10 Life Changing Health Benefits of Surfing
The health benefits of surfing are astronomical for the mind and body. After surfing just once you will realise the power of these health benefits and understand why us surfers are so happy!
So what are the key health benefits of surfing you need to know? Let's get into it!
What Are The Health Benefits of Surfing?
Surfing isn't just a fun water activity; it's also really good for your health and overall well-being offering many benefits.
It can help keep your heart in great shape, boost your brainpower, make your skin and hair look fantastic, and lower your stress levels.
Plus, it's an awesome way to tone your muscles, improve how you stand and move, and even sleep better. On top of that, it can help with feeling less anxious or sad, strengthen your immune system, and help you burn calories.
10 Key Health Benefits of Surfing
These are the key health benefits of surfing, but of course there are many more! Want to add more, drop a comment below!
1. Health Benefits of Surfing: Healthy Heart
Surfing is a cardiovascular exercise that increases your heart rate and circulation. The constant paddling and riding waves can improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Over time, this reduces the risk of heart diseases by strengthening your heart muscle and improving blood flow.
2. Health Benefits of Surfing: Reduces Anxiety & Depression
Physical exercise increases the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play vital roles in regulating mood.
Surfing's combination of exercise, exposure to nature, and the soothing rhythm of the ocean can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here is a great video on how Movember has started to use surfing as a means to treat & improve mental health:
3. Health Benefits of Surfing: Surfing Makes Your Skin & Hair Glow
Saltwater acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and promoting healthy skin. It also contains minerals like magnesium and potassium that can nourish your skin and hair.
The exposure to sunlight during surfing provides vitamin D, essential for skin health.
4. Health Benefits of Surfing: Successfully Reduces Stress
The rhythmic sound of ocean waves triggers a relaxation response in the brain, reducing the production of stress hormones. Physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood elevators.
Combined with the meditative quality of being in the water, surfing is an effective stress-reliever.
5. Health Benefits of Surfing: Muscle Development & Posture
Paddling and maintaining balance on the board engage various muscle groups, particularly the shoulders, back, and core.
This repetitive motion helps build strength and endurance. Improved muscle tone also contributes to better posture, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
6. Health Benefits of Surfing: Good For Your Sleep
Regular physical activity, like surfing, can improve sleep patterns. It promotes the release of serotonin during the day, which later converts into melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
The relaxing nature of being in the ocean also aids in stress reduction, facilitating better sleep.
7. Health Benefits of Surfing: Builds Coordination & Balance
Surfing challenges your proprioception (awareness of your body's position) and balance. You must adapt to constantly changing conditions in the water.
This enhances coordination and fine-tunes your ability to control movements, both on and off the board.
8. Health Benefits of Surfing: Good For Your Brain
Surfing engages your brain in several ways. It requires coordination between your body and the board, enhancing motor skills and balance.
The process of identifying and catching waves also sharpens decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the ocean's calming effect and exposure to negative ions can reduce stress and contribute to better mental health.
9. Health Benefits of Surfing: Boosts Your Immune System
Immersion in saltwater can stimulate the production of immune-boosting white blood cells. The minerals in seawater, such as magnesium and potassium, are absorbed through the skin and can contribute to overall immune system health.
Regular outdoor activity in a natural environment further supports immune function.
10. Health Benefits of Surfing: Burns Lots Of Calories
Surfing is an intense physical activity that demands energy. Paddling, catching waves, and maintaining balance require muscle engagement and endurance.
This continuous effort burns a significant number of calories, making surfing an effective way to maintain or achieve a healthy body weight.
What Science Says About The Health Benefits of Surfing
Why Do Surfers Look So Healthy?
Surfers often appear healthy due to the combination of physical activity and exposure to natural elements. Regular surfing sessions keep them active, promoting cardiovascular fitness and muscle development.
The sun and saltwater provide essential vitamins and minerals for skin health. Additionally, the stress-reducing effects of being in the ocean contribute to an overall healthy appearance.
Why Do You Feel So Good After Surfing?
After surfing, you feel great because of the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. Physical exercise, like surfing, triggers this response, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
The calming effect of the ocean and the sense of accomplishment from catching waves add to the post-surfing euphoria.
Why Is Surfing A Good Hobby?
Surfing is an excellent hobby because it combines physical fitness with the joy of being in nature.
