Surfing is not just about riding waves — it’s also about staying strong, healthy, and energized. As a grom who surfs almost every single day, I’ve learned how important food is to my surfing life. The right snacks and meals give me the power to paddle, pop up, and surf with full stoke.
In this blog, I want to share my favorite surf snacks and meals. These are the things I actually eat around my surf sessions in Batukaras, from simple bites before I paddle out to my post-surf recovery meals. Plus, a little bonus about a cool Japanese snack from my surfer friend Sora.
Let’s dive in!
Pre-Surf Power: What I Eat Before Hitting the Waves
Before surfing, I like to keep it simple. My usual snacks are a banana and cookies. Bananas are perfect because they give me energy without making me feel too full. Cookies add a little sugar boost, which helps when I’m about to paddle out for a long session.
But if you ask me what my favorite pre-surf snack is, I’ll tell you straight away: Surabi.
Surabi is a local snack from Indonesia, made from rice flour, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. It’s cooked on a clay pan, and my favorite version has an egg on top. The edges get crispy while the middle stays soft and chewy. It’s simple, traditional, and absolutely delicious.
For me, Surabi feels like home. Every time I eat it before surfing, it reminds me of why I love living and surfing in Batukaras.
Surfing & Snack Sharing: A Japanese Treat from Sora
One of the best things about surfing is meeting new friends from around the world. Recently, I made a new friend named Sora, a surfer grom from Japan.
During one of our post-surf breaks, Sora shared a Japanese snack with me. It was my first time trying it, and I loved it! Sweet, a little sweety, and super different from Indonesian snacks. Sharing food like this is such a fun part of surf culture — it’s not just about the waves, it’s about sharing experiences (and snacks!) with each other.
It made me think: surfers everywhere have their own favorite snacks, but in the end, it’s all about keeping our energy up and enjoying good vibes together.
Post-Surf Refuel: Local Favorites That Always Hit the Spot
After a good surf session, my body is ready for real food. In Batukaras, my top choices are nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles). These two are absolute classics here in Indonesia. They’re filling, tasty, and give me the energy I need to recover after spending hours in the water.
When I eat nasi goreng, it’s usually with a fried egg on top, some veggies, and a little sambal (chili sauce) for that extra kick. Mie goreng is the same — fried noodles with vegetables, egg, and sometimes chicken or shrimp if I’m super hungry.
To finish it off, nothing beats an ice-cold coconut water. Fresh from the coconut, it’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for rehydrating after sweating under the sun. Honestly, I think coconut water is the best post-surf drink ever — way better than any sports drink you can buy in a bottle.
Why Snacks & Meals Matter for Surfing
It might sound simple, but having the right food around your surf sessions is super important. Surfing takes a lot of energy, especially when you’re paddling against strong currents or practicing turns and tricks.
If I don’t eat well, I can feel tired faster, lose focus, and even get cramps in the water. That’s why snacks like bananas, Surabi, and hydrating drinks like coconut water are part of my daily surf routine.
Good post-surf meals also help my body recover faster. After all, I want to be ready for the next session — whether it’s later that day or early the next morning.
Supporting Local Warungs & Surf Culture
One thing I love about Batukaras is the small warungs (local cafes) near the beach. These places make the best traditional snacks and meals. Every time I buy Surabi or nasi goreng from a local warung, I feel like I’m supporting my community while also enjoying food that’s made with heart.
Plus, it’s a big part of surf culture here. After a morning surf, you’ll see surfers hanging out at warungs, sharing food, chatting about the waves, and just enjoying the simple life.
For me, food and surfing are always connected. It’s about energy, recovery, and community.
What’s Your Favorite Surf Snack?
I’ve shared my favorites — now it’s your turn!
Do you have a go-to snack before surfing? What do you love to eat after a long session in the water? Maybe you have a family recipe or a secret energy booster? Drop in the Comment below!
I’d love to hear your favorites. Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @intansurf. Let’s keep the conversation (and the stoke) going. Who knows — maybe I’ll discover my next favorite surf snack thanks to you!
