It's 4.30am and that dang alarm is bleating. Shut the noise off, pick up your phone and crack a half-asleep eye at the local cam. It's good out there, really good. And the only thing stopping you is the thought of a few more hours sleep versus a session down the road.

Luckily, most of the time, the former works out – there is something so serene and almost ethereal at that time in the morning. The world is still horizontal but you're up, loading boards into car, popping the kettle on for a quick morning perk-up before getting out there.

There's an art to the dawn patrol, a pre-surf ritual that can feel absolutely essential. What's interesting, is everyone has their own little things they do in the morning to prep for the surf. A friend of mine rolls his van down the drive in the morning so he doesn't wake up the kids.

Another exclusively surfs in those early mornings, the rhythm of the morning helps clear his head – an important ritual for him after suffering a stroke a couple years ago, which means he's not in the water as much as they'd like.

If you're like me, the only prep you've done is load the car. Wake up, maybe half change into a wetsuit before driving the five minutes to the beach – but I will, without fail, have a morning road coffee to warm up.

What is Dawn Patrol?

Clue's in the name, and we don't mean to insult your intelligence. It's the early morning mission to score before work, or before afternoon devil wind ruins the coast. The routine's usually the same but as mentioned above, everyone has their own spin on it. Wake up before the sun's up, check the cams, drive to the beach, drink coffee, maybe a quick chat to someone in the parking lot, wetsuit on, paddle out as the sun starts to breach the horizon. Magic.

Are There Mental Health Benefits to Early Morning Surfing?

That is very subjective and personal. For me, it's a brilliant time to surf and sets me up for the rest of the day. It provides robust mental clarity. Especially as modern living feels so loud these day, taking a few quiet moments on your own has become the norm. A dawnie can feel like meditation, in some ways, a chance to connect and be mindful of surroundings. Sounds a bit hippie-esque? Maybe. But isn't that also just a part of surfing? That connection to sea and self is important.

In fact, a JAMA study found waking up early in the morning actually reduces the likelihood of depression. Those who get up early in the morning have up to a 23% lower risk of major depressive disorder.

Waking up early also eliminates the need to rush, which mean you'll have reduced cortisol levels and stresses. Add surfing into the mix as a form of exercise, and you will have an instant mood lift. Movement causes your brain to release endorphins and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which again reduces anxiety and promotes good feelings.

Morning workouts also help balance out your circadian rhythm – your body's own internal clock – this makes it easier to fall asleep at night and improves sleep quality.

Is Dawn Patrol Addictive?

Maybe. Again, this is all subjective. It's more about the feeling you get and want to replicate that, which isn't quite addiction, but knowing what makes you tick in the morning and what you need for the rest of the day.

Surfing at first light does come with some added bonuses too, if the waves are a bit crappy, you get the sunrise light show, which only you and a few others will be privy to.

It's (Usually) Quieter on Dawn Patrol

Not everyone is attuned to the early morning beckoning call. Some surfers will just go whenever the time's right for them. But for those who do get up early, the water's usually quieter than midday and you're able to have a bit of space out there as opposed to everyone being crammed onto a few peaks during the after work rush hour.

Your Brain Is In Analytical Mode

Usually when waking up, you will have a surge in cortisol – the hormone that helps your body cope with stress. This creates an almost pragmatic feeling where everything seems to click into place. After a good night's sleep, your prefrontal cortex is refreshed and neurons are primed for problem-solving. You will also have a boost of alertness and energy which can lead to some creative bursts. What better place to focus this than when in the water.

Surfing early morning helps create a stricter routine. You're waking up at ridiculous-o-clock because you want to, not because you have to. And doing this over and over can create discipline and structure. You will find the snooze button will barely be hit – and improves your relationship with sleep. Imagine sleeping in and missing the tide, then you can't surf for who knows how long.