Whether you are getting into surfing for fitness reasons, or planning a vacation to Hawaii and want to try out its native sport, you may be happy to hear that it can have some truly beneficial side effects that reach far beyond simple physical exercise. By those who choose to open to its deeper side, it may well be considered an art form. Engaging in this art form is time well spent, as it is a truly unique experience in addition to being a healthy way to get a good workout in the great outdoors.
In all honesty, any excuse necessary to justify yet another adventure into the ocean is well worth adding to one’s regular fitness itinerary. There is truly nothing quite like communing with the ocean, as the benefits from merging with its vast beauty reach far beyond anything a fitness club can provide. The mental well-being that can arise from regularly swimming in its undulating depths is the kind of therapy that, for many, only nature seems capable of providing. For an increasing number of board riders, surfing itself is even considered so spiritual that the term “soul surfer” was coined several years ago. It may come as an even bigger surprise that some of the soul surfers took it to another level in recent years and made surfing an official religion.
So what is it that makes riding a board across the ocean so…well…deep? To begin with, the best way to really experience the subtleties that can bring a deeper understanding seems to be by riding on what is called a “long board”. “Long boarders”, as those who choose to primarily ride on one of these long boards are called, arguably make up the majority of the soul surfer community. These longer boards are generally ridden on smaller waves and the experience is much less of a grueling extreme sport based on thrill seeking. Long boarders are generally more prone to having a pleasant time enjoying the ocean and getting some exercise without having to wonder if the wave they are riding is their last. Soul surfing, for many, is about what happens when one really gets in touch with the ocean itself. When one really learns to listen to its patterns and begins to find a natural meditation arising.
Thankfully most people begin on a long board, although many are in such a hurry to get the thrills of riding a shorter and faster board on huge waves, that they potentially miss out on some of the deeper understanding of the art that may more easily come from long boarding. Hopefully, after your introduction to surfing, you will continue riding a long board as part of your surfing enjoyment. You may even find that you prefer long boarding and may ultimately find that you are one of those legendary soul surfers yourself.
Remember that it’s all about enjoying the experience. If it feels better for you in the long term, that’s generally because it actually is.