Surf Athlete Training Program

Right from the start, you feel that Cris is really passionate about surfing and everything that can enhance surfing. The programs are progressive, very detailed and the exercises thoroughly explained. The app is top notch, can be used on the computer at home or one th phone at the gym. Can even download workouts and exercises for offline use on surf trips. Insane !

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Wow this is easily the best online course I have ever followed, even better cause it’s aimed at surfing.
First, Cris is amazing, explains very clearly the exercises, and you feel his deep, genuine love of surfing and coaching fellow surfers. The man has learned everything he could so he could surf better and help as many people as possible, while doing what he loves. Respect.
The website and app are absolutely top notch, so good to use, no glitch no bug, just high quality content in perfect software. So nice to be able to save workouts for offline access.
The program I followed (Surf Athlete) is very progressive, building strength, flexibility and mobility week after week. I feel like this is the building block that was missing in my life to fix my old injuries, get more physical, more active during non surf days and being able to surf for many more years. I don’t think I have ever felt that good, fit and complete in my body.
Thanks a lot for the amazing work.

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Really well thought out, well presented program. I’ve been using the Surf Athlete program for over 18 months and still find it both beneficial and challenging. I’m 49, and it’s much more accessible for me than other programs that assume you have the fitness of a cross fit athlete. I’ve reached out to Cris with questions a number of times and he has always responded quickly and thoughtfully. Cannot recommend highly enough, for both surfers and non surfers.

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The Surf Athlete program that Chris has put together is amazing, comprehensive, and professional. It helps you stay in shape for the water and is a wealth of knowledge, that, if you combine with discipline will do loads for your surfing.

I would say that the app could improve by including notes (to self) in the workouts. I would use these to remind myself of weights, reps, variations, etc.

Thank you Chris for your amazing programs!

Regards,

J

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Estoy realizando el programa de surf atletas y aunque tan solo vaya por la tercera semana de la fase uno, me ha sido de gran ayuda la recuperación de mis sesiones de surf, siempre tenia la espalda cargada con muchas contracturas y el dia de recuperación ha sido un antes y un después, solo por eso ha merecido la pena.

Gracias Cris!!!

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I feel more flexible and stronger in the water than ever. after hurting my back and injuring my shoulder from Crossfit I didn’t expect as simple as the surf athlete workouts would improve my fitness in surf but it did! im lighter and more agile in the surf. no joint pains and very flexible. i highly recommend the perfect popup, surf skate and surf athlete program as good foundations for your surfing! or for just overall fitness/health. The knowledge that cris shares is very good. yiw!

ig: stok.ed

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I’ve done both the Surf Athlete and Body Weight programs and can honestly say these are some of the best programs out there. I’m 42 and a mom and I’ve been surfing for over 20 years, but lately I get to surf a hand full of times a year. I did almost no surfing all last year and just came back from a Fiji vacation having scored some of the best waves of my life. I was paddling and surfing better than I ever have with zero prep other than Cris’s workouts. Moreover, before I started the workouts my back and hips hurt all the time, I had zero strength in my arms, and I was tired all the time. My body and my health are completely changed and I can finally enjoy playing with my kid not to mention rip on my short board. Highly, highly recommend these programs.

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Downloaded your value bundle of Surf athlete, perfect pop up and stretches for surfers. I’ve been using your perfect pop up program with the cardboard surfer from OMBE for about 2 weeks.

I wish I’d started using your paid programs straight away as I could feel the difference immediately. Had a couple of surfs in fun waves about a week into some training and could feel the difference.

Last week was a bit of a slack week training wise. I’m a bit time poor sometimes with 3 young boys and running my own business.
Being 42 years old, working in construction and having pre – existing sports injuries you could say that my body was in bad shape.

I’ve also started surfing at about 21 so didn’t come as easily as learning as a child. I first came across some free content from you on surf line during the first Covid lockdown last year.

