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Surfing - Version 16 vs Version 17
May 25, 2026, 02:22 PM
Corrected wikilink existence flags
Jun 8, 2026, 11:03 PM
Removed duplicate in-body wikilinks
11Overview22Surfing is a recreational activity in inZOI that lets Zois grab a board and ride the waves along the coast. It has been available since the Early Access launch on March 28, 2025, making it one of the original water activities in the game. Surfing serves double duty as both a fun beach pastime and a way to build the Fitness skill. Zois who pursue the Fitness Master Ambition will find surfing especially rewarding, since it triggers the "Wants to Ride the Waves" Urge and earns Meow Coins.44A notable historical quirk: at launch, you could surf in inZOI but could not swim in the ocean. Ocean swimming was only added five months later with the Island Getaway DLC in August 2025.66Surfing is a free activity with no monetary cost. However, Zois must reach Fitness Level 3 before they can actually surf. Below Level 3, interacting with a surfboard only allows paddling and posture practice, which still counts as Fitness training and helps reach the Level 3 threshold. Players do not need to purchase a surfboard; they simply walk up to one of the boards scattered along the beach and interact with it. The activity draws from real surfing culture and fits naturally into Bliss Bay's coastal lifestyle theme, giving fitness-oriented and beach-loving Zois a signature outdoor pastime.88Where to Surf1010Surfing is available at two locations, both along the coast. The activity is only available between 9:00 AM and 6:59 PM in-game time. Outside these hours the Surf interaction option disappears entirely. A developer confirmed on the official forums that this time restriction is intended behavior, not a bug.1212Bliss Bay1515The primary surfing location is Bliss Bay, specifically along the western coastline near the Muscle Beach area and the pier. Surfboards are scattered across the sand in various spots. Only boards positioned close to the water's edge offer the full "Surf" interaction; boards further up the beach only allow practice options. The blue and white patterned boards near the shoreline are the most reliable for actual surfing. Boards near the amusement park have also been confirmed to work by multiple players.1717Posey's Surf Shop1919Bliss Bay also features Posey's Surf Shop near the beach. Despite its name and description of offering "the latest surfing equipment and personalized surfing lessons," the shop functions as a career lot for the Cashier job rather than a player-facing store. You cannot purchase usable surfboards there. See the Posey's Surf Shop Career section below for details on working at this location.2121The most reliable surfing spots in Bliss Bay are concentrated in a stretch running from the pier down toward Muscle Beach. When arriving at the beach, head toward the waterline and look for boards that are partially touching the wet sand. These are the ones most likely to offer the full "Surf" option. Boards sitting on dry sand further inland tend to only support the two practice interactions.2323Cahaya2525The tropical island of Cahaya, added in the Island Getaway DLC (v0.3.0, August 2025), has surfboards on its beaches. Surfing was initially broken in Cahaya due to a bug where the "Surf" option would not appear on any board regardless of Fitness level or time of day. The v0.4.0 update (October 2025) fixed the issue, restoring surfboard functionality on the island. There are two specific surfboards positioned near the ocean that support actual surfing (not just practice). The same Fitness Level 3 requirement and 9 AM to 7 PM time restriction apply.2727Cahaya's surfing spots are located along Barat Beach on the western side of the island. The tropical setting provides a different visual backdrop compared to Bliss Bay, with palm trees, turquoise water, and a more relaxed island atmosphere. Players who own the Island Getaway DLC can enjoy surfing in either location depending on which city their Zoi currently lives in or is visiting.2929Dowon is an inland city and does not offer surfing. Zois living outside Bliss Bay or Cahaya who want to surf need to Travel Between Cities to reach the coast.3131Requirements3333Two conditions must be met before a Zoi can surf. Surfboards on the beach are completely free to use, and there is no shop where you need to purchase a board.3535RequirementDetailsFitness LevelMust reach Fitness Level 3. Use gym equipment, fitness books, surfboard practice