Eating a heavy meal before paddling out can slow you down and you cannot have that when you are fighting against the beast we all call the ocean. A lot of surfers recommend eating hours before you go out to make sure your food is fully digested and absorbed.
The whole “don’t eat 30 minutes before swimming” rule is somewhat true here, but if you absolutely have to eat something before you go out in the water, this list will show you what to avoid.
Anything Fried
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That chicken biscuit might have seemed like a good idea when it was curing your hangover, but once you start paddling out, you will no longer think that. Fried food might make you feel full, but you will start to feel sluggish out on the water when the fat does not provide you the energy you need to “just keep swimming.”
Alcohol
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This one might be obvious, but it is best to stick to water before surfing. It might be tempting to have a few beers on the beach before you head out, but you should try to avoid it. Being out in the sun and swallowing a bunch of saltwater will dehydrate you very quickly, and alcohol will only make that process faster. To avoid dehydration, head back in every hour and drink a lot of water.
Salty Foods
Photo by Rozina Fonyo
You are probably going to swallow enough saltwater while you are out there, so keep the salt to a minimum before you go out. If you swallow a lot of saltwater and eat something salty beforehand, then you will become dehydrated and you run the risk of cramping up. If you do cramp up, try drinking pickle juice.
Dairy
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
Dairy is pretty much a universal no-no when it comes to exercising. Even if you are not lactose intolerant, all the tumbling in the waves may cause digestive problems. Dairy takes a long time to digest because of its high protein content, so it can cause cramps and discomfort during exercise. I know your parents always told you that milk will make you big and strong, but ignore that advice if you are about to go surfing.
Candy/Foods High in Sugar
Photo by Isabelle Langhelm
If you decide to head out because you feel guilty about the candy bar you just ate, it is better to hold off. Any foods high in sugar, especially candy, will make you feel full of energy and then as soon as the sugar rush fades, you will crash pretty hard.
Avocado
Photo by Lauren Feld
Although avocados are healthy in other contexts, their high fat content could make you sluggish while surfing. You may feel full and ready after eating an avocado, but once you get out on the water, you will feel like you do not have enough left in the tank to continue.