Ask any surfer and they will claim that surfing is a cure for all. Anxiety, long days or a general overwhelming of stress can, easily, be overcome by spending a few moments in the water.

This is due to the, almost, meditative qualities of surfing and the humbling force of the ocean! All elements of surfing help to produce a euphoric feeling, from something as simple as waiting for the next set, or controlling your breathing whilst you paddle, to actually successfully riding a wave! More than just patience and controlling your breathing, surfing provides a feeling of self-accomplishment, as do many other sports, which has the added benefit of boosting confidence by allowing you to set and eliminate goals at your own pace.

Overall it is a fantastic way to allow one to come out of their shell and to gain confidence whilst allowing one to challenge oneself, even though the psychological effects of surfing are often brushed away. However, some much smarter and brilliant scientists and doctors around the world, that clearly have a better understanding of the effects that; the ocean and surfing, have on one’s physical and mental health have started further investigation.

I recently read an eye-opening and scientifically worded article which stated that, although most sports do help boost confidence, surfing, amongst other activities which take place near a body of moving or frozen water, actually leave a longer lasting effect of serenity and accomplishment. Without delving to deep, it all had to do with the ionization of oxygen found near moving/frozen water. So any water or snow sports are actually beneficial to your mental state by charging you up with ionized oxygen leaving you feeling a stronger stoke for longer.

In Cape Town, there are several great people and organizations that aim to use surfing for more than just the most epic pass time. These individuals and organisaztions are capitalizing on our mutual stoke for the ocean in order to enrich countless of peoples lives, through their various programs:

Walking on Waves

Waves for Change

9Mile Surf Project

Surf Shack

Adaptive Surf Champs

Surfing Rehab

Over and above the psychological/physiological benefits and surf therapy uses, surfing in South Africa is also used for outreach community projects, in order to help those less fortunate to stay off the streets and to provide an escape from the harshness of their home lives or lack there of.

After researching the various surf therapy uses throughout the world we have determined the following fields and the benefits of surfing as a treatment in these fields.

1. Poly Trauma – suffering from multiple physical and mental impairments from combat wounds. These injuries often affect multiple organ systems in the body and, in addition, the experience in combat can cause anxiety, depression and psychosocial impairment.
2. Cystic Fybrosis – is a genetic disorder that heavily effects the respiratory and digestive system. Those born with Cystic Fibrosis produce extremely thick mucus in their lungs. This causes drastic coughing and difficulty breathing, and can cause life-threatening infections. Researchers in Australia found that the lungs of surfers with cystic fibrosis were much healthier than the lungs of patients who did not surf. They discovered that the saltwater mist of the ocean helps rehydrate airway surfaces, which in turn lubricates the lungs. This makes it much easier for those dealing with cystic fibrosis to clear their air passages and break up mucus
3. Autism – Autism is a genetically inherited condition that has no known cause or cure. Children affected by autism frequently experience sensory overload as well as obsessive-compulsive routines that are difficult to break. Izzy Paskowitz, son of legendary surfer and doctor Doc Paskowitz, was one of the first to explore surfing as a treatment for autism, after spending years, seeking effective treatment for his son. Izzy and his wife, discovered nothing worked as well as something that was already an integral part of their family: the ocean. Surfing provided their son, relief from his symptoms that no medicine or therapy could offer. Time in the water forced him to abandon OCD routines, and the ocean offered a calming remedy from sensory overload.
4. Depression & Mood – This comes as no surprise to anyone that surfs, as we already insist that surfing is a great way to lift one’s spirits, as well as the longer lasting effects of that euphoria due to exposure to the more positively charge ions that exist around moving bodies of water, as mentioned above. To further the scientific research behind this claim, in 2010 the British National Health Services started a pilot program. The program observed 22 participants dealing with mental issues from schizophrenia to psychosis from ages 12 to 23. After six weeks on the coast learning how to surf with the assistance of qualified coaches and recording the moods of participants, researchers found that at participants decreased in negative feelings and an increase of positive ones just in the time of 30 minutes of riding waves. In a similar study conducted at University of Iowa, by doctoral student Ryan Pittsinger, the link between surfing and mental health was researched further, while also providing comparison of the effects of surfing with other sports. While any kind of athletic activity causes the release of endorphins, which cause positive emotions, surfing, more than any other activity, causes feelings of tranquility and serenity. It leaves participants with a sense of accomplishment and a boosted self-esteem. These lasting effects also make surfing helpful in overcoming drug addiction. Many rehab centers, around the world, have now started to integrate surfing into their programs.
5. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Over recent years PTSD has been brought to light in to the public eye and a lot of various research has been done to develop the best possible treatments. The United States Marine Corp has already incorporated surf therapy into effective treatment of PTSD and although involves other stress reducing activities, surf therapy provides fun and camaraderie for all the participants. 
6. Community Outreach Projects – This is the most common use of surf therapy found around Cape Town and Africa as a whole. This is a very simple idea of using surfing as a community project in order to provide a safe environment that focuses mentorship, exercise and keeping disadvantaged people as far away from bad influence, whilst allowing them to set and achieve personal goals. It also has a similar benefit with the PTSD treatment, through camaraderie developed through the program.
7. Adaptive Surfing – This is an amazing initiative that uses surfing to help those suffering with various disabilities. These programs provide physical benefits and can act as a form of rehabilitation from injuries.

