Illustration: Esther Marie
Love can be found anywhere. Airplanes, trains, taxis, the doctor’s office, coffee shops, and grocery stores are practical places you could meet the person of your dreams. But the greatest place for a surfer to meet their match is out in the lineup. Dating is complicated. It’s fun, but it’s sometimes scary – just like surfing. And dating someone who shares your passion is a unique relationship. To supplement my belief, I turned to today’s most infamous dating tools: Tinder. After interviewing thirty surfer boys on Tinder, they all unanimously agreed that dating a girl who surfs would be ideal, and meeting her out in the lineup would be a dream come true.
Like men, women share a comparable fantasy. While surfing with a few girlfriends last week, I noticed a guy close to us who stood out from the rest of the men in the lineup. Not only because he was clearly surfing better than every one else, but he was beaming with a beautiful aura. He had dirty blond hair, wore a burgundy wetsuit and was riding a beautiful shortboard. His performance initially caught my eye, but his attitude and exuberance are what kept me looking again and again. He smiled and laughed with his buddies as he generously offered waves to others even though he was clearly in priority. To my utter astonishment, he paddled over to me and asked for the time. I literally almost fell off my surfboard, as this surprise expunged every ounce of balance I had.
To many, it was a menial encounter, but there was just something very unique about meeting someone while doing what you love. It is unhindered by social and cultural barriers. You immediately have something to talk about and there’s no pressure to impress. You aren’t dressed up or putting on your best act, you can be yourself and make true, genuine connections – both romantic and platonic. In fact, some of the closest friends I have today began with a simple hello in the lineup.
So this Valentines Day, I encourage you to spark some conversation while waiting for the next set. Be genuine. Be bold. Be yourself. You never know what could happen. And to the surfer boy in burgundy wetsuit, I think you’re swell 😉
