Surfing is the new BLACK

Long considered the private domain of wax heads and Bra Boys, a ‘surfer’s bod’ is fast becoming the hottest accessory on the beach. Think Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Bosworth and Demi Moore; celebrity surfers who’s hot beach bodies are bringing sexy back.

For most surfers, the drive to surf is pure passion. Yet, one of the greatest benefits – other than the thrill - is acquiring a physique that would cost the everyday punter countless hours and thousands of dollars cooped up in a gym to replicate. Better still, surfing is cheap, fun and accessible all year round.

So, what exactly is it about surfing that creates washboard abs, sculpted shoulders and toned arms? According to experts, it’s all in the core.

Forget sit-ups, moving from lying face down to standing up straight in one movement requires great core strength, and repeating this exercise up to 20 times in one session will quickly transform your abs.

Bicep curls are out. Paddling is in. Making your way through the shore break is great from your arms, shoulders and back. Girls who surf a lot tend to have lean legs and torso with nicely toned arms and shoulders.

Improved cardiovascular. Chasing a wave requires short bursts of high intensity activity followed by controlled breathing. In fact, it is these breathing patterns that see surfing recommended as a great tool for asthmatics and stress and anxiety sufferers.

Vitamin D. Helps maintain bone density, healthy bone growth and helps maintain the normal functioning of the nervous system. Wear sunscreen and enjoy all the benefits of Vitamin D while you hit the sun and surf.

How can you start? To progress quickly you’ll need to surfing for three times a week. The best way to start is enrolling a surf school near you. They run during Summer and Winter (a wetsuit is surprisingly warm), supply you with a surfboard and you should get the hang of things after your first lesson. You’ll be hooked before you know it. Nothing beats the feeling of riding a wave for the first time.