What Does Dawn Patrol Mean In Surfing?
Lauren Collison August 1st, 2022 Posted In: Articles Tags: Surfing
What Does Dawn Patrol Mean In Surfing?
Streaks of orange and red in the sky. The sun taking its moment to peek over the horizon and begin its day. The calming collapse of waves on the shore. There’s nothing quite like a beautiful morning by or on the water is there? This is the time where surfers start their day in the water, also known as dawn patrol surfing.
Dawn Patrol Meaning
There are wetsuit brand lines such as Rip Curl Dawn Patrol and even phone/watch apps specifically designed around dawn patrol surfing. In this instance though, we’ll be discussing the dawn patrol surf meaning.
What does dawn patrol mean in surfing? Essentially, it means that a person gets out of the comfort of their own bed around or right before dawn, maneuvers into a wetsuit, and heads to the beach to patrol and ride the best waves.
Why? It just depends. Some surfers do this to beat the crowds that usually show up throughout the late morning and afternoon. Some do it to beat the heat (similar to runners or cyclists). Others participate in dawn patrol surfing simply to start their day with a rush of feel good chemicals before reality sets in. No matter their reason, surfing in the early hours of the morning reveals picturesque sunrises and an ocean that is limitless in its beauty.
How to Gear Up & Go Dawn Patrol Surfing
While the snooze button on an early alarm is very tempting, don’t let that happen to you. If you want those calm winds and smooth waves where you can be yourself on the water and not have to worry about others blocking your way, an early morning alarm is worth it. And then some.
Prepare yourself the night before by ensuring that your wetsuit is properly folded and ready to glide into in the morning. A soggy suit might set you back a few minutes and might tamper with your sanity at 5am. Have your board waxed and ready to pick up and take with you on the go. And if it’s cold outside, pack your booties, gloves, hoods, etc. in a wetsuit-friendly bag.
And do not forget to check the weather and water temps the night before so you know exactly what wetsuit and accessories you will need for that early morning surf session.
You Won’t Regret It
The exercise and the endorphins from a dawn patrol surfing sesh will hopefully set the day up for success. It’s pretty hard to find a surfer who ever regrets chasing waves bright and early in the day.
Are you a dawn patrol surfer? If so, what do you love most about it? And if not, never say never and maybe give it a go at least once in your life!
