Big Waves Are Coming — Are You Ready?
Winter swells in Malta and across Europe are a different beast. The playful summer rollers switch to explosive reef setups, cold-water power, and heavy currents that don’t care if you’ve been cruising Ghallis all August. If you want to paddle into bigger waves with confidence — not fear — you need to prepare now.
This guide breaks down how to train for bigger waves with actionable tips on strength, mobility, breath training, mindset, ocean awareness, and the gear that could save your session (and your life).
This is BOMBA surf culture: committed, stoked, and always progressing.
Building the Power Engine — Strength Training for Bigger Waves
Bigger waves demand more from your body. Stronger paddling, explosive pop-ups, and the ability to duck-dive under real weight. Your training should focus on:
Paddle Power
- Lat pull-downs & pull-ups
- Dumbbell rows
- Shoulder mobility work to avoid blowouts during long paddle-outs
- Endurance sets mimicking long bursts: 2–3 minutes steady, 30 seconds sprint
Leg & Core Strength
Charging winter bombs means absorbing heavy landings and staying grounded during high-speed bottom turns.
Focus on:
- Single-leg squats
- Lunges & Bulgarian splits
- Hanging leg raises
- Planks & anti-rotation work
Explosive Pop-Up Training
Winter waves don’t wait. Get your fast-twitch firing with:
- Burpee to surf-stance drills
- Box jumps
- Medicine ball chest passes
Train 3–4 times per week. Stay consistent. Winter rewards those who put in the off-season work.
Breathwork & Lung Capacity — Your Hidden Superpower
Every surfer chasing bigger waves eventually learns the same truth:
If you panic, the ocean wins.
Breathwork isn’t only for big-wave pros — it’s essential for any winter surfer in Malta or Europe.
Daily Breathwork Drills
- CO₂ tolerance tables
- Relaxation breath cycles (4–6 seconds inhales, 8–10 second exhales)
- Apnea walks (always done safely and never in the water)
In-Water Hold-Down Simulation
Practice:
- Staying relaxed
- Not rushing to the surface
- Visualising the next steps
This training can help you stay calm when a big set at Riviera buries you or a heavy lip in Portugal keeps you down longer than expected.
Big Wave Training: Cardio & Paddling Conditioning
Winter swells bring long paddles, strong rips, and powerful currents. Get your engine firing with:
Ocean-Based Training
- Long paddles in the bay on smaller days
- Interval paddling: 30s sprint / 60s recovery
- Duck-dive technique practice over and over
Land Cardio
- Rowing machine intervals
- Hill sprints (perfect for building paddle power)
- Steady-state runs or cycles for endurance
Aim for 2–3 cardio sessions per week.
Mental Prep — The Mindset for Big Waves
Confidence comes from preparation, not ego. To surf bigger waves this winter:
Visualisation
- Picture the takeoff
- Feel the bottom turn
- Imagine staying calm underwater
Set Realistic Goals
Not every Malta surfer needs to charge Nazaré. Maybe your “big wave” is a solid 6-8ft Ghallis day. Own it.
Learn When to Say No
Courage is showing up. Wisdom is knowing your limit.
Malta
Winter brings:
- Long-period NW swells
- Bigger walls at Ghallis
- Fast, heavy sections at Golden Bay
- Punchy beach breaks when the sandbars line up
Expect stronger rips, colder water, and more wind. Be ready.
Europe
If you’re chasing bigger waves abroad:
- Portugal: Heavy beach breaks (Peniche), slabs (Ericeira), and reef power.
- Canaries: World-class reefs, sharp lava, fast drop-ins.
- France (Hossegor): Thick lips, shifting peaks, not for the faint-hearted.
- Spain (Basque Country): Punchy rights and exposed winter swell energy.
Know the tide, period, swell angle, and your fitness level before you paddle out.
Gear That Makes a Difference in Big Surf
Board Selection
- Step-up board (2–4 inches longer)
- Pin tail or rounded pin for control
- More paddle volume — don’t fight the wave, meet it
Wetsuits
- Malta: usually 3/2 or 4/3 in deep winter
- Europe: 4/3, 5/4, or even 6/5 depending on region
Safety Gear
- Strong leash
- Spare fins
- Wax with better grip for colder water
- Reef boots (Canaries or shallow reefs)
Ocean Knowledge — Your Best Winter Weapon
Understand Swell Period
Bigger period = more power.
A 15-second swell will hit differently than a 7-second ripple.
Read the Rips
Winter rips in Malta can drag you sideways faster than you realise.
Timing the Sets
Bigger waves = bigger gaps.
Patience is a skill — learn it.
Build Your Winter Surf Crew
Winter surfing is not solo surfing.
You need:
- A partner who spots you
- Someone who knows the break
- Surfers who lift each other up (and pull each other out)
The BOMBA mentality: No lone wolves. Only pack mentality.
Final Word — Prepare, Don’t Hope
If you want to surf bigger waves this winter, don’t wish for it — train for it.
Build your strength. Sharpen your breath. Tune your mindset. Know your ocean.
When the first big NW swell hits Malta, you’ll be ready to paddle out with confidence, not fear.
Big waves aren’t just physical.
They’re a lifestyle.
And winter is your chance to level up.
