Windsurfing is a full body workout that will test your muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and mind-body connection. It also pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to embrace high speeds while relinquishing control to the elements.
Like all sports, you’ll perform better if you are able to recover quickly and efficiently. Muscle aches and sore joints are likely to impact your ability and willingness to get back in the water. Which is where CBD for windsurfing comes in handy.
The CBD supplement market has gone from strength to strength since its explosion over the pandemic. In 2023, the global market for CBD was valued at $7.59 billion, and this is expected to grow to $202.45 billion by 2032.
It is now finding its rightful place in professional and amateur sports, with products like CBD gels and muscle gels providing effective alternatives to conventional recovery methods. HEMPE is leading the way for hot muscle gels and cold muscle gels, both of which are now NSF Certified for Sport, offering reassurance that they are both effective and safe.
If you’re ready to explore CBD for windsurfing, we have some helpful advice for adding hemp gels into your recovery routine.
The Role of CBD in Sports Performance
Although there is more research to be carried out, studies do indicate that CBD could play a role in improving performance in sports.
For example, this study suggests that CBD might offer benefits to athletes, including improved rest, lower stress and reduced inflammation after physical exertion. We’ve also written about the benefits of CBD for pain relief in the past.
So how does CBD for sports work exactly? We know that athletic performance is as much about what you do outside of your training plan. Rest, relaxation and recovery are an essential part of the day-to-day life of an athlete.
CBD supports these goals by supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a cell signalling system involved in many essential processes throughout the body. It facilitates biological functions including appetite, sleep, mood, metabolism and growth.
We don’t yet fully understand how CBD supports the ECS, but the most popular theory is that it helps to prevent the breakdown of endocannabinoids that are produced within the body. With more endocannabinoids available, the ECS can work more efficiently.
It’s possible to take CBD as an oral supplement, but it’s also highly effective as a topical product. CBD pain relief gels offer an all-natural alternative to products containing NSAIDs, allowing athletes to find relief without worrying about long-term use of these products.
This natural approach also introduces other essential oils which can help to hasten recovery. They are added to replicate the effects of hot and cold therapy, which is a tried-and-tested method for speeding up recovery following physical exertion.
Spotlight on HEMPE Hot and Ice Gels
Looking for the perfect post-workout routine for after a grueling day on the waves? Windsurfing is not only taxing on the muscles, it can also aggravate the joints. Cold water temperatures can make joints stiff and reduce flexibility, which increases the risk of strain when placed under pressure.
Introducing HEMPE hot muscle gels and cold muscle gels into your pre and post windsurfing routine can help to minimise the risk of injury and facilitate swift recovery. First, it can be used before windsurfing to help warm up the muscles and joints and increase blood flow to the area.
Muscle cramps experienced throughout the day don’t have to mark the end of your day on the waves, as HEMPE’s hot muscle gel is highly effective for tackling muscle cramps on-the-go. And finally, it can support post-windsurfing recovery by cooling the muscles and aiding in restful sleep.
Benefits of CBD Gels Over Traditional Methods
Pain relief gels, heating gels and cooling gels are nothing new. So, why choose CBD pain relief gels over traditional methods that have been lining the shelves of pharmacies for decades?
First, we have the ease of application. A non-petroleum based product is preferred as this makes it easier to apply on-the-go. With HEMPE Hot and Ice Gels, the product’s smell and application offer obvious benefits over popular alternatives.
Another common benefit of CBD gels over traditional methods is superior ingredients. Many traditional heat-based products use capsaicin to deliver a warming sensation. This is derived from the chilli plant and works by selectively activating the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).
When applied to the skin, this produces a burning sensation which delivers pain-relief by essentially overpowering pain receptors. By creating a sensation that hurts more than the initial pain, it depletes the nerve signals, so your body thinks that you have found relief. Instead, you are still in pain, but you’re distracted from it.
Our CBD pain relief gels for windsurfers offer superior ingredients that support recovery through a number of mechanisms. HEMPE products use the principles of hot and cold therapy to allow the athlete to control pain and inflammation. It also helps to support restful sleep, which is another essential component in good recovery.
Curious about how our products compare to other strong pain relief gels? We recently shared a strong pain gel comparison guide to help you to understand the key differences between CBD gel and an ibuprofen-based pain gel.
Customer Experiences and Testimonials
What does HEMPE Hot and Ice Gel look like in practice for windsurfing enthusiasts? We’re grateful for our incredible customers who have been open about sharing their experiences to help others discover the benefits of CBD for windsurfing.
Some of our favourite quotes include:
“Good heat sensation. Definitely helped with pain. Also helped with sleep.” Another customer writes “A formulation that works. Small dab of cream onto the painful joint and the pain is gone in about an hour.”
It’s also popular with athletes, with one writing “The best product I have found so far as a master strongman and grip strength athlete. Now that I've found it I use it before and after nearly every trading session and competition.”
Head to our Trustpilot to read more testimonials from customers.
How to Integrate CBD Gels into Your Windsurfing Routine
Curious to know how these products might help you? If you’re ready to optimise your windsurfing routine to make the most of your time on the waves, we have some suggestions to help you.
Before you put your wetsuit on for the day, prepare muscles and joints by applying a thin layer of the HEMPE Hot Gel. This will boost circulation and ease stiff joints, getting you ready for an intense workout.
Muscle cramps are common in cold water, so head back to the shore when these kick-in. Remove your wetsuit to apply a thin layer of the HEMPE Hot Gel and allow this to get to work. During a study into the benefits of CBD for Thru Hiking, our testing team found that this product was highly effective for tackling cramps throughout a lengthy hike.
At the end of the day, after you’ve rinsed off the salt water, apply a thin layer of the HEMPE Ice Gel. This will kick-start the recovery process by helping to deflate muscles that are suffering the early effects of inflammation. You can reapply before bed to help promote restful sleep. You’ll be less likely to suffer from leg cramps and restless legs during the night.
Looking for more muscle pain relief tips? These 6 steps will also help you to recover after an intense day of windsurfing, so you’re ready to hit the water again the following day.
Another highly effective way to put our CBD products to work after an intense day of windsurfing is to apply it to patches of windburn and sunburn. These common skin complaints can make it difficult to sleep at night, but the HEMPE SOS Balm will help to soothe irritated skin and restore moisture. This should help you to rest easily at night time.
Closing Thoughts on CBD for Windsurfing
There’s no doubt that windsurfing is an addictive sport. If you want to be able to maximise your time on the water, you have to be able to recover effectively. A good recovery routine starts with the right warmup routine, which is why the HEMPE Hot and Cold Gel Combo is such an effective way to upgrade your windsurfing routine.
It’s portable, easy to apply, and fast-acting, so you can quickly respond to discomfort. This will allow you to spend more time doing what you love, and less time watching from the shore.
Not sure if this product is right for you? We have the perfect solution. Grab a sample size product before you commit to the full-sized version. We’re confident you’ll be ready to commit once you’ve experienced the benefits of our muscle gels.