What are your new year’s resolutions for 2023? Maybe you want to hit the gym more, or practice your Spanish on Duolingo? Or maybe, you want to learn a new maneuver on your surfboard, or push yourself in bigger waves? Surfing is a great contributor to our overall well-being and happiness. So, why not make your resolutions centered around playing in the ocean on your surfboard, and you might find that things like good health, happiness, and new skills come naturally. Check out some of these surfing New Year’s resolution ideas for some inspiration:
Surf a new spot
This is a great one because it takes us out of our comfort zone. When you go to a new surf spot, you have to assess and adapt to the conditions there. This might mean understanding different currents and other hazards, as well as learning new landmarks and positioning for this break. Check out our know before you go series for some tips on how to go about this. Plus, there is nothing like the feeling of excitement at paddling out, or catching your first wave at a new spot.
(Photo by Cristina Gareau)
Learn something new
Where do you start with this one? I suggest that you build an awareness of where you are currently at in your surfing ability. What are you going out and doing in each session? Then pick the next technical step beyond those things you are currently trying. Sounds obvious, but when you look at the massive variety in surfing, what to do next can be a bit daunting. Keep it simple. If you are surfing in the white wash, maybe the new skill that you learn is the turtle roll, to help you make your way out past the break.
Check out this resource from Surf Simply, known as the Surfing Tree of Knowledge, to help you figure out your next steps.
(Photo by Paul Levy)
Make a sustainable surfing resolution.
It is surprisingly difficult to be sustainable as a surfer. For one, everything from the swimsuits and wetsuits we wear, to the boards we ride, are made out of plastics. Secondly, unless you are living right by the coast, we are almost always using a vehicle to transport ourselves, and our equipment to and from the beach. Here are some realistic ways that we can be more sustainable surfers in 2023 (and guess what: it will save us money, too!):
- Carpool to the surf more! Find that buddy that is on the same program as you i.e. they are around the same ability level and enjoy surfing the same spots, so that you can get along when deciding where to surf.
- Make sure you take good care of your wetsuits by rinsing them in freshwater, and storing them on a hanger and away from direct sunlight. This will increase the life of your wetsuits and mean you don’t have to buy as much new neoprene each year.
- Take part in a beach clean up. Check out your local Surfrider chapter to see when the next beach clean up is. (okay, this one won’t necessarily save you money, but it’s a great way to meet fellow surfers that you can carpool for future surfs)
(Photo by Kait Rogers)
So, in 2023, it’s time to live a little. To heck with your gym membership, or that reading list! Let’s see you start exploring new surf breaks and learning how to cross-step on your longboard. We have a ton of fun tutorials and stories planned for the PSCo. Broadcast this year, and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Happy New Year from the PSCo. team!
Blog Written by Adam Tory