Want to make your beach vacation amazing?
Spending your beach holiday relaxing on sunbeds with a cocktail is perfectly acceptable. But you could be missing out.
Adding surfing and other adventure activities changes your trip from something forgettable to LIFE-CHANGING.
Ok, data.
You’ll learn:
- Why Surfing and Adventure Activities Are Better than Lying on a Beach
- The Mental Health Benefits of Surfing
- How to Prepare for Surfing on Vacation
- The Best Adventure Activities for Beach Vacations
- Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Trip
Why Surfing and Adventure Activities Are Better than Lying on a Beach
Vacations are meant to be restful. Something to allow you to recharge your batteries so you can smash your fitness goals.
But lying on the beach all day isn’t really relaxing. At least not as much as you’d think.
You know how relaxing and rejuvenating vacations actually are?
By body and mind.
The adventure tourism industry is booming. It was worth an estimated $457 billion globally in 2024. It’s expected to grow continuously through the rest of the decade.
People are finally waking up to the fact that active vacations give you something you can’t get from passive relaxation alone.
This sounds cheesy
Bear with it.
New experiences release dopamine in your brain.
You feel good. Accomplished. You create memories that last WAY longer than your afternoon snooze.
All that completely vanishes when you’re watching Netflix on the beach.
Surfing and other adventure activities provide heaps of new experiences. From catching your first wave to trying coasteering for the first time. You’re immersed in the present moment.
Completely stress-free.
For those heading to Cornwall for a beach vacation, surf and adventure activities are a must. Cornish Wave Surf School in Newquay offers lessons for everyone from complete beginners through to advanced surfers, delivering memorable experiences that guests of all ages remember long after they’ve returned home.
The Mental Health Benefits of Surfing
Yep. Surfing is good for you.
More than that…
Nearly every surfer says they experience mental health benefits from surfing.
A recent study found that 99% of Australian surfers believe surfing helps their mental wellbeing.
How can something provide so many benefits and still be accessible to all?
- Surfing is physical exercise which in itself releases feel-good endorphins
- Spending time in nature also lowers anxiety
- Paying attention to the waves clears your mind
- Pushing your surfing skills creates a sense of achievement
- Surfing has a strong sense of community
Mix surfing with exercise, mindfulness, outdoor activity, personal progression and you’re looking at a potent combination.
No surprise surf therapy is being used to treat depression, anxiety and PTSD.
The best part?
You don’t have to be Michael ‘Fuction Boat’ Florence to soak up the benefits.
If anything beginners tend to experience more mental health benefits from surfing. The learning process forces you to stay present.
How to Prepare for Surfing on Vacation
Decided to give surfing a go?
Awesome.
Now take a few minutes to prepare and you’ll have the best possible experience.
Poor preparation is the number one reason people end up resenting surfing instead of loving it.
Get your body used to swimming.
Remember how surfing works muscles you never knew you had? You’ll definitely need to be comfortable swimming before you start. Get in the pool as often as you can in the lead up to your trip. Build up your endurance.
Surfing is also upper body intensive. Think about incorporating some basic exercises like push-ups and planks into your routine too.
Learn about ocean safety.
Yeah, sure you could just Google it. But if you’re using a surf school they’ll go through this with you anyway.
Rip currents, wave patterns, beach flags. Learn the lingo. Knowing what’s happening around you will massively improve your confidence.
Sort out your gear.
Beginners should book into lessons with a soft-top longboard. Longboards are much easier to surf and are way more gentle if they knock you around a bit. Don’t surf without a wetsuit in the UK. You’ll be thankful later.
Book in with knowledgeable instructors.
Do not be ‘that guy’ that shows up and tries to learn on their own. First of all, it’s dangerous. Secondly, it takes way longer to progress solo. Fly halfway across the world to learn from the experts.
Manage your expectations.
Standing up for the first time would be incredible. It’s definitely possible your first lesson. But if it doesn’t happen don’t sweat it.
Just being in the ocean and catching some white water feels AWESOME.
The Best Adventure Activities for Beach Vacations
Everyone always talks about surfing. But what else is there?
Ohhhh lots.
Coasteering – Hit up some epic cliff jumps, swimming holes and rock climbing. Fantastic for adrenaline junkies.
Kayaking and paddleboarding – Cooler, quieter activities to check out caves, sea-side coves and spots filled with marine wildlife.
Snorkelling and diving – Slip into a snorkel mask and you’ve entered a whole new world. Ok, you can still see the beach. But you’ll also see tonnes of marine life.
Yoga and wellness activities on the beach – Some resorts offer massage, yoga and other activities to combine movement with relaxation.
Combine some high-intensity sports with more relaxing activities. Slow days are just as important as your big adventure days.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Trip
As long as you remember a few key things you’ll set yourself up for success.
Consider your fitness level.
No judgement. But you should choose the activities that suit your fitness level. Taking on challenge courses when you can barely swim is a good way to end your vacation early.
Book in advance.
The popular surf schools and activity providers get booked up quickly. Especially during the peak season. Don’t wait until you land to organise your activities.
Rest up.
Adventure activities suck your energy. Plan for rest or recovery days between your big adventures. Otherwise you’ll burnout.
Try something new.
You might have planned every detail of your vacation. Don’t say no to an impromptu opportunity.
You never know, it might become your new favourite hobby.
Wrap Up
Throwing some surfing and adventure activities into your beach vacation can transform it from meh to life-changing.
Did you know there were so many benefits to adding surf and adventure activities? Or that it’s so accessible for beginners?
Some people think it’s difficult to learn how to surf. Others that it’s too expensive. Flyhalf to that.
When you book with a professional surf school lessons are included in the price of your stay. All you need to supply is your desire to learn.
You’ve got nothing to lose.
Only memories to gain.
