It’s inevitable. The surf will go flat… but don’t despair.
It’s summer in Southern California. The sun’s out, the buns are out…and the surf can be nonexistent. Waiting for a rideable summer swell to come through can feel endless, but here are a few things you can do with that newfound spare time that still involve the ocean and surfing at some degree.
If the waves are flat, the bowl isn’t. Photo: Shutterstock
1. Skateboarding
Skateboarding’s popularity grew out of a lack of waves. But just when the waves are lacking, those concrete slabs are constant and unchanging, giving anxious surfers time to practice their carves and cutbacks with consistent accuracy. Plus, skateboarding is a killer core workout.
Have a look at the underside of the ocean.
2. Snorkeling
On a flat day, Malibu can look as still and blue as Cancun. By the time any semblance of swell reaches the sand at First Point, it’s so weak that swimmers will have little trouble wading out past the surf. Buy a snorkeling set on Amazon for less than $50 (I scored one at CVS for $8.99!) and explore the underside of the ocean.
Get limber AND mindsurf.
3. Yoga
Balance, breathing, flexibility. Every element of yoga positively contributes to surfing. You can even attend a beach yoga session; the perfect way to mindsurf.
Don’t be the person with arms bigger than your legs.
4. Leg Day
Unless you’re Kelly Slater or a pro in the making, you probably have bird legs–the curse of most surfers. We spend hours paddling, so our shoulders and backs are on point, but it’s rare to get the opportunity to pump your legs on a long peeler, especially if you live in Venice like I do. Get those squats and leg presses in so that you have the power to use your legs when you’re given the opportunity of a perfectly long wave. Practicing strength and conditioning during your downtime will also protect you from injury.
Catch dinner. It’ll taste better.
5. Fishing/Spearfishing
There’s something primitive about getting in touch with our hunter’s instincts. Buy or borrow some equipment and head out on a flat day. Both hobbies will satiate your thirst for being in the water, and who knows, you might catch enough fish to make some organic ceviche for dinner.
This is a real place. That’s disgusting.
6. Clean Up a Beach
On my first surf lesson, the instructor had us each pick up a piece of trash while leaving the beach. It’s a small gesture, but if everyone did it once a day, every day, it could have a tangible impact on beach cleanliness. As surfers, it’s our responsibility to take care of our second home. Give up a day for the place that has given so much to you and visit www.healthebay.org for a list of upcoming beach cleanups in the area.
Not quite as good as surfing… but pretty good.
7. Enjoy the Beach
Finally even out your awkward wetsuit tan! Come summer, we all look like strange creatures with tanned faces, hands, and feet but fairly pale bodies if we’ve been wearing full suits all spring. Take a day or two off to even out your turtleneck tan. Instead of stressing about catching tiny ankle-biters, relax and lounge on the sand while listening to the flow and ebb of the waves.
No waves at home? Go find some.
8. Travel
“Live the Search.” If there aren’t waves in your area, it’s a good time to venture north or south and explore new beaches. Chances are you have a friend who’s 30-something and still living that Isla Vista lifestyle or a wealthy aunt or uncle who has a timeshare in Ensenada. Even if you don’t find swell, you can’t go wrong with a quick weekend getaway.
If you get comfortable on a longboard, you’ll never be without waves.
9. Take the Log on a Date
Shortboards can be extremely frustrating on a tiny summer day. Dust off the ol’ log and practice noseriding in perfect low-risk conditions. While you’re at it–I guess this is 9.5–take the GoPro out and get some fun shots on tiny peelers now that there’s no danger of a massive rogue wave knocking the camera out of your hands.
Share it! Photo: ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com
10. Teach someone else to surf
It’s hard to teach someone to surf when the waves are good. You’re stuck standing next to a Wavestorm pushing your pal into waves while everyone else is scoring, but on a small day you’ve got nothing to lose. Be selfless and share the gift of surfing with that friend who has been asking you to teach them for months.
