How Surfing Can Help You Understand Your Menstrual Cycle

At Guud Woman, we love to surf. Being in the water and spending time on your board is the perfect stress melter. It is also a great way to switch off and disconnect for a little while.

But what exactly does surfing have to do with your menstrual cycle?

Surfing can actually be a great metaphor for your cycle. Think about your cycle like the way a surfer might ride the waves of the ocean. One wave follows the next, and each step you take to stand up on the board relates perfectly to the different stages of your cycle. Here’s how it works…

Resting on Your Board = Your Menstrual Phase

When you’re resting on your board, you’re waiting for a wave. This is like the days that you are bleeding. In this phase, it’s all about resting and listening to your body. All your hormones are at their lowest so everything needs to be about total relaxation. This is the phase - both in surfing and during your cycle - that allows you to recharge your batteries. It’s the phase where you can take stock and make choices because you know there is another wave coming any moment. So while you’re resting on your board, you can prepare for the next wave.

Paddling Phase = Your Follicular Phase

In the paddling phase, you’re getting ready for the next big wave. You see it coming, and you know it’s going to be good, so you start moving. You can feel your energy rising as you anticipate the ride. This is the moment when you know you can do anything and achieve anything. Estrogen is on the rise, so it’s all about new energy. Your to-do list does not stand a chance. It’s go-time!

Popping Up = Your Ovulation Phase

You’re up! Whuup whuup! It’s the best feeling in the world! When you’re on your board, you feel proud, confident and full of energy. Popping up represents your ovulation phase, which is the time in your cycle when you feel at your absolute best. Your skin glows. Your confidence soars. You feel like you could take on anything and anyone and win. This is where you shine! So ride that wave like the guuddess that you are!

The Washing Machine = The Premenstrual Phase

When a surfer gets spun around by a breaking wave, it can be intense. This phase represents your premenstrual phase and just like the feeling of being kicked around by a wave, it can be fun but scary. With a wave closing around you, you might lose touch with what is happening around you. It’s the time in your cycle when you experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome like cramps, food cravings, acne, sore breasts, bloating and mood swings. You need to take care in this phase. Listen to your body. Trust it to tell you what it needs.

Oh hey Surfer Girl!

We hope this comparison with surfing helps you remember and understand your cycle a bit better. When you think of your cycle like the waves of the ocean, it can be a helpful reminder to ride the waves rather than fight against them. After all, the ocean, just like your hormones, can be a force! Listen to your body and be kind to yourself. Have fun surfing and, if you can, enjoy your cycle!

If you want to learn more about the four stages of your cycle, check out our blog post on Cycle Syncing.

Still have questions about your menstrual health? Talk to us! We’re here for you and we want to help. Talk to an expert. You deserve to feel Guud every day of the month.