Surfing alone can be a tranquil experience; nothing but you, the ocean, and your pick of the waves. At other times, surfing alone is the last thing you should do. So if thatʻs the case, when should you surf alone and when should you not?
Surfing alone is an amazing experience that brings you more in tune with the ocean and the waves. However, you should never surf alone in waves that exceed your ability. In waves of consequence, it is best to have a surf buddy or at least others in the lineup.
Some people think surfing alone is weird. Others believe that is the only way to paddle out. Iʻm here to tell you that you can have both. There are times when surfing alone makes sense. At other times, having a few others in the water can make all the difference in the world.
What Are The Benefits To Surfing Alone
You Are Free To Choose When & Where
When surfing solo you can choose what time and where you want to head out. Donʻt get me wrong, I love surfing with my friends, but I hate missing a good swell because they couldnʻt get up early enough to beat the wind.
Plus, thereʻs no back and forth on where to paddle out. With all my friends being regular foot, itʻs hard to get them to surf lefts, so by leaving them behind, I can finally get to surf that left Iʻve been eying up.
More Waves, Less Banter
We all like to have a chat in the water but what comes with more chit chat is unfortunately less waves. It’s a simple equation but if you are surfing solo you will be more focused on the waves and will be more likely to catch more.
It may depend on your mood that day but if you are craving a good shred sesh then taking a solo surf will allow you to focus on actually catching waves and not just catching up with your mates.
Closer Connection With The Sea
Spending time in nature has been shown to have some serious health benefits. By spending time in the ocean you are immersed in nature and can experience the positive health effects of both physical exercise and time spent in nature.
While surfing alone, you have the opportunity to not be distracted by anyone else and to just simply be. It allows you to connect with mother nature and deepen your connection to the ocean.
You ever see a surfer that seems to always be in the right place at the right time? Itʻs because of that connection with the ocean.
Disconnect From People
One of the best things about surfing is that no one can contact you. With no cell phones or emails constantly pinging you and needing your attention. This is why disconnecting from the real world and other people is so soothing about being out in the ocean.
Why ruin this zen time by having your friend chat your ear off about their annoying boss. Surfing can be very meditative and simply being in the ocean with no distractions allows your mind to truly disconnect from whatever is happening on land.
Locals Will Appreciate You…At Least A Little Bit Better
Every old-timer surfer you interact with will tell you that “it never used to be this busy when I started surfing here back in the day”. If you want to stay in the good books of the locals then we recommend not bringing all of your friends to the surf spot.
If the locals see you out there having a good time by yourself and following surf etiquette then they are more likely to like you. If you are bringing your 15 best friends out with you and constantly dropping in on people then you may not be welcomed back by the locals.
Drawbacks To Surfing Alone
Thereʻs No One To Hoot You Into Waves
There is something so special about sharing epic moments in the ocean with your friends. Sometimes its that push into a wave just past your skill level that you probably wouldnʻt have gone on otherwise.
Other times, itʻs the feeling of taking off on a perfect wave and having your friends cheer while you ride down the line. Then paddling back to them with a grin from ear to ear. Sharing these moments makes it just a little bit more fun!
No One To Watch Your Back
There are risks that come with surfing; from encounters with marine life to rocks and reefs, flying boards and rough waves just to name a few. Itʻs possible to get hurt in many ways while surfing, as described in this post. Having someone who is looking out for you and watching your back could be the difference between having a great day or a terrible day.
I have a friend from high school that was out surfing one morning before school when he broke his spine against the sea floor. Luckily he was out surfing with friends because they found him face down unconscious. He wouldʻve died that day if it wasnʻt for them.
Unfortunately, he is a quadriplegic today but he went on to inspire thousands with his Life Rolls On Foundation and his involvement with adaptive sports. If you want to help an amazing cause, this is one of them.
Surf Session Is On Your Dime
Going solo means that unfortunately, you are footing the bill for the entire trip. Depending on how far you have to drive, splitting the gas between a few friends could save you quite a bit of money.
If you are going on a surf trip for a few days, accommodation, food and gas could all be split to make a surf trip more affordable.
