Five Reasons to Hit The Road

Words & photos by John Streit.

They say the grass is greener on the other side. Personally, it’s hard for me to hold back my excitement when the surf forecast lines up perfectly with a day off. With the fair city of Virginia Beach being my hometown, an open schedule and a swell in the water almost automatically means a day trip to the Outer Banks – where the swell is always stronger on the other side of the state line. After obsessively checking forecasts, tides, winds and buoys; there’s no feeling like pulling up to “the spot” and scoring uncrowded waves with just a few friends. Jumping in the car and searching for waves away from home is a time-honored tradition shared by surfers across the globe. Without this adventurous spirit, many of the world’s best waves would have never been discovered. After a classic day of soaking in the autumn sun on Hatteras Island, we offer up these five reasons why you should hit the road with your surf crew as soon as possible!

Unidentified. Photo: Streit.

Noah Barnas. Photo: Streit.

Just what the doctor ordered. Photo: Streit.

Kevin Stewart. Photo: Streit.

1. Quality Time: The promise of better conditions – whether it be more favorable wind or swell – tops this list. No one has ever hit the road with the goal of breaking even on the conditions they could get at their homebreak. Think of the time spent on the road as a bank deposit you immediately cash out when you find your spot for the day.

2. Escape the Daily Grind: Beyond finding a better setup than home; the open road has always beckoned those who wish to leave their daily routines and responsibilities behind, even if its just for the day. Leaving that pile of work at the office or on the job site and cruising toward good times with your friends is what draws us toward the surf and adventure lifestyle. Enjoy the day. You’ve worked hard at home to earn it!

Conner Barnes. Photo: Streit.

Noah Barnas. Photo: Streit.

Kevin Stewart. Photo: Streit.

Noah Barnas. Photo: Streit.

Noah Barnas. Photo: Streit.

3. Social Networking: And we’re not talking about Facebook or Instagram. In fact – outside of posting your “score” to make your friends salivate – challenge yourself to disconnect from the web and immerse yourself in the company of your surf crew. Catch up on all of life’s happenings while you cruise through the countryside on your way to waves. Engage in thought-provoking conversations, share your life goals and reflect on surf sessions past, present and future. Strike up a conversion with a friendly local in the lineup. Use this free time to make genuine, meaningful connections with those around you.

4. Appreciate Nature: Give thanks for the fact we are able to match the speed of open-ocean energy with our boards, a transfer that fires off every known pleasure receptor in your brain. Yes, Mother Nature has an innumerable amount of wonders for us to experience in our lives, and we are beyond blessed to be able to connect with her in such a dynamic and primordial way. The living pulse of the ocean awakens some of our deepest instincts – the hunt for that perfect peak, slaying the beast (wave) and sharing the spoils with your tribe (friends). If your search takes you to an isolated, natural area; notice the landscape around you and marvel at the processes that have shaped it. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in a barrel, proceed to have your mind blown.

5. Revitalize Your Stoke: Feeling burnt out paddle-battling for sub-par peaks out front? Jump in the whip and cruise toward good times and fun waves with your friends. Your stoke will thank you! A solid score on a day trip is highly addictive and will keep you coming back for more and more — at home or on the road!

Photo: Streit.

Look at that one! Photo: Streit.

Noah Barnas. Photo: Streit.

Photo: Streit.

Unidentified. Photo: Streit.