I have often wondered whether drinking coffee is helping or hurting me during or after a surf sesh. A typical paddle out requires tremendous amounts of energy, strength and endurance, so is coffee really a good choice to drink before I hit the waves? Studies show that coffee not only is a good choice, but in fact is one of the best drinks for surfers to enjoy before their set. Below are 10 reasons why coffee is great for surfers:
10 Reasons Why Coffee is Great for Surfers
1. Accelerates Fat Loss
The greatest benefit of coffee is it's fat-burning properties. When coffee is consumed before exercise, it converts fat cells into an energy source and can be used up by the body. When you body is in Ketosis it is burning fat for energy instead of sugar. This state offer longer lasting energy rather than peaks and valleys of sugar based energy bursts.
2. Increases Physical and Mental Performance
Caffeine improves brain function in athletes and enables them to keep their bodies in peak shape when playing their favorite sport. Think back to an epic session that lasted for multiple hours. Did you drink coffee beforehand? Next time, try our Dawn Patrol Dark Roast and see if you notice a difference in your focus or energy into the second and third hour of your sesh.
3. Reduces Muscle Pain
Caffeine reduces soreness in muscles and pain caused during physical exercise. This means we can surf smoothly without breaking down mid-sesh and will also feel less drained or sore afterward. Evening glass off for round two, anyone?
4. Improves Blood Circulation
Coffee when taken in moderate amount during the day can significantly elevate your heart rate and improve blood circulation in the body. This will help keep you warm in cold water situations and can help circulate oxygen to your muscles regardless of outside temperatures.
5. Increases Focus and Awareness
Natural caffeine provides a jolt to the body that keeps muscles active and mind on alert throughout the day. I personally love how I feel after drinking the last sip of a great cup o’ Joe. The clarity is unparalleled and is a major reason why coffee was the most consumer drink last year in the world (more than water).
6. Decreased Risk of Cancer
According to various studies, caffeine can reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including: prostate cancer, liver cancer, endometrial cancer, and some cancers of the mouth and throat. Coffee has antioxidants which help to eliminate free radicals, reducing your risk of cancer. Stay radical in the water, not in your body!
7. Quick Recovery After Exercise
Caffeine increases muscle glycogen by almost 66%. It also raises the metabolic rate and helps in mobilizing fatty acids from the fat tissues. Overall, this will help you become a lean surfer once again and shred that board that is on the lower end of your volume spectrum. It feels good, and looks good, to paddle out on that short stick (and actually have fun).
8. Prevents Disease
Coffee's nutrients have numerous protective factors that counter multiple diseases. Along with eliminating free radicals, those who drink coffee every morning also significantly reduce their chances of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as depression and type II diabetes. Woah!
9. Improves Memory
Caffeine is known to improve both short-term and long-term memory. It is also known to improve cognitive function. Remember finals? Natural caffeine from coffee is better than processed caffeine in energy drinks or other supplements and has less of a peak and valley effect on energy levels.
10. Increases Fiber Intake
A freshly brewed coffee contributes up to 1.8 grams of fiber of the recommended intake of 20-38 grams, encouraging surfers to continue maintaining a healthy diet. Who knew there was fiber in coffee, right?
The Verdict: Drink Coffee and Paddle Out
The three major traits that enthusiastic surfers possess include immense energy, speed and spontaneity. Having the right amount of energy provides surfers with vitality and liveliness. Being light on their feet, most professional surfers bounce through slow sections and generate speed seemingly out of thin air and coffee will help you bring that level of energy to you next session, getting one-step closer to the pros (or at least the semis).
- Jeff, Scorpion Bay Coffee Co.