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Surfing (or Not): 5 Alternative Watersports (& Activities) to Enjoy When the Waves Go Flat
Surfing in summer (in the UK) can be idyllic. However, we’ll not lie. Summer means there will almost certainly be flat spells. So what then?
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Flat Doesn’t Mean Game Over
Every surfer knows the feeling. You’ve checked the forecast, packed the board and headed for the beach, only to find the ocean looking more like a lake than a surf break.
But a flat sea doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, some of the best coastal adventures happen when the waves disappear – if you have an open mind and are prepared to diversify your activities.
1. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
When the sea goes calm, it’s prime time for paddleboarding. SUP is a fantastic way to explore the coastline, improve your balance and get a full-body workout. Whether you’re cruising around a sheltered bay or venturing up a river, paddleboarding offers a whole new perspective on the water.
2. Snorkelling
Flat conditions often mean clearer water and better visibility, making snorkelling a great option. Grab a mask, snorkel and fins and discover the fascinating marine life hiding beneath the surface. The UK’s coastline is home to everything from colourful fish to crabs, sea stars and even seals.
3. Wild Swimming & Open Water Swimming
A calm sea is perfect for a refreshing swim. Open water swimming continues to grow in popularity thanks to its physical and mental health benefits. Just be sure to swim safely, check local conditions and consider wearing a wetsuit for added warmth and buoyancy.
4. Surf Skating
Want to keep your surf skills sharp when the waves are absent? Surf skating is one of the best land-based ways to replicate the feeling of carving on a wave. It’s a great workout and helps improve balance, turning technique and overall board control.
5. Pump Foiling
A bit of a wild card this one… But for those looking for something different, pump foiling offers an exciting challenge – and it’s perfect for summer flat water.
Using a hydrofoil board, riders generate speed through a pumping motion, allowing them to glide above the water’s surface with no wind or waves required. It’s not easy. And certainly takes time to master. But with perseverance, it’s doable.
Check out the video below. (This is actually bungee foiling where we use a bungee chord to pull us up onto the foil. But once up it’s almost the same as pump foiling proper).
At North Coast Wetsuits, we’ve got everything you need for summer adventures, whether the surf is firing or completely flat. From wetsuits and buoyancy aids to snorkelling equipment and paddleboarding essentials, we’ll help keep you on the water whatever the conditions.