r/bodyboarding • u/1FollowupQuestion • 12h ago
ADVICE REBUILDING FITNESS AND CONFIDENCE?
Hey All,
I'm looking for folks go-to strategies to rebuild fitness and confidence after a long period away. I'll take workouts, meditation, things you focus on in the water, whatever you got. Spent three hours in the water today and took one wave. :(
My mom recently got very ill and passed away. After neglecting myself caring for her (which I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to do (she was the best!)), I'm trying to re-find the joy and peace of riding waves.
I grew up going to a heavy beach break and now live about 90 miles (blocked by the Channel Islands) away from anything consequential. I can get there infrequently, but have been getting super anxious in the water, which I hate. I grew up chucking myself off whatever but at 34 am feeling real fragile in the water suddenly. I still have access to the ocean nearby but little waves. Often when I paddle out, I will feel super comfortable in the water, will have take multiple waves, then suddenly will get super anxious in the lineup and sit super far outside, especially when there are unpredictable sets, a lot of moving water, or steep closeouts (which I used to and still love).
Any help is appreciated :)