I found the exercises and the stretches challenging and had been trying to do some daily and could really feel the difference. All the fine details that you explain with each exercise really help with getting the most out of them, activating the targeted areas and how to avoid injury with correct movement.

I’m going to go back to the start and taking it slow to make sure that I’ve got the perfect pop up and cardboard surfer nailed. Once I’ve worked through that I’ll jump into the surf athlete program.

Feeling optimistic about a better surfing future and general sense of physical well being.

Keep up the great work!

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I am learning to surf and at my age of 58 the confidence in own abilities is not as it used to be when you are 16. (surprise) I was told to get a surfskate to be abel to practise even living in a landlocked Location. i bought your program and are making my first steps with it. I learned so much it is unbelivable. I just love to watch the videos and seeing the examples i can visualise what you explain. and best of all i can try it out with my skate and can feel it. I know my surfing will be a million times better the next time i have an opportunity to surf .

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Love this app and the content. Cris breaks it down so well and explains everything in a clear and easy to understand way . It has helped me gain mobility and a better understanding of how I should be moving my body. I only started learning to surf at age 40 and am now 43 but via the app Cris has been a massive help and inspiration. I’ve loved the journey. Thanks mate

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I’m always on the hunt for new programs to do. And I’ve done lots now, the significant difference with this is its surf specific but what also sets it apart is the structure. I like to have my workouts laid out easily, so you just tap in and go. But what’s handy about this is you can access different section as and when. So you surf or do a run, then you can jump back in the next day. I’m looking forward to where this will take me. Also Chris is super responsive over Facebook if you have questions.

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I’ve never found stretches that hit the areas I make tight surfing/training like I have in your Surf Athlete Training Program. The flow sections feel like they’re prepping my back and body to stay loose for a long time to come. I’m only 2.5 weeks in so the strength side hasn’t really kicked in yet. But I can tell it’s working in the areas I need it. Looking forward to getting further into the program and seeing the results. I like the way it’s set up to fit in with life. And even got instructions to back it off when the waves are good!

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Recently I went to El Salvador and the surf was solid double overhead, and even though I had barely surfed in months, I was able to surf 5 hours a day for 4 days straight without too much issue. I think I owe most of that to the Surf Athlete program (I had just finished the 12 weeks before I went, and was extremely diligent about it). Huge thanks for all the good content you produce, both free and also paid.

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Awesome body of knowledge presented in an easily digestible way… I don’t surf but was looking for something to help my teenage kids learn. In searching for what was available, I bumped into the Surf Strength Coach website and started looking into what it had to offer. I’m finding the information not only great for surfing, but for generally just keeping in shape and feeling so much better every day. Thanks Cris!

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Dude. Do NOT give up, or in to keyboard jockeys. You’re shit is real, effective, and at 45 years old I have benefited greatly from it. I’ve been surfing for 30 years and have always kept myself fit through yoga and weightlifting but your program takes all that and makes it surf specific. After injuries from overuse – shoulder rehab, knee rehab – it has truly helped in recovery training and the surf athlete program has kept me shortboard fit, flexible and ready for good waves and surf trips. Just fucking amazing.

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LOTS of people, including me, use your app and your training. We understand them and how our bodies get them. We need them for our bodies but also for our minds, because as we unlock our stiff bodies, our minds feel better and we surf better and everything is better. You’ve been doing this for 10 years and you’re getting better at it and the programs and app get better and better. Well done!

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Just wanted to check in and let you know I am loving the 12-week training program. The daily structure and detailed guidance give me enough freedom to explore what’s best for me while producing noticeable results at the same time. I love how my body feels more loose and flexible than ever before in my entire 42-year life. I’m as stoked as ever and much of that comes from simply feeling primed and ready to surf.

