Note: I sent this email to a researcher in response to his questions concerning training for surfing events in July 1998. From: "Dr. Bruce Gabrielson"Subject: Training info. Q: What did you do to train A: Here is what I and my friends mostly did: Besides lots of time in the water I spent time running and jump roping - not much weight training - I also spent some time skateboarding and playing tennis. Personally, I was also an Olympic class wrestler, so I was in regular training on the mats all the time. The real good conditioned surfers of the 60s and 70s mostly were full time surfers or had jobs where they had to be in great physical shape. However, the well conditioned surfers made up a minority of the top professionals. Q: I thought you may also know some young professional or up and coming surfers and may be able to tell me what they do to keep themselves at their best. I do know a few professionals currently. The ones around here might spend some time running but not much else (at least the ones I know). I had the chance to go to a gym with a highly ranked longboard professional some time back and we worked out on a rowing machine. He says it helps him paddle better and keeps his back from acting up. I have used these machines for the same reason and think the conditioning would be good for anyone. As a last comment, it might not be important, but a large number of top surfers, both years back and currently do considerable nightclub dancing. I saw several pros really getting into the bands at a recent event I went to. Maybe dancing helps their surfing or maybe surfing helps their dancing. Don't know which but the rhythm must help. I also used to do a lot of nightclub dancing, just like in the movie Saturday Night Fever.