10 Tips to prepare for the high surf advisory to score some waves

If you're a new or novice Surfer, meaning under 2 years, one day you're going to wake up and decide you want to challenge yourself on bigger waves. Especially if you start going consistently.  I never thought it would be me. I was happy for years keeping it at 1-3ft because most times, I didn't have anyone to go with me so I didn't want to be out there without someone having my back.

 I loved the Zen spiritual aspects of surfing but sometimes those one to two foot days are just too flat making popping up on your surfboard very difficult especially  if it' small mushy waves that crumble as soon as you try to ride it. 

I don't go for the 4-5 ft days either,  unless it's at a point break where the waves are shaped nice for my longboards that  I ride. Beach Breaks on big days are a whole different level of stressful intensity that I haven't gotten used to as of yet. 

It will be 2ftr's to near flat surf for a month, then one day you'll wake up checking the Surf Report and there it is... like right now. The forecast for a high surf advisory coming to SoCal.. 

You want to get in on the action paddling out somewhere the swell is going to be the best challenge for your level of rideable waves. Some how, you've got to arrange your work schedule to be able to go along with everything else. This is where a surf life plan alone or with your friends enters the chat and if you don't got one, don't worry, I got you! 

Here's a list of things I check before going, take what you need and keep it moving. 

1. Buy or order food from the grocery store a few days before.
2. Meal prep and refrigerate.. Also energy bars or, also fruit for hydration
3. Have your wetsuits (preferably 2) ready with changing robe, booties in your dry bag by the door, ready to go. 
4. Start hydrating at least 2 days in advance. Your stamina and energy is tied to being mostly hydrated. The worst feeling and most tiring part of paddling out during a high surf advisory are those strong rip currents pushing you back to shore while getting pounded in the impact zone and if you've been eating a lot of salty foods, I can pretty much bet you ain't making it out there. 
5.  Stretching. Prepping your body a day or two in advance, especially for us Surfers over 40 is going to be absolutely necessary to keep those muscles relaxed, flexible in addition to helping to prevent injuries. 
6. Don't forget the  Sun Screen, a jug of water, all your surf supplies and  most importantly wax, (there is nothing worse then not having your own wax when you're a Surfer, sometimes we run out but on a big surf day, come on, no time for rookie play. 
7. Get some sleep early to wake up early... You kind of want to be on the road early enough to check out a few different surf breaks incase your original spot looks janky or too crowded to find parking. California is Surf City so we are not the only ones who are going to be thinking this way but the more prepared you are, the better your chances of scoring some fun waves.
8. If you're into social media, don't forget to save some money for your favorite surf photog or videographer. Also letting them know your plans in advance with the spots you possibly want to check out is the communication that they'd appreciate. 
9. Whether you're car pooling or driving alone, have that stash ready for gas and do it the night before if you can.. Car pooling friends go head and send them some, don't be a hitching ride bum, that gets played out after a while and no one will want that individual to be tagging along every time. Also, be ready when they are ready. 
10. Now somewhere in surfing you're going to be trying to figure out how you can live to surf or at least be able to work a job/career where you can surf on your preferable days and times. I suggest checking out The 90 Day Journal for Creatives and Lifestyle Entrepreneurs; strategies to plan, prep, problem-solve, protect your time & scale profits while living a purposeful life. It's an interactive workbook that will get you to thinking about your goals, your plans, your core values and how to brand them.