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29 January 2025 / Written by Thea Neal

Tips for a Healthy 2025: A Surfer’s Guide to Thriving this Year

As surfers, we know first hand that the ocean has the power to refresh and rejuvenate us, but it’s just as important to nurture our bodies and minds so we can stay in top form for every wave. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, setting yourself up for a healthy and balanced year can make all the difference in how you ride, recover, and live your best surf life. 

In this Blog, we’ve put together some simple yet effective tips to help you create lasting habits, stay fit, fuel your body, and cultivate the mindset that supports your surfing goals.

1. Create Habits, Not Resolutions

The start of a new year often brings a burst of motivation, but resolutions can be fleeting. Instead, focus on creating sustainable habits that support your health and surfing goals. Whether it’s committing to a regular surf practice, incorporating mobility exercises into your routine, or scheduling time to rest and recover, small but consistent actions add up over time.

Start by setting realistic and achievable goals—whether it’s improving your flexibility, catching more waves, or building overall strength. Not sure where to begin? Take a look at our blog post on How to Set Surfing Goals You Can Actually Achieve. Clarifying what you want to accomplish this year is the first step in developing healthy habits that will set you up for long-term success and help you make meaningful progress. Reflect on what you need to do to achieve these goals, and plan them into your routine. 

 

Little Waves, Big Smiles, in Rip Curl G-Bomb Wetsuit

2. Little by Little, Big Results Will Follow

The key to staying on track is to take things step by step. Don’t overwhelm yourself with huge changes all at once. Break down your goals into small, manageable actions. You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine overnight.

For example, if your goal is to improve your fitness for surfing, start with small workouts a few times a week. Gradually build them up as your body adapts. It could be something as simple as a 10-minute stretching routine before bed or a short morning walk to get your body moving. Our Youtube Channel has loads of instructional videos that could help you here, from Stretches for Paddle Strength to  Exercises to Improve your Mobility, we are here to help! 

Whether you’re aiming to improve your surfing, push your limits, or simply gain more confidence in the water, breaking down your goals into manageable chunks is key to success.

That’s why we’ve designed our Coaching Weekends and International Surf Trips to do just that. Our programmes are carefully crafted to elevate your skills in a supportive, fun environment—no matter where you are in your journey. Our 2025 Calendar is out now, and we would love to help you achieve your goals. Find your perfect programme here!

3. Mindset Matters

Surfer’s mindset isn’t just about getting out on the water—it’s how you approach everything. Your mindset shapes your reality, so focusing on staying positive, patient, and present can make a huge difference in both your mental and physical well-being.

Surfing is full of ups and downs, so learning to embrace the challenges and celebrate the small wins can shift your perspective. On days when the waves aren’t ideal or you struggle with a technique, remember it’s all part of the process. Keep a growth mindset, and remind yourself that each session is a step forward, even if you’re not immediately seeing the results you hoped for.

Beach Yoga in Portugal

4. Fitness: Build a Surf-Strong Body

Staying in shape for surfing doesn’t mean you need to live in the gym. It’s about functional fitness—exercises that build strength, mobility, and endurance for paddling, popping up, and riding waves.

Incorporate exercises that target your core, legs, and upper body. Surf-specific movements like lunges, planks, squats, and push-ups will help you stay strong and balanced on the board. Don’t forget flexibility and mobility work—yoga or dynamic stretching routines are great for improving your range of motion, reducing injury risk, and keeping your body limber for those quick turns and paddle outs. You already know our YouTube Channel can help you out with routines 😉 

We include tailored yoga sessions as part of our Surf Camp and Retreat Packages, each blending mindful asana movements, designed to develop and enhance your flexibility, strength and surfing endurance practices, along with breathing techniques to help calm the mind and body. 

5. Nutrition: Fuel Your Surfing Journey

Nutrition is key when it comes to sustaining your energy and keeping your body healthy. You don’t need to follow the latest diet trend, focusing on whole, nourishing foods will set you up for success both on and off the water.

Make sure you’re fueling your body with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. This combination will give you sustained energy for those long surf sessions, while also supporting recovery afterward. Opt for nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish, chicken, or plant-based options), and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocado.

Hydration is also essential for peak performance, especially during longer sessions. Always carry a reusable water bottle with you, and keep sipping throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty!

Yummy Smoothie Bowls on our Bali Island Retreat

6. Rest and Recovery: Prioritise Self-Care

Ladies, did you know we actually need more sleep than men? Getting enough quality rest is crucial for both physical and mental recovery. While training and surfing are important, rest is just as key to improving muscle recovery, flexibility, and recharging energy.

If you’re feeling sore after a session, try active recovery—like foam rolling, stretching, or a light walk. Taking care of your body with proper sleep and recovery will help you stay strong, perform better, and get back out on the waves faster! 

Smiles all round at our Newquay Weekend Programmes

7. Stay Connected with Your Community

Finally, remember that surfing is not only about the individual experience—it’s about community too. Surround yourself with like-minded women who inspire and support you, whether that’s at your local surf spot, online forums, or during group surf sessions. Be sure to join our Facebook Community, and come along to one of our trips or weekends – where you are guaranteed to meet some more water-loving ladies! 

Your mental health and motivation will thrive when you’re part of a supportive tribe. Sharing stories, advice, and good vibes with others can help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the year.

Conclusion: Make 2025 Your Best Surf Year Yet

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s the perfect time to invest in your health and well-being as a surfer. By creating positive habits, staying mindful, fuelling your body properly, and focusing on fitness and recovery, you’ll be set to make this year your best yet on the waves.

Remember, the key to a healthy 2025 is consistency—don’t rush, and enjoy the process of becoming the best version of yourself both in and out of the water.

Here’s to a year of catching waves, building strength, and cultivating a mindset that empowers you to ride through any challenge!

So, what are you waiting for? Give yourself something to look forward to, and join us for an unforgettable weekend or surf camp! 

Whether you’re looking to level up your skills, recharge your body and mind, or simply ride the waves with a great community, we’ve got you covered. Book now and make this year your best surf year yet!

Explore Weekend Coaching Programmes!

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Interested in becoming a surf instructor? Explore Training Courses with Women+Waves!