At the beach before sunrise, when the sky is showing only the faintest light, it’s often pretty deserted.

Paddle out when you can barely see the whitewater, gliding over the ink-dark sea into mystery.

If this seems spooky, bring a buddy. Just be sure not to mention the s-word (“shark”), lest you summon one from the murky depths.

Alternatively, reach the lineup as the sun sets. One by one, the other surfers will catch a last wave and leave, until it’s just you out there.

Surf alone until you can’t see anything but the lights on shore, and then ride one in yourself.