“Without [surfing], it’s kind of like Groundhog Day, but the … Twilight Zone version”: a phenomenological study of surfers’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic altered life and leisure activities for much of the world. Lockdowns were meant to keep people safe but prevented them from doing leisure activities important for wellbeing. Surfing was banned in many coastal communities. Surfers rely on surfing for their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The purpose of this longitudinal phenomenological study was to explore surfers’ experiences of the pandemic using virtual interviews and photo journaling over seven months. The international sample included 29 surfers. The results demonstrated that participants had different experiences depending on their location. While some could not surf for a while, others could surf but still had to change their surfing process. As restrictions relaxed, surfing became a safe activity to keep participants sane, physically healthy, and socially connected. Surfing and the ocean were even used to protest injustice. The findings reveal the importance of expanding access to surfing and the coast.