interactions, or other fitness activities to level up.Age StageMust be a Young Adult or older (approximately age 20.5+ in-game). Teens and children cannot surf.Time of DaySurfing is only available between 9:00 AM and 6:59 PM in-game time.3737It is worth noting that the Fitness requirement only applies to the "Surf" (Go Surfing) interaction that sends the Zoi into the water. The two practice interactions, Practice Good Posture and Practice Paddling, have no Fitness level requirement and can be used by any Young Adult or older Zoi. This makes practice an excellent stepping stone for Zois who are not yet at Level 3.3838Surfboard Interactions4040When a Zoi approaches a surfboard on the beach, up to three interaction options may appear depending on the board's position and the Zoi's Fitness level.4242InteractionFitness RequiredDescriptionPractice Good PostureNoneThe Zoi practices their stance and balance on the board while on the sand. Increases Fitness skill.Practice PaddlingNoneThe Zoi practices the paddling motion on the surfboard on the sand. Increases Fitness skill.Surf (Go Surfing)Level 3The Zoi picks up the board, runs into the sea, and surfs around in the water. The animation shows the Zoi riding the board and floating against the tides.4444The two practice interactions are a great way to build toward Fitness Level 3 while already at the beach. Some players report that using a practice interaction first, then selecting the same board again, makes the "Surf" option appear more reliably.4545Build Mode surfboards: Surfboards can be purchased in Build Mode and placed on lots, but Zois cannot use them for actual surfing when placed this way. They function only as decorative objects. There is no surfboard customization system in the game. The Build Mode catalog includes a decorative surfboard item featuring a sun and wave design, along with a surfboard-shaped mirror from the Cahaya Dreams collection, but neither can be used for gameplay purposes.4747Surfing Animation4949When a Zoi selects the "Surf" or "Go Surfing" option on a qualifying board, a multi-step animation plays out. The Zoi first picks up the surfboard and tucks it under their arm, then jogs down the beach into the water. Once deep enough, the Zoi drops to a prone position on the board and paddles outward. After reaching a certain distance from shore, the Zoi stands up on the board and begins riding the waves.5151The surfing animation lasts several in-game minutes. During the ride, the Zoi shifts their weight and balances as the board moves with the ocean current. The camera follows the Zoi from a third-person perspective, and players can rotate the view around them. The Zoi does not perform tricks or jumps; the animation is focused on steady wave riding rather than competitive surfing stunts.5353Skill and Need Benefits5555Once the surfing session ends, the Zoi paddles back toward shore, stands up in shallow water, and walks out of the ocean carrying the surfboard back to its original position. The entire sequence runs automatically after the initial interaction click. Players cannot cancel the surfing mid-animation without pausing and queuing a different action.5757During the activity, the Zoi's Fun need fills steadily, and the Fitness skill gains experience. If the Zoi is fulfilling the "Wants to Ride the Waves" Urge at the same time, the Urge progress bar advances as the animation plays. After the session concludes, the Zoi typically receives the Excited emotion, providing a positive mood boost that lasts for several hours.5959Building Fitness for Surfing6161Reaching Fitness Level 3 is the main barrier to surfing. Fortunately, Bliss Bay offers a free open-air gym right next to the surfing area at Muscle Beach. The gym includes squat racks, barbell bench presses, free weights, and pull-down machines, all free to use.6363Other ways to raise the Fitness skill include:6565MethodDetailsBeach surfboard practicePractice Good Posture and Practice Paddling on the beach raise Fitness even before you can surf. Doing one or two practice sessions is often enough to hit Level 3 if you are close.Muscle Beach gymFree open-air gym in Bliss Bay with squat racks, barbell bench presses, free weights, and pull-down machines.Home fitness equipmentYoga mats, dumbbells, treadmills, barbells, and punching bags (purchasable through Build Mode).Fitness booksAvailable at libraries, bookshelves, or on tablets. Look for titles containing words like "Running" or "Physical."Idol careerWorking as an Idol in Dowon includes fitness-related tasks that contribute to