Surfing Waves

Hi all,

What does everyone do about keeping hydrated in the surf? sure you can drink heaps of water before your session however I find when I am out there after paddling you end up getting pretty thirsty. I realise I can paddle in but sometimes it can be a mission.

what's everyones tricks or tips

cheers

I am just going to guess that you aren't particularly fit. I think you need to be careful about your hydration till you get more fit. If you are fit and do other things to keep fit then how do you handle it in those situations? I would say if you run and take a break to drink water then try going a little longer before you take a break. Otherwise just get yourself in shape or go in and drink some water or a sports drink and go back out. But it is just me so let the others chime in here. Many of them may have had to deal with your problem prior but I haven't

There is some evidence that drinking sports drinks or coconut water (or water with electrolytes), and/or drinking along with taking in carbs assists in hydration over prolonged periods.However, all this does is enable your body to absorb the water/fluids better (so they dont run 'straight through' you but are sitting in your muscles for use).

Its also the case that you need to top up the fluids, very esp in hot conditions, and there is no solution to this.

Basically, if you start to feel thirsty then you are at risk of cramps or poorer performance. You should be fine for 2-3 hours of surfing most of the time. Then just come in and have a drink and something to eat. Hot chips (fries), potato scallop (dont ask) and a milkshake was the traditional surfie meal in Australia. Today its probably a latte and smashed avocado for the older surfer.

I drink 3-500ml each of water and a sports drink (pocari sweat) at a 50-50 ratio....more if the day is particularly hot. This will keep me not thirsty and cramp free for the 1.5-3hrs I usually surf. Don't have it in me (or in my schedule) to go much beyond that without a break anyway.

I don't really do anything different. I just try to keep hydrated as normal and I do generally drink Alot of water so I am usually good for at least 2 hours and by then my arms will be shattered anyway. I do live in the UK so probably not the temperatures others on here have to deal with.

I tried guzzling loads before I got on the water and i just wanted to pee from the second I got on making it uncomfortable after about an hour.

One thing I do try and do usually quite unsuccessfully is limited my alcohol intake the night before if I am going out early in the morning.

Thanks all

havent been getting cramps just thirst..
I don't normally drink alcohol the night before otherwise I won't get up early enough.

Might try putting some snacks on the beach close by