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So many waves to surf, so little time. Unless you are a professional surfer, chances are it’s difficult to satiate your passion for searching for and riding the perfect wave. Finding enough time to enjoy surfing while keeping up on day-to-day responsibilities can be tough, so here are some tips to help you maximize your time gliding across the ocean.

Have Surf Board … Will Travel

You never know when an opportunity to hit the surf may present itself; a surprise early release from work or a canceled appointment can provide an unexpected window of time for surfing, but if your surfing gear isn’t in the car, the opportunity is blown. Of course, this means you must have a vehicle that can fit a surfboard, but it doesn’t mean you have to get a gigantic SUV; there are smaller vehicles, such as the Kia Sportage at automotive.com, that fit the bill, too. A properly outfitted vehicle with a surfboard roof rack can help ensure that no opportunity to surf is ever wasted.

Pack Right, Surf Right

You know the motto of the Boy Scouts; Be prepared. A surfer trying to hit the beach as often as possible should hold the same belief. Each surfer has his or her own definition of essential surf gear: wetsuits, rash vests and guards, sunscreen, surf wax, surfboard leash and a key safe are usually on everybody’s list, but surfers should assess their own needs. It’s always better to err on the side of having too much than too little. If there’s room, include items like boots, gloves, hand sanitizer, shower wipes, basic first aid, bottled water, cooler and healthy snacks. Packing all surf related equipment beforehand makes picking up and going to the beach quicker and easier.

Surf Early and Often

One of the best ways to surf during the workweek is to surf early in the morning. There’s lots of evidence supporting the theory that exercise is better for you in the morning, and the beach is less crowded then, too. Ideally, try to time your arrival at the beach just before dawn. Then it’s a matter of staying till it’s time to leave for work.

And, surf efficiently. To maximize the number of waves you catch in proportion to your time in the water means you can’t be too choosy with which ones you choose, or in the time spent hustling on the beach. Spend an hour to 90 minutes catching seven to 12 waves to start the day off right.

It’s possible to work a full-time job and still surf almost as much as a beach bum. By packing beforehand, waking up early enough to greet the sun and sand and keeping a surfboard on board at all times, anybody who lives near a beach can pursue a passion for surfing.