How to Stay Calm in the Surf – Even When Things Go Sideways
Wipeouts, long hold-downs, leash snaps – they happen. But whether you recover with clarity or spiral into panic often depends on what you do before the wave hits.
Here’s how to stay calm in the ocean, even when things don’t go to plan.
1. Practice Staying Calm Before You Need To
You can’t expect your first long hold-down to go well if you’ve never trained for it.
Start small: hold your breath calmly for 20–30 seconds, lying still. Add light movement. Gradually increase intensity.
It’s not about becoming a freediver – it’s about staying relaxed when your body says panic.
2. Panic Starts at the Surface
Most people don’t panic while they’re underwater – they panic just before the duck dive, or when they resurface and realize there’s another wave coming.
Breathe slowly. Talk to yourself if needed. Know that the moment will pass. Surfing demands composure in chaos – and that starts before the hold-down.
3. Treat Every Session Like a Rehearsal
Even mellow surf is a chance to train calm.
Missed a wave? Reset your breathing. Got caught inside? Count your exhales.
These little habits become your default when the stakes go up – and you’ll be shocked how calm you stay when it really matters.
4. Don’t Rush the Next Wave
After a heavy set or a scary wipeout, most surfers feel the urge to prove they’re okay by rushing into the next one. That’s when mistakes happen.
Catch your breath. Regain composure. Surf from presence – not panic.
5. The Ocean Doesn’t Care – and That’s a Good Thing
The wave doesn’t know you’re nervous. It doesn’t care about your last wipeout, or your next one.
That neutrality can be terrifying – but it’s also freeing.
You don’t have to impress anyone. Just focus on the moment, breathe, and react with clarity.
TRAX Helps You Track the Moments You Lost Control
When a session falls apart, TRAX helps you figure out why.
Was your paddle-out too slow? Did you hesitate on takeoff? Were you out of position?
By reviewing session data – not just feelings – TRAX helps you stay calm, focused, and in control next time the lineup gets intense.
Sign up now for early access.
Surf Progression Starts in Your Head – Not Just Your Technique – Staying calm is easier when you reframe how you think about surfing.
Surfing Bigger Waves Without Panicking – Mental tools that help when the sets get serious.