the skill.6767Weight machines such as the squat rack and barbell bench press tend to give the highest Fitness experience per session, but they drain the Energy and Hunger needs more quickly. For a balanced approach, alternate between a couple of gym exercises and one or two surfboard practice sessions. This routine can push a new Zoi from Fitness Level 1 to Level 3 within a single in-game day if you manage their Energy and Hunger carefully between workouts.6868Once past Level 3, continued surfing sessions help push the Fitness skill higher. The Fitness Master Ambition requires reaching Fitness Level 6 at its second tier and Level 10 at the final tier, so surfing remains a relevant training method well beyond the initial unlock threshold.7070Wants to Ride the Waves Urge7272Zois with the Fitness Master Ambition can receive the "Wants to Ride the Waves" Urge. The in-game description reads: "Some Zois enjoy challenging nature and riding the waves." This Urge represents an endurance challenge fitting for a fitness-focused character.7474To fulfill the Urge:7676Travel to the beach in Bliss Bay or Cahaya.Locate a surfboard near the water's edge.Select the board and choose "Practice Surfing" or one of the practice interactions.Wait for the Zoi to complete the practice session.Select the same board again and choose "Go Surfing."7878Completing the Urge rewards:80805 Meow Coins (the standard Urge completion reward)Excited emotion, providing a positive mood boostProgress toward the Fitness skill8282Zois with the Life of Excitement Desired Life also request surfing more frequently. The Life of Excitement includes the Adventurer and Entertainer traits with the Chief Explorer Ambition, making it a natural fit for beach-loving Zois.8484The Fitness Master Ambition has three levels that surfing contributes toward:8686LevelRequirementsLevel 1Buy fitness equipment once, work out 3 timesLevel 2Read health books 10 times, achieve Fitness Level 6Level 3Work out 20 times while Concentrated/Focused, achieve Fitness Level 108888Because each surfing session counts as a "workout" for Ambition progress tracking, Zois can chip away at all three levels simply by surfing regularly at the beach. Pairing surfing with the Concentrated or Focused emotion (obtainable through coffee, tea, or successful prior activities) is particularly efficient for clearing the Level 3 requirement of 20 workouts while in that emotional state.8989Posey's Surf Shop Career9191Posey's Surf Shop is a career lot located in Bliss Bay near the beach. It is one of the city-exclusive part-time careers, meaning only Zois who live in or are currently visiting Bliss Bay can apply for a job there. The shop's in-game description mentions "the latest surfing equipment and personalized surfing lessons," though the store does not sell usable surfboards to players.9393The career line at Posey's Surf Shop is the Surf Shop Employee track, an active career where players accompany their Zoi to the shop during work hours and complete tasks hands-on. This is the same format as other active retail careers like working at the convenience store or the furniture store.9595Job Levels9797PositionDaily SalaryNotesCashier360 MeowStarting position. Ring up customers, restock shelves, and keep the shop tidy.Manager918 MeowPromoted position. Higher pay and additional responsibilities. Unlocked by filling the job experience bar to 100%.9999Work Tasks100100Tasks at Posey's Surf Shop are divided into morning, afternoon, and evening shifts. All tasks are time-limited, and completing them within the window advances the job experience bar toward promotion. Common tasks include:102102Ring up customers at the register when they approach the counter.Restock items on shelves when inventory runs low. This task can sometimes be unavailable if the shelves are already full.Clean the shop floor and keep the store presentable.Greet customers who enter the shop to maintain a friendly atmosphere.104104Promotion from Cashier to Manager happens automatically the morning after the experience bar reaches 100%. Consistently completing all available tasks during each shift is the fastest path to promotion. Failing to finish tasks on time slows progress but does not result in demotion or job loss.106106Working at Posey's Surf Shop does not directly increase the Fitness skill or grant any special surfing abilities. It is purely a career for earning Meow and does not interact with the surfing gameplay system. However, the shop's beach-adjacent location makes it convenient for Zois to surf before or after