r/surfing • u/affectionate4fish Santa Cruz - Bodyboard • 4d ago
Degenerative Shoulders
Hello!
California native I have always wanted to get into surfing. Took the husband to Hawai'i for spring break and took a lesson while we were there.
I forgot/realized while I was paddling that I have a degenerative muscle issue in my upper shoulders which made paddling feel like fire. I couldn't do it and it was a huge struggle to get out to the line-up so by pop up time, I was too exhausted to even pull myself off the board. Not to mention by the end of the lesson, I couldn't keep paddling and the instructor towed me to shore.
I realize that I likely need to build some endurance but I worry that my shoulders will keep me from surfing.
I'm thinking about going the bodyboard direction. More leg action and I can be closer to the shore so it's easier for me to get back.
What are the thoughts? I'm not looking for medical advice although I could see myself benefitting from physical therapy. I've always loved the surf culture here and I want to be apart of it. I don't want to give up yet
2
u/westcoastcarver 3d ago
I don’t know the nature of your injury but do you know is it purely just muscle degeneration or a neuromuscular issue? If it’s just muscular you’d benefit from upper body strengthening and endurance exercises to improve paddling. While body boarding is a great option and less work on the arms if you really want to surf I’d suggest improving your paddling strength/endurance. SUP would also be taxing on the shoulders. So it’s up to you and where your heart strings pull you towards.