Surfing allows one to experience a new perspective on the natural world. While some might see surfing as a way of challenging or conquering big waves, most surfers I have spoken with see it more as participation with their environment. A way of physically, mentally and dare-i-say spiritually connecting with the natural world.
Surfing is a physically demanding sport, that will build and motivate a level of physical fitness at every level of the learning process. Any given surf session will provide a full body work-out.