their work shift.108108Autonomy and Surfing110110When Free Will (also called Autonomy) is enabled, Zois can decide on their own to visit the beach and interact with surfboards. However, the autonomous behavior is not always predictable. Zois at the beach may choose to practice speech, sit on benches, or stand idle rather than gravitating toward the surfboards. The current AI does not specifically prioritize surfing for Zois with high Fitness or fitness-related traits.112112Zois with the Fitness Master Ambition or the Life of Excitement Desired Life are more likely to develop the "Wants to Ride the Waves" Urge, which then guides their autonomous behavior toward the surfboards. When the Urge is active and Free Will is on, the Zoi will attempt to travel to the beach and surf on their own, though they may still get sidetracked by other needs along the way.114114Best Surfing Spots116116The Smart Zoi AI system, which uses neural network-based decision making to guide Zoi behavior, can influence surfing decisions based on a Zoi's personality and emotional state. Adventurous Zois with high Fun tolerance and strong Fitness motivation are the most likely candidates for autonomous surfing trips. That said, manually directing a Zoi to surf remains the most reliable way to guarantee the activity happens.118118Weather and Seasonal Considerations120120Surfing is available during all seasons and weather conditions. Rain, clouds, and overcast skies do not prevent the activity from being used, and the time restriction (9 AM to 7 PM) is the only scheduling barrier. The ocean waves remain consistent regardless of weather, and no storms or rough seas mechanic currently prevents surfing.122122However, season and weather do affect the Zoi's comfort. During colder months (fall and winter), a Zoi who walks to the beach in light clothing may become Uncomfortable due to the temperature. Conversely, during summer, the beach is a natural place for a Zoi to cool down. Dressing appropriately for the current weather before heading to the beach is good practice, since a Zoi who becomes ill from temperature exposure will need a First Aid Kit to recover.124124The visual atmosphere of surfing changes with the time of day. Surfing in the morning light creates a different aesthetic than surfing in the late afternoon as the sun moves lower. Because the activity window closes at 7 PM, players cannot surf at sunset or during the golden hour, which has been a common community request on the official forums.126126Recommended Zoi Builds for Surfing128128While any Zoi who meets the Fitness Level 3 and Young Adult requirements can surf, certain trait and ambition combinations make the experience more rewarding and synergistic.130130BuildTraits / AmbitionWhy It WorksFitness SurferAdventurer + Fitness Master AmbitionDirect synergy. The Fitness Master Ambition generates the "Wants to Ride the Waves" Urge, earning Meow Coins and Excited emotion while progressing the Ambition.Thrill SeekerAdventurer + Entertainer + Life of ExcitementThe Life of Excitement Desired Life increases the frequency of surfing-related Urges. These Zois gravitate naturally toward the beach.Beach LifestyleAdventurer + Explorer AmbitionThe Chief Explorer Ambition pairs well with the Bliss Bay beach scene. Surfing contributes to the adventurous lifestyle and complements exploration goals.Surf Shop WorkerAny traits + Bliss Bay residencyWork at Posey's Surf Shop during the day, then surf after your shift ends. The proximity of the shop to the beach makes this a natural daily routine.132132For the most efficient surfing progression, create a Zoi in Bliss Bay with the Adventurer trait and the Fitness Master Ambition. Spend the first in-game day building Fitness at Muscle Beach gym, then transition to surfing once Level 3 is reached. From that point forward, surfing sessions count toward the Ambition while keeping the Fun need satisfied.133133Benefits of Surfing135135BenefitDetailsFitness SkillSurfing and the practice interactions all contribute to raising the Fitness skill, creating a positive feedback loop.FunSurfing provides a significant boost to the Fun Need, filling it faster than many indoor activities.MoodFulfilling the Ride the Waves Urge grants the Excited emotion. Beach activities in general provide positive mood effects.Meow CoinsCompleting the surfing Urge earns 5 Meow Coins, which can be spent at the Meow Store on donut items.SocialSurfing at popular beaches puts Zois near others, creating social opportunities. After finishing a session, the Zoi can chat with