Why surfing deserves a spot on your bucket list

We’ve all seen surf movies before. We've all watched the Billabong surfer girlies absolutely shred and though; "okay but what if I raised my future beach babies in Hawaii and surfed every morning before school drop-off?" Like hello, dream life !

And you’re saying you’ve still not touched a surfboard once? Girl. You want to change that and here’s why;

1. The surfers high or surfers cocktail

Think about it, surfing is probably one of the only sports that people will literally rearrange their entire lives for, even when they’re not doing it professionally. Like yes, people actually change careers to go remote, move closer to the ocean, wake up at 5 a.m. just to chase that perfect swell, and it’s all because of the stoke. That feeling you get when you catch your first wave and suddenly nothing else matters. Forget about runners high. The surfers high is where it's at. And the best part is, even the most beginners immediately get to feel this high.

To make it more technical, others call this high the “surfer’s cocktail”: a potion consisting of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters your brain releases in response to the physical challenge, emotional thrill, and sensory experience of surfing.

Here’s what’s in that cocktail:

• Dopamine; the reward chemical, spiking when you catch a wave and feel achievement

• Endorphins; giving you that euphoric, almost blissed-out sensation

• Adrenaline (epinephrine); released in moments of excitement or fear, heightening focus and energy

• Serotonin; contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being, especially after time spent in nature

• Oxytocin; the “connection” hormone, elevated by shared surf sessions & when you get to share the stoke with others in the water.

  
  

2. The challenge is part of the reward

Your first session? Okay we’ll admit, it might feel like a mess. You’ll wipe out (a lot), drink half the ocean, and maybe even cry a little. But that’s the beauty of it. Surfing humbles you fast, but also lifts you up. That moment when you catch your first wave, no matter how small, is electric. You suddenly feel alive.

Surfing teaches patience, resilience, and focus. It forces you to be in the moment, to accept failure, and to celebrate small wins, and those lessons do not stay in the water, they follow you into everyday life, making you calmer, more resilient, and more confident.

3. Surfing lets you see the world 

One of the most underrated perks of surfing? Surf travel. Chasing waves takes you to some of the most breathtaking corners of the world, think Bali, Costa Rica, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Australia and of course Morocco. 

There is something truly magical about small surf towns. Places where life slows down and the ocean sets the pace. Towns where everyone knows the best break, and the perfect sunset view. Tamraght, Morocco, for example, is one of those places. 

And the best part? Surf communities are SO welcoming. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, surfing is an easy way to meet like-minded people who also love nature and being active. Sharing waves and laughter with a group of people, who are all eager to learn, surf and explore is such a fun way to travel and we would highly recommend it to anyone.

4. Surfing = built-in besties 

Like we said; surf communities are cool. Want to make new friends without the awkward small talk? Surfing is the answer.

Whether you're waiting for waves, cheering each other on, or laughing over wipeouts, there’s something about being in the water that bonds people fast. You’ll find yourself swapping boards and sharing snacks when you get out of the water, and soon after you’re planning your next sunrise session together in no time. Surfing attracts a lot of kind, down-to-earth, adventurous, and active people, so it’s basically a guaranteed way to grow your circle with amazing like-minded people.

5. The Blue mind theory & brainwaves 

Okay, science time, ever heard of the Blue mind theory? It’s the idea that being near or in water literally changes your brain chemistry for the better. Whenever we’re near water, our brains automatically shift into a relaxed state, making us feel calm and at peace. According to marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, the researcher of the Blue Mind theory, water is medicine. He claims that being near water can bring up a wide range of emotions, from awe and wonder to happiness, and compassion.

Now let’s talk brainwaves.

When we’re near water, especially in a rhythm-based, immersive activity like surfing, our brains can shift into slower, more relaxed brainwave states. Most of the time, daily activities and high-energy sports put us in Beta (fast, alert, problem-solving) or Alpha (relaxed, focused, flow). Occasionally, some deeply meditative or creative states can access Theta waves.

Delta waves, however, are the slowest and most restorative (0.5–4 Hz), typically linked to deep, dreamless sleep or profound meditation. These are rare during physical activity, but here’s where surfing is unique.

While surfing itself, especially paddling and catching waves, is an active, alert state (hello Beta), the moments of stillness between waves, when you're floating, watching the horizon, breathing with the rhythm of the ocean, that’s where something special happens. That calm, immersive experience can induce meditative brainwave states, possibly even nudging you toward Theta or Delta ranges, especially during post-surf recovery or deep relaxation.

Plus, after a surf session, your body is naturally primed for better sleep, and that's when delta wave activity truly kicks in, enhancing rest, recovery, and emotional regulation.

So what does that. all mean? Surfing doesn’t just boost your mood. It literally shifts your brain toward a more relaxed state, something few sports can claim. It’s why people call surfing moving meditation and why surfing therapy is a thing. Your body is active, but your mind is at peace. You're focused, present, and fully connected, with no phone, no noise, just you, your board, and the sea. Most sports energize you. Surfing energizes you and grounds you. It’s a therapy session and a workout all in one.

So no, this isn’t a pitch. It’s a suggestion: try surfing once. Really try.

Let yourself be bad at it. Let yourself laugh, fall, get saltwater in your nose. And if you ever want to do it in a place like Tamraght, with a crew of girls who also say “why not”? Well, you know where to find us. ;)