Every surfer knows the feeling - the forecast looks awful, the ocean is flat or completely blown out, and your surf has to wait. So what do you do when there are no waves? Luckily, days without surfing don't have to be boring. Here are our tried-and-tested ways to get through flat days and keep progressing out of the water.
What do you do when Poseidon messes with your plans and the spot just isn't surfable? We still haven't found one answer to that question - it's a tough nut to crack for us too. But there are a few things we do whenever the conditions let us down.
Picture this: like every evening, you're scrolling the forecast apps - Windy, Surfline, Surf-Forecast, Windguru - and... nothing. Dead flat, or 30 knots of onshore wind. You wake up in the morning, drive to the spot to check it, and there it is... an ocean as flat as a pancake, or a full-on storm. Just looking at the board in the boot gives you the shivers, because you already know you're not getting in, and the forecast for the next few days isn't changing.
Relax - it's not the end of the world. We've all been there, and that's exactly why we decided to share what we do to stay sane when the waves refuse to cooperate. Here are our flat day survival hacks - tested, no nonsense.
Surfskate - the best surf training out of the water
If you don't own a surfskate yet, seriously, think about getting one. It's fun and training rolled into one. Riding it feels a lot like moving on a wave - shifting your weight, pumping, carving. On top of that you work on your balance and your legs, and - let's be honest - in our opinion it's the best training tool there is. Serious surf progress guaranteed. All you need is an empty car park, a bowl or even a stretch of pavement, and you can start polishing your technique.
The pool and paddle power
In the line-up there's no mercy - whoever has strong arms and good fitness catches more waves. That's why the pool is a great option when the ocean says: 'Sorry mate, no surf today'. If you've never trained in a pool before, start simple - swim some front crawl, grab a kickboard for paddling drills, throw in a few sprints. It's a great strength and endurance workout, and you'll definitely feel the difference on your board.
P.S. There are no sea urchins, currents or other 'scary creatures' in the pool. Only upsides.
The best surf films for flat days
No surf is the perfect excuse for a day off. Sleep in, recover, eat well and lie on the sofa with a classic surf film. A few of our favourites (in totally random order):
The Endless Summer - the classic
View from a Blue Moon - visual poetry starring John John Florence
Momentum Generation - a documentary about the greatest generation of surfers
Andy Irons: Kissed by God - the title says it all
Point Break - starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze
You watch, you get inspired, you pick up moves - and you also just discover some incredible stories. You drift away for a while and forget that the conditions outside aren't doing you any favours.
Books and magazines - surfing on paper
We know not everyone likes to read. These days we prefer images that change fast and grab our attention - but honestly, some books pull you in like your first green wave. We recommend:
Barbarian Days - the memoir of a surfer and journalist, full of great stories
Let My People Go Surfing - a book by the founder of Patagonia, perfect for a moment of reflection
Saltwater Buddha - for those who like a spiritual vibe and a bit of philosophy
Add to that classic magazines like The Surfer's Journal or StabMag - beautiful photos and interesting articles.
Stretching, yoga and mobility for surfers
Let's face it - a lot of us have bodies as tight as a leash in a wipeout. Days without surf are a good time to work on your mobility and flexibility. Ideally, 20-30 minutes of yoga or stretching a few times a week - your shoulders, hips and spine will thank you. And paddling out with a body that actually bends? A dream. In our view, mobility is one of the key ingredients of progress - it's what lets you pull off the manoeuvres that push your body to its limits.
Look after your surf gear
The waves are unsurfable, so you can finally deal with the stuff you keep putting off. Old wax to strip? Wetsuit not rinsed? A ding to fix? Remember: what you should do right now, do tomorrow 😉
You can:
fix small dings,
rinse and dry your wetsuit,
change your wax,
grease the trucks on your surfskate,
sort out your surf gear (fins, leash, etc.).
Your gear deserves a bit of love now and then too.
Plan your next surf trip
No waves? Then plan where to escape to when they show up. A quick, reliable trip? Portugal, Morocco, the Canaries? Or something more exotic - Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Indo? Do your research - check the spots, flights, the vibe of the place, where to crash and, of course, whether the food is good. We always have a few options ready in the back of our heads - then all it takes is a good forecast and some time off work.
The best part is that just planning a trip lifts your mood. It works like therapy.
Get in shape - gym, core, cardio
You don't need to become a CrossFit champion, but good fitness is the key to productive sessions and staying in shape on days without surf. Strength work for your core, back and shoulders does the job. Add some leg strength and a bit of cardio, and you're ready for any swell.
For the lazy ones (like us, sometimes): 20 minutes of movement a day is enough to stay in the rhythm.
Meet up with the crew and talk about... surfing
Nothing lifts your mood like a good coffee, a beer or a bonfire with a crew that shares the same passion. Trip stories, planning together, endless gear debates, watching surf content (edits, films and so on) - that's what we do when we're not in the water.
Finally...
Remember - days without surf are not the end of the world. Treat them as a reset. Sure, everything revolves around surfing... but sometimes you need to breathe. It's a moment to look after yourself, your gear and your head.
And the waves? They'll come back. They always do.
Remember: you can't be full all the time. You need to get a little hungry to really appreciate the next swell.
Written by Filip, LASTOUT Team