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Cris, stellar program.  I bought the complete set of packages and have been going through them all since.  I’m in my 40s and current landlocked. The mobility and strength exercises have had a huge impact on my overall well being.  The foundation training especially opened up a few things for me. Anytime I go through and rewatch a video I get something new out of it.  I’ve been active my whole life, so I took your advice and cherry pick pieces out of each video to work into my routine and change it up.  A little foundation work and stretching/mobility drills 6-7 days a week and added in body weight 4-5 of those days consistently.  Workouts are between 15-45 minutes each day.  Days I’m feeling rough I stick to breath work, and mobility.  I’ve yet to jump into the nutrition, but years of bad habits take time to break.  Thank you for putting all of this info in one place.  I’m happy to let anyone know it’s worth every penny, probably more, (good on you for knowing your audience, we all want to spend our money on our next surf excursion).   Like anything else though, if you don’t put in any work, you won’t get any out.  Keep up the good work.  

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After using Cris’ surf coaching app for a year, I decided to contact him for help addressing my back injuries.

Cris provided valuable knowledge on how to strengthen specific muscles and provided specific exercises and routines. Following our private coaching session, he emailed an outline of what we discussed and provided great resources to improve my back and surfing.

I highly recommend his surf coaching app, and his personal coaching sessions, to anyone looking for longevity in the water and improvement in surfing.

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Excellent breakdown of exactly how you should be moving during workouts and how it should feel in the water. I cannot emphasize enough how well I feel even after a few weeks. I swam and played water polo for over a decade and as cliche as it is, my shoulders feel stronger than ever. Cris is dedicated to his craft and continually looking to improve the products even after I have purchased them

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Hi Chris, I have a NASM certification but my flexibility is limited and I realized that during my first surf lesson and immediately bought a few of your products. They work. Your email speaks to me. I am just really getting into the programs. I have been doing some new things I learned in terms of flexibility and dude you are a rockstar. Great communicator, first class instruction. Well thought out. I can’t begin to compliment you enough and I wish we were neighbors, you are my kind of guy. So yes, I am in, all the way. Thank you for creating a system that is bringing joy to my life.

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I’m so impressed by your cautions and advice as to when to see a healthcare practitioner. I really just wanted to thank you for your help. I love your positivity and the supportive vibe you have. I have really enjoyed watching your videos progress and this website is totally rad. Keep sending all the healthy positive vibrations out there. It makes a huge difference and wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated it. Peace and love my friend.

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Your program is epic! I use your program for flexibility run through ensuring I roll out my muscles and move my joints properly along with various workouts of his for home workouts when I can’t leave the house. I also do yoga for night time/morning time stretch and go to the gym 2-3 times a week. All in moderation is my belief, don’t go pump iron like a body builder and get massive, no harm in getting a solid muscle mass to remain strong and healthy.

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Aloha Cris
I want to take a well-deserved moment to say a massive thanks for your help via your program, and regular Instagram motivation which has also improved my approach and outcomes to cooking too. Things have been gradually improving and coming together since I started with your program, and…….. I had an awesome surf a couple of days ago, where a few things aligned and I got a bunch of waves and rode them with more focused awareness resulting in better positioning, more confidence, quicker take-offs, more rail time, and longer rides……… so stoked!!!! It’s been many years, and I specifically attribute 99.99% of turning the clock back to my significantly improved SSC training program (including the cardboard surfer) and surf knowledge and awareness that I have learnt in the last 6 months from you
I’m still working my way slowly through the programs so there is still heaps more knowledge and skill work to tap into and I’m loving it. Thanks heaps, and all the best,

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I’m blown away by the app, your knowledge, the exercises, and your holistic/applicable approach to this all. I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time. So so grateful that I found your stuff, and I can’t wait to enlist in your other modules, too. Very impressive man. I see you’re based in Bali. My wife and I took our honeymoon there, I miss it. Take care, and please keep the content, workouts, knowledge comin’. Phenomenal!

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I’ve been a fan of Cris Mills for a while. As a lifelong surfer with a shitload of injuries I am always looking for knowledge to keep the body functioning. I can say Chris is legit. He seems to care about everything he speaks about. There is so much info to absorb you almost don’t know where to begin. I recommend the program to most of my clients.

