Obviously it is impossible to improve our skills forever, right?
There must be a point that one reaches the “peak” in their surfing skills, and from that session onwards, never achieves to the same level again.
It is a fact of life, one that all professional sports people deal with.
But how 'bout for the average Joe/Jane?
It has been said that one of the most addictive aspects to surfing is the fact that every session only ever gives you a taste, that a higher high and greater achievement is always to follow.Thats why we do it for life. A seemingly inexhaustible supply of progression.
But what happens when that progression ceases? When might that happen for average guys like me?
What do you guys think?
Of course the peak in a person’s surfing ability depends on many factors; fitness, time in the water (usually dictated by life’s commitments!), accessible wave quality, and many, many other dimensions.
But like Occy, a comeback can be staged…
How long can I expect to improve??? How heavy is the blow when you realise that your best is behind you?
For all the time i’ve been surfing, it’s just been a given that I would improve. I’ve spent a year out of the water before, but knew that I’d catch back up and continue progressing when I got back to the coast. It is definitely one of the things that keeps me stoked.
I’ve been surfing for 17 years or so, and definitely should surf better than I do… most of us likely think that
At 32 years old i’m still sure i’m gunna keep improving… I by no means think i’m old, but choices that you make in life have an impact on the activities you love, even at a young age.
The background to the thread is this:
I love travelling, and quite conveniently surf travel is the best there is!
I just got back from my most recent round-the-world mission, and can’t help thinking that i’m still not surfing as well as I really want to be!! Anyone else have that feeling?
I look at people around me, those with serious commitments, families, jobs, mortgages, and with many I sense them thinking “I’m never gunna surf as well as I used to…”
This may not be the last time I take off on an intensive extended surf trip, but eventually there WILL be a last time. A last time where I get to surf perfect waves and work on improving, rather than just maintaining my skill.
Maybe i’ll find a lifestyle where I can surf my local break before and after work, and improve more that I would on regular Indo surf trips. Maybe not.
I guess the surfing experience changes as you get older?
Maybe surfing with your kids is better that any tropical surf adventure you’ve been on? Does the stoke stay the same just because you’re pushing your personal limits, even if those limits are not what they were?
I’d love to hear opinions from all ages, about what it means to surf for a lifetime?