No traveling surfer ever plans on a flat spell ... but they do happen.
By Jon Coen, Adventure Sports Network
It’s like losing your wallet or throwing out your back … it’s the dreaded flat spell. No traveling surfer ever plans on it, but they do happen. And sometimes they happen on a surf trip, which is kind of the worst case scenario.
It’s like losing your wallet or throwing out your back … it’s the dreaded flat spell. No traveling surfer ever plans on it, but they do happen. And sometimes they happen on a surf trip, which is kind of the worst case scenario.
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| You've come so far and it's so flat. It may take some effort but you can turn the trip around and still have some fun. |
You picked your destination, did your homework, saved your money, scored the best price on a flight, booked an Airbnb on the sand, got someone to watch your dog, double checked your passport and took off on your trip.
No, the forecast didn’t look fantastic, but you had confidence that there’s certainly be something to surf during stay. At the very least, waist-high at a warm-water reef break is always better than waist-high at home.
Turns out, it wasn’t. And it’s not. It’s a lake.
Sure there are ways to hedge your bets. You can pack a groveler board. You can rent a log. But eventually, you just have to find something else to do like find an epic hike or a culture center. Fortunately, some of the places in the world that have the best surf also have other fantastic options for enjoying the ocean. No matter what you choose to do, it’s better than scrolling through your phone.
No, the forecast didn’t look fantastic, but you had confidence that there’s certainly be something to surf during stay. At the very least, waist-high at a warm-water reef break is always better than waist-high at home.
Turns out, it wasn’t. And it’s not. It’s a lake.
Sure there are ways to hedge your bets. You can pack a groveler board. You can rent a log. But eventually, you just have to find something else to do like find an epic hike or a culture center. Fortunately, some of the places in the world that have the best surf also have other fantastic options for enjoying the ocean. No matter what you choose to do, it’s better than scrolling through your phone.
Diving and Snorkeling
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| Always pack a mask, snorkel and fins. Seeing what's underwater is a great way to pass a flat day. |
Snorkeling is probably the number one alternative to surfing when the waves goes flat. It’s simple, doesn’t require much gear, and you’re immersing yourself in ocean life.
Dive the reef you surf to see how it makes the wave break. Explore a local shipwreck or just marvel at the sea life.
SCUBA is a bit more complicated (you have to be PADI Opens a New Window. certified), but it’s also available at most island surf destinations. Freediving Opens a New Window. is a little more involved than just snorkeling, when you start working on your breath-hold time. This should never be done solo.
We’d always recommend packing a mask, snorkel and fins for your trip. (Bonus: Fins can also be used for bodysurfing or teaching someone how to surf.)
Dive the reef you surf to see how it makes the wave break. Explore a local shipwreck or just marvel at the sea life.
SCUBA is a bit more complicated (you have to be PADI Opens a New Window. certified), but it’s also available at most island surf destinations. Freediving Opens a New Window. is a little more involved than just snorkeling, when you start working on your breath-hold time. This should never be done solo.
We’d always recommend packing a mask, snorkel and fins for your trip. (Bonus: Fins can also be used for bodysurfing or teaching someone how to surf.)
Fishing
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| Some of the best surf destinations in the world also have epic fishing. Often the smaller local operations are more fun. |
Every surf community in the world has a tie to the local fishermen.
Whether that’s surf fishing, deep sea, spear fishing or handlining, angling is always a fantastic way to spend a day and learn about the waters. There are usually sport fishing boats at any location.
While you likely have a good chance of getting fish, it can also be expensive. Ask around town and you can often find a small operation with reasonable prices. Maybe it’s just a local captain who will take you out for a morning in his panga Opens a New Window. . Plus, you may come home with dinner.
Whether that’s surf fishing, deep sea, spear fishing or handlining, angling is always a fantastic way to spend a day and learn about the waters. There are usually sport fishing boats at any location.
While you likely have a good chance of getting fish, it can also be expensive. Ask around town and you can often find a small operation with reasonable prices. Maybe it’s just a local captain who will take you out for a morning in his panga Opens a New Window. . Plus, you may come home with dinner.
Paddling
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| No one likes them in the line up, but for spending time with kids or significant other, it's not a bad way to enjoy the water. |
Yeah, we know how many surfers feel about those SUP’ers at your home break or while traveling. But we’re not talking about being a wave hog or even riding waves. We’re just talking about stroking out and seeing the coast from a different vantage point, getting some sun and a little workout.
Standup Paddleboards are available for rent on every coast – fresh or saltwater – in the world. For as much as we oppose them in the lineup, they are a fantastic way to spend time on the water with your kids or significant other. They’re cool for fishing, exercising and seeing wildlife. Like snorkeling, paddling is a great way to spend time with family or a girlfriend/boyfriend on a trip.
And hey, if you happen to paddle past a spot with a one-foot wave and no one out … we won’t tell anyone.
Standup Paddleboards are available for rent on every coast – fresh or saltwater – in the world. For as much as we oppose them in the lineup, they are a fantastic way to spend time on the water with your kids or significant other. They’re cool for fishing, exercising and seeing wildlife. Like snorkeling, paddling is a great way to spend time with family or a girlfriend/boyfriend on a trip.
And hey, if you happen to paddle past a spot with a one-foot wave and no one out … we won’t tell anyone.
Underwater Training
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| Paige Alms training to surf big waves. |
This is fun in a novel sort of way, mostly because even if you live on the beach at home, these are tough to practice without clear, tropical water.
This is a hypoxic workout Opens a New Window. that big-wave surfers have been doing for decades which involves variations of diving to the sea floor, picking up a rock, using it to keep you down and running with it. The idea is to increase lung capacity.
When your body is static you can stay underwater much longer. Exertion uses oxygen, therefore, by putting your lungs through a workout minus air, you’re really expanding those lungs. Some mountain athletes do hypoxic Opens a New Window. workouts, as well.
This is definitely a challenge. You’re not likely going to see a lot of results if you only do it a few times, but it’s a way to mix things up from a morning jog. Just be sure to do it with a buddy – You don’t mess around with shallow water blackout.
This is a hypoxic workout Opens a New Window. that big-wave surfers have been doing for decades which involves variations of diving to the sea floor, picking up a rock, using it to keep you down and running with it. The idea is to increase lung capacity.
When your body is static you can stay underwater much longer. Exertion uses oxygen, therefore, by putting your lungs through a workout minus air, you’re really expanding those lungs. Some mountain athletes do hypoxic Opens a New Window. workouts, as well.
This is definitely a challenge. You’re not likely going to see a lot of results if you only do it a few times, but it’s a way to mix things up from a morning jog. Just be sure to do it with a buddy – You don’t mess around with shallow water blackout.
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