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Does surfing give you an adrenaline rush?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 11, 2026

There's no doubt that surfing gives you an adrenaline rush, but it's not just the potential danger that makes it happen. The gorgeous outdoor setting paired with anticipation of catching the perfect wave and the reward that comes when you do it all work together to release the brain's “feel good” chemicals.

Why do I feel high after surfing?

It is also responsible for that stoke you experience during and after a surf session. Endorphins – These feel-good chemicals are often referred to as the body's natural painkillers, masking pain and discomfort, and helping you power through any situation. Release of endorphins is also linked to a state of euphoria.

How does surfing make you feel?

Surfers release a lot of adrenaline and endorphins while they are riding the waves. These hormones cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. A surge of adrenaline makes you feel very alive. Endorphins resemble opiates in their chemical structure and have analgesic properties.

Does surfing take a lot of energy?

Surfing is an intense cardiovascular activity. It requires a lot of energy simply to paddle out, and it can get you in great shape. If you're new to surfing, you'll probably experience some exhaustion fighting for positioning and just getting back out to the waves.

Is surfing good for mental health?

Surfing Aids Mental Health

Due to the fact that it is both a highly sensory and physical experience, you allow your body to disconnect. Essentially, surfing allows you a way to escape your mental troubles for a bit so you can improve your overall mood.

19 related questions found

Does surfing help anxiety?

Surfing not only improves your physical fitness but also clears your mind and acts as an emotional stabilizer. Its Zen effect soothes the mind and balances your emotions. Those who actively engage with surfing know that it reduces stress, boosts our mood, and even helps us overcome loss and grief.

Does surfing help PTSD?

Trauma and PTSD

Research shows that surf therapy is particularly helpful for those with PTSD when it is paired with other forms of treatment for trauma such as trauma-informed therapy or EMDR.

Why do I feel so tired after surfing?

Surfing is an exhausting sport because surfers are pushing their limits while trying to harness their fears. Regardless of experience level, surfers are constantly challenging themselves both physically and mentally in an effort to catch and ride waves.

How do surfers get out of big waves?

Immediately tuck your chin if possible and protect your head. Try to create as much space between you and the surfboard as you can. Push it away with your feet. If the seafloor allows it, swim low to where the water is calmer.

Why is surfing addictive?

SURFING ADDICTION IS ALL ABOUT BRAIN CHEMISTRY

This results in you experiencing a flood of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Once you feel the intense joy and pleasure, your body and brain want you to keep going back for more. If you feel irritable after a few days away from your board, this is likely the reason.

Why do surfers touch the wave?

Touching the wave helps surfers judge how far they are from the wave and gives an extra feeling without really looking or focusing on the wave below them. Putting a hand in the wave also slows surfers down.

Can you get brain damage from surfing?

In the United States, sports-related injuries, such as those from surfing, account for more than 10% of the staggering 2 million traumatic brain injuries that are reported each year. Other studies also found that lacerations, regardless of body part, are another common injury among surfers.

What do surfers care about?

It's an environmentally friendly sport

Surfers tend to care about the state of the oceans because they enjoy being in them and would rather not swim and surf in polluted waters. Surfing also gives you an awareness and appreciation of the natural world.

What is the most addictive sport?

Surfing is one of the most addictive sports. Why? Kelly Slater mentioned that “surfing is like the mafia, once you're inside, there's no way out”, and he was absolutely right because in surfing a lot of hormones such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released.

Do surfing wipeouts hurt?

Being held down under the waves for much longer than you might like can be traumatizing, and can question your entire commitment to surfing. A bad wipeout can lead to injuries, collisions, broken boards or worse. Wipeouts happen in a variety of waves and for a great number of reasons.

Can you drown surfing?

Drowning

There is a very real risk of drowning while surfing. Hold-downs, getting trapped on the reef, being separated from your board and not being able to swim in, and unconsciousness through a collision are all possible causes of drowning while surfing .

What is the biggest wave ever surfed?

On Oct. 29, 2020, Portuguese surfer António Laureano broke the record for the tallest wave ever surfed when he rode a 101.4-foot-high (30.9 m) wave at Nazaré, a town in western Portugal.

Is surfing strenuous?

Officially classed as a 'vigorous' exercise by health experts, surfing is a great way to burn calories and burns roughly the same amount of calories as football, rock climbing or a session in the gym.

Why is surfing so hard?

Before you start surfing, you must know this: surfing is one of the most difficult and complex sports in the world. Think about it. Not one wave is the same, so your playground is constantly changing. Elements such as wind, tides and swells are affecting the waves you surf differently every single day.

Is surfing exhausting?

Surfing is both exhausting physically and mentally, and specifically demanding for some muscles that we normally don't use much… So when you wake up feeling your whole upper body as heavy as a tone of brick, and that your guts & courage seem to be having a coffee date far from here: don't hit yourself.

Is surfing a therapist?

Surfing is an easily accessible activity performed by millions of people all over the world. Surfing as a therapy has been around for decades, and surfing therapy has been used on both kids with physical and mental disabilities and on combat veterans with PTSD and depression.

How does surfing affect your health?

Surfing provides many health benefits including: cardiovascular fitness – from paddling. shoulder and back strength – these muscles will strengthen from the paddling. leg and core strength – once you're standing up on the board, strong legs and a strong core will keep you up.

Why is the ocean therapeutic?

Waves. Everybody knows that the sound of the sea is therapeutic. According to William Dorfman, a psychology professor at Nova Southeastern University, the white noise of waves breaking on the rocks relaxes our brains and stimulates the production of feel-good chemicals in our body, including serotonin and dopamine.

Does surfing help with depression?

Hell, surfing is even used to treat soldiers with mind-screwing PTSD as they come back from the insanity going on in the Near East. Studies have shown increased levels of Vitamin D, produced naturally in our bodies when sunlight hits the skin, can help alleviate mental illness effects, including anxiety and depression.

What are the social benefits of surfing?

Studies show connecting to nature and being in the outdoors are linked to greater levels of happiness. The social benefits of surfing: surfing is a great sport to make friends and be absorbed into an incredibly positive community. You'll find and make amazing friends, and be part of a really happy community.