A Calm Dive Into 2026
Rituals I Rely On Before And After Long Sessions In The Ocean
Returning To Ritual
The ocean has always moved in its own way.
Tides shift with the moon, swells arrive at their own pace and with their own strength, and light gradually changes along the coastline.
As I think about 2026, nature’s pace feels worth paying more attention to.
It’s a reminder to slow down, prepare well, and stay connected to the water in ways that last.
From Routines To Rituals
For a long time, my ocean time followed the same rhythm as everything else. Fit it in. Move fast. Rinse quickly. Move on.
That approach worked for a while.
Over time, I started noticing how much better I felt when I gave those moments more space. A pause before entering the water. A few minutes after getting out. Small choices that made a real difference.
That’s when routines started turning into rituals.
Rituals don’t require more effort. They require attention.
Before The Water
Preparation begins at home.
If I’m planning to surf for two or three hours, I need fuel that keeps my energy steady throughout the session. For me, that usually means breakfast that’s easy to digest and reliable.
One of my go-to options is overnight oats.
Simple Overnight Oats For Long Surf or Dive Sessions
Ingredients
1/3 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 banana
2–3 spoonfuls of Greek yoghurt
A pinch of cinnamon
Water (or milk of choice)
How To Prepare
Add the oats and chia seeds to a bowl or jar.
Cover with water (or milk) and stir well.
Slice or mash the banana and mix it in.
Add a pinch of cinnamon.
Let it sit overnight if you’re prepping ahead.
Before eating, stir in the Greek yoghurt.
If You’re Short On Time
Boil water, pour it over the oats and chia seeds, and let them soak for a few minutes. Add banana and cinnamon, let it cool slightly, then stir in the yoghurt.
I prepare my coffee for the drive to the surf spot and often bring tea for afterward, especially on colder mornings. For me, making coffee is a full ritual by itself, so I pay attention to detail. I use tumblers that I love—one teal tumbler that reminds me of a mermaid and another I picked up during a stay in Hawaii. These small details matter to me because they transform the preparation process into something I look forward to.
Before stepping into the water, I take care of my hair and skin. I protect my hair with Coconut Smuggler. Beyond the protection itself, it’s the unmistakable scent — like bottled vacation — that I treasure. It’s familiar and grounding, and I know my hair is taken care of.
I use solely reef-safe products, from sunscreen to hair protection. That’s non-negotiable for me.
At the shoreline, I slow down again. A few steady breaths. A look at the conditions. Feeling the air before stepping in.
I take my time.
For a guide on our favorite products, click here.
After The Water
Once I leave the ocean, the ritual continues.
Salt stays on the skin and in the hair long after the session ends. It pulls moisture, leaving everything feeling dry if rushed.
I rinse thoroughly and restore moisture. I rehydrate right away and make sure I eat something nourishing, even if it’s small. That simple step helps my body transition back to land.
For skin and hair, I use Coconut Smuggler’s Landlubber. It’s a 2-in-1 solution that moisturizes my skin and detangles my hair, allowing me to refresh, style, and go without overcomplicating things.
These moments help close the loop. They mark the transition from water back into the rest of the day.
For our full article on “What Saltwater Really Does To Your Hair (and What Most People Get Wrong)”, visit this link.
Why Ritual Matters Going Into 2026
Life feels faster than it used to. Everything competes for attention.
The ocean asks for something else. Presence. Awareness. A willingness to meet it on its terms.
Ritual protects that experience for me. It keeps ocean time from turning into another task. It allows connection without exhaustion.
Staying In The Water, Long Term
This is how I want to keep moving with the ocean.
Prepared before. Restored after.
Supported by habits that respect both the body and the environment.
At Coconut Smuggler, this philosophy shapes everything we do. Ocean care isn’t separate from the session. It’s part of it. Products and practices designed for time spent in salt and sun, not quick fixes.
The future I’m stepping into feels calmer.
More intentional. Rooted in ritual.
Author’s Note
As this new year begins, I wish you a joyful 2026, filled with adventures, calm dives, long surf sessions, and perfect waves. May your rituals in and out of the water support you every step of the way.