From Burnout to Balance: Surfing, Stress, and Reclaiming Your Mojo
Forgive my indulgence, but with this mini UK heatwave, my thoughts have been firmly on getting in the water. That—and any excuse to talk about one of my quiet passions: surfing.
It also happens to link with another big passion of mine—helping men, particularly, reconnect with themselves. Find a bit of spark. A bit of mojo (not used that word for yonks!).
And this one’s personal for me.
My Turning Point
In 2015, I became bedbound with chronic pneumonia. It nearly killed me.
But really, that moment was years in the making. I’d spent my adult life pushing hard—high-achieving, perfectionist, constantly striving to be better, do more, fix everything. On the surface, I was holding it all together. Underneath? Anxious, disconnected, and quietly struggling with low confidence and some pretty deep-rooted childhood trauma. It was all consuming for me.
Very cliched and coachy but I had a beautiful family and a good life—but I wasn’t present in any of it. I was living in my head, not in the moment.
Eventually, my system just said: no more. Shut down.
Recovery forced me to look at everything differently. To stop performing and start feeling. That process is what led me to coaching, nervous system work—and, maybe unexpectedly, to surfing.
So Why Surfing?
Surfing has become one of the few things that gets me fully out of my head and into my body. It’s physical, calming, humbling—and full of lessons.
And here’s the beautiful bit: you don’t need to be good at it. And trust me – I’m evidence of that but god loves a trier right!
I’m still in the “advanced beginner” camp for sure, but that doesn’t matter. Surfing meets you where you are. It invites you into the sea, into flow, into something way bigger than your to-do list or your inner critic.
It’s not about nailing the perfect ride. It’s about being in it.
Surfing is powerful for mind health because it hits multiple psychological and physiological needs at once. It’s not just a sport—it’s an experience that integrates movement, nature, mindfulness, and emotional release, all in one go.
Here’s why it works so well:
1. You’re immersed in nature
Being in the ocean has a naturally calming effect on the nervous system. The sound of waves, the salt air, the wide horizon—it all cues your body to relax. Studies show time in nature reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and increases serotonin (feel-good hormone).
2. It forces you into the present moment
You can’t surf while overthinking. Whether you’re paddling, watching the swell, or trying to stay upright, your brain has to focus on now. That sense of presence can feel like relief if your mind is usually busy, anxious, or overwhelmed.
3. It puts your nervous system into balance
If you tend to run on adrenaline or feel wired but tired, surfing helps reset your nervous system. Cold water, breathwork (while holding your breath underwater or catching your breath paddling), and movement all help shift you from fight-or-flight into a calmer, regulated state.
4. It’s physical—but not in a punishing way
Surfing gets your whole body moving—shoulders, core, legs—but it doesn’t feel like exercise in the traditional sense. That movement helps release stress, burn off excess energy, and support better sleep and mental clarity.
5. It’s emotionally regulating
Falling off your board (which happens a lot!) builds resilience. You learn to get back up without judgment. The ocean can also hold space for grief, anger, joy—whatever needs to move through you. It’s a quiet kind of emotional processing.
6. It’s social, but not intense
You can be with others—sharing the stoke, nodding across the line-up—but still have your own space. It’s perfect if you’re someone who enjoys low-pressure connection without the noise of conversation.
7. It teaches life lessons
You can’t control the sea. You have to learn to read the conditions, time your efforts, and let go of needing a perfect outcome. For many men, this is deeply therapeutic—because life isn’t controllable either.
What Does Surfing Actually Involve?
You paddle out through waves (which is a workout in itself), then sit with the swell, scanning the horizon. When a wave builds, you have a split second to decide: commit, or don’t. Paddle hard, pop up, and sometimes you ride it. Other times you wipe out—gloriously. I do a lot of that!
But that’s the point. You fall, you get back up, and you try again.
It teaches presence, patience, and humility. It burns off stress and reconnects you to something quieter, steadier, more real.
It’s not therapy in the traditional sense, but I’d argue it’s just as powerful.
Why This Matters for Men
Here’s the thing: so many men are struggling silently. We’re good at keeping up appearances, staying productive, doing “what’s right.” But underneath, there’s often anxiety, pressure, burnout, disconnection. I know because I’ve lived it—and I coach men who are living it now.
And tragically, in some cases, silence becomes permanent.
In 2023, male suicide rates in England and Wales hit their highest level since 1999. Three-quarters of all suicide deaths were men.
Something has to change.
That change doesn’t have to start with a deep conversation or a big decision. Sometimes, it starts with getting outside. Moving your body. Doing something that pulls you out of your head and into the moment.
Surfing, for me, has been that thing.
Where to Start? Try Surf Saunton
If you’re tempted to give it a go, I highly recommend Surf Saunton in North Devon. They’re based on the beautiful Saunton Sands beach—a long, gentle wave that’s ideal for all levels.
The team there are friends of mine. Lovely people. Supportive, grounded, and no pressure or ego in sight. Just a bunch of humans who love the ocean and know what it can do for your head and heart. Also a great pasty place next door which helps!
“We believe surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way to reconnect with yourself, unplug, and find a bit of peace in a fast-paced world.” – Surf Saunton team
Also, anyone who works with me through my Surge coaching program gets 10% off sessions with Surf Saunton. Not a sales pitch—just a nudge if you’re looking for an excuse to try.
Check them out - https://www.surf-saunton.co.uk/about/
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a surfer. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to try something new.
Whether it’s surfing, walking in the woods, or taking an honest look at how you’re really doing—it starts with coming back to you. So take that look.
And if you want a guide on that journey, I’m here….just not for the surfing bit!
Or better yet… get in the sea.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the Samaritans are there 24/7: 116 123.