🌞 From Sunrise Swells to School Bells
What’s it like being a surfer and a student? Well, let me tell you—it’s a full-on adventure every single day! While some kids wake up and go straight to class, my day usually starts with salty hair, sandy feet, and riding waves. Yep, I go from surf to school in one flow—no stop at home!
Every morning, I pack my school bag with two important things: my books and my school uniform. After surfing, I rinse off at the beach shower, change into my uniform, and hop on my motorbike with my board still racked on the side. That’s how I roll—literally! 🏍️🏄♀️
Pullquote Block:
"Some mornings I paddle out before the sun rises—then by 7 AM, I'm sitting in class ready to learn. That’s my balance!"
🎒 My Daily Grom Schedule
People often ask me, “How do you have time for both surfing and school?” Here’s the truth—it takes planning, passion, and a lot of love for both. My day usually goes something like this:
Weekday Routine:
- 4:30 AM – Wake up and stretch
- 5:00 AM – Check the waves and paddle out for a morning session
- 6:30 AM – Quick rinse at the beach, change into school uniform
- 6:45AM – Ride to school with my board strapped to my motorbike
- 7:15AM to 11:00 AM – Focused time in class
- 12:00 PM – Homework, snack, or quick nap
- 4:00 PM – Optional second surf, skate session, or dryland training
- 6:00 PM – Dinner and chill time
- 9:00 PM – Lights out to rest up for another early wave!
It’s a full-on lifestyle, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Surfing before school wakes up my mind and body—it’s like nature’s coffee (but better!).
🧠 School Mode: From Wave Brain to Study Brain
Sometimes it’s tricky to go from surf brain to school brain so fast. After riding waves and feeling the ocean stoke, it takes a minute to sit still in class. But I’ve found some tricks that help me switch gears:
- I sit near the front so I stay focused.
- I always pack a big water bottle and snacks because surfing makes me extra hungry.
- I use a fun planner with stickers to track tests, homework, and even surf comps.
- And if I’m really tired, I remind myself why I’m doing all this—because I have a dream 💭✨
Even when I’m sandy or a bit sleepy from an epic morning surf, I do my best in school because learning is important too. Plus, I want to show people that groms can do both—shred waves and smash tests!
🏄♀️ Why Surfing Helps Me in School
Here’s a secret: surfing actually helps me do better in school. When I surf in the morning, I come to class feeling calmer and more focused. It’s like all the ocean energy clears my brain and makes space for learning.
If I skip a surf, I honestly feel more fidgety and less focused. But when I start my day with waves, everything feels smoother—even my handwriting!
Also, surfing teaches me so many life lessons that help in school too, like:
- Patience – waiting for the right wave = waiting for your turn in class
- Discipline – training even when it’s raining = doing homework even when I’m tired
- Focus – reading the ocean = reading books!
🧳 Packing for Both Worlds
Let’s talk real-life grom hacks. I have a routine to make sure I don’t forget anything important:
My daily backpack includes:
- School books + pencil case
- My uniform, if I’m not wearing it already
- A small towel and soap
- My lunch or snack box
- a pair of shoe
And my surf bag is ready too:
- Surfboard (waxed up!)
- Rash guard or wetsuit
- Water bottle
- Beach towel
- Surf Leash
- GoPro (for Record my activity)
That way, I can go straight from surf to school without ever needing to go home in between. Some people are surprised when I show up in class and say, “Wait—you already surfed today?” and I’m like, “Yep! That’s just my morning!”
⚡ Top 5 Tips for Groms Balancing School & Surf
If you're a young surfer trying to balance school too, here are my best tips from experience:
- Set your clothes and books out the night before. It saves time in the morning.
- Surf early. Get your session in before school so your brain is fresh.
- Keep your stuff organized. Messy bags = forgotten homework!
- Use surfing as a reward. Finish your homework, then earn your waves.
- Talk to your teachers. Let them know you’re also training seriously as an athlete—they’ll often support you more when they understand.
🌊 Why I Love the School + Surf Life
Honestly, some days are hard. Sometimes I wipe out in the water and feel frustrated. Other days, I might not do great on a quiz. But that’s life! Balancing school and surf isn’t about being perfect—it’s about staying committed to both.
I love learning new things in class and learning new tricks in the ocean. It keeps my life exciting, colorful, and full of challenges that help me grow stronger—mentally and physically.
🔗 Related Reads
Big shoutout to Ripcurl for making cool gear that works for both school and surf! And thanks to my coach and family for helping me keep my life balanced and full of stoke 💖
💖 Final Thoughts: One Wave at a Time
To all the groms out there juggling school and surf—you got this! It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to not have perfect grades or the longest rides. What matters is showing up, doing your best, and loving what you do.
For me, being a student and a surfer is like riding two different kinds of waves. Some are fast, some are slow, but both teach you how to balance.
Thanks for reading my story 💌 If you’re living the school+surf life too, send me a message on Instagram @intansurf—I’d love to hear how you balance both!
