The Art of Living Well: Is Surfing the Secret to a Longer Life?
There’s been plenty of chat about the science of aging in recent years.
Some of it is thought-provoking and revelatory. Other discussions around aging seem to swing the other way, framing it as an inevitable decline that must be prevented at all costs.
As surfers, we see aging as a simple arc of nature. It’s as much a part of life as the ebb and flow of the tide.
For those of you wondering whether it’s possible to learn or continue surfing in your 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond though, it’s good to know more about the physical and mental health benefits of surfing that could potentially help us age gracefully.
In this article, we dive into the numerous health advantages of surfing and explore how it could be the secret to a longer, healthier life.
Surfing comes with lots of obvious physical health benefits
Toned arms. Strong core. Round, powerful shoulder muscles.
Surfing sculpts the body like no other sport thanks to the physical demands it puts on your body. That is, provided you’re surfing regularly.
For those of you lucky enough to surf once or twice a week, or those of you who book surf retreats throughout the year, you’ll definitely feel (and see) the physical benefits of surfing.
These physical benefits encompass everything from improved cardiovascular health to increased coordination and healthy bones.
Here are the main physical benefits of surfing.
Cardiovascular health surfing
Looking to level up your cardiovascular health? Paddling out, catching waves and duck-diving all work your heart and lungs, improving overall cardiovascular health and ensuring your body is efficient at transporting oxygen to the right muscles.
Stronger muscle groups
Surfing requires the use of both your lower and upper body muscles. From your arms and shoulders for paddling to your leg muscles and hips for balancing on the board, it’s this interplay of muscle groups that leads to overall strength and conditioning.
Increased flexibility
The constant movements in surfing help improve flexibility in joints and muscles, leading to better mobility, quick reflexes and enhanced range of motion – all of which are crucial for injury prevention.
Improved balance and coordination
Surfing has an insanely positive impact on your balance and coordination. To catch waves you’ll need to find your center of gravity and adjust accordingly. This type of training not only helps in the water but can translate to improved balance in everyday life.
But there are also lots of mental health benefits, too
Surfing health benefits go beyond the physical.
It’s also proven to have positive effects on mental health, making it a well-rounded activity for overall wellness.
This is especially important as we age.
The deeper we get into this thing called life, what with work, relationship and family commitments, the more responsibilities and stressors we have.
A surf session offers an escape of sorts. A positive reprieve from the daily grind and its worries.
In fact, research shows that surfing can have a positive impact on mental health in the following ways:
- Reduce anxiety and stress: The combination of being physically active, being outdoors in nature and focusing on riding waves can help reduce stress and anxiety levels that benefit overall health
- Boosting mood: Surfing involves the release of endorphins, which are known as the “feel-good” chemicals in our brains. This can lead to an improved mood, stronger immune system and a sense of happiness after a session in the water
- Increasing mindfulness: One of the most important mental health benefits of surfing is that it forces us to be present in the moment. This can help improve mindfulness and reduce negative thoughts or rumination
- Faster post-illness recovery: Did you know that surfing can actually help with post-illness recovery? The combination of physical activity, being in nature and the release of endorphins can all contribute to a more comfortable recovery from illnesses
Of course, surfing is great for meeting new people
Flowing on from the mental benefits of surfing is the fact that it also provides an opportunity to meet new people.
Socializing is such an important part of life, but too many of us lose contact with friends as we get older.
Surfing not only mends old bridges. It can forge new ones too.
Many surfers will tell you that some of their closest friendships have been shaped through the shared love of surfing. And as we age, having a strong social network can have positive effects on both our mental and physical health, such as better cardiovascular health and emotional well-being.
Consider the camaraderie of a surf retreat or simple weekend away chasing waves down the coast.
It’s just you, your friends and a natural environment.
In fact, a comprehensive clinical review of nearly 150 studies (that encompassed over 300,000 individuals tracked for an average of more than 7 years) discovered that individuals with robust social connections had a 50% greater likelihood of living longer than those with weaker connections.
But the best part is that you needn’t grow up with a friend group who surfs.
Surf retreats, surf schools and surf clubs can introduce you to likeminded individuals who share your passion for the ocean and the joy of riding waves.
It also allows you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors
Immersing yourself in natural environments has never been more important.
The constant exposure to screens. The high-stress, fast-paced nature of modern life. The fact that you can be pinged anytime, anywhere and expected to respond immediately.
Getting away from the phone, tablet or laptop is vital for both our mental and physical health. And while being outdoors doesn’t directly impact longevity, the fact that nature decreases stress and anxiety and boosts your mood can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Surfing in particular is especially therapeutic as it combines a full body workout with nature immersion and great cardiovascular exercise.
Vitamin D, fresh air, breath holding and the often contemplative nature of surfing all work to improve your immune system, lower blood pressure and decrease inflammation.
It’s also a great motivator for people who don’t particularly enjoy traditional forms of exercise, as surfing helps you to seek out natural playgrounds and be active within them.
Wrapping up: is surfing the secret to a longer life?
Striving for a long, healthy and happy life is the ultimate goal, and the fact that surfing can contribute to all three makes it pretty special.
From facilitating a better night’s sleep to improving overall health, core muscles, leg strength and more, there are few pastimes that offer as many health benefits.
The only caveat?
Sun protection, proper safety precautions and learning with experienced coaches should always be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. But with the right precautions, surfing can be a fulfilling and rejuvenating activity for people of all ages.