Competition Can Push Your Progress
We can all be competitive with our friends and by paddling out with mates you are more likely to push yourself to be better. Going out surfing with friends who are better than you or have skills that you want to work on, can push you to progress your surfing further.
Sharing tips and tricks is how your surfing will improve and without that, you might not progress as fast as you’d like.
If there is constant competition for waves it will encourage you to paddle harder, ride smoother and paddle to the back faster to be ready to catch the new set as soon as possible. This will improve your fitness and allow you to become a better surfer faster.
We all know that the better we become at surfing the more we enjoy it. So a little bit of competition is healthy, as long as it remains friendly.
Should Beginner Surfers Surf Alone?
For the complete beginner who has never been in the ocean before, surfing alone is not advised. The ocean can be a dangerous and mysterious place and for new surfers to tackle this by themselves it can be scary.
However, by taking careful precautions, you can feel safe about paddling out solo as a complete beginner.
Below are nine tips for you to follow to give yourself the greatest chance of having a successful solo surf day.
9 Tips To Make Your Beginner Solo Surf Session The Best Ever
1. Choose A Beachbreak On A Small Day
Before you even paddle out, where you paddle out and when will determine if its safe for you to go solo.
Choose a sandy bottom beachbreak with white water waves that break for at least 10 yards before reaching shore. Itʻs best if itʻs not a popular surfing beach, but just a random stretch of sandy beach with little waves.
The waves should be small, between 1-3ft. Anything bigger can lead to strong currents and potentially hazardous situations.
2. Watch The Conditions Before Paddling Out
Everytime a surfer paddles out, from the most experienced to the total beginner, time should be spent watching the waves. Iʻd say 3-5 minutes for every foot in size. If the waves are 3ʻ you should watch the conditions for at least 9 minutes, and so on.
Watch how the waves are breaking, what direction theyʻre coming from, how much time before the next set, where the currents are and so on. Doing this can save your life. And remember, if in doubt, donʻt go out.
If you still need further tips to learn how to surf, check out this guide all about teaching yourself to do it.
3. Stay Close To The Beach And Only Surf The Broken Waves (Whitewash)
When you are feeling comfortable enough to head out by yourself, stick close to the beach and only stay in the whitewash. It is not recommended for beginner surfers to paddle out the back where experienced surfers are.
Ideally the water level is about waist high so you can comfortably wait for a breaking wave and as it approaches, jump into the wave with your surfboard in the same direction it is going and hop on up onto your feet.
Itʻs that simple (rolling my eyes here, it took me a month to get on my feet consistently).
4. Only Surf At A Beach That Has Lifeguards
We recommend that beginner surfers head out where there is help available if they require it. You can surf near to where lifeguards are but always stay out of the way of swimmers and other beach goers. This means that if you were to get into trouble and needed assistance there is a professional nearby to help.
5. Surf Where Other Surfers
It is always a good idea to surf with other surfers, however, as a beginner, it is recommended to keep a distance between yourself and the advanced surfers to avoid getting in anyone’s way and to avoid conflict.
Youʻll be on the inside catching whitewater waves that have already broken and the more advanced surfers will be further outside, but if you run into trouble, other surfers will be around to help.
6. Go With A Non-Surfer Friend
You may not have any friends who surf yet but you may have a friend that would prefer to just swim and chill on the beach. This can be a perfect companion to go with. They can keep a watchful eye on you from the shore.
You might even be able to talk them into filming your surfing so that you can work on perfecting your technique.
7. Tell Someone Where And When You Are Going Surfing
If all of your friends are busy, make sure you let someone know where and when you are heading out for a solo surf. Once you are safely back make sure to message or call them to let them know that you are back safe.
8. Pick The Right Time Of Day
Surfing at dawn or dusk is beautiful however it does increase the chance of marine life encounters. If you are heading out by yourself and youʻre still knid of new to surfing, then going out during daylight hours is recommended. Learn more about when the best time to surf is by checking out this post.
9. Enjoy Your Time In Nature And Notice The Little Things
Look out for wildlife or watch the clouds roll by, spending time in nature can be so peaceful and relaxing and is proven to be good for your health. While out in the ocean surfing, why not focus on how amazing nature is while waiting for your next dream wave to come rolling through.
