While the British Isles may not be known for its world-class surf (although Cornwall and Devon certainly have a few tasty beaches to enjoy), there are a number of Premier League players who have been drawn by the call of the waves. So, let’s dive into the world of footballers who enjoy riding the surf.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Eric Cantona, the enigmatic and legendary French football legend – and the star of Manchester United during the 1990s, is not only famous for his goals and his kung-fu kicks, but also for his love of surfing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n His passion for the waves has led him to explore various surfing hot spots all over the world – from Hawaii to his native Marseille.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Former Liverpool midfielder and current Brighton and Hove player,\u00a0 Adam Lallana, has taken his skills from the football pitch to the ocean. For years, his passion for surfing has been well-known among his teammates and his fans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When he’s not helping his team so try and get those all-important three points, he can be usually found chasing waves at surf destinations like Newquay – which is probably why he bought a home there!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Ollie Watkins – considered to be a bit of a star in Aston Villa, isn\u2019t just about scoring goals on the football field. When he\u2019s not busy trying to score for his team, he also loves to catch the waves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Born in the coastal town of Torbay, it comes as no surprise that he has developed a love for the sea. If you are a fan that follows him on social media, then you may already be well aware of his surfing adventures, which he shares updates of regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Joshua King, the Norwegian striker who has played for English Premier League clubs including Bournemouth and Everton, is another player who finds solace on the waves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Norwegian <\/span>footballer has enjoyed surfing<\/span><\/a> not only in his homeland\u00a0 – but in countries far and wide. When he’s showing off his footballing prowess, he can often be found carving his way through the water on his board.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Kepa Arrizabalaga, famous for being Chelsea’s talented (and very expensive) goalkeeper, may not be your typical surfer, but that doesn\u2019t stop him from being passionate about riding the waves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Spanish shot-stopper has been seen by his fans catching waves when he is spending time off the football pitch. His enthusiasm for surfing is a reminder that footballers, no matter their position, sometimes like to dip their toes into other pastimes.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n He may have had some sketchy times on the pitch – with ailments and injuries hampering his performances, but he\u2019s certainly at full throttle when he\u2019s in the water. Andy Carroll, the towering striker who has famously played for clubs including Newcastle United and West Ham, is famous for heading the ball into the back of the net. However, he also enjoys the highs of <\/span>riding waves on a surfboard<\/span><\/a>. He certainly has the hair for it!<\/span><\/p>\n These footballers definitely serve as a reminder that the Premier League is not just about goals and victories but about real people who have lives and passions outside of their Premier League clubs. Surfing, offering the freedom of the open sea, is a hobby that gives them the chance to relax and rejuvenate and get themselves mentally and physically ready for what\u2019s to come – on and off the pitch. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When we think of Premier League footballers, our first thoughts are of them dribbling the ball down the pitch, shooting for glory – saving important goals; they are footballers. However, they are often sportsmen as well as just footballers – and many have sporty interests outside of the beautiful game. One such sporting passion that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8502,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Purchasing a surfboard can be a daunting task.\r\n\r\nFor one, boards don\u2019t run cheap.\r\n\r\nFor two, with such a sophisticated market of diverse designs for shredding your fair share of surfing conditions, it can be hard to know where to begin.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re a beginner surfer looking to purchase your first board, an experienced wave rider looking to upgrade your game, or an old pro shopping for your next custom shape, it\u2019s good to have a plan when visiting your local shaper or board house.\r\n\r\nRead on to discover the plethora of potential in purchasing your next surfboard, and to arm yourself with the info necessary to match affordability, quality, and class.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nEric Cantona: The King of Surf and Football<\/span><\/h2>\n
Adam Lallana: From the Pitch to the Surfboard<\/span><\/h2>\n
Ollie Watkins: A Goal Scorer and a Waver Rider<\/span><\/h2>\n
Joshua King: Surfing The Norwegian Waves<\/span><\/h2>\n
Kepa Arrizabalaga: A Goalkeeper and Surfer<\/span><\/h2>\n
Andy Carroll: Waves and Headers<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"surfboard-size-chart\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/surfboard-size-chart.jpg?_t=1603742888\")
