The serious side effects of smoking are well known various cancers, heart disease, emphysema to name a few. For a surfer shortness of breath, shorter sessions, and fewer years enjoying the water. Being a former casual cigar smoker I remember the day I was not able to paddle the way I wanted, and surfing shorter sessions. I decided after that experience in the water to give up the occasional smoke. Since quitting I have not experienced any health related problems related to smoking, I paddle better, and I enjoy longer sessions. On occasion I think about the lost time in the water when I was smoking but I can now look forward to many years in the water of quality surfing. If you are thinking about experimenting with smoking or are a current smoker let your conscience be you guide. In my humble opinion surfing and smoking are like oil and water. They can't coexist.
