7 Life Lessons That Surfing Has Taught Me
Unveiling Surfing’s Hidden Wisdom that might Enrich Your Life
Author: “the vagrant Surfer”
For those of us who are dedicated to surfing, it’s not just a hobby — it’s a way of life. The absence of waves can drive us to madness, while the excitement of riding the perfect wave can make everything else fade away. We share not only ideals but also a lifestyle that is uniquely our own.
The experience of being a surfer is hard to put into words. You might have come across this sentiment before, and while it may sound like a cliché, its truth is not to be underestimated. Only those who truly engage in surfing can truly comprehend it; it’s an indescribable sensation.
Beyond the surface of wave-catching, surfing imparts profound life lessons that I’d like to share with you. These insights have the power to broaden your understanding of life itself:
1. It’s Not Always About You:
At the outset, the eagerness to conquer every wave often leads to personal approaches. However, waves have a mind of their own, and adapting to them is key. Studying the technique of surfing very carefully and executing it precisely is often necessary for a successful catch.
Although bucking rules may work elsewhere, surfing is a realm where even the smallest error is promptly recognized and penalized by the waves. Waves make for the most impartial and stern instructors, immediately confirming correctness or mistakes.
To succeed in surfing, humbling your ego and harmonizing with the waves is essential.
2. Never Give Up:
Perseverance is Key
As quoted by Gerry Lopez, surfing teaches us a pivotal life lesson — when a set catches us off-guard, we face a choice: concede and let the waves return us to the shore, or paddle persistently to reclaim our position. Just as life’s challenges arrive in sets like waves, intermissions of calmness between them allow us to regain footing and even advance.
The core is to keep striving tirelessly for our desires, a principle that holds true both in and out of the water.
3. Seize Favorable Opportunities:
If There Is A Good Opportunity, You Have To Go For it.
Every wave is distinct from the others, which is why going for a promising one is essential. Such chances may not repeat. I once took surf lessons from a seasoned surfer, and he was consistently exasperated whenever I missed a prime wave. Initially puzzled, I eventually grasped his viewpoint. His insight was that not all opportunities are equal, mirroring the uneven nature of waves.
The lesson is universal — when an exceptional chance presents itself, whether in the water, life, or business, seize it without reservation.
4. Mindset Matters — Self-Belief Makes a Difference:
The famous words of Henry Ford — “Whether you think that you can or that you can’t. You are usually right.” What you believe you can achieve is what you’ll accomplish. Approaching surfing with self-doubt translates into incapability. Countless instances reveal the direct connection between my beliefs and performance. When I enter the water harboring doubts, my actions align, often leading to subpar outcomes. Contrarily, when I paddle out with confidence, I defy expectations. To triumph, belief in oneself is imperative, a truth applicable far beyond the ocean’s realm.
5. Sincere Commitment is Essential:
Surfing underscores the necessity of unwavering commitment. Hesitation while aiming for a wave not only jeopardizes success but might result in a punishing wipeout. Although the repercussions of indecision aren’t always immediately evident in everyday life, they linger.
Failing to fully commit to aspirations not only hampers achievement but might divert energy away from other pursuits, yielding unfavorable consequences. When you aspire to something, embrace it sincerely from the outset.
6. You Can Not Win Without Risking Something:
Surfing can be frightening. At any instant, a wave might swallow you and you remain stuck in it for several seconds, tossed around like in a washing machine.
Sometimes, as I paddle for the wave and realise how tall it is building up, I wonder if I should really take it. If I fail to get up in time or if I do a nose-dive, I’ll experience a wipeout. During that, you can be held underwater for a few seconds, just hoping it stops soon, as you’re washed back to the shore.
Yet, if I don’t take the risk, I’ll never succeed and never find out. Thus, embracing the risk becomes imperative. By accepting the risk and the possibility of a wipe out, I also overcome the fear related to it. Understanding the potential outcomes, factor it in, and accept it, I no longer dwell on it and allows me to let go of anxiety.
Only those willing to stake something, embracing risks, reap meaningful gains and notable life achievements.
7. Embrace Every Small Victory as well as the Failure:
Surfing demands time and immense effort. One can’t expect to surf like a pro within a week or even a year. Nevertheless, joy is found in every step of the journey, from the initial whitewash ride to nailing complex maneuvers. This mirrors life; fixated on end results, we often overlook minor milestones along the path to triumph.
Yet, nothing in surfing or life is futile; each endeavor imparts learning. Even a fall contributes to wisdom.
In conclusion,
beyond its physical exhilaration, surfing is a treasure trove of wisdom for life. Its lessons encompass humility, persistence, seizing opportunities, self-confidence, commitment, risk-taking, and appreciating progress. These lessons hold true in both the realm of surfing and various facets of existence.
Surfing has taught me valuable life lessons. Moreover, it’s an ongoing journey of discovery, offering not only insights into life but also self-awareness. Learning to ride the waves isn’t just about mastering a fulfilling sport; it’s about uncovering layers of yourself.
Originally published at “the vagrant Surfer” on August 21, 2023, in German.
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