When You Can’t Do What You Love
Recently, I injured my shoulder. It put me out of the water for six weeks —no paddling, no cutbacks, no greatest feeling on earth. For six weeks.
Honestly, it was tough and I was going a little bit crazy.
Surfing isn’t just a hobby for many of us. It’s therapy, freedom, and a reminder of who we are. Being out of the ocean can feel like losing a part of yourself.
Here’s what I learnt during those six weeks. Sometimes you can’t surf, but you can still grow, reset, and come back stronger.
✅ 1. Accept That You’ll Have to Sit Out a Good Swell or Two
The first thing I realised was that I needed to accept it. Fighting reality only made it harder. I told myself:
“If I sit out this one out now, I’ll be able to get back out there sooner."
Missing waves hurts, but it’s better than coming back too early and ending up out for even longer. Acceptance was essential (and worth it in the long run).
💪 2. Train Your Body Gently (and Do What the Physio Says)
It’s easy to skip your rehab exercises, but doing them daily helps you come back faster and stronger.
- Follow your physio's plan
- Focus on gentle mobility work
- Train areas that aren’t injured (if safe to do so)
Use the desire to get back out in the waves as your motivation. We all know it's worth it.
🌿 3. Enjoy Other Hobbies or Try Something New
With surfing off the table, I started walking daily instead. At first, it was just to move. But after a while, I began to enjoy it—walking in the streets and going on strolls with mates really helped clear my head and catch up on some chats I'd been meaning to have (but had prioritised the surf over).
Maybe for you it’s reading, yoga, photography, art, or skating (if your injury allows). It doesn’t replace surfing, but it keeps you enjoying the little moments in other ways.
🌊 4. Stay Connected to the Ocean – Or Just Stay Away
Here’s the truth: sometimes going to the beach when you can’t surf is healing. Sitting and watching the waves, feeling the salt air, and staying connected to what you love.
Other times, it just feels like torture.
For me, I chose to stay away. Skipping the FOMO and focusing on my recovery made it easier to get through. Choose what’s right for you.
There’s no rule here. The ocean will be there when you’re ready and hopefully there is a wicked swell that rolls through the moment your ready to pick up your board again.
💰 5. Don’t Check the Surf Reports – Earn a Bit of Cash Instead & Get Saving For Your Next Surf Trip.
Checking the surf reports daily when you can’t paddle out just fuels frustration. I found it better to avoid them altogether.
Instead, use this time to earn a bit of extra cash. Pick up extra shifts, freelance, or save money in small ways. When you’re back in the water, treat yourself to something special—a new board, a fresh surf hat, or even a surf trip you’ve been dreaming about.
Turn your downtime into your next surf adventure.
💭 Final Thoughts
Being out of the water is tough but I actually got to have a nice little break from obsessing about the waves and enjoy some other things in life that take second place when there's waves around. If you’re in a season where you can’t surf, know that it’s temporary—and that you can still grow stronger in the meantime.
📅 Coming Next Month
"The Art of Surf Travel: How to Roam Light, Surf Free & Tread Gently"
We’ll dive into planning mindful surf trips with minimal footprint, packing consciously, supporting local surf communities, and finding the soul of surf travel.
💬 How Do You Stay Connected When You Can’t Surf?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Tag us @nuala.aus with your stories. Let’s support each other through every season.
🛍️ Explore Eco-Friendly Surf Products
Ready to upgrade your gear for when you’re back in the water? Check out Nuala Australia’s handpicked collection of eco-friendly surf products to surf cleaner, safer, and with purpose.