nearby beachgoers.SafetyZois cannot drown while surfing. It is a completely safe activity.Ambition ProgressEach surfing session counts toward the Fitness Master Ambition's workout requirements, allowing multi-goal progression in a single activity.No CostUnlike gym equipment in Build Mode that costs Meow to purchase, beach surfboards are free to use by anyone. This makes surfing one of the most cost-effective fitness activities in the game.137137Water Activities Comparison138138Surfing was the original water activity in the base game. The Island Getaway DLC (v0.3.0, August 2025) added several additional water activities to Cahaya.140140ActivityLocationSkill RequiredNotesSurfingBliss Bay + CahayaFitness Level 3Base game feature; 9 AM to 7 PM onlySwimmingCahaya (pools + ocean)Swimming skillAdded in Island Getaway DLCSnorkelingCahaya (Barat Beach)Swimming skill + equipment rentalThree gear tiers availableDivingCahaya (deep water)Higher Swimming skillDiscover coral reefs, turtles, treasureFishingCahaya (pier + boats)Fishing skill + rodNew skill added in DLCBoatingCahayaNoneSix boat types; weather-dependent for distance142142Surfing stands out from the other water activities because it is the only one available in the base game without any DLC purchase. It is also the only water activity that directly levels the Fitness skill rather than a dedicated Swimming or Fishing skill. Players who own the Island Getaway DLC can chain multiple water activities together during a Cahaya beach trip for maximum skill gains across different categories.143143Patch History145145Surfing has been adjusted across several updates since the Early Access launch:147147VersionDateChangev0.1.0March 2025Surfing introduced as part of the base game launch. Available in Bliss Bay only.v0.3.0August 2025Island Getaway DLC adds Cahaya as a second surfing location. Surfboards placed on Cahaya beaches but initially bugged (Surf option does not appear).v0.4.0October 2025"Surf the Waves" interaction fix deployed. Cahaya surfing fully functional. Lifeguard stands and fitness equipment added to Cahaya beaches.149149The v0.4.0 patch specifically listed "Surf the Waves" under its interaction fixes section alongside other activity repairs. This resolved the Cahaya surfing bug that had been reported by players since the DLC launch in August. The patch also placed additional beach infrastructure on Cahaya, including lifeguard stands and outdoor fitness equipment, making the island a more complete destination for beach activities.150150Tips and Known Issues152152IssueSolutionBoard does not show "Surf" optionTry another board closer to the water. The blue and white patterned boards near the shoreline are the most reliable. Boards near the amusement park also work.Time restrictionSurfing is only available 9 AM to 7 PM in-game time. If the Surf option is missing, check the clock. This is intended behavior confirmed by developers.Stuck underground bugZois can occasionally become stuck below ground level after surfing. Open the Psycat Guide menu (the book icon with a question mark) and use the "Emergency Rescue" option. This provides an X-ray view of the town to locate and respawn stuck Zois.Interaction prompt vanishingSome players report the interaction prompt disappearing when approaching certain boards. Moving away and returning, or trying a different board, usually resolves this.Practice before surfingUsing a practice interaction first, then selecting the same board again, sometimes makes the Surf option appear more reliably.Zoi walks away mid-approachIf a Zoi changes their mind while walking toward a surfboard (especially with Free Will enabled), pause the game and queue the surf interaction again. Competing needs like Hunger or Bladder may be pulling them away.Cahaya boards not workingEnsure your game is updated to at least v0.4.0. Earlier versions had a bug preventing surfing on Cahaya entirely.Fitness Level appears stuck at 2Try varying your training methods. Alternate between gym equipment, practice interactions, and fitness books. The skill bar may be closer to Level 3 than it appears; one more practice session on a surfboard is often enough to push over the threshold.Surfboard placed in Build Mode is unusableBuild Mode surfboards are decorative only. To surf, visit a naturally placed surfboard at the beach in Bliss Bay or Cahaya.Urge does not appearThe "Wants to Ride the Waves" Urge only triggers for Zois with the Fitness Master Ambition. Zois with other Ambitions will not receive this specific Urge, though they can still surf manually.
