by Cordelia Brabbs

‘Yoga gives me awareness, centres me, keeps me calm and brings my energy into centre rather than being scattered. I really enjoy the sequence from shoulder stand to plough to bridge, which stretches the neck and shoulders, stimulates the thyroid, and opens up the spine, shoulders and chest,’ Rochelle Ballard, surfer.

‘I feel so much calmer in my head after doing yoga, and love the inner peace it brings,’ Robyn Davies, O’Neill surfer.

‘If the time and weather allows, I take a few moments in Tadasana (mountain pose) when I get to the top my climb. This allows me to gather my thoughts and prepare for a safe descent,’ Valerie Cowie, ice climber.

‘I am on a windsurf trip, I love to practise yoga on my own in the morning or at sunset on the beach. I like the Downward Dog to release my lower back and neck and stretch my spine,’ Carine Camboulives, Bic Sport and Oxbow windsurfer and kitesurfer.

‘I use deep breathing techniques to get calm and bring my focus into myself. The sun salutation warms me up and energises my whole body, and really loosens my back, but my favourite asana is the Warrior pose. It strengthens the legs, brings flexibility to the spinal muscles, and tones the abdominal muscles – essential as surfing puts a lot of strain on your back,’ Easkey Britton, Irish surfing champion.

‘My favourite poses to do before a surf are downward facing dog and cobra,’ Sarah Bentley, Roxy team surfer.