How Surfing Can Boost Your Mental Health & Wellbein

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You probably already know that surfing is great for your physical health—the combination of paddling and balancing on your board means that you get a full-body workout without even realising it. But did you know that it’s also an amazing way to boost your mental health and wellbeing? In this blog post, we’ll explore how this amazing sport can reduce stress and anxiety, deepen your connection to nature, and provide a much-needed break from screens and digital noise.

The mental health benefits of surfing

Many people are drawn to surfing for health and fitness reasons, but this amazing sport has much more to offer! Let’s explore some of the ways in which surfing can support your mental health and wellbeing.

1. Stress relief

There’s something inherently soothing about being in the water, whether it’s taking in deep lungfuls of salty sea air or the feeling of weightlessness as you float and paddle about. Many of us struggle to find the ‘off’ switch for our overactive minds, but surfing requires your full attention, leaving no room for anxiety or overthinking.

Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments like the ocean can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote relaxation, allowing the stresses of everyday life to simply melt away!

2. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a powerful practice that can help you to feel more grounded and aware of the present moment, but it can be hard to make time for it in your daily schedule. When you’re out on the water, however, you’ll notice that you naturally become more aware of your body and your surroundings.

As you focus your attention on catching the next wave or maintaining your balance on the board, you’re not thinking about work, deadlines, or the financial pressures of normal life—instead, you’re just enjoying the present moment. The more you do this, the more content and at peace you will feel.

Surfing as a digital detox

From checking emails to endlessly scrolling on social media, screens have come to dominate our daily lives. According to 2023 research from Data Reportal, the average screen time for users around the world aged 16 to 64 – across different platforms and devices – is 6 hours 37 minutes per day. That’s 397 precious minutes being spent on screens every single day, and it’s having adverse affects on our mental and physical health.

One great way to combat this is to close the laptop, leave your phone in your bag, and hit the waves! Surfing is the perfect opportunity to unplug from technology and give yourself a much-needed break from constant pings and notifications, and the best part is that it’s free and available any time (weather dependent, of course!)

Taking steps to reduce your screen time and spending more time in nature is great for both your physical and mental health. So the next time you feel your stress levels creeping up, don’t reach for your phone—reach for your surfboard instead and do something your body and mind will thank you for!

Getting started with surfing

Now that you know how surfing can benefit your mental health, you might be feeling inspired to grab a board and hit the waves. If you’re a beginner, here are our top three tips for getting started:

1. Start with the fundamentals

You can teach yourself how to surf by watching videos and hitting the waves every chance you get, but you’ll make progress much quicker and in a safer manner if you take lessons from a qualified instructor. A good surf instructor will teach you the fundamentals of paddling, popping up, and riding the waves safely, helping you to build a strong foundation for your surfing journey.

2. Make sure you have the right gear

Making sure you have the right equipment is one of the most important steps in your surfing journey. Start with a good-quality surfboard that’s suitable for beginners—softboards are generally a safe bet for newcomers as these will help you ease into surfing as a sport. Softboards are more buoyant and wider than a normal surfboard, making it easier to stand up and prevent injury to yourself and others around you while you learn the basics. You’ll also need a wetsuit to keep you warm in the water, as well as a leash to keep your board safely tethered to you at all times.

If you’re eager to give surfing a go without making a big investment, then your best bet is to book a surf lesson as we provide everything you’ll need to have a safe, enjoyable time in the water. No need to spend hours researching and comparing surf equipment—we’ve done all the hard work so all you need to do is show up and get ready to have a good time!

3. Be patient!

Learning to surf takes time and dedication, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t become a pro overnight (spoiler alert: no one does!) Be patient with yourself and remember that every epic wipeout is another opportunity to learn and improve your skills.

At Surf’SUP, our experienced instructors are passionate about sharing the joy of surfing with beginners and seasoned surfers alike. With expert guidance and tailored lessons to suit your ability and skill level, we’ll help you build the skills and confidence you need to ride the waves like a pro. Book your surf lesson today and start enjoying all the benefits that surfing has to offer!

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