As the new year begins, we capitalize on the opportunity to reflect on the previous year and formulate ambitions for the upcoming year. The new year is the perfect time to make positive changes in our lives. Consider these ten resolutions for surfers and make 2023 your best surf year yet.
1. Rinse your wetsuit after every session
Trust me, I know that rinsing your wetsuit in fresh water when you get home from a surf can be very tedious. It’s easier to just hang it up and go on with the day, but it is very important to rinse off the salt. Not only does rinsing your suit significantly increase its life expectancy, but it also decreases the risk of skin infections. Rinse your wetsuit after every session this year. It only takes a couple of minutes and makes a huge difference.
2. Surf more
Year after year, surfers make a New Year’s resolution to surf more. Yet, every year a majority of us surf less than we’d like to. Make 2023 the year of surf. It can be challenging to stick to broad resolutions, such as surf more, so make your resolution specific. Do you want to surf once a month? Once a week? Three times each week? Choose a specific number of desired surf sessions and stick to it. Don’t end 2023 wishing you surfed more. End the year happier and healthier because you surfed more waves.
3. Stretch
Stretching before a surf session prevents injuries and improves your posture while surfing. Many surfers know the importance of stretching, yet many of us still do not stretch. Change that this year. You don’t have to do an entire yoga flow before each session, but set aside a few minutes for stretching. Take care of your body this year, it does a lot for you.
4. Make your surfing eco-friendly
As surfers, we are constantly surrounded by marine and coastal environments. It is extremely ironic that a sport and industry that relies on a healthy ocean can be so cruel to it. Make an effort in 2023 to take care of our home. There are several ways to do this. For example, use eco-friendly sunscreen, choose eco-friendly wax, or pick up at least one piece of trash every surf session. These are three simple ways to make your surfing eco-friendly, but there are several more. If we all make small changes to our lifestyle, together we will make a big difference!
5. Keep your car clean
In 2023, take care of your car. Surfers are known to have sandy and unpleasant-smelling cars. Never leave anything wet in your car, as this leads to nauseating wetsuit stank. Also, vacuum the sand often. Decide how often you plan to vacuum your car, depending on how often you surf and how much sand you bring into your vehicle. Maybe you want to vacuum your car every Friday. Maybe you only feel the need to once a month. Set a plan for the new year and stick to it. Your passengers will be very thankful.
6. Eat healthier
Nutrition is a key aspect of any sport, including surfing. The food choices you make create your energy and capability to maintain it while surfing. Regularly eating nutrient-dense, fresh, organic, plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans will improve the way you perform and recover. Make healthier choices in 2023 to improve your surfing and overall health
7. Surf a new spot
The excitement of catching your first wave at a new surf spot is incomparable. Choose a break that you’ve been wanting to surf and make it your goal to surf it before 2023 ends. I recommend choosing a spot that is slightly challenging and takes you out of your comfort zone. When you surf a new spot, you need to adapt to the conditions. If you want to improve your surfing, it is important to know how to surf in a variety of conditions.
8. Choose an area to improve
Making a resolution to improve your surfing can become overwhelming, so choose a specific area to improve. It could be learning a new skill or improving an old one. Leave 2023 improved.
9. Plan that surf trip
Plan the surf trip you’ve been wanting to take. Let's be real, there will never be a perfect time to go, so plan it now! The amazing thing about surf travel is you will meet new friends and make unforgettable memories, even if you don't score perfect waves.
10. Improve your surfing outside of the water
No waves, no problem! There are several ways to improve your surfing outside of the water. Surf skateboards allow you to practice surfing without relying on the natural state of the ocean. The boards are designed to stimulate real waves on land. Additionally, there are several exercises, including yoga, that train your body for the waves. Read my article "Workouts to improve your surfing" for more information.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!
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