Tag: young surfer

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🏄‍♀️ Groom Life 💪 Training & Routines

School & Surf: How I Balance Both

surf_school_balance_intansurf

🌞 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:

  1. Set your clothes and books out the night before. It saves time in the morning.
  2. Surf early. Get your session in before school so your brain is fresh.
  3. Keep your stuff organized. Messy bags = forgotten homework!
  4. Use surfing as a reward. Finish your homework, then earn your waves.
  5. 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!

Categories
💪 Training & Routines

How I Stay Fit for Surfing

intansurf_how_I_Stay_Fit_For_Surfing

🏄‍♀️ 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

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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:

MealWhat I Eat
BreakfastOatmeal + banana + honey 🍌
LunchRice + chicken or fish + veggies 🥦
SnacksSmoothies, yogurt, or boiled eggs 🍓🥚
DinnerRice + tofu/tempeh + soup or salad 🥣
DrinksWater, 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

Categories
📝 Blog

🌊 From Batukaras to Big Dreams: My Surfing Journey Begins 🏄‍♀️

Intan, an 8-year-old surfer girl from Batukaras, standing on the beach in the morning
Intan, an 8-year-old surfer girl from Batukaras, standing on the beach in the morning

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