Why is Surfing good for the Soul? 🌊
Surfing, what a beautiful sport! Perfect for clearing the mind and body of any negativity! How often you meet a grumpy surfer dude? There must be something in the water right? Something that makes them so calm and mellow (and no it’s not what you’re thinking 😉). As a surfer myself i firmly believe it would be a better world if everyone had some ‘me’ time and hit the waves.
The ultimate reset
Surfing is one of those sports where you get on a wave and all your problems seem to disappear. Your brain seems to stop thinking for a moment and take in the surroundings. Something about being out in mother nature has a calming effect on the body!
It’s completely free (for the most part)
People in the modern era love their fancy gym equipment and row machines, but forget that mother nature is completely free. All you need is a surfboard and a wetsuit (if cold) and your set. No constant fees and subscriptions and loud noises, just you and the ocean!
Wave Guide – choosing the right board for the right conditions
🟢 Small Waves (1-2ft) – ‘Soft & Slow’
Small waves are usually weak, slow, and lack power. Perfect for cruising but not for high performance surfing.
Best Boards:
• Longboards (8’0+)
• Soft tops (foam boards)
• Fish boards (wide + thick)
• High Volume shortboards
Why:
You need extra volume and paddle power to generate speed where the wave doesn’t provide it.
Vibe:
Cruisy, fun, good lines… this is the ‘fun’ Zone!
🟡 Medium Waves (2–4ft) – ‘The Sweet Spot’
This is where surfing feels the best for the majority of people, enough power to move but still forgiving!
Best Boards:
• Shortboards
• Funboards (6’4–7’6)
• Hybrid boards (fish/shortboard mix)
Why:
You can start using the wave’s power, so you don’t need as much volume but still want some forgiveness.
Vibe:
Cutbacks, turns & carves, this is where you actually improve!
🔴 Bigger / Hollow Waves (5ft+) – ‘Fast & Powerful’
These waves are steeper, faster, and more powerful. Timing and positioning matter way more here.
Best Boards:
• Performance shortboards
• Step-up boards (slightly longer, more control)
• Gun boards (for bigger surf)
Why:
You need control, speed, and hold, too much volume can actually work against you!
Vibe:
Adrenaline, vision, focus! This is where surfing gets real!
General Rule of Thumb ✅
• Small waves = more volume
• Bigger waves = more control
• Not sure? Go slightly bigger than you think
Picking the right board is key, you cant expect to have a good session with the wrong board!
— Pick the wrong board and even the most perfect waves feel average! Pick the right one.. and even average waves feel super good! 🔥
Making it a part of your lifestyle
Surfing is one of the sports that is healthy for the mind body and spirit! You never seem to meet grumpy surfers unless they aren’t getting waves! People live such hectic, busy lives that we seem to forget to find some ‘me’ time. Unwind from the pressures of everyday life a hit the waves & come back totally refreshed!
Surfing and your body
Want too lose some calories instead of walking? Surfing is a great way to burn calories and keep fit! No need for a gym membership, your upper body will be burning especially if there is a big paddle out the back!
Consistency is key
Now that we have got a board and wettie picked out its time to keep up the pace! Keeping and eye on the surf report regularly and seeing when the best time to go is the key! Surfing 1-2 times a week is optimal but obviously mother nature can have her way sometimes!
Meeting new people
If you live near a beach chances are there are a few people who love to surf! Joining local Facebook communities and online chats in your area can be great for connecting with new people! It can also be a great way to find new surf spots but i didn’t tell you that 😉
Respecting the Locals
This goes a long way especially if you want to be ‘accepted’ in new surf spots! Mingling with the locals and being nice is a surefire way to get you waves. After some time im sure they may even share some local tips and tricks with you!
Secret Tips
A great tip (if your a beginner & pro) is to practice doing pop ups on the beach because when you go to take off on a wave its automatic. You jump up without even thinking about it.
🏄♂️ The Pop Up Routine
The Goal ✅
Make your pop-up so automatic you don’t think… you just react!
⚡️ Step by Step
1. Start Position
• Lie flat like you’re on your board
• Hands under your chest (like a push-up)
• Elbows tucked in
2. Explode Up
• Push your upper body up fast
• Don’t crawl up — explode
3. Feet Land Together
• Back foot lands first (near tail area)
• Front foot steps through clean
• Try land in one smooth motion (not 2–3 steps)
4. Lock Your Stance
• Knees slightly bent
• Chest up
• Eyes forward (not down)
🧠 Key Tips
• Don’t go to your knees ❌
• Stay low and balanced
• Look where you want to go (not at your feet)
• Practice it FAST — slow reps don’t count
🔥 Simple Routine (Do This Daily)
Beginner
• 3 sets × 10 reps
• Rest 30–60 sec
Intermediate
• 4 sets × 12–15 reps
• Add speed + clean landing
Advanced
• 5 sets × 15+ reps
• Mix in:
• Eyes closed reps
• Random “GO” call (reaction training)
• Slight push-up before pop-up
⚠️ Common Mistakes
• Popping up too slow
• Feet landing messy
• Looking down
• Standing too tall (loose balance)
💭 Final Thought
If your pop-up sucks… your surfing will feel hard!
If your pop-up is sharp… everything feels easier!!
— Master this on land and the ocean becomes way more fun!
Closing chapter
Surfing is one of those sports that stays with you a long time, it becomes hard to quit. You just cant seem to find that same feeling anywhere else, that feeling of riding waves 🌊
