Nutrition for Surfers

The best way to think about food is as fuel. You wouldn't put dodgy gas into your car. You want to be putting in the good stuff. See junk food for what it is; an occasional treat. Fill up on healthy, fresh food.

Protein is the big one. Red and white meat are beneficial. Eggs are a great source of nutrition. If you're not a big fan, mix them in with pasta or make omlettes. For the vegetarian readers, chickpeas, lentils and leafy green vegetables are also an option.

Carbohydrates are great, as long as you stick to the brown stuff. Brown rice, brown bread, rice crackers and anything you can cook up using brown flower.

Fruit and vegetables are the perfect snacks for hungry surfers, and provide the bulk of vitamins and minerals. Get a taste for them, and choose fresh over the canned stuff.

Other treats are cordial (it helps make drinking all that water a little more interesting), water ice blocks and sorbet. And I'm in love with smoothies.

What to eat prior to surfing? As little as possible, in fact. Food takes a long time to break down and isn't really your best friend when Eskimo rolling or getting dumped. If you've got the munchies, some fresh or dried fruit, or a muesli bar. Drink stacks of water and save the hamburger until after your session.

By the way, there's something about the salt water that makes everything taste sensational after you've been out there. Bon apetit.


Article by Kristen Veltmeyer
(contact COTW for Kristen's contact details)

CHOOSING A BOARD
YOUR FIRST SURF
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREAK FOR YOU
COMPETITION SURFING
ETIQUETTE
NUTRITION FOR SURFERS