John Kuras

Posted

06 Nov 01:36

Dry-Land Training:

So I live is South Carolina, unfortunately the waves here are less than steller MOST of the time. As such, I try to maximize my improvement through dry land training. Wondering if there is anything Y'all do that maybe I have not thought of. I have 2 young kiddos and work full time so my time is limited but I do what I can as often as I can.

My usual training looks something like this:

Weight lift: 3x per week-squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, bench, barbell rows. It's a program called strong lifts 5x5. I like this cause it's simple being only 5 exercises and quick,5 sets of 5 with little rest in between, so I can squeeze it into 25 mins if the squat rack isn't being used.

Stretch/foam roll/ deep tissue release with golf ball or tennis ball on the in between lifting days. Use Chris mills surfstrength coaching programs for the variety of stretches/ body weight movements I can do at home. Also work on holding my oreo biscuit back arch for a few mins to improve my low back strength and flexibility.

Surfskate practice: usually do 20-30 mins a day, as long as it's not raining, after dropping my girls off at school before I head to work. Usually involves a few laps around the bowl, working on flow and compression/extension. Do about 5-10 mins in bowl, 5-10 mins on the 4' transition working on turns, 5-10 mins on the 6' banks working on my twist and passing the coffee cup and compression on the way down. (I've posted a few videos of my normal surfskate stuff In the community in the past.) If my girls want to play outside when I'm home from work I'll also skate the street (flat ground) while they scooter or ride their bikes.

Surfing: anytime I can and there are waves. Still a line 2 surfer, but since joining my pop up/walk up is no longer an issue at all. Dropped down from riding a 8' fun board to a 41L groveler to between 34 to 37L depending on waves. Now just trying to get the whole compression/extension and turning thing dialed in. Being a mushy beachbreak though most waves here are extremely short and 1 turn and done type waves.

Flowrope: added this recently but I do need to get a better rope to do it with. Using some paracord I had laying around but it feels to light so have to make a trip to get some better rope for it I think.

Videos: watched the whole of the OMBE programs probably 3 times through by now including all the video coaching sessions. I find these are actually now the most helpful as seeing Clayton's advice on other people issues helps me to figure out and correct mine. Also watch pro videos, John john, Kelly, Nathan florence, Koa rothman, Clay marzo, Mason ho are my favorites to watch, I try to watch at half speed and really pay attention to their body, head, hand positions while they rip.

At the moment that's about the extent of it. If anyone has any suggestions or things that have really helped you to improve please let me know. Surfing well is something that has been a life long goal, and luckily now I live close enough to the ocean and have an opportunity to chase that dream. Thanks in advance for any pointers or ideas.

4

06 Nov 00:26

Also wanted to mention try different brands as well if you have a place to try them on. An O'neill MT fits me perfect but a ripcurl MT is too tight, and some companies don't have MT, so depending on your size one brand may fit better than another.

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06 Nov 00:19

I have the O'neill hyperfreak zipperless and love it. I like it so much I plan on also getting the 4/3 version for mid winter. Lucky here in South Carolina a 4/3 is the heaviest I need to wear. I also own chest zip and back zip ones, from my previous life in NJ. I prefer chest zip or zipperless. I don't like the back zip cord thing, but it's honestly preference. They are all easy to get into, although because of the opening size the back zip would be the easiest.

I believe the general idea is the zipperless would be the "warmest" since the idea of it is to allow less flushing but having used all 3 types I would honestly say it's just a preference thing.

Go to a shop and try them on see which you enjoy the most

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06 Nov 00:13

1730815988247_Screenshot_20241105_090927_Samsung Internet.1730815988.jpg

This is how I store my boards. Couple of these. Quick trip to home depot, buy some 1/2 inch pipe in a length you need, couple of 1/2 flanges, 2 elbow joints, and 2 4" 1/2 pipe sections, mount it into a joist in your ceiling and done. I also took some pool noodles, cut them into small section and put them between the hangers to stop the boards from banging together. Keeps them off the floor and out of reach of my kids.

05 Nov 23:28

Yeap. Paddle out as close to the pier or jetty as you can usually. The water tends to rush back out to sea at these points and you can usually glide your way out there with very little paddling, just riding current and duck diving.

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Posted

01 Nov 05:51

Called off work today, went surfing for 3 hours!
Perfect fall day in South Carolina, 80 degrees, water just cool enough for a 3/2, sun shining, off shore breezes And only 3 dudes out. Granted SC doesn't have great waves, but it was a fun day regardless. Got a couple card board slides in, worked on some things, tried some new turns I've never done. Feel like I'm much better than I was before I joined OMBE, thank you for that!
Also, Decided my previous higher volume board is no longer needed as I feel I've progressed enough to drop down in volume again.
Getting 1% better every time I go out.

1

01 Nov 05:41

https://www.firewiresurfboards.com/products/prestige-sunday?variant=48510144381244

Always my recommendation. I love everything Firewire makes honestly. Own 3 of their boards currently. Have owned 4 others that I've since sold as my surfing progressed.

Firewire also has another mid length the "long rider" that just was released last week or so. Have NOT tried that one out so can't give a review of it myself though.

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Posted

23 Oct 23:25

00:34

Couple of turns from this morning.

Working on fixing my twist and passing the coffee cup at the top and the timing of the compression/ cardboard slide on the way down.

I feel like it's getting better... could just be fooling myself.

1

Coryn Daniel That was always my spot. South jetty. Drive the jeep right onto the beach, step right off the tailgate into the water practically.

Scott Wagenblast looked very Jersey to me. From there originally. Used to surf Brigantine and Ocean City a lot. Worked in Sea Girt for a few years. Now living in SC. Water is warmer (most I wear is a 4/3 in winter, but surf is no where near as good as Jersey. Usually have to drive up to Wrightsville Beach when I know a good swell is coming. Don't miss the cold or the snow though.

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