7 Reasons to Become a Digital Nomad Surfer in 2024
Are you dreaming about being a digital nomad and surfing your way across the world? Or maybe living surf town with co-working spaces here you meet like minded people? Well, I dream about it to, but now I’m living it!
Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, going for a surf, opening your laptop with sandy toes, and enjoying a sunset after work.
Welcome to the world of digital nomad surfers! Did you know that 14% and 18% of nomad women and men, respectively, are surfers? Let’s get these numbers higher!
In this article, we’ll dive into 10 irresistible reasons why you should consider embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and start your surf travel adventure!
Get ready to paddle into a life of adventure, flexibility, and endless summer! (or winter, whatever you prefer; I don’t judge 😉)
No time to read? Here are the key takeaways!
- Have the freedom to chase you favorite type of waves and weather
- Discover new cultures
- Expand you professional network
- Improve work-life balance
1- Freedom to Chase the Perfect Wave
Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of packing up your board and laptop, ready to chase that perfect wave wherever it may be.
I remember when I first started this digital nomad surfer lifestyle – I didn’t have a stable job, and I was terrified! Would I be able to make money? Could I really balance work and surfing? But boy, am I glad I took the plunge.
One of the best things about remote work is the ability to change places, meaning chasing the perfect wave for your ability.
For me, it was all about chasing the sun and fun waves. But if you’re after the big waves, you can literally chase winter all over the globe and ride the best waves of your life!
All you need is a place to sleep (or camp), good wifi, and a source of income. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working for a company, that’s up to you.
I’ll never forget my trip to Sardegna. Three weeks in the winter, freezing cold, with a car and a surfboard, chasing the swells of the Medtrinian Sea (which can be really tricky). That was FUN!
If you’re thinking about taking the leap into the digital nomad surfer life, here’s my advice: start small.
Maybe begin with a month-long workstation in a surf town. See how you handle balancing work and waves. Most importantly, be flexible. Sometimes, the best experiences come from unexpected detours.
Pro Tip: Invest in good travel insurance that covers your gear. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in a foreign country with a broken board and no backup plan. I learned that lesson the hard way in Costa Rica, but that’s a story for another time!
2- Flexible Work Schedule for Prime Surf Conditions
When I started surfing in my early 20s, I worked at a restaurant right on the beach. My local break was just in front of the restaurant. I can’t count how many times I would rock up to work at 8 a.m. and see perfect waves breaking in front of me. It was so close, yet so far!
Now, I start my day with a surf session in the early morning. There’s something almost spiritual about paddling out just as the sun’s peeking over the horizon. The water’s like glass, and it’s just you and a few dedicated locals out there.
I’d catch a few waves, then head back to start my workday with salt in my hair and a grin on my face. Talk about a productivity boost!
Sometimes, I try to align my work schedule with the surf forecast and tides. You simply look at the forecast at the start of each week and figure out when is the best times to surf and work before or after that (or BOTH!).
3- Cost-Effective Living in Surf Paradises
Some of the best digital nomad locations are actually really affordable. Places like Costa Rica, Portugal, and Sri Lanka all offer digital nomad visas. Not only are these places really affordable, but they all have world-class waves you can explore.
Look for places where you can book long-term accommodation (which are usually better priced). Or even better, you can rent an apartment and practically be a local for as long as you want to.
Of course, it’s not always perfect. There have been times when I’ve had to tighten my belt. For example, when my laptop decided to take a swim (pro tip: waterproof cases are worth every penny), Or when I underestimated the cost of living in Australia (gorgeous waves, but ouch on the wallet).
But you know what? Even in those tough moments, I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for anything. I’ve learned to be resourceful, to appreciate the simple things, and to find joy in experiences rather than stuff.
4- Improved Work-Life Balance
It’s no secret that we live in a fast-paced society, especially in big cities. The number of hours I had to work made me sacrifice my mental and physical well-being.
I remember my first month as a digital nomad. I was so stoked to be living the dream that I went overboard with the surfing. I’d spend hours in the water, then scramble to meet deadlines. My work started to suffer, and I was exhausted. Not exactly the blissful balance I’d imagined!
