Project Air Day 4

Posted on February 7, 2010 9:30 AM

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Of all the information imparted by the leading experts at Red Bull's Project Air, one key point that is continually emphasised to each member of the elite surf team regarding their pursuit of ultimate performance is that they must determine what works best for him, or herself, then know how to apply it.

During the "Hell Session" debrief today, Red Bull High Performance Manager, Andy Walshe reiterated this simple fact yet again.

"We're here to provide you with the tools to become the best you can be, we're not here to wipe your a$s!" said Walshe.

Not that any of the surfers expected that to happen, of course ...

The 'tools' include access to experts, testing, and outcomes. So where are we at?

The professional medical screenings have revealed commonalities between each surfer: a dominant side in the shoulders, which results in inflexibility and restriction, along with 'Stage 1, early signs of detection' in their backs; nothing to be alarmed about, but enough to encourage each surfer to set up a 'system of recovery'.

Walshe brought this to life via a simple projection - a haggard donkey standing next to a preened, veiny racehorse.

"Be the racehorse, not the donkey!" goaded Walshe.

Good advice.

And the results of the 'Champion Mind' Hell Session revealed and confirmed what many surfers inherently knew ... where their strengths and weaknesses lie. The trick, however is doing something about them.

Mick Fanning, current ASP Men's World Champion topped the heap, benefitting from the familiarity of the testing, yet proving undeniably he is a champion at the top of his game.
Sally Fitzgibbons also scored highly, a reflection of her unprecedented amateur career and indication of its continuation as she transcends it.

Jordy, Sofia and Michel, they have uncovered areas that they can begin to benefit from immediately.

And poor ol' Tim Boal, who has been lying around with a tweaked disc in his back, is in recovery mode thanks to the invaluable treatment from Red Bull's orthopaedic surgeon.
A day of contrasts also allowed for a coastal escape ...

As much of NSW languished under continuing rain, Red Bull's elite surf team found respite via a quick coastal run south to an often overlooked break.

The sun was shining and the waves good enough to allow tired bodies to unwind in familiar surroundings.