Perfect Breath

By Greg Finch


Perfect Breath is this:

  • Breathe in for about 5.5 seconds
  • Then exhale for 5.5 seconds 
  • That's 5.5 breaths a minute
  • For a total of about 5.5 liters of air

Use it as a tool to increase efficiency within recovery both in and out of the water. Check in with Perfect Breath while you are driving, waiting in line at a store, and when you sense frustration or anger rising.

The concept of "Perfect Breath" has deep connection to yoga. Around 500 BCE, the techniques would be filtered and synthesized into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Slow breathing, breathholding, deep breathing into the diaphragm, and extending exhalations all first appear in this ancient text. 

A broad interpretation of a passage from Yoga Sutra 2.51 reads:

"When a wave comes, it washes over you and runs up the beach. Then, the wave turns around, and recedes over you, going back to the ocean." 

My stamina and paddling are really improved and that allows me to surf longer and stronger

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I've noticed a big difference in really two main things. One is my pre-surf warm up gets my body loose and ready to surf. I feel like I'm not step-tripping over to myself as much. Doing those dumb falls that just waste a bunch of waves.

Second my stamina and paddling are really improved and that allows me to surf longer and stronger.

Josh Beckett - Winemaker

My Surfing Has Improved On So Many Levels

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My surfing has improved on so many different levels working with Greg. I have developed much more confidence in the water. I feel more comfortable & strong out there. I can paddle longer, pop-up faster, and turn with more power.

Heather Miller - Acupuncturist for WSL

Those aches & pains after a sesh aren't there anymore

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It really gave me direction of what to do to get my body feeling better. Some of those aches and pains I would get after a sesh aren't there anymore. I could see my body becoming much more reliable for me because of the exercises and techniques that were taught.

The personal service was awesome! Greg was very knowledgeable and easy to reach whenever. If I ever had a question he was there to help quickly.

Scott Williams

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