underwater photography with Martin Strmiska, a renowned professional who has spent over 15 years capturing breathtaking images beneath the waves. Meet the man behind the extraordinary shots that grace the pages of magazines and social media feeds, showcasing the beauty and majesty of the marine world. In this episode, Martin shares his journey and techniques, revealing the secrets to taking stunning underwater photographs. Discover the essential elements that make a great shot – composition, technical proficiency, and capturing the magical moments that make each image unique. Learn from Martin’s expertise as he discusses the challenges and rewards of shooting elusive creatures like sharks and sea lions, and his tips for beginners looking to master the art. Witness Martin’s underwater adventures firsthand as he takes you behind the scenes of his captivating photography process. Experience the thrill of diving with massive sharks, gliding through coral reefs, and patiently waiting for that perfect shot. Through Martin’s lens, you’ll not only appreciate the stunning beauty of the underwater world but also gain invaluable insights into the skill and dedication required to capture its essence. Stay tuned for future episodes where we delve deeper into the techniques and equipment used in underwater photography. Join our online community on Instagram and Facebook to share your own underwater shots, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and continue the conversation about the wonders of marine photography. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on new episodes and get inspired by the incredible work of underwater photographers around the world.

#adventure
#wildlife
#conservation
#travel
#naturephotography
#oceanlife
#underwaterphotography
#marinephotography
#scubadiving
#marinebiology

Wingboard Sizing Guide: Inflatable vs. Hardboards

2024-03-05

In this video, we’ll tackle the perplexing task of choosing the right wingboard size for an inflatable wingboard. While wingboards made of rigid materials like foam and fiberglass have distinct sizing considerations, inflatable wingboards require a different approach. Unlike hardboards, inflatable wingboards offer increased floatation due to their substantial thickness and lack of tapered rails. This means that even a smaller inflatable board can provide ample buoyancy. So, when selecting a size, focus on the board’s length and width rather than its volume. For beginners, prioritizing stability and planing ability is crucial. Opting for a board with additional length and width will enhance stability while enabling the board to plane on top of the water and build speed before liftoff. A narrow or short board can hinder stability and make it challenging to achieve liftoff, especially for beginners. To determine an appropriate size, reference the dimensions of a hardboard that meets your preferences. Aim for a similar length and width, but expect approximately 20-30% more volume in the inflatable version. If you’re unsure, err on the side of a larger board, particularly if you’re new to board sports or lack experience in wind sports or foiling. Advanced riders should proceed with caution when selecting inflatable boards of similar dimensions to their hardboards. Consider that inflatable boards with higher volume will result in a higher center of gravity and increased susceptibility to instability in choppy conditions. It may be prudent to opt for slightly less volume to offset the increased displacement and maintain optimal performance.

#wingboarding
#wingfoil
#inflatablewingboard
#wingboardsize
#beginnerwingboarding
#advancedwingboarding
#wingboardstability
#wingboardplanning
#wingboardvolume
#wingboarddimensions

Master Advanced Paddling Techniques to Catch More Waves

2024-02-25

In this video, we’ll dive into advanced paddling techniques to help you catch more waves. Rob from Bodyboard Holidays shares his expertise from the shores of Secret Morocco, one of his favorite spots. The basic paddling technique involves lying on your bodyboard with your weight at the back, arms outstretched, and legs kicking straight. Minimize splashing and bending your knees to maintain a horizontal movement. Alternatively, try paddling with one arm and two legs to gain speed without tiring yourself out. For the most effective method, paddle with both arms and legs. Shift your weight forward, securing the board with your chin, and paddle with both arms alternately while kicking your feet. Remember to keep your board flat on the water for optimal flow and speed. Practice these techniques, and you’ll be catching waves like a pro in no time. Visit Bodyboard-Holidays.com for more tips and to book your next bodyboarding adventure with Rob and the team.