surfing Archives - The Wet Journal

🏄‍♀️ Staying Surf Strong at 8 Years Old

Surfing isn’t just about catching waves—it’s about feeling strong, healthy, and happy in your body 🌈

Hi, I’m Intan—a grom surfer from Batukaras. Even though I’m only 8 years old, I take my surf training seriously (and have a lot of fun with it too)! I want to become a World Surf League (WSL) Champion someday, so staying fit helps me keep improving every time I paddle out.

Let me take you behind the scenes of how I train outside the water—with swimming, running, surfskating, eating right, and more!

🏊‍♀️ Swim Training with My Coach

Swimming is one of the best cross-training exercises for surfers. It helps me build strong shoulders, arms, lungs, and heart. Plus, it helps me feel more confident in the water—especially when the waves get big.

I train regularly in the pool with my swimming coach. We do:

Warm-ups like arm swings and kicks
Laps with freestyle and breaststroke
Breath-holding drills
Cool downs and stretches after each session

Sometimes I use fins to build leg strength too. And I always bring my best stoke to the pool! 💦

“Swimming helps me paddle longer, duck dive stronger, and feel relaxed in the ocean.”

If you’re a grom surfer like me, I totally recommend swimming once or twice a week. It’s like training for surfing without needing the waves!

🏃‍♀️ Running & Jogging = Cardio Superpowers

I also go jogging or running regularly. It helps me:

Build strong legs (for better pop-ups)
Train my lungs and breathing
Clear my mind and feel good

Sometimes I run with my family in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot. Other times, I just jog around the village or beach track.

🎵 I even make it more fun by adding music or making little challenges like, “Can I run until the next coconut tree without stopping?

🛹 Playing with Surfskate (Training + Fun!)

When I’m not in the water, surfskating is one of my favorite ways to train. It helps my:

Surf style and flow
Turns and body movement
Balance and core strength

I use my surfskate to practice bottom turns, carves, and little cutbacks—just like on real waves. It’s also super fun to ride around with friends or make up mini games like surfskate tag 🌀

📸 Tip for Readers: If you’re new to surfskating, start on smooth roads or parks and wear your safety gear (helmet, knee pads, wrist guards).

🍓 My Grom Fuel: Eating Healthy Every Day

Food is fuel! As a young athlete, I need energy from the right kind of foods to stay strong and happy.

Here’s a peek into my typical surfer diet:

Meal	What I Eat
Breakfast	Oatmeal + banana + honey 🍌
Lunch	Rice + chicken or fish + veggies 🥦
Snacks	Smoothies, yogurt, or boiled eggs 🍓🥚
Dinner	Rice + tofu/tempeh + soup or salad 🥣
Drinks	Water, coconut water, fruit juices 🥥

I try not to eat too many sweets or junk food. But sometimes I enjoy a little ice cream after a big surf session 🍦 (because balance!)

💡 Pro Tip: I listen to my body. When I’m tired, I eat more protein. When it’s hot, I hydrate more. My coach and mom help guide me too.

💖 Rest Days & Stretching = Magic Combo

Sometimes people forget that rest and recovery are just as important as training. That’s when my body grows stronger!

Here’s what I do on chill days:

Gentle stretches
Rolling out on a foam roller
Drawing or journaling about my surf sessions
Watching surf comps (my fav: Uriah Anchor and Molly Picklum!)

I try to sleep early too so I wake up fresh and ready to chase waves 🌞

🌟 Why All This Matters

You might be wondering: “Isn’t this a lot for an 8-year-old?”

Maybe. But to me, surfing is my dream, and dreams take passion, effort, and practice. I still play, go to school, laugh with my friends, and have fun like every kid. But I also train with purpose—because one day, I want to paddle out on the world stage.

Every training session is one step closer to that.

📣 Final Words from Me

Whether you’re a surfer or just love to move your body, remember this:

“Train hard, rest well, eat good, and do it all with joy.”

