surfing vs. basketball (workout, running, shape, best)

[JudgeHolden]

I love both. However, I am extremely busy these days and need to prioritize for both enjoyment and quality of exercise.

Which activity do you think provides a better overall workout (assuming a 2 hour duration)?

[Ellise]

I'd say basketball would give you a better workout, you'd be running and jumping around for the whole two hours, right?

Surfing would be more fun (IMO) but you spend some time just sitting on your board waiting for waves, not actively paddling or surfing.

[Rggr]

I would agree with basketball. Surfing can't be matched as far as benefit to mental health though.

[Moth]

Hoops, but surfing is no easy task. It helps to be in swimming shape to do it right and swimming shape is pretty good shape.

[Ohiogirl81]

Do both! Switch on and off. Mixing it up is the best way to work out.

[sponger42]

Bodysurfing. Even with a wetsuit for bouyancy, that is TIRING, because you will tread water the whole time! Fun, though. Even if you're an excellent swimmer, I'd be surprised if you last 2 hours bodysurfing.

Bodyboarding is also slightly more athletically demanding than stand-up surfing. The scale goes (from least athletic to most): Paddle Surfer, longboarder, funshape, shortboard, kneeboard, bodyboard, bodysurf.

Basketball is generally a better workout than surfing, though. But it kind of depends on what sort of session it is: In consistant OH and up surf, it'd be surfing. In inconsistant surf or when it's less than HH, then hoops.

If you want a really good workout try surfing without a leash.