Pros and Cons of a Gap Year Surfing Program

Surfing during a gap year sounds amazing, but I'm unsure about its practicality. Has anyone done a gap year focused on surfing? What did you gain from the experience, and did it have any influence on your college choices?

In a nutshell, a gap year surfing program can offer an enriching and transformative experience; but like any decision, it does come with potential drawbacks to consider.

Firstly, surfing builds physical strength, coordination, and endurance and those are all qualities experiences that can positively influence your wellbeing. On top of that, you're likely to develop exceptional resilience and perseverance. Surfing is a demanding sport, and these skills can translate well into your academic and professional life in the future.

Many students report that a gap year helps them grow personally and become more independent, and a program focused around a specific activity like surfing can make that even stronger. It's a chance to leave your comfort zone, handle diverse situations, and meet new people - from different cultures and walks of life. Some have used this type of gap year as an opportunity to network and make connections that helped with their future career or academic path.

Moreover, experiencing a different lifestyle for a year, such as in a coastal town around surfing culture, could help you rethink your career preferences and align your college choices with your lifestyle aspirations. For example, if you fall in love with sustainability issues around ocean preservation, you might look for colleges with strong environmental science programs.

However, there are also potential downsides. Colleges are typically more interested in gap year experiences that demonstrate a focus on academic, community service, or professional development. Spending a year focusing primarily on a sports or recreational activity may not stand out in the same way in college applications, particularly for very competitive schools.

Completing a gap year in a surfing program might also place you a year behind your peers academically. While this isn't necessarily a negative thing, it's something to consider if staying on a certain academic timeline is important to you.

Moreover, these programs can sometimes be pricey. Make sure to research the costs of the program and possibly traveling and living expenses, and weigh it against other ways you could be using those funds such as toward college education.

Lastly, it's also important to consider safety. Surfing can be a risky sport and it's crucial to make sure the program you're looking into has proper safety measures in place.

Overall, this decision largely depends on your personal priorities, the quality of the surfing program, and how you envision your future. They serious analysis and introspection. You could also consider combining this surfing program with an academic or service program to balance personal interests with practical experience. This way, you could really make the most out of your gap year.