Don't Let Your Surf Trip End Up Dry

Summer is here and surf trips here we come!!!

It's a common scenario: you're buzzing with excitement for your surf trip, settling into your plane seat, and before you know it, you're feeling strangely parched. While the anticipation of perfect waves might distract you, dehydration on a flight to your surf destination is a real and often overlooked issue for surfers.

Here's why you, a wave-chasing enthusiast, are particularly susceptible to drying out in the skies:

1. Low Cabin Humidity: The Desert in the Sky

The biggest culprit is the incredibly low humidity in airplane cabins. To maintain passenger comfort and safety, aircraft cabins are pressurized with air drawn from outside, which, at cruising altitudes, is extremely dry. We're talking desert-like conditions, often with humidity levels between 10-20%. Your body, used to much higher humidity, starts losing moisture rapidly through your skin and breath. For surfers, who are often in and out of the water, and therefore used to more humid environments, this change can be even more pronounced.

2. Increased Respiration Rate: Breathing Away Moisture

Whether it's pre-surf trip jitters or just the general buzz of travel, many people experience a slightly increased respiration rate on planes. Every breath you exhale carries water vapor with it. In a low-humidity environment, your body works harder to humidify the dry air you're inhaling, leading to more water loss with each exhalation.

3. Reduced Movement and Circulation: Stagnant Fluids

Sitting for extended periods, especially in cramped airplane seats, can lead to reduced blood circulation. While not directly a cause of dehydration, poor circulation can impact your body's ability to distribute fluids efficiently and can contribute to feelings of sluggishness and fatigue often associated with dehydration.

4. Relying on "Airplane Drinks": Not Always Hydrating Heroes

It's tempting to reach for that complimentary soda, coffee, or even an alcoholic beverage. However, many of these drinks are diuretics, meaning they actually increase urine production and can lead to further fluid loss. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol are notorious for this, counteracting any hydration benefits they might seem to offer. For surfers, who are often conscious of their physical performance, these choices can hinder your ability to hit the ground paddling.

5. Overlooking Pre-Flight Hydration: The Excitement Trap

In the flurry of packing, last-minute errands, and the sheer excitement of an upcoming surf trip, proper pre-flight hydration often takes a back seat. You might be so focused on your board bag and wetsuit that you forget to adequately hydrate your body before you even step on the plane. Starting your journey already slightly dehydrated sets you up for a losing battle against the dry cabin air.

Why This Matters for Surfers:

Dehydration isn't just about feeling thirsty. For surfers, it can directly impact your performance and enjoyment:

• Reduced Energy and Stamina: Dehydration saps your energy, making those paddle-outs feel like a marathon.

  
  

• Impaired Concentration and Decision-Making: You need sharp focus in the water. Dehydration can lead to brain fog and slower reaction times.

  
  

• Muscle Cramps: A common and unwelcome companion of dehydration, muscle cramps can quickly cut short a surf session.

  
  

• Increased Risk of Injury: When your body isn't properly hydrated, your tissues are less pliable, potentially increasing your risk of strains or sprains.

  
  

• Overall Well-being: Nobody wants to start their epic surf trip feeling sluggish and unwell.

  
  

Stay Hydrated, Surf Strong:

So, next time you're jetting off to chase waves, remember to prioritize hydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Opt for water over sugary or caffeinated drinks. Your body (and your surfing) will thank you for it, ensuring you hit those waves feeling refreshed and ready to shred!

The Magic of Electrolytes

As surfers, we're always looking for an edge, whether it's the perfect board or the ideal swell. But have you ever considered that the secret to a better surf trip might start before you even hit the water – specifically, with what you're sipping on that long plane ride? While plain water is good, for surfers flying to their next wave-chasing adventure, adding electrolytes to your water on a plane can be a game-changer for hydration, outperforming water alone.

Here's why this small addition makes a big difference for us wave riders:

The Science of Smarter Hydration in the Sky

When you're flying, especially on those long-haul flights to exotic surf breaks, the plane's cabin air is incredibly dry. This low humidity means your body loses water at an accelerated rate through breathing and perspiration, even when you're just sitting still. You're essentially in a desert in the sky.

Here's where electrolytes come in:

1. Water Follows Electrolytes (Osmosis is Your Friend!): Electrolytes – minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium – are crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance in your body. When you consume them, they create an osmotic gradient, essentially pulling water into your cells and helping your body retain the fluids you're drinking. Plain water, while essential, can sometimes just pass through without optimal absorption, especially when your body is under the stress of a dry environment.

   
   

2. Replacing What You Lose: You're not just losing water on a plane; you're also losing electrolytes through sweat (even minimal, imperceptible perspiration) and respiration. If you're constantly sipping plain water without replacing these lost minerals, you can actually dilute the electrolytes remaining in your body, potentially leading to an imbalance. This is known as hyponatremia (low sodium levels), and while severe cases are rare, even mild imbalances can contribute to fatigue and headaches – not ideal pre-surf symptoms!

   
   

3. Enhanced Cellular Function: Electrolytes are vital for countless bodily functions, including nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and maintaining proper blood pressure. By ensuring these minerals are replenished, you're not just hydrating; you're optimizing your body's cellular machinery. For surfers, this means better muscle function, sharper focus, and less chance of cramping when you finally paddle out.

   
   

Why This Matters for Surfers:

Think about it: you're flying to surf. You want to hit the ground running (or paddling!) feeling energized and ready. Dehydration, even mild, can manifest as:

• Lethargy and Brain Fog: Making those crucial wave decisions harder.

  
  

• Muscle Weakness and Cramps: Jeopardizing your performance and increasing injury risk.

  
  

• Headaches: The last thing you want when you're dreaming of glassy barrels.

  
  

By adding electrolytes to your water, you're not just drinking to quench thirst; you're actively supporting your body's ability to absorb and utilize water efficiently. This means you'll arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed, more prepared, and ultimately, more ready to dominate those waves.

So, next time you pack your board bag, don't forget to stash some electrolyte tablets or powder. It's a small step that can make a monumental difference in how you feel and perform on your epic surf trip. Stay hydrated, stay charged, and go get those waves!