To surf buddy or not to surf buddy

To surf buddy or not to surf buddy. Hmm.

This question is not as widely contested as to pee or not to pee in your wetsuit. But I feel like it should be answered anyway. Especially if you’re just getting into surfing.

What are the benefits of having a surf buddy? Is this like having a buddy with benefits? Not quite. We have thoughts. Lots of them.

A surf buddy. It’s a blessing. It’s a curse. Sometimes I no longer know—because my surf buddy is my husband. 😂

I like going out even if the conditions are less than ideal, and I’ll stay in the water much longer than he’s willing to. So if we drive to the break together, one of us has to compromise. And that doesn’t always make for a very happy couple. 😜

It got me thinking: what are the pros and cons of having a surf buddy?
Caveats: You’re on the same wavelength, at a similar skill level, and you’re not in a relationship.

Pros

1. Safety in numbers — It’s always better to have someone watching your back. In the water and in the lineup.
2. Go-surf forcing function — If they go out and you don’t, oh, the guilt.
3. Trying new things — You push each other: from the whitewash, into the lineup, into new breaks.
4. Someone to talk to — Whether mid-sesh or post-surf over snacks.

Cons
None.

Honestly, I don’t see a downside—as long as you have the same surf goals. Sure, you might progress at different paces. You might (literally) drift apart in the lineup.

But having a surf buddy doesn’t mean you’re not your own surfer. You can still paddle out alone. And if it stops working? You can always find a new buddy.

It’s just really nice to have someone to smile at—and yell “WOOHOO!”—when they catch a wave.

And you know what’s even better than having a surf buddy? Having multiple surf buddies. You can always treat finding the right one like a speed dating event (thanks, Deanna!)—until it clicks. 🏄🏻‍♀️

One parting thought. I once read a story about a surfer who became totally co-dependent on her surf buddy—to the point where she wouldn’t paddle out unless they could go too.

So if that sounds familiar, maybe it’s time for a gentle reminder:

You’re in a relationship with the surf, not your surf buddy.