Can Surfing Improve Mindfulness in Adults?
It’s said that to hit 30 years of age is to enter a different phase of life.
Parties are swapped out for low-key gatherings with friends. Late nights burning the midnight candle become early morning run clubs. Cheap thrills are replaced by self-care.
Surfing and mindfulness are two activities that lend themselves to this new phase of life. Not only do they offer innumerable mental benefits that lead to increased life, job and relationship satisfaction, but surfing has the added advantage of physical exercise.
Not to mention it’s heaps of fun too.
In this article, we explore the potential for surfing to improve mindfulness in adults and how these two activities complement each other.
What is mindfulness?
In the last decade, mindfulness has gained popularity as a way to manage stress, anxiety and depression. And rightly so.
This practice, which has its roots in Buddhism and meditation, involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. You focus on your thoughts, feelings and surroundings without getting caught up in them.
This, in turn, allows you to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, better manage them and ultimately lead a better life.
Why does it matter for adults?
Mindfulness is particularly beneficial for adults because it helps us break out of our routines and autopilot mode, giving us a chance to fully experience life.
As we get older, we tend to become more set in our ways and less open to new experiences. Mindfulness helps us break through these barriers and truly live in the present moment.
Additionally, as adults juggle multiple responsibilities and stressors, practicing mindfulness can provide much-needed mental clarity and relaxation.
Imagine being able to objectively observe your thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed by them. It’s a powerful life hack that not only makes us better to be around, but also improves our lives.
How are surfing and mindfulness linked?
Surfing and mindfulness are more than just the yin to the other’s yang.
There’s overlap between the two activities in that they both have the potential to make us better humans. But how are mindfulness and surfing really linked, you ask? Here’s what we came up with.
Presence in the moment
The first and most obvious link between surfing and mindfulness is the emphasis on being fully in the here and now.
Mindfulness espouses the importance of paying attention to the present moment, and surfing demands it.
As far as we know, nobody in the history of surfing has thought about doing their taxes while riding a wave. This is because surfing and mindfulness require us to let go of distractions and fully immerse ourselves in the present moment.
Breath control
Breathing is a powerful tool in both surfing and mindfulness.
Mindfulness practitioners leverage breathwork to help slow down the mind and body. Surfing, on the other hand, requires you to use controlled, rhythmic breathing to remain calm and focused.
No matter which way you cut it, the art of breathing deeply and intentionally is a skill that enhances both surfing and mindfulness practices.
Connection with nature
Walking meditation and nature-focused mindfulness practices are incredibly popular because being in nature is a natural mood booster. And like other outdoor sports, surfing immerses you in the natural world.
Think about it.
You’re literally immersed in the natural world, surrounded by the elements and connected to the ocean. The Blue Mind Theory lends itself to this idea, suggesting that being near or in the water can have a calming effect on our minds.
Emotional regulation
Surfing is fun first and foremost, but we won’t deny that it’s also challenging.
The nervous anticipation before a session. The fear of riding waves outside your comfort zone. The sheer unfettered bliss of gliding across the water’s surface.
Surfing elicits a range of emotions. Learning to manage them is all part of the journey.
Similarly, mindfulness teaches us to observe our emotions without judgment. And as adults, there might be no more important skill than learning to regulate our emotions effectively.
Flow state
Last but not least, both surfing and mindfulness can inspire a feeling of flow. This is characterized as a state of being where we are fully focused on one task or activity.
Your sense of time disappears and you become completely absorbed in the present moment. Some describe it as feeling “in the zone.”
Either way, it’s a highly sought-after mental state that’s seen in both surfers and mindfulness practitioners.
The mindfulness benefits of regular surfing
Mindfulness and surfing are intrinsically linked, and the fact they have so many commonalities means that practicing one complements the other.
Given the fact we’re a surf retreat first though, we’d also like to point out all the ways that surfing can specifically benefit mindfulness. Here are some of the main ones.
