Last week, Nic Lamb, of Santa Cruz, CA, won the  Titans of Mavericks surfing competition, known as one of the most hazardous sporting events in the world,

Waves as high as 40 feet crashed against the beaches of Half Moon Bay, CA. Things got so bad, Lamb’s closest rival, event favourite Phil Collins,  wiped out, blew out his ear drum and almost drowned.

Often dangerous and chaotic, surfing nonetheless provides many people with an escape, way to relax, outlet for stress, and sense of spirituality.

Surfing helps people forget their fears, thoughts, and concerns and disconnect from the surrounding world, leaving just their breath, body, and present experience.

According to 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, “the real Zen of surfing, for me, is being in the moment completely . . . My ultimate goal is to tune into that at all times; my ultimate [goal] in life is to feel I am really in tune.”

According to now-retired surfer Taylor Knox “it’s about that perfect combination of a relaxed focus. Having your mind sharp, but your physical body needs to be loose.”

High-stakes challenges, from the ones surfers face to the ones waiting for us at the office Monday morning, often require calmness, looseness, and focus because they can hardly be attempted—or completed—without these traits.

Knox understands why: “Because if you’re stiff you’re also tight and that is when you end up falling.”

I am interested in learning more about Furthr’s mindfulness course.

Posted in: Mindfulness