6 Reasons Why Surfing is Good for Your Soul

Benefits of Surfing for Your Body & Mind

Image courtesy of frank mckenna via Unsplash

With indoor activities coming to a halt this summer, many Floridians are looking for ways to beat the heat. In our upcoming series, we will focus on fun outdoor activities for the whole family that are available around Northeast Florida, and why they are a great option for safe, social-distancing fun.

In our first segment, we explore the world of surfing. East Florida has plenty of waves to enjoy, whether you prefer long-boarding or short-boarding. It is also an activity that can be enjoyed in Florida throughout all four seasons. Plus, it is an exciting, enjoyable, and challenging sport that adds both physically and mentally benefits to your life. Surfing allows you to enjoy the outdoors, the fresh air, and the salty ocean water while having fun with friends or family. Check out five health benefits of surfing we have compiled below.

Strengthens Cardiovascular Health

Paddling out on a surfboard will increase cardiovascular fitness and improve shoulder and back strength. Standing on the surfboard will also strengthen your legs and core. Surfing is an activity that keeps your heart to pumping strongly the whole workout.

Tones Muscles

Surfing is the perfect way to tone and build your muscles without having to hit a cramped indoor gym. Your shoulders, back, core and legs are all used during a typical session, creating the perform storm of muscle toning.

Stress Relief

Surfing relaxes the mind, body and soul. Whether pushing your body to its limits or just relaxing and having fun in the ocean, the amount of energy you put in is completely up to you. Sit back and relax, and breathe in the smell of serenity.

Builds Stamina

Paddling out into the ocean to surf, takes a great amount of endurance. This part of surfing is probably the most difficult obstacle to achieve and can take some time to build up stamina to paddle out and stay on your board. After a couple of times of paddling out, you will be accustomed to it and your stamina will escalate and will help you do other physical activities in your life.

Soaking up Vitamin D

The sun is the best source of Vitamin D and is good for your body in many ways. Vitamin D is produced when your skin is exposed to the sunlight made from cholesterol. This mineral is essential for optimal health and can prevent multiple diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis and heart attacks. Vitamin D also keeps your mind and heart happy and healthy decreasing the chance of depression. However, don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen, and use aloe to protect the skin if you’ve been exposed to too much sunlight.

Surfing is for Everyone

It’s never too late to try your hand at surfing. Whether you are visiting the Fernandina Beaches for the first time, or have lived surf-side your whole life, surfing is a sport that can be enjoyed from little tikes to older adults. Longer soft-top surfboards are safe ways to start out, depending on your size and height. Chat with a local surf shop to see what rentals they offer, and what they recommend. Many surf shops even offer summer camps and individual or group lessons.

Surf’s up! Ready to jump in the water? Don’t forget to chow down on healthy dishes like wild-caught seafood and other delicious options from Timoti’s here in Fernandina Beach, Nocatee in Jacksonville or at Karibo in 5 Points Jax (carrying the top Timoti’s faves!). See our locations below to find your Timoti’s.