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to stay stoked and keep trying. If you love something, take care of yourself so you can do it even better 💪🏄‍♀️

Thanks for reading! Want more surf grom tips and behind-the-scenes? Catch me on Instagram 👉 @intansurf

My Surfing Journey Begins at Age 7

Hi! My name is Intan, and I’m an 8-year-old girl from Batukaras, West Java, Indonesia—a small surf town with a big heart. I’m on a mission that might sound wild for someone my age: I want to become a World Surf League (WSL) Champion someday. 🌟

But let’s rewind for a second—because every big dream starts with a small wave.

🌴 A Life by the Ocean

Growing up in Batukaras means one thing: you’re never too far from the sea. It’s where families hang out, where kids run barefoot, and where the waves are always calling. It’s not just a beach—it’s home.

From as early as I can remember, I watched surfers glide across the ocean like they were dancing with the waves. Their boards carved paths over water like magic, and the way they smiled after catching a wave—I wanted that. I didn’t just want to watch. I wanted to do it too.

🏄‍♀️ My First Step on a Surfboard

I started surfing when I was 7 years old. It all began with a borrowed board and a lot of curiosity. My first coach was Mr. Budi, a kind and super-skilled local surfer here in Batukaras. He saw something in me and said, “You’ve got the heart, Intan. Let’s ride.”

At first, it was tough. I fell, tumbled, drank salty water (a lot of it 😅), and sometimes cried. But every time I stood up—even for just a second—I felt like I was flying. It was worth every bruise, every splash, and every early morning paddle-out.

💙 Why I Fell in Love with Surfing

“Surfing helps me grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person.”

Surfing makes me feel free, strong, and happy. The ocean is my playground, my classroom, and my biggest challenge. Every wave is different, and every session teaches me something new—not just about surfing, but about life.

I love the way the ocean changes with the sky, how the waves don’t wait for anyone, and how you have to be present, focused, and grateful. Surfing helps me grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person.

And honestly? Surfing is just so much fun! I get to meet awesome people, travel, and see the world in a way most kids only dream about. 🌍

🌟 The Goal: World Surf League (WSL) and Beyond

I’m not just surfing for fun (even though it’s the BEST kind of fun). I have a big dream: to be a World Surf League Champion one day. I know it’ll take years of training, hard work, early mornings, and big wipeouts—but I’m all in.

I also want to inspire other young kids—especially girls from small towns like mine—to chase their dreams. Whether it’s surfing, skating, dancing, or drawing… if it lights you up inside, it’s worth chasing.

🤝 A Message for Brands and Sponsors

I might be 8, but I’m already building something big. I’m not just surfing for myself—I’m creating a positive movement. With every wave I catch, I’m showing the world that kids like me have limitless potential.

Brands that support me aren’t just investing in a young athlete—they’re joining a journey full of heart, community, and global impact. I bring:

Authentic grassroots influence from Indonesia’s rising surf scene 🌊
Strong connection with Gen Alpha audiences—on social, in real life, and in the surf 🌟
A growing online presence via my blog The Wet Journal and Instagram @intansurf 📱
A mission to inspire youth and uplift coastal communities 🤝

Let’s make waves together. 🌈

💬 A Few Words to My Fellow Groms

“Start small, dream massive. The world needs your spark”

To every kid out there dreaming big: Don’t wait. Don’t be afraid. Start small, but dream massive. Whether you’re from a big city or a quiet beach like me, the world needs your spark.

I’m still at the beginning of my journey, and there’s a lot more to learn—but that’s what makes it exciting! Come ride with me. Let’s show the world what young hearts and fearless minds can do.

📸 Follow My Journey

I’ll be sharing more stories, surf tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and fun adventures here on The Wet Journal and on my Instagram. So stay tuned—and let’s keep it rolling like a perfect set wave! 🌊

Until next post, keep chasing the stoke and believe in your ride.

With salty hair and sunny vibes,
Intan 🌺
@intansurf | TheWetJournal.com