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Beginner Surfer Board Size<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOh to be a beginner surfer in adulthood; getting thrashed through unfamiliar currents and conditions.\r\n\r\nBeginner surfers are some of the most resilient, and often kooky<\/a>, people out there. I\u2019m not sure that if I had discovered surfing in adulthood that I would continue to pursue the sport to the length that I have in my life.\r\n\r\nThat said, those brave enough to head into the water for the first time 30+ can still find the equipment they need to be successful in the ocean.\r\n\r\nLearning to surf in childhood is a different animal. Kids bounce back, regardless of how many times they\u2019ve hit bottom. Kids also seem to have a certain sense of joy that lacks shame many beginner adult surfers experience in the water. Young people should also heavily consider the board they are purchasing and make sure it is something that can last a lifetime in the ocean.\r\n\r\nMany surfers prefer to start on a longboard. This preference is because when learning to surf buoyancy and momentum is critical. It\u2019s much easier to paddle a longboard in the water than it is a shortboard, notably when dropping in on your first wave. Another thing beginner surfers should obviously consider is safety. Many surfers prefer to start their journey into the ocean on a soft top. These days there is an abundance of soft-top manufacturers globally that provide high-quality surf crafts for anyone, not just beginners.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no shame in extra support. Surf schools, guides, and instructors around the world are here to keep you stoked with safe and fun experiences in the water. Check out the International Surfing Association\u2019s<\/a> accredited surf schools for high-quality surf instruction guaranteed.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n
![\"longboard-surfboard\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/longboard-surfboard.jpg\")
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Longboard Surfboard<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nI remember an old saying from when I was a kid: longboards suck, unless it\u2019s flat, your fat, or over 50.\r\n\r\nWhile I may carry a couple of extra bagels around the middle, and I\u2019m not entirely pushing middle age, I see a longboard as a quality surfing tool for specific types of conditions.\r\n\r\nMy take-away: every self-respecting surfer deserves a longboard for those days when there\u2019s not enough swell to shred your fish<\/a> or standard thruster. When picking out your longboard, try and have some foresight about when, where, and how you will be surfing.\r\n\r\nMaybe you\u2019re paddling out in knee-high rollers during the off-season, or perhaps you\u2019re 300 metres out on a big day at your favourite point break.\r\n\r\nAre you prone paddling, knee paddling, or standing up?\r\n\r\nWhatever way you choose to surf, you want to ensure that your board is ready for action.\r\n
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What size longboard surfboard should I get?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nMost adult surfers are hoping to prone paddle love a 9\u20190\u201d or longer. Anything under 9 feet might as well be considered a fun board.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re looking to knee paddle, you should find a board with a deck patch to prevent pressure dents from hour-long sessions and something closer to 10\u20190\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor stand-up paddling, you can expect anything from 7 to 12 foot long depending on how you\u2019re hoping to ride. SUPer\u2019s get a pretty bad rep in the line-up, but standing up can give access to surfers who might not otherwise be riding waves. Innovated in part by the legendary Duke Kahanamoku<\/a>, SUPing has taken on the global surfing community like a firestorm. My advice? Remember to share the peak with us lowly prone paddlers.\r\n\r\nA lot of purist short boarders might say that a longboard hinders your maneuverability, and in some cases, you might be right. The shape of your board, beyond the length, will make a big difference in how you\u2019re surfing.\r\n\r\nPin-tail, squash-tail, swallowtail, whatever you choose for your extra-long stick should sync with your surf style, ability, and favourite spots.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re looking to have plenty of maneuverability and still ride the nose, consider something around 9\u20196\u201d.<\/strong><\/em>\r\n\r\nA good rule of thumb for choosing your surfboard is the more angular your tail, the more angular your turns will be.\r\n\r\n\u2192 Swallowtails<\/strong> typically allow you to hug the rail after quick and sometimes abrupt bottom turns and cutbacks.\r\n\u2192 Pintails<\/strong> are likely to help you round out your turns smoothly while maintaining speed.\r\n\u2192 Squash tails<\/strong>, by comparison, will allow you to stall towards the end of your cut back before reintroducing to the face and heading back down the line.\r\n\r\nExpert tips:<\/strong><\/em> keep it above 8 feet, don\u2019t place your fin too far back, and unless your Wingnut or Joel Tudor, calf leashes are for kooks.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
![\"mid-length-surfboard\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/mid-length-surfboard.jpg\")
