The topic is about getting back into surfing after having a colostomy, specifically in the cold, salty waters of Southern California. The person is eager to return to this beloved activity and is seeking advice on how to do so safely and comfortably. Here are some helpful insights and tips:

- Salt water and stoma safety:
- Many surfers and swimmers have found that salt water does not harm the stoma. Problems usually only occur in contaminated water.

- Adhesive wear time and wafer security:
- Being in the water may reduce the wear time of your adhesive by about a day.
- Hot tubs and chlorinated pools can weaken the adhesive more than ocean or lake water.
- Consider emptying your pouch or skipping a meal before surfing to minimize the risk of output.

- Pouching systems and accessories:
- Two-piece Hollister wafer and pouch systems are known to hold up well in the surf.
- Coloplast Sensura Mio pouches come with a filter cover suitable for swimming.
- Cymed ostomy systems are noted for being "completely waterproof."
- AMPatch one-piece stoma covers are an option if you irrigate and can keep the stoma inactive.
- A Stealth Belt neoprene support belt can provide extra security under wetsuits.
- Hernia belts, standard ostomy belts, or comfortable elastic waistbands offer additional support, though some people find a snug wetsuit sufficient.

- Tape and sealing products:
- Waterproof medical tape, like "pink tape," and Scanpore tape, which acts like a "second skin," can be used to secure wafers.
- These tapes are useful if the wafer fabric starts to peel after several surf sessions.

- Sample programs:
- Contact your current or alternative manufacturers, such as Hollister, Coloplast, or Cymed, to request free samples of wafers, pouches, waterproof tapes, or stoma guards to find what works best for you in salt water.

- Clothing and support tips:
- A full wetsuit offers comprehensive support and protects the pouch from direct contact with the surfboard.
- Some people wear lightweight panties or swimwear with built-in support under their wetsuit or swimsuit.
- Folding or rolling the pouch upward and securing it with tape can help keep it compact.

- Irrigation and scheduling:
- For those with left-sided colostomies, daily or every-other-day irrigation before heading to the beach can allow for the use of a small stoma cap or cover instead of a full pouch, providing more freedom and less bulk.

- Gradual return and confidence:
- Begin with a short ocean swim or snorkeling trip before moving on to full surf sessions.
- Many people find they don't need special guards and gain confidence after a few successful outings.