When we watch professional surfers in the waves or online at a contest, how many of us day dream of doing the same thing?  Waking up every day in our own beach house, running to the shore first thing to check what the waves are doing, and then hitting the water even before breakfast?  Our day would revolve around the tides, the best spots to surf and train, before eating an amazing fresh dinner and either hitting the sack or partying like we were a pro.  Sounds good doesn’t it?  So the big question is why don’t we?

Okay, so maybe we can’t all get sponsored, but we can take longer breaks sometimes from our ordinary lives, go travelling to amazing surf destinations and actually give it all a go.  It takes a bit of courage, imagination and a ticket to somewhere with pumping waves.  So to help you make it a reality, here are a few top tips for an extended surf holiday from Surfholidays.com who specialize in living the surf dream…

1.Get a sweet apartment close to the beach

Before you do anything else, make sure where you are planning on staying is close to a surf beach. Think about where would suit your surfing ability, and imagine waking up every day to check the surf… or maybe even hearing the surf from your bed. That will soon inspire you.

2. Buy a surf board from a local at knock down prices

Supporting the local businesses and people of where you are staying is key if you’re wanting to make friends and get the best deals for your budget. More money = longer stay. So shop around, talk to people and get yourself a board that is designed for the waves you’ll be riding.

3.Sort out eco-friendly transport

One of the best things you can invest in whilst you’re away is transport, but this can also double as entertainment for your downtime. Think about picking up a cruisey skateboard, or bicycle to keep you in shape whilst getting you from A to B for cheap.

4.Eat where the locals eat to avoid high prices

Everyone knows that when you’re on a surf holiday, or even a longer trip, eating with the locals is the way to go. You’ll never come across better tasting food, or for better prices than when you eat in the regular restaurants or cafes.  Ask about, go where locals do their grocery shopping, and even offer to throw a BBQ every so often.  You’d be surprised at how many you’ll get invited to in return.

5.Set goals to improve your surfing ability 

All this living the dream in your surfer’s paradise is just about as good as it gets right?  So make the most of it. Enjoy having the surf on your doorstep by embracing what it is to challenge yourself and your surfing. Set fun goals and challenges, whether than means just paddling out on a bigger day than you’re used to, or simply working on a particular maneuver. Invite other surfers along with you, encourage and learn from each other.  It’s all about maximizing your experience and embracing all the fun that can be had.

You can be sure we’re following at least four of these top tips for an extended surf holiday as we put our trip together to Portugal. I still haven’t convinced the staffer who is going on the trip to buy a board over there.

What do you think of that tip?  Would you buy a board at your destination or insist on taking your own board?  Share your thoughts below.