For surfers, there’s no feeling quite like gliding across the water. It’s a pure sense of freedom and flow that keeps us coming back for more! But beyond that exhilarating ride, surfing also has numerous health benefits. In this article, we will dive into 8 health benefits of surfing..
#1 Cardiovascular Health
Paddling out through to the lineup requires strength and endurance, engaging your heart and lungs in a challenging workout. The constant movement of your body on the board as you glide along the waves surface elevates your heart rate, improving circulation throughout your body.
Each time you paddle back out after riding a wave, you give your cardiovascular system a great workout. This repetitive cycle of paddling, standing up on the board, and balancing engages various muscle groups while keeping your heart pumping strong.
#2 Full-Body Workout
Surfing engages your entire body in a full-body workout. From paddling out to popping up and balancing on your board, every muscle group gets involved.
Your arms and shoulders work hard while paddling against the resistance of the water, building strength and endurance. Meanwhile, your core muscles are constantly engaged as you stabilize on the board, improving overall stability and balance.
As you pop up onto the board and ride the wave, your legs get a great workout as they help steer you in the right direction. The constant motion of shifting weight from front to back engages your leg muscles while also enhancing coordination skills.
#3 Improved Balance and Coordination
Balancing on a surfboard requires making use of your core muscles and fine-tuning your body movements to stay upright on the water. This constant adjustment helps strengthen your stability and agility over time.
When surfing, you constantly challenge yourself to maintain equilibrium on the board. The act of balancing on a moving surface like water forces you to develop quick reflexes and precise control over your body.
From aligning your feet correctly on the board to shifting your weight smoothly, every movement enhances your overall balance and motor skills, which helps significantly in the long run. Your improved balance and coordination will help improve your quality of life as you age.
#4 Mental Wellness
Riding a wave can be exhilarating, giving you a sense of freedom and accomplishment. Being out in the ocean, surrounded by nature, can have a calming effect on your mind.
The repetitive motion of paddling out to ride waves can be meditative, helping to clear your thoughts and reduce stress levels. Focusing on the present moment while navigating the surf requires concentration and mindfulness, allowing you to escape from daily worries and anxieties.
Surfing also promotes relaxation by encouraging deep breathing and connection with the rhythm of the ocean. The release of endorphins during exercise can boost your mood and overall sense of well-being.
#5 Connection with Nature
Being out in the ocean allows you to appreciate Mother Nature’s vastness and power. You become attuned to the ebb and flow of tides, the changing hues of water, and even marine life swimming beneath you. This connection with nature can be grounding and humbling, reminding us of our place in the larger ecosystem.
Surfers often develop a deep respect for the environment as they witness firsthand its fragility and resilience. They become more conscious of their impact on oceans and beaches, leading many to advocate for conservation efforts. Surfing not only nurtures physical health but also fosters an emotional bond with nature that can be transformative.
#6 Confidence Enhancer
Surfing has a unique way of boosting confidence that goes beyond just riding the waves. It’s not just about mastering the art of standing on a board; it’s about conquering fears and pushing your limits. The sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully catching a wave is unmatched.
Learning to surf can be challenging, but each small success builds self-assurance. Overcoming wipeouts and setbacks teaches resilience and determination. As you progress in surfing, you develop trust in your abilities and intuition.
Confidence gained through surfing doesn’t stay in the water; it carries over into all aspects of life. Engaging in a challenging yet rewarding activity like surfing can increase self-confidence and resilience, contributing to better mental health outcomes over time.
#7 Vitamin D Boost
Spending time in the water and soaking up the sun while catching waves can do wonders for your immune system. When you paddle out into the ocean, your skin gets direct exposure to sunlight, triggering your body to produce this essential vitamin. Vitamin D is crucial in maintaining strong bones and supporting overall immune function. It can also help regulate mood and reduce the risk of depression.
Basking under the sun while surfing acts as a boost for both your physical and mental well-being.
#8 Social Interaction
The surfing community, despite popular belief, is inclusive and diverse, welcoming surfers of all ages and skill levels. From sharing surf tips to cheering each other on in the lineup, bonding over a shared love for the ocean creates lasting friendships.
Heading to the beach with friends or joining a local surf club can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your surfing experience.
The social aspect of surfing extends beyond just chatting on the sand; it often leads to post-surf coffee or beach bonfires where stories are swapped, and new connections are formed. Surfing together fosters a sense of belonging and community that enriches the overall experience.
Always remember while out in the lineup to show respect and you will get respect, and maybe even some life long friendships.
Everything You Need to Start Surfing
Surfing is a fantastic activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned surfer, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy on the water:
- Take a Lesson: Sign up for a surf lesson with a certified instructor or get help from an experienced surfer to learn the basics of surfboarding, including proper techniques, safety tips, and ocean awareness. An instructor can help you avoid bad habits and ensure you’re progressing safely.
- Practice on Land: Practice your pop-up technique on land to get a feel for the movements of standing up on the surfboard.
- Choose the Right Surf Spot: Start at a beginner-friendly surf spot with small, gentle waves. Look for beaches with a sandy bottom and lifeguards on duty. Some surf schools can also recommend good beginner spots.
- Stay Persistent: Surfboarding is a taxing sport. It requires patience and practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch waves right away. Practice till you get the hang of it!
Surf Gear
Your surf gear is as important as surfing practice itself. Here’s a starters list to get into surfing:
- Surfboard: Surfboards come in various lengths, thicknesses, and shapes, each suited to different wave types and surfer skill levels. If you have no surfing experience, opt for a foam board or soft top that’s the right size for you!
- Surf Wax: Surf Wax is applied to the top of your surfboard to create a grip. Without it, you’ll be slipping all over the place! Different water temperatures require different waxes, so make sure you’re getting one according to the temperatures you’ll be surfing in.
- Sunscreen: Slather on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before hitting the water. Reapply frequently, especially after wiping out.
- Leash: This attaches your ankle to the surfboard, preventing it from becoming a runaway projectile if you wipe out.
- Surfboard Bag: Invest in a high-quality surfboard bag like the ones offered by FARO Board Bags to protect your surfboard from dings and scratches when heading to and from the beach. Like surfboards, surfboard protectors come in various shapes and sizes. Whether you need a longboard bag or a cover for your fish board, there’s a surf cover made specifically for it.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned surfer, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy on the water. The benefits this sport brings with it are undeniable. It’s a full-body workout that boosts your mood and gets you connected with nature. It might take a few tries, but with some practice, you’ll be riding waves in no time!
Need more surfing tips? Head over to Surfer Dad to find everything you’ll need to know about surfing. From surf fest reviews to surf gear advice, we’ve got everything!