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Thanks for the opportunity to get onboard this programm!ll Cheers!! I had another fun surf at my local today….again, another big thanks to you and your Surf Strength Coach programm for giving me the tools and roadmap to make this happen!!!! Mate, don’t sell yourself short….. Positive impact on my time in the ocean……..FK YEAH!!! SUPER POSITIVE IMPACT!!! HUGE THANKS!!! Positive impact on land, positive impact in the gym, positive impact in my mind, positive impact on my choices, positive impact on my diet, positive impact on life……. Also, ABSOLUTELY loved the passionate Instagram rant verbal download (and subsequent post) on paddling starnina and the required training and impact!!!

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Hi Cris, my wife and 8yo daughter gave me your program for Christmas. Since we all surf together it was really a gift for all of us. We’re watching your program as a family…it’s awesome. We usually watch a video or two on the program before we hop on our boards and practice and critique each other on those drills. No more big effort pop ups. Just to land with feet in the wrong position and have to readjust on a critical part of the wave! It’s wild to get this knowledge after surfing nearly 30 years and see how much more fun we can have in the water by being intentional about our focus for that session. It is such a great asset for my coaching my daughter too. It’s crazy to go out in the water and see how few people really pay any attention to their technique. Glad we’re not in that camp any more. You’ve really got some incredible programs and have put a massive amount of work into putting them together. We appreciate that work, the improvements its already bringing to our surfing and even drawing us closer as a family.

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Cris, your App content is amazing. I’m in the 12 week program and really feeling like my body is getting back to “grom mode” at age 45. You really know your stuff! The cardboard surfing info has transformed my style in just 2 weeks. I’ve been doing it all wrong for at 20 years Coffee cup! Looking forward to the getting in to the breathing work soon. -Zach

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Hi Cris, I’ve been doing the stretching, dynamic flow, and strength work religiously since the start of lock down in March. I am a sporty guy and have trained hard for years, but the I cannot overstate the improvement that these practices have had to my physical capabilities, my general comfort levels, and my understanding of how my body works.

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I just wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying the surf athlete program! Anyhow I back off the training when I’m surfing a lot, just stretching, loads of windmills, dynamic cat cows and the like, so I just got back on the training today, repeating the 1st week of phase 2. I actually found myself looking forward to getting away from the surf and into the training again, a little strange! Great work on the app, and updating the program often. It would be easy to let it sit. And while I’m at it, thanks for putting a bunch of stuff out there for free, I’ve been free riding on your YouTube channel for years.

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I’m getting in the best surf shape of my life. Thanks for creating a strength and conditioning program that works for surfers. I continue to increase my flexibility at 54. Hang in there 2020 has not been easy for anyone. Surfing helps me reset my brain and destress. Surfing at a higher level because your working to stay in shape only makes it more fun. Thanks for helping to make my life more fun! Praying for you and a great 2021.

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I have learned so much from your training videos that I have seen on Youtube. Thank you for being so meticulous in your presentation. Your mantra of building strength and mobility at home and then using them to surf better has been instrumental in getting me to where I am at today.

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Loving the programs really changed my lifestyle especially in this weird covid times. Thanks for the breathwork vid on you tube, mind blowing ive read Wim Hoff and am well on with O2 advantage, its like a parallel universe, i’m fifty and been fit and active since a teenager and didn’t think anything like it existed. I am totally nurding out on it.
Please keep it going, loving it.

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This program has been extremely helpful in identifying and clearing out those bad habits (you know the ones that hinder progress only after realizing feeling it in the water) and also gaining body awareness. This brings out results in;giving confidence from land traininglooking for & feeling out the power zones of the wavegliding across and making the section or overtaking drop-in’sdrawing out turns with REAL lean and holding the rail engaged back to the power zone still high on the face

I feel these are the results from your program, your App updates keep it fresh.I can recommend the program as applying to real-life surfers all in the preparation in chasing and dialing in for THAT wave, whatever the conditions.