We can handle life’s ups and downs more comfortably
Saying that the ups and downs of life are like the waves in an ocean might sound cheesy, but there’s admittedly some truth to it.
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we need to learn how to ride out the rough patches and double down when things are good. Every surf session teaches us this… whether we like it or not.
Our fitness levels and physical health improve
Paddling, popping up, surfing a wave and wiping out are major calorie burners, and the result (besides sand in places that sand doesn’t belong) is increased fitness.
Improving our physical health is, after all, an important part of overall well-being. And being able to have fun while simultaneously improving our physical health is an added bonus.
We gain a deeper appreciation for Mother Nature
The next time you’re waiting for a wave, try taking a moment to look around you.
Breathe in the salty air, feel the water on your skin and take in the natural beauty of the ocean. Surfing helps us connect with nature on a deeper level; a connection that fosters an important sense of gratitude and awe for the world we inhabit.
Our self-worth and confidence levels increase
How often do you see a beginner surfer smiling from ear to ear after catching their first wave?
Surfing gives us an amazing sense of accomplishment, which in turn boosts our self-esteem and confidence. And as we continue to progress and meet new challenges, that confidence grows too. Never underestimate the power of positive self-worth.
Likewise, never underestimate the power of one good surf session to improve it.
We become kinder to ourselves and others
Study after study shows that kindness is key to a better, longer and more fulfilling life, and it’s a quality that’s inherent in surfing.
You can’t hope to get better unless you’re kind and patient to yourself and patient. And that kindness naturally extends to others you share the waves with, as well as non-surfers who may be impacted by your stoke.
Tips for practicing mindfulness when surfing
Starting to see how surfing and mindfulness are two peas in a pod?
If you’re keen to experience these benefits for yourself, here’s how to start practicing mindfulness when surfing so you can improve your life guide.
Start small
Don’t expect to paddle out to your first surf session with the presence of mind to integrate mindfulness seamlessly into your practice.
Start small and build on your progress.
A good tip is to dedicate your first surf session to enjoying the feeling of being immersed in nature. From there, you can slowly incorporate other mindfulness techniques.
Set a session intention
Mindfulness encourages us to set intentions for our daily lives, so why not apply the same concept to surfing?
Before paddling out, take a moment to set an intention for your session. This could be anything from wanting to focus on one specific aspect of your technique or simply just enjoying each wave as it comes.
Go one better and write this intention down before you leave your room. You’ll be amazed at how it focuses your mind from the get-go.
Practice breath awareness
It’s true that focusing on your breath while riding a wave is incredibly tricky.
Tuning into your breath after a ride when you’re paddling back to the lineup, however, is much easier. Try to focus on deep, rhythmic breaths and bring focus to your paddle strokes.
You can even practice nasal breathing if the waves are small and mellow for added benefits.
Learn more about breathwork and surfing.
Let go of expectations
If there’s one conclusion that advanced surfers come to after years in the water it’s that expectations are the enemy of a good surf session.
The waves themselves are almost inconsequential. It’s your approach and mindset that determines whether a session is good or bad.
As in mindfulness, you must recognise and let go of expectations in surfing.
Commit to approaching each session with an open mind and you’ll be amazed at how much more you enjoy the experience.
Reflect after each session
Reflection is a powerful tool for self-awareness and growth, so make it a habit after each surf session.
Think about how the session went and what you learned from it. Not just in terms of surfing, but also in terms of mindfulness.
This’ll help you identify patterns and areas for improvement, as well as reinforce the connection between surfing and mindfulness in your mind.
Wrapping up
With plenty of health benefits (both mental and physical) plus the ability to connect with nature on a deeper level, it’s no wonder surfing and mindfulness are a match made in heaven.
After writing this article it’s clear that both pastimes have more in common than we may have first thought, and that mindfulness can most definitely benefit adults in their everyday life.
Here at Rise Up, we incorporate mindfulness, breathwork and meditation sessions into every retreat. We do this to help you relax and find peace of mind while on holiday, but we also believe in giving you tools that you can then take home and apply to everyday life.
