If surfing is your sport of choice, you already know it’s more than just a few hours in the ocean. Between paddling out, duck diving, and long sessions under the sun, it’s a full-body workout that demands real energy and stamina. But what many boardriders overlook is how much hydration plays a role in performance—and recovery.
Just because you don’t feel yourself sweating doesn’t mean you’re not losing fluids. In fact, surfing in summer conditions can increase your risk of dehydration without you even noticing.
Let’s break down why hydration is essential for surfers and how to make sure you’re replenishing the electrolytes your body needs to stay focused and balanced in the water.
1. Why Surfers Are at Higher Risk of Dehydration
You’re not just splashing around out there—surfing is high-intensity, often hours long, and typically done in direct sun exposure. Here’s what makes hydration such a challenge when you’re in the waves:
🌊 You’re sweating—even if you don’t notice it – Salt water masks sweat, but you’re still losing fluids and electrolytes through exertion.
☀️ Sun and wind exposure – Prolonged exposure to sun and wind increases water loss through your skin and breath.
💦 No easy access to fluids – Once you’re out past the break, you’re not exactly reaching for your water bottle.
Without proper hydration, your reaction time, energy, and even balance can take a hit—none of which are ideal when you’re navigating waves.
2. What Happens When You’re Low on Electrolytes?
Electrolytes help your body regulate fluid balance, support muscle function, and keep your nervous system firing smoothly. When your levels drop, you might feel:
⚠️ Sluggish and fatigued—even after resting
⚠️ Crampy or shaky in your arms or legs
⚠️ Foggy or slow to react, especially in your pop-up or paddle
⚠️ Dizzy or light-headed during long sessions
These symptoms can sneak up quickly during a hot day in the surf—and impact your performance, coordination, and safety.
3. Electrolytes: Why Water Isn’t Always Enough
While drinking water is important, it doesn’t replace the key minerals your body loses through sweat and exertion. That’s why adding electrolytes to your hydration routine is a smart move—especially for surfers, lifeguards, and ocean athletes.
Ener-IV+ is a sugar-free electrolyte drink mix designed to support hydration and performance in active environments—like the beach.
Here’s why it works:
✔️ Contains six key electrolytes – Including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and a small amount of glucose for fast absorption
✔️ Less than 1g of natural glucose – Just enough to help your body absorb fluids without a sugar spike
✔️ No artificial flavours or preservatives – Naturally flavoured and sweetened
✔️ Portable – Easy single-serve sachets to toss in your beach bag or surf pack
4. How to Use Ener-IV+ for Surf Sessions
It’s not just what you drink—it’s when you drink it. Here’s how to make sure you’re properly hydrated before, during, and after your surf.
🕘 Before paddling out – Mix a sachet of Ener-IV+ into your water and sip it while checking the swell or suiting up. This pre-loads your system with hydration and electrolytes.
🌊 Mid-session or between dips – Take a break and sip more if you’re going back in. Hydration between sets helps keep your reaction time sharp.
🏄 After your surf – Replenish what’s lost to speed up recovery and reduce fatigue. Even a 20-minute session can deplete your system.
5. The Bottom Line
Surfing demands more than just balance and wave sense—it takes energy, focus, and proper hydration. And when you’re sweating in salt water, exposed to sun and wind, and putting your body through high-output effort, staying hydrated is non-negotiable.
By adding Ener-IV+ to your pre- or post-surf routine, you’re giving your body exactly what it needs to ride strong, recover faster, and stay safe out in the lineup.
Because performance doesn’t stop at dry land—and your hydration plan shouldn’t either.