Physical

Aerobic conditioning of the heart and lungs. Surfing is great for improving cardiovascular endurance! Benefits also include shoulder, back, leg and core strength. Physical changes on muscle atrophy and endurance occur very soon, mostly thanks to the paddling.

Mental

Experts like doctors are now realising the full extent of what surfing does to the human mind. There have been studies to show that surfing is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the natural environment as it’s a good outlet for stress and tension. When surfers are in the sea they connect with their bodies, identify their limitations, and acknowledge their strengths. Becoming more self-aware can build confidence and help individuals increase their emotional intelligence. Some people meditate to reach this level of self awareness, but others prefer working towards it out in the open water. Surfers must focus all of their attention on balancing on their boards and getting ready for the next wave. Because this requires so much attention, surfers don’t have time to worry about anything else. Anyone who has a lot on their mind can benefit greatly from paddling out into the water and riding a few waves.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium, which is an important mineral that strengthens bones. Your body can get vitamin D from many different foods, but it can also absorb vitamin D from the sun. Instead of relying on certain foods or supplements, get your daily dose of vitamin D directly from the sun.

Improves Mood

It absolutely does! Surfing releases the feel good hormone, which are neurotransmitters that make you feel more energised and upbeat. Mood is enhanced so much that doctors often suggest that their patients with depression, anxiety or PTSD try learning to surf!

Sense of Belonging

This sport is a great way to meet new people. The surfing community is very inclusive, so everyone who loves this sport is welcome to join. Being welcomed into a group of new friends can give surfers a sense of belonging, which can make them feel more relaxed and boost their confidence.

Surfing is truly a full-body workout that works everything from the mind to the muscles.

If you’re ready to reap the rewards of surfing, sign up for our 1 day surf excursion. We will teach you the basics of this fun activity!

The Fountain of Youth?

The ocean is a source of revitalizing energy. Surfers thrive on riding the energy of the ocean – waves of pure energy that have travelled miles upon miles to reach them.

People who surf often look much younger! But why!?? Surfers have a more laid back attitude about life which is actually beneficial to their psyche. The high stress of today’s world is detrimental to our mental health. Physical exercise, especially something as fun as surfing, helps to offset the negative effects of stress.

Think about it: surfers are always playing in the ocean! It is known to help them stay young!

The history of surfing

12th Century cave paintings were found to prove that the polynesians were the first to stand on a tree log and ride an ocean wave. They took this art form to Hawaii where they made the sport a cult – and everyone started doing it!

The legendary Captain James Cook first wrote about what he witnessed in his travels to the Pacific. Surfing featured heavily. Famous discoverers like Mark Twain and Jack London wrote about the sport to the western world and soon California and Australia were full of surfers – there’s no surprise that the best surfers in the world in the 70s, 80s and 90s were hawaiians, australians and californians!

In the 70s and 80s, there was a significant boom in tourism in Australia and California, and they soon became top destinations to learn to surf and develop surf skills. Surf films like The Endless Summer really illustrates the culture that developed from surfing and the need to find uncrowded surf-spots in faraway lands like Indonesia.

Europe was one of the last continents to catch on to this surf culture. The western shores of France, Spain and Portugalactually always had consistent surf but the locals had kept it all to themselves. Until the 90s and 00s when the secret got out and now you’ll find many northern europeans learning to surf all year round, especially in southern Spain and Portugal in search of Sun, surf and sangria!