How to surf more in 2025
Whilst I tend to not make too many New Year's resolutions, I do often look back on the past 12 months and say to myself "I must surf more this year".
As we all know as surfers, it's often the case that despite the fact we would like to surf everyday, there are many factors that can typically prevent us from doing so. These include: work (why is it always pumping when you are meant to be working and flat at the weekend?!), family gatherings, a lack of transport or simply the fact our surf in the UK is inconsistent.
It's also the case that sometimes, typically in the Winter months, you might start to lose motivation for going. This is especially the case if it's cold, dark, windy and raining outside.
And you might even be finding that you're getting frustrated with your surfing - perhaps due to having the wrong board.
So how do you stick to this resolution in 2025 (and beyond)? Here's some tips we have to help you surf more.
Get surf fit
A common reason for surfing less is that you don't feel you are fit enough for it, especially when it comes to paddling. This can lead to frustrating sessions where you can't catch anything or get flogged by the waves too much. As a result, your motivation dips and you might decide to do something else instead, especially if you know the waves are going to be larger or more challenging.
Whilst surfing is probably the best exercise to get you surf fit, there's other things you can do as well, including swimming, weight training with specific exercises, yoga or even just daily press-ups.
Read our guide to 'How to stay surf fit' for more information.
Wear the right wetsuit
For British surfers, we are resigned to the fact that for the large part of the year our waters are cold. This means that having the right wetsuit is really important to help keep you as warm as possible and not make you dread going surfing.
Have a look at your current wetsuit, plus your wetsuit accessories and check them for damage or wear. There's several places that repair wetsuits or buy a kit and do it yourself.
If you think your wetsuit is beyond repair, then consider buying a new one. With the advances in wetsuit technology, it's likely that a new suit will instantly make you feel warmer.
Remember to make sure you get something that's the right size for you too. If in doubt, go and chat to your local surf shop for some advice. Our team are happy to answer your questions, so give us a call or drop into our shop.
Find the right board
If you're getting frustrated with your surfing, it might be down to having the wrong surfboard. A common mistake for those starting out is to choose a high-performance surfboard off the rack, because it looks good, but when they try to surf it they realise it is not right for them.
Choosing the right board for you is often down to your experience level, but also your weight. Something that is small and thin, with much lower volume simply won't give you the flotation you need to paddle and catch waves easily.
Once you are more experienced, you might also find that you're not able to progress as much as you would like, which could be because you actually need a more high performance surfboard to allow you to surf faster and more radically.
The best way to find the right board for you is to go and speak to an experienced surfboard shaper or a respected surf shop. They will have the years of experience to advise you on what would suit you best.
Get some coaching
Related to the above point, if you feel like your surfing is not progressing, then perhaps it's time to seek advice from an experienced surf coach. Regardless of your level of expertise, getting an honest assessment and then specific advice from someone else can be really valuable.
There's lots of options available, including group surf lessons or 1-2-1 coaching. You can do these here in the UK or, if you prefer the thought of warm water and sunshine, somewhere abroad. Which leads us onto our next tip...
Book a surf holiday
If you feel that you're not making enough time for surfing, then a great way to ensure you do is to book a surf holiday (or even several). This gives you a set period of time where you are free from other distractions to just focus on surfing.
Whether it's just a long weekend somewhere in the UK or a longer trip abroad to Europe (France, Spain, Portugal), Africa (Morocco) or even further afield.
And if you feel like you really need some quality time, then consider taking more time off work and exploring the likes of Indonesia, Australia or Central America for a few months.
As well as the chance to really focus on surfing, you will also be able to surf better waves, explore some new places, meet new people and experience some different cultures.
Move location or change jobs
Whilst this last one might seem a bit extreme or unrealistic, it might well be the thing you need to do in order to surf more. For many, living on the coast near to surf breaks is a pipedream, but those who do make it happen will often find they are rewarded with surfing much more.
Whilst living by the coast isn't a guarantee you will surf more (due to the other factors like work, family etc), your physical location means there are more chances to get in the water. This is especially the case in the Summer months, where long days mean pre- and post-work surfs are a reality.
Changing jobs can also be the way to get you surfing more. This is especially the case if you can do something working for yourself, so you can pick and choose when to surf/work, or even working remotely online. Countries like Portugal have a 'Digital Nomad Visa' which means that despite the post-Brexit restrictions, you can secure a long-term residency visa if you're working remotely.
We hope that these have inspired you to get out and surf more this year. If you have any more tips to share, then let us know on our socials.
