Age concern? – Altering the perspective of surfing into later life

We all get older, there’s no stopping it. Wit youth comes reckless abandon. Throwing ourselves into the boiling cauldron, not contemplating the consequences of our actions, just charging. But then the aches and pains start to set in. Morning’s crack with a stoop and stumble, only easing as time passes. The surf may be pumping but there’s nothing worse you can think of – to start with. How times change…

It’s a depressing situation but you can’t halt Old Father Time marching on. Yet there’s light at the end of the tunnel – it’s not all doom and gloom. Here at NCW we’re keen to keep sliding along watery walls well into our later years – in fact, bloody minded and determined, no question. How we achieve this, and how the actual experience alters, is down to us accepting change and switching things about accordingly.

So, you may not be able to punt that full power air reverse off an overhead close out into dry sand. But you can slot into a decent size keg using a more user friendly sled sled. Some may not be able to surf a conventional surfboard after a certain point. But don’t despair! Swapping to an alternative wave riding machine, such as stand up paddle board for instance, will have you grinning from ear to ear (as long as you embrace the change). And what about those of us who find standing atop a board tough? Well there are always bodyboards, kayaks and bellyboards to get you riding. In some case forget the stick altogether and get immersed bodysurf style.

Picking and choosing the times you hit the surf will also play a part. You may have been happy cracking the ice previously but these days warmer sessions are more appealing. In summer it’s much easier to score balmy sessions but during winter jetting off to warmer climes may be preferable. You may also have extended periods where you spend prolonged time overseas – one such benefit of growing older.

If you’re a wind addicted type, who may have loved nothing better than charging 30 knot wind and waves, then consider the lighter side of windsurfing. WindSUP – attaching a sail to a strapless wave riding vehicle – is a way to make use of liquid walls without having to battle gnarly conditions. Slipping through light airs, a glistening sunlit lip feathering against a blue sky backdrop is as enjoyable as any hardcore session.

Whatever type of ocean sport you’re into there’s usually a way to change the experience and keep at it until the very end. Likewise there are disciplines you could switch to, and still get your fix, if the mellower side of your previous number discipline isn’t cutting the mustard.

Ageing can be a depressing process, but it needn’t be. Rather than lamenting the days of yore, becoming ever bitter as you do so, consider your options and make choices accordingly. Growing old happily is a much better course of action and the health benefits are extensive!

If you liked the above you should also check out the following articles –

http://www.northcoastwetsuits.co.uk/surf-often-is-there-an-age-limit-on-surfing/

http://www.northcoastwetsuits.co.uk/change-your-surfing-tack-keeping-things-fresh-as-a-daisy/

http://www.northcoastwetsuits.co.uk/women-who-rip-ncw-caters-for-you-too/