Down south in Cornwall
What to Do When Your Surf Session Doesn’t Go to Plan?
Surfing is like life—it’s unpredictable, humbling, and full of surprises. Some days, you paddle out and your in the zone, fully connected to the water and your board, then POW! - The ocean has other plans: the waves are closing out or you can't catch anything, and you’re left wondering if you should have caught up on Bridgerton instead...
Here are my three top tips to turn a "meh" session into a memorable one.
1. Laugh It Off and Embrace the Chaos
Don’t take surfing too seriously, wipe-out's and bad sessions happen to everyone, even pros.
Here’s the trick: lean into it.
Turn the session into a comedy show for yourself. Celebrate your wipeouts, let out a loud “Yeeeehawwww! 'as your falling, and remember that you’re out in nature doing something epic.
Surfing is supposed to be fun, not perfect. So channel your inner froth monster, laugh at the occasional mess, and remember, we wouldn't even know what a good surf felt like without the bad ones!
2. Gratitude
If the waves aren’t cooperating or your surf mojo’s gone AWOL, take a moment to soak in your surroundings.
What 3 things can you see, smell or hear? Maybe its a cloud shaped like a dragon, the smell of freshly baked pasties in the town or seagulls wrestling on the beach. Try and appreciate the fact that you’re in the ocean instead of staring at a screen.
A session doesn’t have to be “epic” to be worthwhile. Maybe today is the day you work on your paddle endurance, perfect your duck dive, or just float around and chat with a friend.
Watergate Bay, Cornwall / Longboard Week with Gather & Glide
3. Do Something That Makes You Smile
Sometimes, the best way to deal with a frustrating surf is to reward yourself afterward. Hit up your favourite café for a falafel wrap, crack open a cold drink with friends or watch the sunset from the beach. The post-surf ritual is half the fun anyway!
If you’re feeling introspective, take some time to reflect on the events that lead to you becoming frustrated or disheartened in the water. Wrong board for the conditions? Waves that were just plain evil? Crowded? Learn from it, let it go, be kind to yourself and get back out there when your feeling ready!
Puppy love and a cup of tea, works every time!
Final Thoughts
Surfing is a rollercoaster. The trick is to roll with it, keep smiling, and remember why you started surfing in the first place (because its fun right?!). Whether you’re catching bombs or just catching your breath, every session is part of the journey.
So next time your surf doesn’t go to plan, laugh, look around, and do something that makes you smile later that day. The ocean will always be waiting for you to try again.
See you out there!
Allannah
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