So if you’re considering this lifestyle, remember that balance is key. It’s not about working less or surfing more, it’s about finding that sweet spot where both complement each other. And when you do? enjoy the ride!
5- Expand Your Professional Network Globally
You’ll be surprised to see how many people want to enjoy the best of both worlds. Meeting like-minded people is not rare when choosing this lifestyle.
Picture this: you’re sitting in a beachside co-working space in Bali, chatting with a web designer from Brazil and a startup founder from Germany. That’s just a normal Tuesday for us nomads!
Every new surf spot brings fresh faces and exciting opportunities. I’ve landed clients while waiting for waves and made lifelong friends in lineup chats. It’s like your network grows with every mile you travel.
And let’s be real, nothing breaks the ice like asking, “So, how’s the surf here?” Whether you’re a freelancer looking for gigs or an entrepreneur seeking partners, the digital nomad surfer life puts you smack in the middle of a worldwide web of cool, like-minded people.
6- Enhance Creativity and Productivity
Something magical happens when you combine work and surf into your daily life without having to sacrifice your financials.
See, surfing is like meditation, you are free from distractions, looking into the horizon, waiting for the perfect wave to come to you, and then once you catch that wave, oh man, what a feeling!
When you take the time to free your mind every day, even if it’s for one hour, your mind is fresh and ready to deal with any challenge you may face.
I remember when I was stuck on a tricky project in my office. Now, I just grab my board, catch a few waves, and boom—problem solved!
Plus, learning to read waves and handle different surf breaks? That’s problem-solving 101, and it totally carries over to work.
7- Learn New Languages and Cultures
The best part of it all is the variety of cultures and languages you’re exposed to in this lifestyle, from Spanish in Puerto Escondido to Arabic in Taghzout and everything in between. It’s like being in a real-life language app, but way more fun!
I’ll never forget my first week surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. I barely knew how to say “hola,” but by the end of my stay, I was chatting up a storm with the locals in the lineup. And let me tell you, you’ll discover way more spots when you speak the local language!
But it’s not just about the languages. Each surf spot comes with its own vibe and local customs.
The best part? All these experiences shape you into a more open-minded, culturally aware person. You start seeing the world through different eyes.
And let’s be real, that kind of global understanding? It’s priceless in today’s connected world, whether you’re working with international clients or just want to be a better human.
Conclusion
Embracing the digital nomad life isn’t just about riding waves – it’s about crafting a life filled with purpose, adventure, and balance.
From chasing perfect swells to expanding your global network, the benefits are as vast as the ocean itself.
So, why not take the plunge? Grab your board, fire up your laptop, and dive into a world where work meets play in the most exhilarating way possible.
The tide of opportunity is rising – are you ready to catch this wave of freedom and fulfillment?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an expert surfer to become a digital nomad surfer?
Not at all! You can start at any level. Many digital nomad surfers begin as beginners and improve their skills as they travel. The most important thing is your passion for surfing and willingness to learn.
hat kind of jobs are best suited for the digital nomad surfer lifestyle?
ny job you can do remotely works great! This includes freelance writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, online teaching, and more. Some digital nomad surfers even run their own online businesses.
Is it expensive to be a digital nomad surfer?
It can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you make it. Many surf towns in countries like Indonesia, Costa Rica, or Portugal are quite affordable. By staying longer in one place and living like a local, you can often reduce costs.
How do I find reliable internet for work in surf towns?
ost popular surf towns now have co-working spaces with good internet. You can also check reviews of accommodations for wifi connection or invest in a portable wifi device. When in doubt, ask other digital nomads in online forums for recommendations.
How do you balance work and surfing?
It’s all about planning and flexibility. Many digital nomad surfers work around the surf conditions, catching waves early morning or late afternoon and working in between. The key is setting a schedule that allows for both work and surf time.
How do you handle visas as a digital nomad surfer?
This varies by country. Some places offer specific digital nomad visas, while in others you might use tourist visas and move around more frequently. Always research the visa requirements for each country you plan to visit.
