10 Reasons Why a Family Man Should Surf

Being a family person and a surfer can be an oxymoron. Nothing in life can take up more of one’s precious time than a wife and kids. Families are demanding on the pocketbook, as well as in the energy and time spent on proper parenting. For surfing, surf gear is more expensive now that it has ever been, and the bar has been raised so that level of surfing is nothing like daddy’s and grandpa’s days. In other words, you got to be out there longer to match the skills of today’s standards. So there just cannot be a room for the other. The choice it seems, you either choose to be a family person or choose to be surfer. Like oil and water they don't seem to mix.

Okay, I'm done playing devil's advocate. You know, nothing could be farther from the truth. Surfing is still what it is the day some islander discovered a person could ride on the surface of the water as the wave’s energy carried them to shore. I bet the first thing he or she did was run back to their family and show them how fun it was. Surfing will be a way to have fun with the family until the oceans run dry.

To any family man who might think surfing has become a waste of time or a sorry excuse to shirk responsibilities, remember these 10 things about surfing that might help you considers otherwise:

1. It might be the only real Hawaiian thing you do.

2. Your grandfather surfs, your dad surfs, you surf…or you did…you’re ending a family legacy.

3. Balance is the key to surfing, and it’s also the key to a good life.

4. It was the first non-physical thing about you your wife (or husband) found attractive.

5. It’ll be the first and last thing the kids remember you by.

6. Something about surfing helps you to think clearer.

7. Drowning is a great fear that you’ve learned to master, now help your kids to do the same.

8. Everyone loves family surf films.

9. Nothing like a good barbeque picnic with the family after a good session.

10. Teaching a kid how to surf takes time. Time is all they want to spend with you.