I know. “Hacks” and “Mindfulness don’t go
so well together.

1. Count Your Breaths in Sync with the Ocean Waves
   Practice breathing exercises in sync with the waves—inhale when the wave rises, exhale when it crashes. This helps build mindfulness in and out of the water.
   
   
2. Create a Post-Surf Gratitude Ritual by Writing Down One Positive Experience from Each Session
   Keep a small journal in your surf bag and after each session, jot down something you’re grateful for—this builds a positive mental state.
   
   
3. Use the Sun as a Mindfulness Anchor
   Focus on the warmth of the sun on your skin during your pre-surf stretch or cool down to center yourself and stay present in the moment.
   
   
4. Start a Surf Meditation Using Your Board as a Visual Focus
   Sit on the sand and focus on your surfboard in front of you as a mindfulness object, letting all other thoughts fade away.
   
5. Create a Pre-Surf Breathing Routine
   Develop a quick 3-minute breathing practice before hitting the water to calm your mind and boost your focus for the waves ahead.
   
   
6. Use Salt Water for a Grounding Mindfulness Practice
   While sitting on your board, dip your fingers in the water and focus on the cool sensation to ground yourself in the present moment.
   
   
7. Scan the Horizon as a Focused Meditation Practice
   While sitting on your board, do a visual scan of the horizon to help clear your mind and relax before paddling into waves.
   
   
8. Use a Waterproof Audio Player for Guided Ocean Meditations
   Listen to short guided meditations or calming sounds on a waterproof audio player while sitting on your board during a quiet moment in the lineup.
   
   
9. Set a Surfing Intention Before Entering the Water
   Before paddling out, take a moment to set a mindful intention (like “stay calm” or “have fun”) for your surf session to guide your focus.
   
   
10. Practice Box Breathing Before Tackling Big Waves
    Use box breathing (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) to calm nerves before attempting bigger waves, improving mental clarity and focus.
    
    

Maybe some of these ideas will help you.
Maybe you didn’t think yet about some of these simple tricks.
Only raising some awareness is already great for a good life!