[Pav]

There are a few surfers here! , check the spearfishing threads. Most of us I guesse fustrated by flat days grabbed a spear, mask and snorkel. At least thats how I started.

I think the surfing is different. The breath hold is not prepared for.

I had a similar situation to you. I started getting into the habit of counting during a hold down to relax.

Maybe worth trying similar or watch the other surfers and count how long they are down for. I think it will be less than you expect and you will paddle out more relaxed knowing, and which in itself should increase you breath hold! I think you would be very unlucky to be held down for over 30 seconds (i reckon that equates to 2 waves). My worse was 2 waves whilst surfing in Morroco and doubt it was longer than 30 seconds max.

Having said that I'm surfing within my limits and know what to expect... most of the time! Sometimes you have to walk away. I do surf larger waves on pointbreaks, but I know the channel is never far away!

Goodluck with the trip.