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HOW TO SURF-HIKE
By Greg Alder
(Surfing Magazine, October 2008)

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, vehicles on the road create more than 25% of all air pollution nationwide. Translation: cars are dirty. But feet are not. So, next time you want to explore for waves try leaving the vehicle parked and start walking. Surf-hiking is choosing a section of coast, starting at the top—with a board and a backpack—and hiking between surf sessions until you reach the bottom. As a method of travel it has all the ingredients of a green way of doing things: low environmental impact, low energy use, and respect for the locals. Here are the basics to get you, uh, on your feet.

1. PICK A STRETCH OF COAST: Open up a map and choose where you want to explore. Choose a smaller or larger chunk of coast according to how much time you have and how often you expect to surf. For example, you can comfortably traverse 50 miles of beach in a week, or 15 miles over a weekend, if you want to surf once each day.

2. FIND A PARTNER: You will likely be surfing uncrowded, even empty, waves so having a friend in the water will be safer and more fun. Select a travel mate who is in good shape, not prone to whining, and can tell a good joke.

3. CHOOSE A BOARD: Lightness and versatility are the key factors here. Since you will be carrying the board (whether strapped to your backpack or under your arm), avoid a shape that is particularly long or wide. No guns, no fish. The ideal surf-hike design? A round-pin that is 2 inches longer than your normal shortboard.

4. GATHER GEAR: If you have backpacked before, then follow your usual packing list. Just remember to go as light as possible because you’ll probably be adding a wetsuit to the load—a soaked 5/4/3 can weigh a ton. Also, line your backpack with a plastic trash bag. As coastlines are broken up by river mouths, the liner will keep your stuff dry when you paddle across.

5. PLAN MEALS: Research the edible native plants along your route. There may be berries, fruits, leafy greens and wild roots. There is sure to be seafood, so bring a small fishing pole. Supplement what you can gather and catch with energy-dense foods like beans and rice. And finally, never forget the chocolate.