[TripletDaddy]

Have them teach you the eggbeater kick.

It is what water polo players use to basically stay afloat the entire match and works particularly well in mild current conditions, such as when you go swimming at the beach (or maybe a large lake?).

The downside is that it requires some training and endurance. The upside is that it really helps get you into shape. Also, after awhile, you don't even notice you are doing it.

Sometimes when there are no swells but you dont want to just sit on your board, you jump into the water, cool off, and tread for awhile. It is fun.