Each of the above has its own focus and goals; however, we have found that the treatment benefits are evident in all of the fields and include but are not limited to:

• Multi-sensory environment provides opportunities for adaptive response
• Improve and maintain muscle tone, posture, motor planning and balance
• Facilitate higher cognitive skills through integration and assimilation of lower level skills
• Develop play skills and leisure interests
• Achieve a sense of mastery and well-being
• Demonstrate volitional participation–the unique surfing experience provides an innate motivation essential for effective therapy outcomes.

The fact of the matter is that all sport has  more than just physiological benefits and surfing is definitely one of the most fun waves to reach them. From simply reducing stress levels and boosting confidence, to amazing rehabilitational benefits for those with more specific needs. No matter what the reason, surfing is something everyone should try at least once, cause you never know how it might change your life.

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a great way to get active outdoors. For those that are a little hesitant to immerse themselves more than knee deep into the ocean but have the desire to try an ocean sport, SUP is a wonderful option, especially flatwater stand up paddling. Beginner SUP boards are very stable and relatively easy to stand up on and paddle.  With a little guidance, you can be up and riding with confidence in no time.

Our intern Laura wrote a blog on her experience of January 2018’s 3-day ‘Stoked on the Southern Cape’ surf camp. Read below about the adventures she and the group had:

‘It’s safe to say that the past few days were some of my favourites of my time in South Africa. I had the opportunity to go on the 3-day ‘Stoked on the Southern Cape’ surf camp, which I obviously couldn’t say no to.

We left from HQ on Friday morning to meet the rest of the group. The group was a fun mixture of nationalities and ages, which made the dynamics very interesting. Luckily we all had one thing in common, which was a great sense of humour. 

We drove to Strand for our first surf lesson. I’ve been to Strand many times before, but the view with the mountains in the background keep taking my breath away. After catching a lot of nice waves, we took the scenic R44 towards Hermanus. After spending a few hours in Hermanus to see sights and have lunch, we started driving to Arniston, accompanied by great tunes.

The first night at the beach house was a very relaxed one. Imagine a glass of red wine, Amy Winehouse in the background and a get together around the fireplace. Time for a good night rest to start the weekend with lots of energy.

The next morning, we started with a surf lesson in peaceful Arniston. The fresh water woke everyone up nicely. Since it was quite windy in the afternoon, we decided to go for a wine tasting. After a couple of wines, we started practicing for the night´s beerpong tournament. Practice makes perfect!