It offers a unique blend of exercise, adventure, and relaxation. Surfing also fosters a sense of community among surfers, creating a supportive and fun-loving social circle.
Why Is Surfing Good For Your Heart?
Surfing is an aerobic activity that gets your heart rate up, strengthening your heart muscle over time.
It improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease. The physical demands of paddling and riding waves make it a heart-healthy sport.
Why Is Surfing Good For Your Brain?
Surfing challenges your brain with quick decisions, balance, and problem-solving. This enhances cognitive functions and sharpens mental acuity.
The exposure to the ocean's calming environment and the focus required during surfing can also reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Benefits Of Surfing To Your Mental Health
Surfing provides a range of mental health benefits, including stress reduction, increased self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.
Being in nature and connecting with the ocean can have a calming effect, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How You Learn Patience From Surfing?
Surfing teaches patience as you wait for the right wave to ride. It requires persistence and a willingness to keep trying, even after falls.
This patience learned in the water can translate to increased resilience and perseverance in daily life.
Why Cardio Is Important In Surfing?
Cardiovascular fitness is crucial in surfing because it ensures you have the endurance to paddle out to catch waves and ride them effectively.
Strong cardiorespiratory capacity enables surfers to stay out longer and enjoy more waves, making the sport more enjoyable.
Why Core Strength Is Important In Surfing?
Core strength is vital in surfing because it stabilises your body on the board, helping you maintain balance while riding waves.
A strong core also assists with paddling and swift movements. Surfing regularly improves core strength, enhancing your overall performance.
Is it Normal To Be Tired After Surfing?
Yes, it's entirely normal to feel tired after surfing. Surfing is physically demanding, engaging multiple muscle groups.
It's similar to a full-body workout, which can leave you feeling pleasantly tired. This fatigue often leads to better sleep and muscle recovery.
How Can Surfing Improve Flexibility?
Surfing requires dynamic movements, which naturally enhance flexibility.
Paddling, popping up on the board, and manoeuvring on the waves all contribute to increased joint mobility and flexibility over time.
How Surfing Builds Mental & Physical Endurance?
Surfing builds mental endurance by challenging your determination and focus. It encourages physical endurance through sustained effort in paddling and riding waves.
The combination of mental and physical resilience learned from surfing can be applied to various aspects of life, promoting overall strength and stamina.
Benefits of The Surfing Community
Connection With Like-minded Individuals
The surfing community is made up of people who share a passion for riding waves and being in the ocean.
Being part of this community means you are surrounded by individuals who understand and appreciate the same things you do.
This can create a strong sense of connection and belonging, which can be especially important for those who may feel isolated or disconnected in other areas of their lives.
Access To Resources and Support
The surfing community is often very supportive of its members, and there are often resources available to help people improve their skills and knowledge of the sport.
Many communities have local surf shops, schools, and clubs that offer classes, workshops, and other resources to help people improve their surfing skills.
Additionally, being part of the community can provide access to information about ocean conditions, weather patterns, and other important factors that can affect surfing.
Opportunities For Growth and Personal Development
Surfing can be a challenging sport, requiring skill, patience, and practice to master.
Being part of the surfing community can provide opportunities for growth and personal development, both in terms of physical abilities and mental resilience.
As you push yourself to improve your surfing skills, you may also develop a sense of confidence that can spill over into other areas of your life.
Environmental Awareness and Conservation
Surfers are often very aware of the environment and the impact that human activity can have on the ocean and its inhabitants.
Being part of the surfing community can provide opportunities to learn more about environmental issues and take action to protect the ocean and its wildlife.
Many surf communities participate in beach cleanups, conservation initiatives, and other efforts to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Joy and Fun
Perhaps most importantly, being part of the surfing community can be a source of joy and fun.
Surfing is an activity that can be enjoyed alone or with others, and it provides a unique opportunity to connect with the ocean and the natural world.
Whether you are riding waves or simply spending time in the water with friends, being part of the surfing community can bring a sense of joy, adventure, and playfulness to your life.
Summing It Up: What To Do Now
Great! Now next time your surfing you will know all the amazing health benefits it's giving your body and mind! Drop your own surfing health benefits in the comments!
TIP! Ensure you know all the surfing lingo so you can communicate outback!
If your interested in learning more about surfing discover our many guides that will inform you on your surfing journey. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay informed on our amazing surf shots and stories shared from surf creators around the world!