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This is a complete program that you can use to stay in surfing(or really general) shape. Cris’s stuff is some of the most thorough programs that I have seen with all aspects, mobility, strength, cardio , breathing that I have come across. He also explains in detail each exercise and it’s purpose so that you have the tools to figure out what might be holding back your surfing, and how you might improve it. It is well worth the money for the amount of information that you get with this and all of his programs

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Started surfing at 48 and quickly hurt my shoulder. Took me a while back to return to the water and struggled to improve my surfing. I’m following the twelve week program and already manouvering in the waves and feeling much better. It’s a really well thought and put together program to help you improve your resistance in the water: surf more waves and enjoy them much better!

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Aloha. First review I’ve ever written. This guy is legit and these programs are tremendously helpful. I’m in my forties and live in Hawaii. Wanted something to help me learn to surf and to surf well. These programs are all wonderful. Challenging workouts and a skilled instructor. And the APP is easy to use and very informative. Give Chris a shot. Won’t regret. Mahalo.

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At the ripe old of age 40, i have been watching surfers in amazement and thought – I need to try this. But I had no idea where to start. After some research, I stumbled across some fantastic Youtube videos by Chris and they left me wanting to learn more from him. I then found the Surf Strength Coach – and was WOWED!! It provides a profound understanding of what is required to get up and surf, starting at the very beginning. It is like having my very own personal coach on demand in my pocket.

I am only new to it, and am very slowly progressing – but this is due to my level of fitness and time demands. The program allows me to go at my own pace, which again is what I need. At this age balancing work/life balance is a challenge – but knowing I have this little gem in my pocket, am confident I will be up and surfing in no time.

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Living far from the easy is not easy for a surfer. When I happen to go surfing I want to be as ready as possible in order to fully enjoy my time in the water but usually I struggle during the first session as my mind and my body aren’t ready due to the long inactive period. I’ve never done a surf focused training so I decided to give surfstrenghtcoach programs a go. I started with the perfect pop up training and then moved to surf athlete program and I can tell you that I’ve noticed changes since the first week! Now, every time I go surfing, I feel ready to surf at my best since the first wave of the session and I feel at ease also in more challenging situations. Furthermore, Chris is very clear in explaining every aspect of the training and he also teaches the technical know-how of the surfing act. Definitely worth the investment if you want to improve not only the quality of your surfing but also your body!

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I am only in week 3 and have only got in the water once so far since starting, but I already feel a difference in my mobility and overall strength. Truthfully, this has taken me past just being stronger for surfing but being more capable of playing with my 2 year old. Well worth the investment.

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I have practiced Cross Fit and Yoga for 7 years now, but I was stuck in my surfing like the typical intermediate surfer you can see in the videos. (card board surfer). I am stoked with the program which helped me to improve my surfing a lot and gave me a lot of benefit. Especially flexibility, stability and of course my posture. All of the exercises really matter to surf. Thank you.
Cheers Axel

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Really enjoying the program. As a 60 yr old looking to make sure I am at my maximum potential for my next Costa Rica surfing trip, I have found the Surf Athlete program an excellent decision. The workouts are clearly laid out and the descriptions/tips really help. My overall balance (esp one legged) and flexibility are improving measurably already, and I am just 2 weeks in. Luckily I will complete the 12 wk program just in time to head to CR and jump on a longboard! Already stoked! Aloha, Marty

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I have purchased most of the programs. There is so much well organized content. Chris gives clear, detailed instructions that include variations to make exercises easier or more challenging. The workouts are simple to follow on either my phone or computer. I have quickly noticed an improvement in my fitness. I have also been enjoying breath work. Because of the pandemic my access to surf has been limited. This is less frustrating knowing I am doing things to improve my surf fitness while I’m in dry dock. It also helps relieve the boredom.

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This is the best surf specific strength training app I’ve seen. The ux is quite good with a few exceptions and the content is easy to follow. I also liked that the programs are very comprehensive and systematic. The underlying physiological theory behind what you’re doing is explained so you are doing exercises with a clear “why” in your mind and can take that deeper understanding forward with you whether you keep using the app or not.

