My surfing adventure over the last 3 months of unemployment has been one of the most fundamental aspects of personal development in my life, and so naturally I decided to write a post called “why surfing makes the world a better place.” It has helped me get through what has been one of the toughest times in my life with a smile. It’s likely that most of the blog posts I write this week will somehow relate surfing to personal development. 5 straight days in the ocean will do that to you. Unlike other sports, surfing has a magic to it where once you catch the bug, the addiction never ends. So, why does surfing make the world a better place?
1. Pure Joy:
The pure joy of riding waves puts a smile across your face like never before. I wrote before about the power of your smile. Once you start to spend the majority of the day catching waves, and riding them to the shore, you spend the majority of the day with an ear to ear smile, accompanied by adrenaline rush. No matter how big or small the waves are the smile on your face is always the same.
2. Peace of mind:
This perhaps was one of the most ironic things I’ve picked up from my time in the ocean. For some reason, time in the ocean brings a peace of mind to your life that I can’t really put into words. It’s almost silly to try and explain this because I think it’s only something you can understand once you experience it. Perhaps this is why surfing is like an addictive drug that keeps you coming back for more. Just when you think you are done for the day, your immediate thought is “one last good ride.”
3. Adventure/Adrenaline: I am personally of the opinion that human beings are meant to experience adventure and adrenaline rush. That could be racing cars, climbing to the highest peaks, skiing black diamonds, or riding waves. Endorphin releases are a good thing, and when I surf I seem to experience one endorphin release after another.
4. Friendship: An interesting byproduct of my time at the beach over the last few months is the formation of many new friendships. As a result of frequenting the same beach over and over I have started to make friends with people I would have never met. I’ve met people from all walks of life and all kinds of backgrounds. Our one bond has been the joy of riding waves and as a result I’ve bonded with them.
5. Nature: Considering that three fourths of the planet is covered in water, it makes sense that spending time in the ocean has a way of rejuvenating us like nothing else. Water is the element that is essential to our survival and the ocean is water in one of its purest and most beautiful forms.
My final words: If you live near an ocean, do yourself a favor and Step Into Liquid.
Tags: surfing, zen, endorphins, exercise, fitness
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Wonderful post on surfing! I’ve never done it, but it sounds so amazing.
Kudos to you for listening to intuition! You are defining the evolution of self on your terms. It is helpful to step outside what is familiar. This enables you to be a more astute observer not only of what your perceive oustide, but also enablesy outo awaken the inner observer who is helping you grow spiritually.
I have done surfing and it is great. Its very difficult a first but the rush of riding a wave is magnificent. Great post.
How long have you been surfing?
Jonathan,
I have been surfing about 6 months. It continues to evolve into a different kind of rush and life experience each time I go out. If you liked this post you’ll enjoy the one I have planned for tomorrow as well.
i am 44 years old, father of 4, and i started surfing a couple years ago in “paradise” I AGREE WITH ALL YOUR POINTS, are 100% correct and truly is what you feel.
maybe you could add another one of the joy of surfing (in my case trying) with you kids, is amazing.
regards and thanks for your post.
ernesto
ps. if you want to come to paradise let me know… i will invite you.