Surfing And Its Positive Effects On Mind And Mood

Research shows that a half hour of surfing can increase positive effects and decrease negative effects on the human body. Surfing and the benefits of it have been studied and discussed in a research paper to determine the effects it has on both body and mind. The research was specifically designed to show how a single 30-minute bout of surfing affects males and females between 18 and 58 years of age. At the beginning of the study it was hypothesized that a half hour of surfing will increase the positive feelings of the surfers and at the same time decrease negative feelings like fatigue.

For this reason, a group of 107 surfers was gathered to participate in the study and the results were collected after the 30-minute surfing time. At the end of the study, the hypothesis was confirmed. The results show a major increase of positive affects and a major decrease of negative effects on the participants. This should come as no surprise to any experienced surfer, but it’s always nice to have the evidence supporting such a short amount of exercise and its positive effects on mind and mood.

According to the study, one possible explanation for the positive results could be the fact that most of the participants surfed early in the morning and the fatigue they had reported was just a result of waking up so early. But nevertheless, the positive outcome is a fact. In addition, the participants report an increase of tranquility after the surfing session.

There aren’t many studies on the sport of surfing. One of the more comprehensive studies on surfing done in a long time is outlined in the article Surfing and Fitness. It was a neat insight into all the physical demands required for surfing. We all know that physical activity is beneficial to the human body and mind, but surfing takes it to the next level. And now we have some data to back it up.

Surfing 101 Infographic

Surfing 101 Infographic

Infographic Source

About The Author:

Nick Holt is a fitness guru and surfer based in Costa Rica. Nick has traded the high-rise office view for the beach training ground in Costa Rica where he teaches fitness, surfing, tennis, and yoga. You can learn more about him here. And if you want to check out Nick live in Costa Rica, make your way down to Tamarindo, Costa Rica – it’s less than a 3 hr flight from major southern US cities (Houston, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta)

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