On & Beyond the Surfboard

Some of us wait for those perfect summer days all year long and when they finally arrive, it seems as though they pass by too quickly. It might feel like summer’s about to end, but there’s still plenty of time for some rad kitesurfing. 

Is surfing something you’ve always wanted to try, but you weren’t sure whether you’d be any good at it? Or maybe you were afraid you would fail? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back, future surfer! 

Surf and travel are inseparable. But what should you pack for a surf trip? It’s so easy to get caught up in all the planning and overlook some of the essential items that you should take with you.

Before throwing yourself into the water, it’s important to know what the weather conditions and wind directions are. This is a basic rule every kiter should know. 

Northwest of Lisbon, Ericeira is more than just another charming little fishing town. It is a surfer’s hotspot, home to a high density of world-class waves and some of the most laid-back surf vibes in Portugal. 

Choosing the right surfing season and destination makes the difference between an unforgettable surf holiday and possibly the worst time away.

Bali, the Island of the Gods, is blessed with an abundance of almost everything – food, landscape, culture, spirituality, and waves. It is a swell magnet and a surfer’s mecca. 

It may still be cold in the Northern Hemisphere, but there are some places where the summer is never-ending. 

When it comes to doing what we love most, there should be no limit to how much money we spend. And yet, money always seems to get in our way. How wonderful would it be if we could spend less and travel more!

When was the last time you packed up and left for a new destination, leaving routine way behind you? If you’re reading this, you’re already taking the first steps towards discovering your passion. Kudos to you! But if you’re going to learn to surf, make sure you do it the right way!

You haven’t truly had a complete surfing experience if you haven’t dipped your surfboard in the Atlantic Ocean on Morocco’ beaches. 

Another year has gone by. We’ve learned and grown together. We caught our very first waves and joined our first surf camps. We’ve made great progress. But, the journey is never-ending.

Nothing beats that feeling of being out there in the ocean, just you and your surfboard, waiting for the next set of waves to kick in, surrendering to your instincts. Nothing but some cool gadgets that will allow you to share the experience with your friends and relieve the moment years after.

What do Christmas and surfing have in common? Apparently, not that much. But there’s more to it than meets the eye! 

The moment you become a surfer, you become an environmentalist; or to quote Kelly Slater, 11 times world champ, “I think when a surfer becomes a surfer, it's almost like an obligation to be an environmentalist at the same time.”

Technology is making its way into every aspect of our lives. It’s getting us our news, helping us keep schedules, take notes, keep in touch with friends, make new ones, find love, and so much more. 

While some of us are still preparing our wishlist, others are already shopping for Christmas presents. Sure, giving love, friendship, and kindness is more important than material gifts, but we have to agree that the latter are always welcome. 

We all dream of trading our day job for the beach life. But even though full-time surfers appear laid-back and carefree, their daily schedule is anything but. They work hard to play hard.

Surf camps are becoming more and more popular, but there are still some people who think that you would need to spend big bucks to go on a surf vacation or a surf camp. 

Do you find yourself staring at surfers in the line-up, waves rolling in the distance, wondering how on earth do they know when to start paddling and catch that perfect peeler?

Surfers never forget their first surfboard. It goes without saying that the surfboard is the most important piece of our surfing equipment – what else are you going to surf on, duh? But you can’t just ride any old surfboard, and that’s where the tricky part comes in.

Ask any surfer and they’ll tell you that the best way to get better at surfing is to…well…surf more. While I’m sure we can all agree on that, there are some things that you can do out of the water to boost performance and support recovery. 

Portugal is a surfer’s paradise. It has hundreds of surf beaches, it has Nazaré, the biggest wave ever surfed, and a laid-back surfing community.

Think back and try to identify those brief moments of absolute commitment and determination, when you were fully engaged while surrendering to intuition, in complete harmony with your surroundings, powered by an unrecognizable force coming from deep within you.  

If you were taken by the attractive photos of surfers gliding on gigantic waves and had an idea that surfing could possibly be an easy sport, then you are so wrong.

The awe-inspiring coastlines we all love so much are under serious threat. Surfers are among those who see and experience ocean pollution first-hand, and it is now becoming more clear than ever that these lands might not still be around for future generations to enjoy. 

With the increase in shark attacks and in the manufacturing of shark repellent devices over the past few years, many surfers want to know if these products really can keep them safe in the water. 

For any beginner in the world of surfing, imagining that you can paddle out to catch waves and pull off some crazy tricks can be both daunting and exciting at the same time. It is okay to be scared when you are about to face the waves for the first few times.

If you go beyond the misconception that surfing is just another sport, you will find that reading and riding waves have very much in common. There are tales, autobiographies, documented history, and classic novels crafted around the art of catching waves and the surf lifestyle.

Surfing is one of the hardest sports out there. You are using every muscle in your body, usually for hours on end, and sometimes even for several days in a row. When you are busy riding the waves, it is nothing but amazing; however, after your body has had some time to process what you just put it through, it can start screaming out for help.

For many of us, winter is the prime time for engaging in exciting outdoor activities during the day and sipping mulled wine and hot cocoa by the fireplace during the evening. But how about stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something even more spectacular?

Surf legend Philip Edwards, credited with being the first professional surfer and making the first signature surfboard in the world, famously said that “The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun”. We strongly agree with him and we also believe that surfing is so much more than just a sport; it is a lifestyle and, for some, a religion.

