Peace. A simple enough concept but one that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find in the modern world. This article will explain how spending time in the ocean with a like-minded group of people, away from all sources of stress and distraction, can be the catalyst for a fuller, more present, and complete way of living.
Disconnecting and the Blue Mind
“Water quiets all the noise, all the distractions, and connects you to your own thoughts.” Wallace J. Nichols (2014)
The simplest definition of Blue Mind is the mild, meditative state associated with being in or near water, enhancing our wellbeing and creativity, whilst producing positive hormones. The concept was popularised by the late marine biologist and environmental activist Wallace J. Nichols, in his seminal book of the same name.
The core underlining theory, that proximity to water or blue spaces, improves mental and physical well-being—is supported by hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Between work, home life, and paying the bills, not to mention the smartphones and algorithms which viciously and remorselessly hound us on a daily basis for our attention and engagement – feeling overwhelmed and burnt out is an incredibly common situation for many people. Herein lies the Red Mind, a state of anxiety and discomfort.
Bodyboarding, and being in the ocean more broadly, is the juxtaposition and the antidote to our age of anxiety and hyperstimulation. Being in the surf commands your full and undivided attention, whether that’s scanning the horizon for the next set, checking your position in the lineup or actually riding the wave itself. There are very few environments where you are so wrapped up in the power and majesty of the natural world, that everything else temporarily becomes secondary.
Finding the ‘Flow State’ and Breaking the Routine:
Finding the ‘Flow State’ and Breaking the Routine:A flow state is an optimal state of mind where a person is fully immersed, deeply focused, and completely engaged in an activity for its own sake. This term was coined in the 1970’s by Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and strikes at the very heart of why people fall in love with and keep going back to bodyboarding.
In an interview for the epic 2004 big wave surfing documentary film Riding Giants, legendary Hawaiian waterman and Pe’ahi pioneer Dave Kalama summarised this sensation perfectly:
“The wave commands so much focus, and it’s very purifying, because at that moment nothing else exists.”
Granted, whilst he was referring to the feeling of towing into a 60 foot plus behemoth at Jaws, the cleansing and euphoric feeling of kicking into a wave is universal – whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned charger.
In neuroscience, this flow state, is known as transient hypofrontality. The prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that handles analytical thinking such as doubt, sense of self, and future planning is temporarily deactivated to focus on the task at hand. At the same time your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. When this takes place, your sense of time, worries, and the outside world completely vanish, leaving only the present moment.
That respite from the wild world on the shore is one of the core reasons that people return time and again to the ocean. In these moments, you aren’t an adult managing a household budget or a career; you are back to being a kid playing in the shore break, entirely consumed by the thrill of the ride and the simple desire to paddle back out and do it all over again.
In our time we’ve seen thousands of people, from all ages and walks of life, be totally transformed by this pure, intoxicating, and transcendental feeling. Meaningful and fully present pauses from your normal routine are key to reconnecting with yourself and ensuring that you can return with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.
In this context, a bodyboarding coaching weekend takes on a whole new dimension. Far from being an arena to simply improve your riding, it is an oasis of tranquillity, and a clean break from the many difficulties life can bring.
During hard times in my own life, I’ve found the ocean and bodyboarding to be a deeply therapeutic and cathartic place – no matter what else is going on.
We want to help you find your flow state. Wherever you are in your wave-riding journey, and whatever your ability, this is exactly where you’ll be met by Bodyboard Holidays.
A New World of Connections and Escape
A New World of Connections and EscapeWhilst bodyboarding at surface level may seem an individual activity, one of the greatest strengths of our sport is the network of riders and new friends you meet on the way.
Bodyboard coaching weekends offer a unique environment to meet a like-minded but diverse range of people – whether it’s cheering someone into a wave, sharing a meal, or simply reminiscing over a good day in the salt with a beer.
The relationships that form over the course of a weekend can be the starting point for exploring the world in a completely different way.
During the course of my own bodyboarding adventures, I’ve stayed with friends from the Caribbean to the Canary Islands and beyond – with the single common denominator always being the piece of foam that carries us along the way. Take it from me, the best way to travel for surf is always in the company of locals who know the lay of the land. Play your cards right and you may even be ushered into a secret spot or two.
Reborn at 50 – Rob’s Story
Until his fifth decade, Rob Beswick had never picked up a bodyboard. Other sports and pastimes had come and gone, but none had really stuck. One decision to attend a Bodyboard Holidays coaching weekend changed all this, and ultimately the trajectory of his life.
Bodyboard Holidays: How do you feel when you’re on a coaching weekend and in the ocean?
Rob:
“As a self-employed electrician, I’m a busy guy. These weekends are a rare chance for me to completely switch off and throw myself into something truly invigorating and different. When I’m in the water, I don’t think about anything else. I’m completely in the moment and focussed on the challenge at hand.
“The people on the coaching weekends are always so nice and welcoming too, irrespective of their level of riding. Everyone is supportive and genuinely stoked to see others getting good waves and making progress.
“The social side outside of the water is brilliant. Since starting out with Bodyboard Holidays, I’ve made a lot of new friends and joined the Bristol Bodyboarders Club who put on a lot of cool events and meet ups.
“The fact that these weekends cater to everyone from complete novices all the way up to world champion level, is something truly unique. No matter where you are in terms of your ability and confidence, there’s a space for you. When I first started out, I had to learn absolutely everything from scratch. Between finding out about fins and equipment, through to paddling, duck diving, reading waves and ultimately trimming down the line – this was all relayed to me in a mellow, friendly, and constructive way.
“All in all, these weekends and bodyboarding more broadly have fundamentally changed my life – not just in terms of the physical and mental health benefits, but with this new community that I’m now a part of. This has truly been one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
Almost ten years on from first taking the plunge, Rob has now attended, or is booked onto, all the coaching weekends we offer, alongside other longer trips including:
- Croyde Bodyboard Weekend
- Newquay Bodyboard Weekend
- NMD Bodyboards Weekend
- Science Bodyboards Weekend
- Iain Cambell Bodyboard Coaching Weekend
- Portugal Bodyboard Holiday
- Nusa Lembongan Bodyboard Holiday
- El Salvador Bodyboard Holiday
- Nicaragua Bodyboard Holiday
What Other People Say About the Coaching Weekends
Don’t just take our and Rob’s word for it though, the thousands of five star reviews we’ve received over the years, and the comments from returning and first-time guests alike speak for themselves.
“This team gives you everything. Late Saturday afternoon we went for a meal to share stories and a good time. This weekend reminded me of why I’ve been coming on these weekends for more than a decade and hopefully I’ll be back for many more.” Bradley JM
“Epic times with old friends and so good to make new ones. Can’t wait for the next one!” Stannahman
“Everyone was so friendly and encouraging. I learned a lot in a short space of time and have already booked my next trip. I highly recommend joining this friendly community!” Nicola H
This is just a taste of what to expect on a coaching weekend, with each shaped by the unique crew of participants and coaches.
Book Your Place
Coaching weekends are the building blocks of not simply becoming a more competent bodyboarder but embracing a break from the ordinary and opening the door to a new world of excitement and adventure.
From surfing Cornish beaches with former world champions to barrels in a wave pool, and beyond, you can find all our upcoming trips and book your place on the Bodyboard Holiday’s website.