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I enjoyed very much STS a couple of years ago and I have improved my training and fitness knowledge a lot from it. So there was no excuse not to get the Surf Athlete Program. I love the highly updated interactive workout program (instead of .pdf sheets) and props for the hard work Cris. Really worth the bucks.

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I’m still only a few weeks into the Surf Athlete program but I’m really enjoying it. Really good program, well presented so super easy to understand what I need to do and how each exercise should be done. Minimal equipment for doing at home, and exercises that are as much about ability to move as strength. Like it alot so far.

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The surf athlete program is great. I’m a fit surfer in my late 30s and get in the water 3 to 6 times per week. This program is helping me in the areas of flexibility, mobility and keeping fit so I can surf well for longer. I like the way the program can be flexed up or down depending on your own requirements. Would recommend it to anyone that wants to catch more waves.

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Bought the Bundle program so my partner can learn to surf with The Perfect Pop Up, decided to go through the material myself and I am now applying it our my own surf and I can already see an improvement. My hip was stuck and the program is helping to lose it up, which is helping with the movement flow, also fixed my back foot position which made the board a bit more loose ( easier to turn ). Now I am going to finish The Perfect Pop Up before I go into the 12 weeks program. Also the Stretches For Surfers helped a lot, throughout that that I found out about my hip… Great program

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I’ve been using the program for about 4 weeks now & the range of exercises & explanatory videos is excellent. Many I’ve seen or done through Pilates or gym training but having them all in 1 location like this & seeing the direct application to surfing is really motivating.
I’ve been using the app at home during COVID but an looking forward to putting it into action in the gym.

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I am still in the beginning stages of the training but so far I’ve found the stretches , exercises and surfing techniques super helpful! I’m definitely one of those people that always wants to improve and my surfing, it’s been difficult to find one place that has a full spectrum of options to help grow my surf practice. I personally want to look like that effortless smooth surfer who can gracefully paddle and “walk up” and feel confident in my surfing skills – I’m hoping the home practices, tutorials and exercises can keep me surfing painlessly for a long time. Also! Chris was responsive to my questions I had about the app. Looking forward to checking out more of what the app has to offer 🙂 Here’s to keep on keeping on!

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I’m 53 surfed since about 13 and keep fit. But my surfing has been lacking and i found myself more and more surfing my Mal. Whilst i enjoy longboarding my shortboarding was getting frustrating. Lacked the dynamic strength to get onto the waves and felt like i was always trying to catch up. So i did a couple of weeks of the free program and am now on the 3rd week of the surf athlete. Amazing turn around – back surfing a 6″ twinnie and loving it. The program is definitely working – and its fun! Sign up and reap the rewards!!

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Chris,
The results have thus far been phenomenal. I have developed so much strength in my back and shoulders which has translated into a dramatic improvement in my surfing. The paddling seminar was so helpful because of all of the detail that you provided. Anyone who listens can get the feel of all of the mistakes that they are making. Making those subtle adjustments has helped me with wave selection, my ability to catch waves along with seeing the line that I need to take when popping up and riding the wave.

Totally Stoked,
Anton

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Awesome! Cris has developed a comprehensive, holistic body wellness, strength and flexibility program that gives you everything you need to work towards your own fitness and body wellness goals. Awesome detailed micro video instruction that takes you through every session, with physiological theory explained simply so you know exactly what you are trying to achieve. Simple equipment needs that gets the most out of a basic home gym set-up. Loving this program!

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I have surfed for over 30 years and it’s getting to that stage where the little aches and pains have kicked in
Using Cris Mills training has helped immensely
He has given me ways to work around and move forward with my surfing instead of putting it on the shelf
His techniques reflect a lot of what Physio’s preach and from the CHEK institute
I researched his stuff a lot and have dabbled in others training but this is definitely the best

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