To say I had low self confidence when I started surfing would be an understatement. As surfers we are ALWAYS learning – and I’m not just talking about the technical stuff. Our behaviour, mindset, and energy can make a massive difference to how we progress and more importantly how much we ENJOY being in the water.
I wish I knew about all of this when I first started surfing. Even though I understand them now, it’s still a practice to implement these and some days are easier than others.
How you speak to yourself makes a difference
I didn’t realize how harsh and critical I spoke to myself until I started surfing. At some point I realized I would NEVER speak to someone else the way I was speaking to myself in the water. The inner dialogue is everything. Speak kindly and encouragingly to yourself. You’re not dumb, or embarrassing just because you didn’t catch a wave. No one’s going to do this for you, it’s a practice that you need to build to find confidence and be able to have fun surfing.
The thing is, we’re always learning. Even if we make it through the ‘learning curve’ criticizing ourselves the whole time – we’ll have to live with that negative inner dialogue every time we go surfing. It’s ok to be learning, it’s ok to make mistakes and it’s ok to feel frustrated – just don’t hate on yourself the whole time!
Try this: When you see a wave coming, tell yourself you’re going to make it. Rely on everything you’ve learned so far and paddle for it with confidence. Decide you’re going for it no matter what and commit to catching that wave, or at least trying.
Even when you don’t catch waves you’re improving
There’s nothing more frustrating than being able to catch waves in classes and not on your own. The transition to catching waves on your own is HARD. Just remember that every time you paddle out you learn something. You improve your paddle technique, practice reading the waves, get experience duck diving/ turtle rolling and MORE. Even when you can easily catch waves on your own – there will still be days you don’t surf much of anything despite your best efforts.
There are so many inconsistencies with surfing including: size of the waves, wind, sand of reef bottom, current, water temperature, board size, number of people in the water, level of the tide and others! You can take surfing personally.
Try this: When you surf and don’t catch any waves, refocus on what you did well. Did you get deeper under a wave on a duck dive? Did you work on having a nice long, even paddle stroke? Were you able to practice reading the waves? Did you enjoy being in the water, connecting with nature? How do your body and mind feel after being in the sea?
Consistency is Everything
Don’t expect to maintain the same level of surfing if you take long breaks of time off. If you don’t live close to waves or you take months off for travel or work you don’t have much of an option. However, if you live close to waves, listen up. Get in the water as often as you can even if the conditions aren’t ideal. Surfing imperfect waves makes you a better surfer. There’s no replacement for time in the water. As I mentioned above,every time you get in the water you ALWAYS learn something.
Try this: don’t get attached to one board. Over time, start collecting a quiver of boards. To do this affordably, borrow or rent boards to try out for a day. Once you know what you like, get a decent board that you can enjoy as your main board, or the one you will use most often. As time goes on, keep your eyes peeled for good second hand options for longboards, or shortboards if you normally longboard, twin fins, fish style or anything else that would allow you to have fun in different conditions. This way, when it gets too big, small, fat or steep for your regular board, you have options!
Food affects your energy
The way you find yourself makes a HUGE difference in how you feel. It’s not just about what you eat but also, when and how. It’s never just about what you eat right before you paddle out, but about your overall dietary pattern. Doesn’t that sound exciting?
A surfer’s diet should be based on whole foods such as: fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, and whole grains. I’m not saying never eat anything outside of these, but rather use these as a base for your meals. These foods are not only packed with fat, protein, (healthy) carbs, but also contain essential vitamins, minerals, water and fiber!
In addition to what you eat, remember to time your meals so that you’re not digesting a big meal while you’re trying to surf. While you’re eating, make sure to do it under calm circumstances. Being in a predominantly parasympathetic (relaxed) state while you eat will allow for better digestion and absorption.
For more tips check out this blog for 5 Surf Nutrition ‘Rules’
Surfing isn’t just about how you perform on a wave
Surfing is a sacred space for so many of us. It’s time and space to connect with nature, friends and ourselves. Your energy or ‘vibe’ in the water makes an impact, others can feel it too. Don’t be that person that others dread seeing in the water. Surfing provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect – and for more on what I mean about that check out this blog. on powerful ways surfing helps you reconnect.
Try this: Approach each session with low expectations, or like it’s your first time surfing. Take some of the pressure off having the perfect session. Life is too short to stress out over surfing. Instead, focus on the overall experience of surfing, from waxing you board to getting out of the water. If something doesn’t feel good, work on changing it!
Don’t let others intimidate you
As a beginner it can feel like everyone is light years ahead of your level. With a little more experience you realize this isn’t necessarily true. Of course when you’re learning, most people are better than you and it can feel intimidating. This will quickly start changing as your level improves – you won’t be stuck in that beginner phase forever.
Surfing is 50% confidence and 50% skill. Some surfers don’t surf well – but they throw themselves down the face of a wave anyway. They may stand up at the bottom of the wave or use their knee to get up. Others may have an excellent pop up or be able to ride waves with ease but feel insecure in a big crowd, or fear big waves. There are so many different ways to surf, don’t worry about comparing yourself to anyone just do your thing and enjoy!
Try this: Learn proper surf etiquette and paddle for waves when it’s your turn. As long as you’re surfing a break that’s appropriate to your level, you have every right to be there. Remember that just because someone surfs better than you it doesn’t mean they deserve to take all the waves.