There are endless ways surfing & paddleboarding engage the body and mind: Strength to keep you balanced, mental awareness to connect you to the present moment, and of course the determination needed to get out on the water. And while the benefits are well worth the challenge (connecting with nature, building a community, moving your body), there are a few inconveniences (chafing, anyone?), that frankly, we’d rather go without.
Enter: Coconut oil. From a sustainable sunscreen replacement to an energy-boosting addition to your morning coffee, here are 10 ways to incorporate coconut oil into your surf routine.
10 Ways Coconut Oil Is A Game-Changer For Your Next Ride
There’s nothing better than a day on the water soaking up the sun, but if you went a little too long without reapplying your sunscreen, don’t worry. Simply shower off and soothe your skin with a layer of Conscious Coconut. The naturally-existing lauric acid will reduce the pain & redness leaving you soft & hydrated. More good news? Getting in the habit of applying coconut oil to your skin daily is a proactive approach to protecting yourself from the sun.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory are the magic words that make coconut oil a go-to salve for surface-level scrapes. Add to that CoCo’s moisturizing and healing properties and you have an effective treatment for the inevitable cuts and scratches that rough waters bring. Pack a mini pouch of Conscious Coconut and apply to the wounded area 2-3 times daily for best results.
While coffee alone can sometimes make you feel more jittery than energized, swirling in a spoonful of coconut oil to your morning cup helps you start the day with a sustained and long-lasting boost. Not only that, but pairing your caffeine with coconut oil boosts circulation and improves digestion—everything you need to feel 100% during your next surf.
Spending hours in the water means needing to show your locks some love. The Vitamin E in coconut oil promotes growth, moisturizes, strengthens & more importantly repairs damage from all the sun and salt. For extra protection, run coconut oil through your hair & scalp before heading out on the water. Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4-6 and has been used as a natural sunscreen for generations of pacific islanders. It also creates a barrier to repel all things damaging.
Post-swim, start at your roots and apply coconut oil all the way to your ends. Wrap with a towel for 30 minutes and get ready to reap coconut oil's natural benefits.
There’s nothing we love more than all-natural solves for personal care. Replace conventional antiperspirants with coconut oil whose lauric acid kills fungi, yeast, and bacteria. This will protect you against odor-causing bacteria plus leave you with soft and smooth underarms without the, ahem, smell (even after the sweatiest workouts).
Bugs and mosquitos are an inevitable part of any outdoor sport, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer the stings and bites that come with them. Ditch the harsh chemicals of other sprays and opt for Conscious Coconut oil instead—it will reduce the sting, redness & itch within a few minutes.
Chafing, board burn, surf rash—whatever you call it, the pain and discomfort is real. Treat irritation & redness (or prevent it completely), by applying coconut oil to the affected areas for cooling and soothing relief.
Sure, surf wax is necessary for keeping us on our boards, but having to deal with the mess when it gets on your gear or the seat of your car? No thanks. A simple smearing of coconut oil is all you need to streamline clean-up. Just dab (or slather, depending on the mess) and wipe the surface clean with a washcloth.
If a mouthful of saltwater isn’t your idea of a hydrating bevvy, we’re totally with you. DIY an all-natural vapor rub with a mix of tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and coconut oil. Apply under your nose and on your chest to relieve congestion. Inhale, exhale, voila! Also, oil pulling or swishing a spoonful of CoCo in your mouth will curb sinuses infections & sore throats from its abundance of natural antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
If left untreated, water-clogged ears can lead to more serious infections. Address the issue right away and relieve discomfort with just a few drops of CoCo in each ear canal. This will also help clean wax and sand out of your ears.
Whether you're boarding a long flight, exposed to bugs on the road or just facing some polluted waters at home, having a strong immune system is key. Naturally anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial, coconut oil has been shown to improve white blood cell counts, creating a hostile environment for viruses. Since these are the little guys that are on the front line of defense against illness, this translates into a substantial immunity boost.
A perfect companion for my travel and board bag! Coconut oil is a 'Swiss Army knife' of uses, and Conscious Coconut has elevated a simple oil to a humanitarian benefit that helps nurture one's inner peace too.
Todd
Verified Customer
Hi! My name is Danielle, founder of Conscious Coconut based in sunny Tampa Bay. In 2012, I booked a one-way flight to Bali to teach Math & English, surf & practice yoga. My first week on the island I fell off a motorcycle outside of Ubud, and a few days later got super beat up surfing at Uluwatu. Between the cuts, scrapes, board burn, sun burns and rashes - I was a mess! However a local healer gave me coconut oil to use for all of my injuries and they were gone in no time. In fact I hardly have scarring from the accident these days. Just a small reminder driving in Bali is terrifying and this Florida girl should stick to waves her size. Living in Indonesia, Coconut Oil became a staple in my routine - I love that its organic, reef-friendly & so versatile. After deciding to start a coconut oil company I knew I needed to dig into how it was made by locals. I flew back to SE Asia, spending years studying & working with coconut farmers & producers to continue their traditional methods of production that have been around for generations. Our coconut oil is hand-pressed, made in small batches and never touches machinery. Just as its been made for centuries.
At Conscious Coconut, we are talking about how we can support you and your outdoor adventures. Please feel free to email me at info@consciouscoconut.com. I love hearing from you!