Back at the house, we turned on the braai and set up the beerpong table. Time to play! Blood, sweat and tears everywhere. An occasional cheer filled the room. After many thrilling battles, we all headed to bed, feeling stoked about the awesome day.

On the final day, we first watched a documentary about plastic in the ocean, which we were talking about earlier that weekend. It is amazing to see people coming closer to nature in just a few days, by just spending time in it. After that, we hiked to Arniston´s secret cave, which only appears in low tide. Even there, the conversation about the plastic continued. It was beautiful to see how everyonce cared so much and how we together came up with little things we could do to improve the situation.

We said goodbye to a part of the group afterwards, since they had to continue with their travels. They were amazing, so saying goodbye wasn´t easy. With the rest of us, we drove to Strand to catch our final waves. We left the water feeling completely stoked.

Unfortunately, the weekend had come to an end. The places and the people made the experience super special. Can someone please press rewind?’

Because there currently is a very severe water crisis in Cape Town (which we wrote a blog about), you should minimalize the times you shower. Luckily, sea water has great benefits for hair and skin. So, you don’t only have fun in the water while surfing, but you can enjoy the benefits of the salt left on your body afterwards. Score!

To show that you don’t have to run into a shower every time you get out of the ocean, here are some great things the sea salt can do for you.

Soft and shiny skin
Sea salt is packed with healthy minerals, which has three major effects on the skin, which work together to leave your skin softer and shinier. The first thing is that the salt absorbs the toxins of the skin, such as acne-causing bacteria. That way, it treats infections and encourages the healing process. Secondly, the salt has moisture-reducing abilities, which help to regulate overproduction of oil that could lead to clogged pores. Finally, the minerals open pores for deep cleansing as well as encouraging the blood flow. Thanks to that, your skin can easier absorb skin treatments, such as moisturizer.

Mermaid hair, don’t care
Everyone is out there trying to get that beachy look using sea salt sprays and waxes and gels and what not. But let’s be honest, the only true way to get those mermaid waves is a dive into the ocean. The sea salt doesn’t just give you the perfect careless wave, it also helps lightening up your locks, leaving you looking like a true beach-babe or beach-boy.

Source: http://stylecaster.com/beauty/salt-water-beauty-benefits/

Seen this message popping up at restrooms around the city? Well this is to remind us of one of the many practical ways we can save water during the very serious water crisis Cape Town and its surrounding towns is dealing with. At Stoked School of Surf, we hope that everyone who stays in the Mother City teams up to save water like a local. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the city, we’re all in this together! So let’s get our rain dancing shoes on and get jiggy with it…or not…. 

The message that the City of Cape Town is sending out is that water usage PER PERSON must be reduced to 87 litres per day. 

Here are some quick tips to ‘save like a local’: 

• The 2 MINUTE POWER SHOWER: rinse, turn off tap, lather, rinse off as quickly as possible 
• Don’t leave the tap open while you are brushing your teeth, washing your hands or face etc 
• Collect water while you shower and use this water to flush the toilet/mop floors if you’re staying at a self-catering apartment/villa 
• When using tap water for cleaning vegetables/dishes etc think about what items are ‘cleanest’ and wash those first so the remaining water can be used for dirtier items 
• And of course: ‘If it’s yellow let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down’. 

​Here are some tips by the city of Cape Town on how to use 87 litres:

Wonder how to do a 2-minute shower? Virgin active shows how to power-shower:

The Right Fit

So you’ve completed the 4-surf lesson package, know where the best surfing spots are, and now you’re ready to buy your very own surfboard.  

But before you do, it is important to consider a surfboard that is a good fit for you and your body type. Your age, weight, and fitness level should also be considered, as well as the types of waves you surf, and your overall ability. 

Your surfboard is a mirror of you, so pick the one that is appropriate for the surfer you are now, and not the one you want to become.

