People automatically link surf culture to a laid-back, easy-going lifestyle. Because of the lifestyle it represents, surf culture teaches us to prioritize enjoying life, being in the moment, and going with the flow, which is different from modern-day society/life. No wonder that surf trips are skyrocketing these days. Living in a constant state of stress, anxiety, and overstimulation puts us in survival mode and disconnects us from ourselves. It’s a normalized aspect of society that is difficult to escape from. Surfing provides this escape, giving us the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves due to the values of the surf community: simplicity, mindfulness, freedom, and a strong connection with nature.
Connection with Nature
Nature can do wonders for mental health. Some therapists even prefer to have outdoor sessions in nature with their patients struggling with burnout. Being surrounded by nature helps us reconnect our bodies with our minds, lowers our stress hormones, and calms our heart rate. Nature naturally has a calming effect on us, with less arousal compared to other environments, bringing peace to our minds, helping us focus more, and seeing things more clearly.
Nature releases chemicals that strengthen our immune system and increase our happiness hormones. For example, trees release substances to protect themselves against viruses and bacteria. When people inhale these, it protects us from various diseases and strengthens our immune system. Being at the beach, on the ocean, or near moving water also exposes us to higher levels of negatively charged ions. These ions help the brain release serotonin, which improves mood and reduces blood lactate, thereby lowering stress. Ever heard of the Blue Mind Theory? It shows how people can use water to improve their well-being. The idea is that being in or close to water has a significant positive impact on our well-being, happiness, and creativity.
We are always complaining about how scary it is that time goes by so fast, a big problem when we spend so much time on our screens. In this day and age, we simply can’t be bored anymore and are always looking for stimulation. We often seek fake dopamine that’s easy to reach when we should be looking for real and long-lasting dopamine, such as watching the sunrise, getting some sunlight, going for a walk in nature, or sitting by the river or the ocean. (Surfing is a great dopamine booster btw!) The sights, sounds, and smells of nature capture our attention in a way that screens and devices can’t.
Related Read: Finding a balance between surf work and travel
Mindfulness and Presence
Mindfulness is a word we hear a lot these days, but what does it mean? It is the practice of being fully aware and present in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. It’s about focusing on the here and now rather than getting lost in thoughts about the past or worries about the future.
Think about the last time you were actually conscious of your presence. When was the last time you turned off your autopilot? Mindfulness helps us to turn off this autopilot that we are living in, it offers us a break from the constant distractions of modern life.
Surfing and mindfulness share a deep connection, as both practices around being fully present in the moment. In the water, there are no distractions—you can’t reach for your phone or screens. Unlike many other sports where people are often still engaged with their phones, especially now in this generation where everyone wants to film their performance, surfing stands apart. That’s the beauty of it—you simply can’t use your phone. It’s just you and your thoughts.
We can use mindfulness as a tool for meditation. When you are surfing, you’re naturally drawn into a state of meditation because the ocean demands your complete attention. Balancing on a board, reading the waves, and timing your movements require you to focus on what’s happening right now, leaving little room for distractions or wandering thoughts.
Related Read: Finding balance between surf work and travel
Personal Growth Through Challenges
Surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a journey of personal growth and overcoming challenges. As a surfer, you constantly face the unpredictable nature of the ocean, which mirrors the unpredictability of life itself. Every day, every wave is different, and learning to adapt, stay calm, pushing through uncertainty builds resilience.
Related Read: What Surfing Teaches You About Life
Surfing also builds mental strength. The fear of big waves or wiping out can be intimidating, but facing these fears develops courage and confidence. Recovering from failure or disappointment is an essential skill to master as a surfer because it happens often. That’s simply how the sport is. Being or becoming a surfer will shape your character and mindset. Over time, the challenges you overcome in the water and the journey as a surfer will contribute to your self-discovery and personal growth which will benefit in other areas in your life.
Related Read: Surfing for a Better Health
Emotional Release and Therapy
Can you relate to the feeling of coming home after a surf trip, full of happy hormones? Your self-esteem is higher, you’re more focused, your perspective has broadened, and you feel more connected with yourself, nature, and others. It gives you an energy that makes you feel capable of many things and that life is simply beautiful. This feeling isn’t just in your head— there are proven benefits of surfing, like the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, resetting your sleep pattern by waking up early to catch waves, boosting your confidence, lowering your stress hormones, and improved connection with nature and the community.
In addition to emotional release, riding waves can be a powerful way for surfers to let go of negative emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness while also increasing your happy hormones. Being in the ocean feels like washing away emotional stress, leaving surfers feeling refreshed and lighter. Simply put, surfing puts a smile on your face—the pride and joy you feel when riding a wave is so intense. You immediately get an energy boost, making you eager to catch more waves.
In these ways, surfing serves as a form of emotional release and therapy, helping individuals process emotions, build resilience, and find peace.
Related Related: Connection of Surfing and Emotions
Community and Connection
As human beings, we are naturally wired for connection and a sense of belonging; it’s in our DNA. We believe that community and connection are among the most important aspects of life, more so than material possessions. In individualistic cultures, many people experience depression despite having secure lives, often because they feel lonely. This is often due to a lack of community and supportive connections, which are more commonly found in collectivist cultures.
The surfing community often provides a sense of belonging and support, which can be emotionally healing. People cheer you on in the water, encourage you to believe in yourself, and you meet people from different countries and cultures. You might even live together for a while if you’re staying in a surf house or hostel. Sharing life experiences and understanding the joys and struggles of surfing can create strong emotional bonds.
Enhanced Self-Awareness
Surfing and self-awareness go hand in hand. Surfing demands full focus, requiring you to be present and in tune with your body, the ocean, and your surroundings. This deep focus helps you understand your physical abilities, emotions, and reactions better. As a surfer, you become more aware of how you handle challenges, fear, and uncertainty. This not only makes you a better surfer but also helps you to have a deeper connection with yourself, leading to personal growth and a stronger sense of self-awareness.
Related Read: What Does Surfing do to your Mind
Conclusion
Becoming a surfer and immersing yourself in this community while being in nature, away from the noise and distractions of daily life, offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself—it’s truly healing. In places like Hollow Treee’s Resort, this experience is elevated, providing the perfect environment to reduce stress, improve well-being, and feel more at peace with the world and yourself.
