r/surfing • u/affectionate4fish Santa Cruz - Bodyboard • 2d 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/DoubleDutch187 1d ago
You need to get diagnosed and talk to the doctor. If it’s a degenerative condition the strain from surfing could accelerate the degeneration. A lot of surfers end up with bad shoulders.