Are you dating, or thinking about dating a surfer?
If so, there are a few uncomfortable truths that you should know, as dating a surfer might not quite be what you expected (more on that in a minute).
So if you’re sitting on the fence right now, not fully committed, read on before you make your next move…
10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE DATING A SURFER
1. SURFING IS FIRST, YOU COME SECOND
I hate to break it to you, but if you’re dating a surfer you’ll never be number one, ever.
Surfing will always come first.
It’s not that they have anything against you (far from it), it’s just that they have this burning internal need, where they just have to surf no matter what.
Lots of people can become jealous or resentful about this, but understand it’s not about you, as once surfing has you hooked, you could be Kate Moss or Brad Pitt and won’t matter – surfing always comes first.
2. KISS GOODBYE TO THAT TRIP TO PARIS
If you date a surfer, you’ll never, ever, go on a holiday again to a destination that doesn’t have surf.
Greece? Nah.
Croatia? Nah.
Bali? Hell Yeah!
Understanding and accepting this will make dating a surfer just that little bit more bearable…
3. MUST LIVE NEAR THE COAST
If you have career aspirations of working your way up the corporate ladder in a city, chances are that dating a surfer is not going to be for you.
They’ll choose the coast over the city every day of the week, in fact most surfers are miserable and bored shitless in the city, not knowing what to do with themselves.
So if you’re not a country coastal bumpkin watch out, as trying to drag a surfer to the city is not going to end well.
4. SURFING COMES BEFORE CAREER
Like we mentioned in point number one, surfing comes first, you hopefully/maybe second, and career a distant third at best.
Why?
Well, the two are diametrically opposed.
The more serious the career, the less time spent in the ocean.
The career can always wait, but the surf cannot.
5. WORK TO LIVE NOT LIVE TO WORK
Some people bury themselves in their occupation, defined by the number of hours they work or the money they make.
Surfers are different.
They work to be able to surf more – and that’s it.
They’re not saving for a house deposit, or investing in index funds, they’re working as little as possible, to surf as much as possible.
Simples.
6. MONEY IS FOR SURFING AND TRAVEL, NOT STUFF (OR YOU)
The money that surfers do make, will be carefully segmented and cared for like Gollum and his ring, because this “precious” treasure chest is what will pay for their winter long surf trips abroad.
It’s not for stuff, for the latest Dyson vacuum, posh dinner crockery, or new car.
And it’s not going to be spent taking you out for dinner either (unless that’s a Nasi Goreng in deep Indo that is).
7. THEY’LL BE GONE FOR HOURS – IF NOT DAYS – WHEN THE SURF IS GOOD
When the surf is on, it’s on.
That means the surfer you’re dating will likely be gone for hours on end, if not days.
They’ll drive for miles chasing swells, surfing all day long and oftentimes sleeping rough in their cars for dawny sessions the next day.
It’s all part and parcel of dating a surfer, so you’d better get used to it.
8. THEY’LL EAT ALL THE FOOD IN YOUR FRIDGE
Surfers eat lots, and lots, and lots of food.
So beware.
When they swing by your house they’ll demolish everything in your fridge, and devour everything in your cupboards.
You’ve been warned!
9. THEY’LL CARE MORE ABOUT WHO YOU ARE, OVER WHAT YOU HAVE
If you’re one of those people that chases status, it’s likely that dating a surfer isn’t for you.
They’ll care much about who you are, what you’re outlook on life is, and how fun you are, over what you have and your status.
It’s nothing personal, they just don’t care about all that crap.
10. WILL BE TERRIBLE AT MAKING PLANS
If you’re a planner, prepare to be let down.
Just saying.
Surfers are terrible at making – and sticking – to plans.
The biggest time horizon of commitment you’ll get from a surfer is likely around 4 hours (ish), anything longer and you’ll be met with resistance.
Again it’s not you, it’s just their lives revolve around the ebbs and flows of the ocean, and if the surf turns on they need to be ready.
CONCLUSION
What’s it like to date a surfer?
Fun, action packed, and adventurous – and massively frustrating at the same time.
If you haven’t worked it out already you’re not just dating a surfer, you’re dating surfing too, they come as a package.
You’ve been warned…
Yew!
Rowan 
ROWAN CLIFFORD
Rowan is the technical nerd behind the scenes. A lover of everything entrepreneurial, and living a minimal, simple life. Surf, Travel, Create.
