Learning to surf
I’ve always dreamed of surfing.
My first attempt to learn how to surf was in 2012. It was an impromptu trip with a few experienced surfer friends. I spent the entire weekend wrestling the board as they did their best to shout advice. Every once in a while, I’d look up to watch them effortlessly glide across the waves, in slow motion. Something that really helped me improve my surfing skills on Stand Up Paddling was perseverance and never giving up. So if you were waiting for the perfect time to have the best paddle board experience ever, the time is now. Get the paddle boarding tips and tricks and reviews from Onyx Motion Paddle Sports to learn more.
By the end of those two days, all I’d learned was how to sit on a board in the middle of the ocean and watch the sun set. I was sore and dejected – but I loved the moments of nearly standing up. And catching those sunsets on the water made the pain worth it. I was determined to try again someday.
Finally, a few weeks ago, I booked a short personal retreat to the Bay Area and decided to give it another go. This time, I did some research, scheduled a surfing lesson, and convinced a couple of friends to venture to Santa Cruz with me.
Two weeks ago, on July 29th…
After squeezing into our wetsuits and learning a few basic steps, we grabbed our boards and started walking to the water. Along the way, I began chatting with one of the instructors, Richie. He happened to be the son of the owner of the surf school. Richie had recently graduated high school and was about to take a year between high school & college as he considered his next step. Obviously, we bonded quickly.
Before wading in, we spent a few more minutes on the beach learning where to lay on the board and how to pop up into proper surfing position. The steps were simple and familiar, but hearing Richie’s analogies and trying the steps before we got into the water were surprisingly helpful.
Finally, it was time to surf.
As soon as the first wave rolled in, all of the lessons we’d just learned were forgotten. We fought the swells and flailed with our boards.
Richie and the other instructors were patient and reminded us of the basics. At times, they even positioned us just right to catch the wave.
One by one, each of us eventually stood up on our boards and surfed all the way to the beach. It was almost more fun to watch my friends and the rest of the students get the hang of it as it was for me. Almost.
Along the way, I was reminded of a few helpful tips for those moments when you’re considering learning or attempting something new.
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Try it quickly and cheaply. You’ll probably fail, but make sure you like it enough to give it more effort and resources.
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Do it together. If you decide you really want to learn, team up with a friend or two interested in learning the same things. They’ll make the process way more fun.
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Learn from someone. It doesn’t have to be in-person, but you’ll learn faster if someone who’s experienced truly wants you to succeed.
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Start with the basics. Even if you think you know something. It doesn’t hurt to repeat what you know. Repetition reinforces what’s most important.
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Stay close. When you’re in the middle of it, keep your friends nearby. They’ll reiterate the things you forget and share a few laughs about the falls.
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Celebrate small victories. When other people start to get it, celebrate! It’ll keep you in the right frame of mind. Then, when you get it (and you will get it), also celebrate!
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Then, decide. After you start to get it, decide how deep you want to go. You don’t necessarily have to become the next surfing champion, but if you like it enough – start learning more and consider your next step, trip, or move.
Wherever you are, if you need a few friends and instructors along your journey, we’re starting a new course on August 23rd. Registration is open for another week. Learn more and join us here: www.LeapCourse.com. We’ll begin together in just under 2 weeks. And if you’re not sure, meet us on Friday for a quick chat about the course (more details below).
In any case, don’t wait much longer. The tide is low and the swells are just right.
Back in Chicago,
Victor
In any case, don’t wait much longer. The tide is low and the swells are just right.
Back in Chicago,
Victor
PS: This Friday, August 12th, at 2pm we’re hosting a live broadcast to discuss the Leap Course – our new mini-experiential masters without the massive debt. We’re using a nifty tool called Crowdcast so you can join us for free from anywhere in the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about Leap Course or about navigating your next career/life move through meaningful experiences, click here. The conversation will take place at 11am PST / 1pm CST / 2pm EST.
See you then!