Are you ready for your next great adventure? Is taking up surfing one of your New Year’s resolutions? Would you like to check off some of the greatest surf destinations in the world? Regardless of what your surf plans are for 2018, we’ve got you covered!

Oh decisions, decisions… Christmas is knocking on our doorstep, snow has already started to fall and ski resorts are opening their doors for the season. At the same time, the surf is pumping too. How can you possibly pick one or the other?

Can you think of a more stress-free experience and a better connection with nature than when you are paddling your kayak on the open sea, passing by stunning stretches of coastline, surrounded by crystal clear water, absolutely no one and nothing to break the silence?

A surf trip offers you a great opportunity for adventure as you visit a new destination and surf on perfect waves. You will also get the chance to meet many new people and learn about a different culture. 

Astrology has a rather bad reputation, that’s no news flash! Adepts and non-believers form two battling sides, each finding (solid) arguments to support their theory. Ironically enough, even non-believers have a peek at their horoscope from time to time, nonsense or not. Yes, I’m talking about you, I bet you’re nodding right now!

These days, we have surf reports, swell reports and surf forecasts that show us when and where we should be hanging ten next. Reasonably accurate online charts save surfers the hassle of deciphering complicated weather forecasts. However, the more you know about how waves are formed, the easier it is to predict the optimal surfing conditions all by yourself.

We all need energy just to perform our daily, most mundane chores. When we add physical activities to our day, our energy requirements grow. But we all know that, right? However, how many of you know what and when to eat in order to help your body recover and perform better each time?

There are many different sports in the world. For most of them, you can learn all the basics in a relatively short period of time. However, surfing is a whole different ballgame. Surfing can be challenging, there’s no denying that! It can take a great deal of patience and perseverance to master even the basics. But don’t be put off! Once you become confident in the water, your knowledge and skills will quickly develop.

Going face-first into the reef, being held down for a few sets of waves, feeling helpless, trapped and not knowing which way is up, is the ocean’s way of reminding us that we are but mere mortals. Being held down under the waves for much longer than you might like can be traumatizing, and can question your entire commitment to surfing.

During those long, hot summer days, why stay indoors under the air conditioner when you can go outside and get active in the water instead? You’ll get your heart rate pumping and melt away those extra calories without even knowing it. Plus, you’re bound to cool down too. Let’s all turn fun in the sun into a workout in the sun!

One of the most important decisions any athlete can make to improve their performance and wellbeing is to make wise food choices. Sports nutrition is not a fad. Knowing what to eat and when to eat is pure science, and nutritionists believe you should adapt your meals and snacks to the physical effort you plan to undertake. 

Study hard, find a well-paid job, save money, buy a house, buy a car, have kids, buy a bigger car, feel trapped every single day. Why? Because society tells you to? Maybe you do not want those things, perhaps you want to spend your money on meaningful experiences, escape the rat race and gain control over your life. 

Getting barreled is the Holy Grail of surfing, that perfect moment when you are riding under the curling lip of the wave. Being inside the whimsical tunneling area created by a wave about to break, also referred to as tube riding or getting shacked, is on top of any surfer’s bucket list.

Surfing is an activity like no other. In an environment that’s constantly changing and moving, keeping up the pace sure is hard, which is why it’s often better to go with the flow or, in this case, with the wave.

Oh, that precious moment when we are surfing into the sunset, no one in sight, complete tranquility, just you and the waves. And yet, you feel as though you’re not alone. You look around and see a shark’s fin nearing. What do you do?

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all hit the waves whenever we hear Surf’s Up and ride our best? In reality, we must put blood, sweat and tears into it, because when we stop improving, we must start training!

Imagine riding those crests wearing nothing but a pair of shorts or a tiny swimsuit, soaking in the sun, finding shade in swinging hammocks on palm-fringed beaches and getting a tan that arouses envy. That’s how surfing in tropical water feels – like you’ve just died and gone to heaven!

If you’ve just started surfing, then chances are you don’t even own a surfboard. And that’s perfectly fine. Most surfers will rent or use their friend’s surfboards and general surf gear, but if you want to take it a step forward and have your own little surfing equipment, we’re here to offer some advice. 

Stand-up paddling, or SUP, is the fastest growing watersport in the world. It’s fun, easy enough for beginners and challenging enough for intermediate and advanced surfers. It provides a great entire body workout and it can be done pretty much anywhere from lakes to oceans. 

It’s no secret that surfers are some of the greatest fun loving people out there! The best way to get in on the fun, aside from grabbing your surfboard and hitting the beach, is to follow some of the best surf accounts available on the web.

Big wave surfing is by far the most spectacular surf discipline. Tackling big waves is both scary and thrilling, and it can take a surfer years before they are able to ride such massive waves, that can reach 80 feet. Yes, you read that right, 80 feet! 

Any surfer knows that finding a good surf location isn’t the easiest of tasks. Thankfully, the U.S. offers a large selection of awesome surf spots. 

If you’ve been to an airport you already know this – airline baggage handlers don’t care about your luggage. Their goal is to get all the bags onto the plane as quickly as possible, and whether your bag is dropped, thrown, flipped upside down or smashed into other bags doesn’t matter to them.