Recently, while updating my CV, I shared it with a few friends to receive some feedback. One of them, a project manager with a wealth of hiring experience, suggested that listing 'surfing' as the first word in my interests section might deter certain people.
I know your level of dedication as an employee, and how hard you work, but perhaps it is my perspective as an American, that when I think about a “surfer“ I wonder about that person’s priorities when it comes to work.
I kinda found it funny, but then I thought about it a little. The media created image that comes first to mind thinking about a surfer is often a tanned, long-haired individual who lives and breathes the ocean. This person might seem unreliable as their focus seems solely fixed on catching the best waves, needing little more than a board and a pair of board shorts. So why bother with anything else? It won't get you barreled anyway!
My Story
However, my personal experience with surfing, which I began at age 24, offers a different perspective. As an expat who has traveled to various parts of the world, the majority of the people I've met through surfing are well-compensated individuals. To afford travel and those delightful smoothie bowls in a remote country, you've got to earn a decent income. Nowadays, a surfer's lifestyle involves a lot of gear, post-session coffee, and restaurant outings, coaching, and recovery, not to mention surf trips. The latter, if you're seeking comfort, require a significant monetary investment. Living on a remote island often necessitates a stable online income to maintain the desired lifestyle. Consequently, I've encountered an increasing number of people working in IT, design, or running businesses remotely, reflecting the significant shift towards remote work.
Fitness and Perseverance: Surfing and Coding
There's no secret that building a career in tech requires us to spend numerous hours in front of a computer, which isn't ideal for bodies originally designed for a more primal lifestyle just a few generations ago. Thus, we must compensate with exercise. While surfing might not be the healthiest activity compared to other sports, it brings us outdoors, providing substantial psychological relief. I can guarantee, for someone who’s just starting out, there will be some massive improvement in fitness. Just imagine paddling every day, for a few hours straight. Getting smashed with waves, washing the brains in white water. Yes, ocean makes you strong, mentally and physically. But trust me, it is fun as well, there’s nothing more rewarding than catching a good wave after of what seemed like a bad session. This somehow reminds me the feeling after fixing the annoying bug BTW :)
Being Humble
Diligence is another crucial component. If you're not a seasoned swimmer, the chances are that managing long sessions in the beginning will be challenging. Having grown up in a large city, my swimming experience was limited to occasional summer dips in a small countryside pond and brief family vacations by the sea. Consequently, my body had to put in significant effort to adapt to constant paddling, a fundamental part of surfing. This perseverance somehow reminds me of the countless hours spent debugging and learning to code at the start of my development journey.
Mental toughness is another key aspect that surfing promotes. The ocean, with its vastness and unpredictability, humbles you. It demands hard work, practice, and acceptance of your shortcomings and mistakes. The reality check of watching your surfing video, expecting to see a great wave and move, only to find room for improvement can be harsh. Yet, such experiences can enhance teamwork and improve receptiveness to criticism and feedback.
Surfing also cultivates respect, whether it's for the locals, the environment and nature, or the ocean itself. There are rules in the surfing world which, while they might not always seem fair, generally contribute to harmony and simplicity. Surfing is a competitive activity, and by spending significant time in this environment, I believe I've gained a deeper understanding of human nature. One lesson I've learned is that nothing is worse than a lack of respect—an invaluable lesson applicable to all relationships, especially work-related ones.
The Intersection of Surfing and Tech
In conclusion, I firmly believe that surfing can bring immense value to our lives. It can not only promote a healthier work-life balance but also enrich our lives in general. There’re a lot of surprising similarities between this wonderful activity and the mysterious world of Tech.
I'd love to hear about your experiences working with surfers. What do you think? If you're into tech and IT, and either love surfing or are keen to learn, don't hesitate to connect with me via email or on LinkedIn!
