We’ve all seen pictures and watched clips of surfers riding the waves on a sunny day, with the sun’s rays illuminating the waves with sparkles and shine; but not often reported, or seen, is night surfing. But just because you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Some people do it because of their hectic schedules that don’t permit them to go out during the day, others do it because they love to push themselves a little further to try something different, and others like Mark Visser prefer the thrill of a real challenge.
Mark Visser planned, practiced and trembled over a span of months to be able to face large waves that are daunting even on a bright sun-filled day, in Jaws, Maui. During his months of preparation he was instructed to paddle his board through shark infested waters and was taught how he could react and cope if something went wrong.
For his experiment of night surfing, his board and body were lit in different places helping him to see the waves in just the right places, but in the end he had to depend mainly on his “feeling” to guide him and completed his self-proposed challenge successfully.
Mark isn’t the only surfer who rides the waves at night, although a risky endeavour such as his stunt at Jaws is not something many attempt. Many amateur surfers enjoy their favourite sport at night as well, albeit in calmer settings.
It is often suggested to not use artificial light but rather go out at nights under a full moon or in a well-lit area. Avoid looking towards the light but rather focus on the waves and the reflection in the water. Using artificial lighting on your body only attracts fish or other unwelcomed creatures, so many avoid using them. The good thing is that after a few minutes, your eyes normally adjust to the darkness and the fact you’re depending on your “feeling” enhances your daytime surfing as well.
Practice makes perfect.