Benefits of Surfing

by Lauren Ashton

Do you love the beach? Are you one of those people who enjoy getting sand caught in every nook and cranny imaginable? Go on, admit it! It’s nothing to be ashamed of – sand is a natural exfoliator, and an afternoon at the beach certainly saves time and money at the beautician on those costly microdermabrasion sessions...!

But aside from the practical application of sand, there is also a lot of fun to be had at the beach. Ask any person who grew up by the coast where they spent most of their summers, and you’ll get a pretty common response right across the country. It’s a great spot to take the family and burn some energy, especially for the kids to really tucker them out on those long summer afternoons.

Frolicking in the surf is a time-held Aussie tradition. Whether you’re a beach novice or a Guy Leech wannabe, it’s a great place to be. It’s also where you’ll see swarms of surfers driving by; standing on the sand cross-armed and tanned; peeling themselves into wetsuits; and strapping on leg ropes ready to duck dive and ride a few waves.

So what is it about surfing that gets people up at the crack of dawn, rain hail or shine, no matter the time of year or the temperature of the water? What makes them want to pull on yesterday’s still damp wetsuit and jump in the ocean? Well, let’s consider this…

1. The sun, salt and sand make you feel alive.

There is no doubting the feeling of rejuvenation you feel after a dip in the ocean, and surfing effectively multiplies this by the thousands. Even just the sound of the waves crashing is enough to reinvigorate the senses. It’s no coincidence that many people sleep and meditate to the sound of the ocean.

2. It’s great (and fun) exercise.

Surfing uses every muscle in the body and is a great way to get your cardio system going. But it also improves flexibility, balance and stamina.

3. Oceans have a positive impact on human health.

Fact. Aside from the physical health benefits, surfing is great for mental health and has been proven to increase happiness, energy levels and relaxation.

4. The best way to forget your daily problems is to face bigger challenges.

And there’s no challenge bigger than the open ocean. Surfing improves mindfulness and has a way of slowing everything down and giving you perspective. When you’re riding a wave you’re thinking of nothing else but the thrill of the experience.

5. Every wave is different and the same wave will never come again.

That’s very deep and ponderous isn’t it? Kind of like a fingerprint or snowflake, every wave is unique.

6. Surfboard wax smells great.

It really does. Like a pineapple and a coconut got together and had tiny little wax babies. But it’s not edible you guys...

7. A beer tastes better after a surf session.

Everything tastes better after a day at the beach, and a nice cold beer after a summer surf is like food for the soul!

8. You get to say cool things.

It’s official, once you’re a local beach legend phrases like 'choice bro', 'pumping', 'gnarly' and 'grouse' can become part of your language repertoire.

So whether you’re a Fanning-like pro, an amateur surfer or you’ve never strapped on a leg rope before, it’s not too late to make the most of the sun, sand and surf. You can hire a board and book a surf lesson on most popular Aussies beaches. So get amongst it, yeeew!

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