So before you fork out the cash, consider these tips that will help you make the right decision:

Dings and Things That Go Bump

For those just starting out, it’s best to opt for something a little more ‘off the shelf’ because it’s likely to get bashed around and ruined within seconds. While you are learning to surf, you will probably ding your board regularly if you surf often, so it’s advisable to not spend a fortune on your first board. For this reason, consider a user-friendly, foam soft-top until you are skilled enough to move up to the standard epoxy and hand-shaped boards favoured by the pros.

The Longer, The Better

Every surfer should ideally start out on a longboard. Learning how to surf can be a frustrating process, and the frustration is only compounded when trying to learn on the wrong board. A longboard provides novice surfers with ample surface area that will catch waves with ease and feel stable on the takeoff. 

When our students ask us which board to buy, we generally recommend that the longer the board, the better. A board that will provide flotation and allows for easy paddling, and stands at least a foot taller than you, should be considered. 

Volume

Many people make the mistake of buying a surfboard that is too small (in length and volume) for their level of proficiency. 

The most important feature you should look for when buying your first surfboard is volume. A board with a larger volume is more buoyant, and therefore floats and paddles with relative ease. Choose a board that you can surf in rookie conditions, i.e mushy, onshore waves to waist-high offshore waves. For the first 3-6 months, you really shouldn’t worry about turning or doing manoeuvres anyway, so focus on catching as many waves as possible, improving your confidence and board control, and learn how to ‘turtle-roll’. 

A good average size board for a novice surfer would be around 7 feet long and 19-21 inches wide and at least 2-3 inches thick.

Making Headway

Once you have mastered the art of riding an unbroken wave to the left and the right, it might be time to move on to the next suitable board. 

If you started on a longboard, consider a minimal (7.4 – 8.0ft). If you started out on a minimal, consider progressing to a hybrid/funboard (6.10-7.2ft). These boards usually have a wide nose, making it easy to get into the flatter, softer waves and once you’re on your feet, they are more responsive and manoeuvrable than a longboard. 

Funboards are a good cross between a long and shortboard. They are easier to turn than a longboard but are much more buoyant than a shortboard making it fairly easy to catch a wave.

Short and Sweet

Once you have mastered the minimal/hybrid, you may be ready for the next step to a shortboard (6.10ft or shorter). Usually recognized for having a pointed nose and three fins, the shortboard packs a punch with its ability to cut through waves seamlessly with tight turns and vertical mobility.  

Whilst a shortboard makes it easier to duck and dive in bigger surf, it requires a lot more stamina to gain enough speed to get into the breaks. 

By the time you are ready to move on to a shortboard, your paddle fitness should be at an advanced level, or you might end up frustrated not being able to get into the action. 

If it Feels Right, it is Right

Buying a surfboard is really down to personal choice. This is only a guide and the progression that we at Stoked School of Surf have followed naturally.

Some of you may feel that longboarding is the kind of surfing you enjoy most and rather than moving onto a shorter board, you may opt to progress your longboarding style i.e. learn to ‘sidestep’ and ‘hang ten’. 

Whilst some of you may want to surf in more critical parts of the wave, pulling off big turns and floaters, others might want to progress to a shorter board with a lot more flexibility.  We would recommend that the day your board starts to feel unresponsive, sluggish and is no longer ‘working’ for you, it may be time to upgrade to a new board.

All Shapes and Sizes

Before you buy your first board, head down to a beach where you can hire boards and test several lengths and volumes. Once you have decided on what it is that you want, we recommend forming a good relationship with a local shaper who can guide you to choose the correct board as your surfing progresses. 

Spend time chatting to your shaper, discussing what kind of waves you like to surf, showing him pictures or even better, video footage of how you surf so that he/she can understand what board you need. 

Finding the board that ‘works’ for you can make a substantial difference to your surfing. So before you make that investment, make sure you have been correctly advised.

Thanks to Dave of DVG Shapes for letting us take photos in his factory.