#seeatiptimetuesday
Stretch 5! ~ in this case, Rini showcases a switch stretch 5, taking the move next level!
For starters, we’ll explain the basic stretch 5 without the switch part! Notice how her feet are close together, about a long legs length from the board. As she starts to bend down (from the knees not the waist) she slides her front foot forward until her leg is straight and stretched out. In order to do this, she keeps all of her weight on her back foot, so that the front foot can freely move forward and backwards without effecting her balance, as well as keeping the rail engaged into the water.
I’ve found the best way to strength our legs to be able to do this on a board, is to practice this very posture on land. It is definitely a workout for the quads!! Practice it going both ways so that you develop the leg strength in both legs. But in longboarding, the predominant weight load and strength is focused on the back leg. Practice in front of a mirror like a dancer! Remember the bend is at the knees, and not bending at the waist because that will tip your center of gravity and make the move harder. For some, ankles and knees may be too tight at first to get into this posture, so practicing on land before the board is a great way to ready your legs for the exercise!
Karina wears our Ginger One Piece in Breeze
Surfer: @karinarozunko
Footage: @jimmyjazzjames
Words: @leahloves