Positive Outlook

[Rainbolt]

I just wanted to share this little story I struggle with depression and emotions often, and it wears down on my life a lot, and while I have learned to cope with it- it can be hard sometimes. When I've started surfing it changed how I thought and felt a lot. This may seem really cheesy, but I can't say it any better! Being out when the sun is setting, surrounded by a bunch of other surfers all relaxing and waiting for the perfect wave, it's like free therapy. It's made me relax a lot, and given me time to literally forget about stress and daily life, and just focus on improving. It's made depression go away, and I love the community. Sadly, I love inland most of the year and my season is almost ended, and I'm totally bummed about going back to the daily life of school. Anyone have any similar experiences?

[pandarturo]

Yeah one word, "military"

[Rainbolt]

**whoops meant "I live inland"

[surf patrol]

It's great that you've got that out in surfing. Although you won't be able to get in regularly for a while, you can still focus on improving your surfing. Look at keeping in shape to get the best out of your season. Watch surf vids, take part in surfing communities like this one. See if you can search out local surfers and arrange the odd roadtrip. Just because you are moving back inland does not mean that you've lost surfing forever.

[jaffa1949]

A few things you can do when stuck inland, get into swimming and bike riding, get a long skate board and get that going too. Even go so far as to build your paddling skills by paddling interval training on a lake or river.
Plan road trips and this may seem odd but get really stuck into getting grades that will take you into the freedom of having a job that will get near the beach or even better as a professional team member at an island resort.
IE often Doctors can get a stay for a number of weeks being on call at a resort!

The better your work outcomes the better you can afford to hit the great surf spots.

If your home town doesn't have surfers then you are unique there

Go for it

[1ntro]

Hi,
I too suffer from depression and its an awful life destroying thing. Surfing has brought a balance to my life like nothing else I’ve ever done. I was describing this to a friend recently and I too said "I know this will sound cheesy but.." I think for me its about being amongst nature, it’s so elemental, humbling, peaceful, many many things but I’ve never found anything like it in my life. I’ve been a drug addict, alcoholic, self harmed, had a terrible childhood and have even contemplated suicide many times. Surfing has helped me to get past those things or at least find some alleviation from them and for that I feel it has changed my life and I owe it everything. Sorry if all of that was a bit open but I guess I am an open guy and I’m not afraid or ashamed to admit my faults or open up about my life. If it really is the one thing that keeps the demons at bay then revolve your life around it, live it, breath it and be happy.

[Rainbolt]

Hey guys! Sorry for the late reply! Been packing and all. Rode my last wave last night, and I am proud to say I ended my season with being able to stand and catch waves. I have to say catching my first full wave was a mind blowing experience. Much more fun than falling off in a few seconds! You guys give such amazing advice! I kind of have returned to Maryland with a better outlook on things for the year I plan to get all my grades up too!

I'm deffiently going to work on muscle building, my stick arms need some work big time! I've been searching for some places and found a few beaches around Delaware. Looking for surf rentals because I couldn't bring my board home, and it's rather big and I have no rack. I also am looking into long board skateboarding, it looks really interesting!!! I'm open to trying new things all the time! Thank you again so much everyone for the replies!

Outlook,
Thank you so much for that open reply, it was really thought out. Your understanding is immense! Everything else I've tried I've had fun with, but I agree nothing is more balancing than surfing! Just a few hours to clear your head. Thank you so much again,

Rainbolt

[AJR]

Look into a Carver skateboard (with the C7 truck setup). It's not the same as surfing but better than nothing at all...

[SoCalSurfing]

There is a non-profit in SoCal that does this also:

http://jimmymillerfoundation.org/ocean-therapy/

[nottyR6]

Good post, you are helping me to remember what surfing should be about. I had kind of lost it always trying to get to the next level. Thanks.

[Rainbolt]

SoCalSurfing I just took a look at that, and it's a really cool foundation. They should have more of those around the states, it is a fantastic opportunity for some.

NottyR6- Aw really? You are very welcome then Surfing is such a stress reliever for me