When I was a child, I was your stereotypical coastal Australian, a stoked-out grom with sun bleached hair and insatiable hunger for any wave I could ride on my tiny surfboard.

Early school hours were spent with hair still dripping from the sea, thinking about that morning session.

It’s tough as a surfer living miles from the ocean – but don’t let your inner child throw a tantrum

The idea of living in the suburbs – far from the ocean – seemed like a horrible punishment to me.

I can only imagine what that younger version of myself would think, now I’ve moved not only away from the water but to a landlocked country.

It’s tough as a surfer living miles from the ocean. But don’t let your inner child throw a tantrum. Here are a few ways I’ve found help me survive without being able to surf….