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Mid-length Surfboard<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMid-length boards<\/a> go by several different names from eggs and fun-boards to retro style single fins and mini-guns. These are ideal for intermediate to hell-man kamikaze-style surfers.\r\n\r\nA mid-length board comes with a certain amount of style and allows you the opportunity to step up when waves get extra big or extra small. Surfers who choose a mid-length may be looking for a session void of spaghetti arms and filled with well-rounded maneuvers.\r\n\r\nA thruster pushing 6\u20198\u201d with a little extra volume will give you the chance to drop in early on especially hollow days or long slow rollers. While a 7\u20190\u201d round pin might win a few extra points on a smaller day and won\u2019t be a hassle to paddle in big surf. Many mid-length surfers look for something with just a little bit of rocker, or curvature towards the nose, while others may prefer plenty. A board with less rocker will plane on to the face quicker when paddling into small waves while extra volume with plenty of rocker will keep you dropping in on steep faces and hitting the lip.\r\n\r\nDepending on the shape that you select, you may not be compromising maneuverability at all. You can expect to shred the face just as well as your 5\u20198\u201d fish. Speaking of fish, while not precisely a mid-length board, many shorter fishes are an excellent substitute for Longboards or mid-lengths on smaller days.\r\n\r\nYou can expect whiplash-inducing maneuvers regardless of shape or speed of the wave you're riding. A fish with a little extra volume can again help with your paddle strokes and maintain your maneuverability without compromising your street cred.\r\n\r\nExpert tips:<\/strong> <\/em>Consider demo-ing a few boards at a local surfing event or surf shop before settling on the mid-length board of your choice. If you\u2019re not looking to break the bank - head for your nearest garage sale or website that sells used surfboards.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
![\"short-board-surfboard\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfindonesia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/short-board-surfboard.jpg\")
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Short Board Surfboards<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWith the complexity and sophistication of surfboard design these days, it\u2019s hard to lump all boards under 7\u20190\u201d in the same category.\r\n\r\nOn the marketplace today you\u2019re likely to find an assortment of elliptical, asymmetrical, and even rectangular surfboards. Again, before purchasing your board, you\u2019ll want to consider the conditions where you hope to surf, and your personal preference or surfing style.\r\n\r\nAre you hoping to carve down the face, drop-in late to the barrel, or throw the occasional pop-shove-it.\r\n\r\nThe most significant difference between a shortboard and a longer board<\/a> is that short boarders need to strategically place themselves on the face of the wave to build, release, and redirect speed.\r\n\r\nOn smaller days, you may see surfers thrashing up and down the face to build momentum for a straightforward cutback.\r\n\r\nWhile under fast and hollow conditions, you\u2019ll find short boarders stalling for the tube and lengthening bottom turns to cut back across the lip.\r\n\r\nShortboards give you a higher command of your maneuverability, for better or worse.\r\n\r\nFor this reason, many new and beginner surfers might find shortboards unappealing.\r\n\r\nShortboards aren\u2019t as forgiving to rolling down the windows and involuntary body movements. Surfers on a shortboard need to be comfortable, quick, and intentional to maintain momentum and stay in a good surfing position.\r\n\r\nWhen you\u2019re first learning to paddle, drop-in, or cut down the line, building speed to stay ahead of the section might be a bit outside your learning curve. Intermediate and experienced surfers may prefer to ease down towards a shorter board through transitioning toward a mid-length.\r\n\r\nWhile building speed is essential, the most important lesson to learn before paddling out on a shortboard is wave-sense. Shortboarders need a steeper wave face to drop-in. Wave-sense keeps surfers from taking too many on-the-head or hugging too close to the shoulder.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
What size surfboard do I need?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIf you\u2019re new to surfing and you\u2019re dead-set on buying a shortboard, check out some of the volume guidelines<\/a> online. While your body height and weight don\u2019t always correlate directly with the ideal board for you, it\u2019s nice to know that you\u2019ll be able to paddle the board you're buying.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nWhatever surfboard you\u2019re hoping to purchase, you\u2019ll want to keep your priorities tuned to your surfing style and local conditions.\r\n\r\nWhile it might be tempting, I don\u2019t recommend going out to buy a new board for your next surf trip. The one exception could be if you\u2019re able to find a board with near-identical measurements to your favourite stick. No one wants to be out in an unfamiliar surf-zone, with un-familiar waves, on an unfamiliar board.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re a first-time surfer, or you're throwing airs out the back, purchasing the right board can be the difference between a successful session and a complex series of frustrations.\r\n\r\nTake a peek at some of the sites we\u2019ve referenced in this article for starting your surfboard search and where-ever you may be, stop to check out the rubbish sale down the street.\r\n\r\nWritten by Scott Shepherd.<\/em><\/strong>","_et_gb_content_width":"","pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n