Larry McGone
Special to In Motion
It’s nestled between the more famous surf spots of Daytona Shores and New Smyrna Beach, but beautiful Ponce Inlet Florida attracts hundreds of beach lovers flocking to its famous jetty to hit the water with their surfboards.
Located on the south end of Daytona Beach, it is well known for its iconic Lighthouse, but it also is home to some of the best waves on the East Coast. It’s a beacon for the surf community and even if you don’t have a board, you’re sure to catch a smile just watching the action from shore.
Which brings us to today’s topic of mental heath and how surfing affects it daily if we incorporate an outdoor activity into our everyday lives.
A study conducted by California State University in 2010 examined the connection to surfing and the prevention of stress and depression. Study participants were referred by friends and family who described them as frequently angry or depressed.
Following a program of several weeks of surfing, these same individuals were found to have a much more relaxed and cheerful attitude than before. The study concluded that surfers express a profound state of peacefulness, which permeates their lives and contributes to a healthier psychological balance.
So what do surf shop employees have to say about surfing and positive mental health?
Although there are more than a few shops in the Daytona Beach area offering surfing lessons, advice and rentals, two stand out — the original Salty Dog on Atlantic Avenue and Daytona Board Store on A-1A in Daytona Shores. Both earn five-star ratings from customers on Trip Advisor.
“Surfing is very important to maintain a positive mental health,” says Chad Doyle of the Daytona Board Store. “For some of us, surfing is the perfect outlet to keep your energy flowing and your vibrations positive. Everybody’s got different outlets and different ways to ease mental pressures.
“We’re fortunate to have found the beach and a good, healthy, fun, productive way to ease stressors that build up and can affect your mental state on a daily basis. It’s always there, it’s always wet and it’s always welcoming, so we’re here to take advantage of that!”
Johnny “Six Toes” Lewis an employee at Salty Dog Surf Shop encourages anyone who wants to get into surfing, even if they don’t have any experience. But he has two top tips for beginners:
“My number one recommendation is to start with a soft top board. They are more durable than fiberglass and you use them with rubber fins to save yourself from being lacerated. Second, don’t be afraid of too much foam.
A lot of beginners start with smaller boards and they find they have a more difficult time with balance and paddling.”
Research and studies show that not only is surfing a good way to explore nature, but it also adds positive benefits to mental health. So take these considerations, incorporate them into your own life to try surfing.
Salty Dog opened in Daytona in 1978 and now has locations on International Speedway Boulevard and in Ormond Beach. The original location is at 100 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. Call 386-253-2755. The Daytona Board Store is at 2044 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores. Call 386-26-4951.
For the video version of this story, check us out online at www.DaytonaStateInMotion.com