Surf Journey or Destination?
A massive amount of the joy we harness from traveling exists in the planning and anticipation stages, the bulk of our excitement stemming from the time leading up to the trip. While the whole point of planning and waiting IS to arrive at the destination and enjoy the vacation, pre-departure can be almost, if not more, rewarding.
So, what happens when you bask in the time before the trip, and the result is sub-par, underwhelming and not meeting expectations?
Welcome to the world of travel as an outdoor athlete, where pesky little things like weather, crowds and environmental factors are out of your control. This may be the case on any trip, but a vacation designed around an outside sport has a specific degree of volatility based on the place and the conditions.
Let’s say the place you visit only offers surfing and little else, things like onshore winds, lack of swell (or monstrous waves) can significantly alter the trip. While there is value in getting away, seeing a new place, changing your routine and environment, arriving somewhere and unable to do what you planned can be a disappointment. Especially if you are lugging all the gear required to do so!
As in life, surfers must pivot.
Research: Before you go, know your destination. The shoulder season as well as on and off-peak times are important to understand. Take note of weather patterns, popular travel dates and even the local holiday and event schedule. Friends went to Bali without checking and found themselves looking for food for a few days when local restaurants and grocery stores were closed for a national holiday.
Plan: Weather is somewhat predictable, but as we are learning, you never know the severity or duration, even when something is in the forecast. Maybe buy a refundable ticket, bring gear designed for poor conditions, and check if where you are going has other things to do. If you are traveling specifically for a sport, look around for other physical activities that are possible in the area. When you are gearing up for a surf trip your instinct may be to resist planning for the worst-case scenario, but you will be glad you have information before you leave rather than trying to figure it out over spotty Wi-Fi on your cell phone somewhere.
Surrender: Sometimes there isn’t a lot you can do. You will see a new destination, have a break from your regular life, and maybe have some space to just be, something we have less and less of in life. While not being able to surf will be a disappointment, it will be valuable time and a lesson. Going to places where the water is surprisingly dirty, or flat, or the wind is wrong are all scenarios that will make you a better traveler, surfer and problem solver. Isn’t that what travel is all about?
Happy surfing!
