For surfers. Stay in the water, surf longer, feel better.
Surfing in Santa Cruz is demanding. Your body takes a beating. It does not have to be this way.
Surfing in Santa Cruz is demanding: paddling through closeouts at Steamer Lane, fighting for position at Pleasure Point, or putting in the work at your local break.
Your body takes a beating. Repetitive paddling. Rotational pop-ups. Cold water constriction. Wipeouts that torque your spine. Over time, it adds up:
- Chronic shoulder pain that will not go away
- Lower back tightness after sessions
- Neck strain from constantly looking up
- Limited rotation when paddling or taking off
- Recovery taking longer than it used to
It does not have to be this way.
How I help surfers perform better and stay in the water.
Most surfer injuries are not from one big wipeout. They are from cumulative stress and poor movement patterns. Through Structural Integration, I:
- Release fascial restrictions in shoulders, back, and hips
- Restore proper shoulder blade mechanics for pain-free paddling
- Improve spinal mobility for easier rotation and pop-ups
- Balance your structure to prevent future injuries
Releasing tissue is only half the equation. I will teach you:
- Proper breathing patterns for better paddle efficiency
- Core integration for more powerful pop-ups
- Mobility exercises specific to surfing demands
- Warm-up routines that actually prepare you for the water
Common issues I see in Santa Cruz surfers.
What is happening: Repetitive paddling with poor shoulder mechanics creates impingement and inflammation.
How I help: Release shoulder restrictions, restore proper scapular movement, and teach sustainable paddling mechanics.
What is happening: Extended arching position on the board combined with cold water contraction locks up your lower back.
How I help: Release hip flexors and low back restrictions, improve core integration, and restore natural spinal curves.
What is happening: Constant "looking up" position while paddling creates forward head posture and chronic neck strain.
How I help: Release anterior neck and chest restrictions, strengthen posterior chain, and correct head-forward patterns.
What is happening: Repetitive squatting and turning on the board creates hip restrictions that affect your entire kinetic chain.
How I help: Free up hip mobility, release IT band and TFL, improve functional range for better wave riding.
Beyond pain relief: performance benefits.
When your structure improves and movement patterns optimize, you do not just hurt less. You surf better:
Better shoulder mechanics equals more efficient stroke equals catching more waves with less effort.
Greater spinal mobility equals smoother turns and better wave positioning.
Better core integration plus hip mobility equals quicker, more fluid pop-ups.
Less compensation equals less fatigue equals more waves per session.
Better movement patterns equals less tissue damage equals quicker bounce-back.
Balanced structure equals reduced stress on vulnerable areas equals fewer injuries.
What to expect.
First session: assessment and initial work.
We will talk about your surf history, current issues, and goals. I will assess your structure and movement patterns, then start hands-on work targeting your biggest limitations. You will leave with 1 to 2 simple practices to support the work.
Typical timeline.
Most surfers notice improvement after 2 to 3 sessions. For lasting change and performance optimization, plan on 6 to 10 sessions over 2 to 3 months. This gives your body time to integrate the changes and build new patterns.
During the process.
You can (and should) keep surfing during your sessions. The work will make you more aware of your body, which actually helps you apply what we are learning. Some days you will feel amazing, other days a bit worked. Both are normal.
Recommended programs for surfers.
Perfect for addressing specific issues (shoulder pain, back stiffness) and getting back in the water feeling better. Combines SI and movement work.
$990.
Complete structural overhaul. Best for serious surfers who want to optimize performance, prevent future injuries, and surf strong for decades.
Starting at $3,720.
Questions, answered.
How can Structural Integration help my surfing?
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Better structure and movement quality directly improve your surfing. We address the specific demands of surfing: shoulder mobility for paddling, hip flexibility for pop-ups, core strength for balance, and rotational capacity for turns. By releasing fascial restrictions and improving movement patterns, you will paddle more efficiently, pop up easier, and move more fluidly on the board. Many surfers find they surf longer sessions with less fatigue.
Will this help with shoulder pain from paddling?
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Yes. Paddling creates specific demands on your shoulders, and Structural Integration is particularly effective for addressing paddling-related shoulder pain. We release fascial restrictions in your shoulders, improve shoulder blade mobility, and address whole-body patterns that contribute to shoulder stress. Many surfers find their shoulder pain resolves and their paddling becomes more efficient.
Can I still surf while doing this work?
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Absolutely. The goal is to enhance your surfing, not interrupt it. We will discuss your surfing schedule and may recommend some modifications during the initial phase, but most surfers can continue surfing. In fact, applying what you learn in sessions to your surfing accelerates your progress. We will help you integrate the improvements into your paddling, pop-ups, and turns.
How many sessions will I need to see improvements in my surfing?
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Many surfers notice improvements in movement quality and reduced restrictions after their first session, but lasting improvements typically develop over 6 to 12 sessions. The improvements build over time as your body integrates the changes. Most surfers see significant performance improvements within 8 to 12 sessions. We will discuss your specific needs during your initial consultation.
Will this help prevent surfing injuries?
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Yes. Better structure and movement quality significantly reduce injury risk. When your body is properly aligned and moves efficiently, there is less stress on vulnerable tissues. We address compensation patterns and movement limitations that often lead to surfing injuries. Many surfers find they stay healthier and surf better after doing this work.
Is this right for surfers of all levels?
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Yes. Whether you are a beginner learning to pop up or an advanced surfer looking to improve performance, better structure and movement quality benefit all surfers. We adapt the work to your specific level and goals. Many surfers across all skill levels find this work transformative for their surfing.