Why surfers are so cool?

~by Trevor Brown

One of surfing’s greatest legends Andy Irons said it best “I surf because I’m always a better person when I come in.”

If you were to describe a surfer, you’d notice a few commonalities. First, most surfers are fit, tanned, and are usually calm, confident and have a positive outlook on life. This isn’t because surfing draws this particular type of person; it’s because of the numerous health benefits that change one’s body and mind as a result of the sport. The combination of fitness, chemical, and psychological impacts of surfing results in an overall healthy and happy well-being.

The chemical make-up of the elements involved in surfing has their health benefits. The ultra-violet rays of direct sunlight allow your body’s activation in naturally producing Vitamin D. The composition of seawater contains numerous vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids, and living microorganisms that reportedly produce antibiotic and antibacterial effects boosting your immune system. Also, minerals in seawater open the pores in your skin allowing your body to absorb other sea minerals, and at the same time, release toxins, and disease from your body.

Surfing is a mood enhancer full of positive feelings and a general reduction of negative emotions. In surfing, it’s just you, your board, and the ocean. The individual struggle with the elements allows for much self-accomplishment; it is very therapeutic. Floating in the saltwater watching pelicans pass over as you breathe in the fresh salty air to admire the beautiful backdrop of the jungle behind brings much inner-peace.

Surfers are so cool, Pura Vida!