The new year is the perfect time to hit the refresh button on your routines and build new habits that will make you smile. We are here to help you kickstart the process and get you off on the right foot for a fun-filled year. 

Consider committing to a New Year’s resolution that will keep you active, like learning to ski or snowboard. A perfect way to keep your physical and mental edges sharp. Not to mention being the ultimate excuse to make plans with your squad on the regular. 

Sticking with New Year’s resolutions is the tricky part, though, so it pays to know where to start. Whether you plan on getting into yoga, learning to surf, or just want to walk more, this guide will help you get started. And no matter what you pick, we’ve got the perfect kicks at Sanuk® to enjoy your New Year’s resolution to the fullest. From pre-surf to post-pow, we’ve got something fun for your feet! 

SURFING: RIDING THE WAVE OF RESOLUTIONS 

Let’s take surfing as your New Year’s resolution. Yes, it is exciting and dreamy. However, this will require true commitment. As a beginner, it requires patience, hard work, and dedication. Here are some tips to help kickstart your surfing adventure in search of swell and the pursuit of an endless summer.  

If you’re entirely new to surfing, start with surf lessons. A good surf instructor will teach you the fundamentals, along with advice on safety and proper techniques to help you improve. Surfing for beginners can be overwhelming, but a surf instructor can help you with the initial hurdles and keep you paddling. 

Do yourself a favor and invest in the right equipment. At the very least, you’ll want a board and wetsuit you can learn with. A soft-top surfboard is a good option for beginners, or you could rent equipment during your first few sessions to get a feel for different boards. Your wetsuit should be based on the local climate and water temperature. Comfy footwear like the MEN’S and WOMEN’S COZY VIBE SURF CHECK SL or COZY VIBE LOW SM can help you close your session with the perfect post-surf cool-down.  

Do NOT underestimate the value of comfort when learning a new hobby! 

Surfing for the first time isn’t easy, so start at beginner-friendly surf breaks with small, slow-moving waves and learn the basics. Focus on paddling techniques, how to catch waves and the right stance for standing up on the board. Practice pop-ups, build muscle memory and get into a daily routine of hitting the water.  

While learning, your number one priority should be safety. Read up on rip currents and beach rules and regulations in your area. Check the weather before you head out, and surf on beaches with lifeguards present. The last thing you want to do is look like a kook (inconsiderate because you’re clueless). 

Most importantly: be patient! Surfing is hard, and it will take time to learn. Be consistent and learn at your own pace. As long as you keep practicing, you’ll get the feel for it and be hanging ten before you know it.  

YOGA: SETTING INTENTIONS FOR A NEW YOU

Getting into yoga as a New Year’s resolution is a great way to get active and comes loaded with more fringe benefits than any corporate office could ever offer. If you’re considering yoga then read on for some tips and tricks!  

For starters, you’ll want to pick a style of yoga to learn. Popular styles include Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, but there are many more. Do some research and pick a style that resonates with you. This won’t take much, especially if you can ask a friend for insight.  

You can learn yoga in a group setting or on your own. Taking a beginner class at a nearby yoga studio or gym is a good way to learn the basics, and regular classes might help you stick to your New Year’s resolution. Plus, new friends are practically guaranteed. If you’d rather learn on your own, look into yoga apps or online tutorials to guide you on your first steps. Fortunately, whatever you’re feeling comfortable with there will be ample options to suit your pursuits. 

You’ll also need some yoga gear.  Start with a high-quality yoga mat. Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is also a must. Your yoga space is an important consideration. Make sure you have a quiet, clean room to dedicate to yoga practice. These are the basics, and when it comes to yoga you won’t ever really require too much more than this. 

With that said, while yoga is a barefoot activity, it’s still nice to have a pair of flip-flops or sandals that are easy to slip on and off. The MEN’S and WOMEN’S COSMIC YOGA MAT PLPS have blissfully soft, anatomically contoured footbeds with yoga mat foam midsoles. They’ll keep your feet feeling zen even after you finish your yoga practice. Just imagine the ommmm.  

