I have been surfing on the Bluff, Durban since shortly after getting out of nappies!. The Bluff is home to some of SA’s best waves, which has bred some great talented surfers like former WSL campaigners Ricky “Bobby” Basnett and Rudy Palmboom to name a few. After surfing competitively as a junior, I decided to share my knowledge with others and started running surf trips for Ticket to Ride in 2012.
I regard the ocean as my ‘second Mother.’ She has taught me many lessons in my time… Some being the greatest moments of my life, others a tad less than great!
Here are a few wisdoms given to me by mother ocean:
Never give up- The ocean, at times is a cruel place to find yourself. It can be a constant battle against the elements. Relentless, crashing waves, howling winds, pulling currents keeping you in one place, bringing on the hopeless feeling of getting nowhere, often so strong that with all the paddling fitness in the world, against it you still get stuck, But persistence is key. Never allowing the ocean to get the better of you. Pushing on in hard times.
Hard times, in the ocean, like in life, do not last forever. Eventually the ocean gives a small gap, a break from the continuous waves. When you see that gap, that’s when you push just a little harder and break free from the stagnant feeling of not going anywhere.
Always show respect – I feel that respect should be shown where respect is due. The ocean commands respect like no other, behaving with grace, reverence and respect of the all-powerful ocean is the only way to enjoy and preserve her beauty. Taking this realisation, I choose in my daily life to respect my fellow man, Mother Nature and myself, it’s the only sustainable way. There will be times where you know it isn’t safe, beyond your ability’s and choose to just watch, and train harder to be prepared for next time
Not all waves are the same- Every wave can be perceived as either good or bad, depending how you ride it. As in life, we have the moment-to-moment choice in how we respond to circumstantial waves that come our way. listing the choices you have when you see a wave come your way in surfing you can either duck under, give it all you got, get smashed and or who knows end up riding the barrel of your life.
Learn to relax during a wipeout- Learning to stay relaxed during turbulent times is essential to survival. Both in and out of the water. When life isn’t going quite as planned and throwing everything it’s got at you. Stay calm, don’t panic, and when you can, swim peacefully to the surface.
Recognise and enjoy the small things – Life is made of small beautiful moments, like those unexpected perfect waves with no one around, appreciate and enjoy each one that comes your way.
Humans as a species derive such pleasure from the ocean, as a food source, as a healer, as a playground, as a teacher. I’m grateful to have been a student of the most magnificent teacher.
I am eternally grateful I am a student of this magnificent Teacher.