And that practice piece is important. Learning yoga is all about opening yourself up and consistency. Practicing daily or a few times a week will build your body’s strength and flexibility, which you’ll need to move from foundational poses to more advanced poses. Don’t push yourself too hard either. Listen to your body. If a pose feels uncomfortable or painful, don’t force it. Remember the ultimate goal is to smile. 

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING: NEW YEAR, NEW RUNS

If you’re ready to rip but don’t live by the beach, skiing and snowboarding are iconic winter sports, and learning one of them is a great New Year’s resolution. Here’s how to get started.   

First, you need to pick one! This mostly comes down to preference. Snowboarding requires less gear overall, but that’s the only big difference. That, and the orientation in which you will take on the mountain… Regardless of whether you are looking straight or standing sideways, it’s worth finding a local slope and taking a beginner lesson. They’ll have equipment you can rent, and you’ll be able to get a taste for both sports.   

If you decide to continue renting gear while learning to ski or snowboard, that’s fine! Rentals are not what they were in the ‘90s. Today’s mountains tend to be well-equipped. Plus, both sports can be expensive, and you’ll want to learn what type of equipment you prefer before investing. Once you decide to take the plunge, try and shop for gear in person at a winter sports store. Their sales reps will be able to size you and ensure your gear fits properly. In the case of properly fitting winter equipment, size most definitely matters. 

You should learn to ski or snowboard from a certified instructor, unless you can score time with that one homie who almost went pro (you know the one). Both sports are difficult to learn solo, and you’ll need to be on a slope to practice in the first place. Look for regular classes at a local resort or winter sports school and try to take lessons regularly. Many resorts also offer seasonal passes, so you can practice more and save a little money too.   

When you’re relaxing at the lodge before or after a day on the slopes, keep your kit comfy with shoes like our PUFFY CHILLER MID SL X POW and LOW SL X POW. They’ll warm your feet and get you in the apres ski mindset. Imagine yourself living the good life at a premiere resort (or tailgating it in the upper lot) while clearly looking cooler than your friends. You can thank us later. 

WALKING: STEPPING INTO A FRESH YEAR

You know that classic saying from pretty much any sport ever to “walk it off”? Well, of all the common health New Year’s resolutions, walking is the most approachable. It’s something we all do throughout our day-to-day lives, and it’s great for your health and fitness. Here are some tips for increasing your step count with a healthy strut for your New Year’s resolution.   

Figure out how you want to track your walking. Some people love to count steps. If that’s you, set a goal and get tracking. You’ll need a pedometer, fitness tracker, or phone app to count your steps, so be sure you have that set up. Honestly, we are living in a digital age and the technology when it comes to tracking your health and sharing with friends to stay motivated is worth a peek. 

For those of us looking to exercise as a way to unplug, you might prefer measuring your walks in different ways. You can plan on walking for a certain amount of time, or aim to complete a route around your neighborhood. This is just as valid as step-tracking, so do what fits your mindset and style.   

Planned exercise walks aren’t the only way to increase your step count. Get crazy with it. Walking to work or taking a lunchtime stroll is a great way to add steps to your daily routine while also spicing it up a bit. If you get tired of hitting the path solo a walking buddy can keep you honest and consistent, and the conversation is a huge plus. But don’t be afraid to throw on some music or a podcast, either, if it will help you stay consistent on your own.  

But wait, we need to take a big step back. First thing first, make sure you have comfortable shoes. A cool pair of Sidewalk Surfers like the Women’s SHAKA LITE 2 SL WOOL and Men’s SHAKA LITE 2 SL BAJA BLANKET have orthopedic heel pads that’ll keep your feet comfy all day, no matter how many steps you take. Plus, they make for great conversation starters during those awkward silences on the trail. 

Committing to a New Year’s resolution isn’t easy, we get it. But we hope this guide helps get you started. Consistency is key. Practice whatever activity you choose a few days a week, even if it’s just for 10 or 20 minutes. Don’t get discouraged, stick to it, and embrace the challenges of the new year. It will be worth it. 

Then, once you find yourself smiling about it, pass it on! 

Get 2024 moving in style! SHOP SANUK NOW