The most common mistake when learning to surf: setting the bar too high for yourself!
Usually, we feel a sense of joy when we think about surfing and the ocean. But sometimes that pressure creeps in—the kind we put on ourselves when learning something new. Yet learning to surf should be so much more than just mastering the technique. Most mistakes happen only when we put pressure on ourselves and set our standards too high, and in the process, we lose the fun of it.
Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves when learning to surf and set such high standards?
When learning to surf, we tend to put pressure on ourselves for various reasons:
– the pursuit of perfection
From the very beginning, we’d love to ride the green waves and execute everything perfectly from a technical standpoint. This expectation can lead to a lot of pressure, which prevents us from enjoying the learning process.
– comparing oneself to others
When we see other surfers riding the waves with ease, we put pressure on ourselves to perform just as well—I’m sure you know what I mean, right? The fear of failure or the feeling that we’re not good enough can lead us to put unnecessary stress on ourselves.
– Time pressure
On the one hand, you probably don’t have the stamina to stay in the water and practice for hours on end; on the other hand, we want to make the most of every second when conditions are good. As a result, we put pressure on ourselves to make rapid progress instead of simply enjoying the moment.
– Unpredictability
The unpredictability of the waves and the weather can be frustrating when our expectations aren’t met. So when learning to surf, it’s crucial to remember that the essence of surfing is joy, freedom, and a connection to nature.
What happens when we set such high standards for ourselves?
When our expectations are unrealistically high, we become dissatisfied if we can’t meet them. This can negatively impact the fun and relaxation that surfing is supposed to provide.
If you think you have to perform at the highest level in the water right from the start, you’ll only end up disappointed. After all, we all had to start learning to surf at some point, and it’s important not to be afraid of failing. When we’re learning, we have to accept that we’ll make mistakes—and ideally, learn from them.
Setting the bar too high can also have physical consequences. The pressure and stress can lead to muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and physical exhaustion. This, in turn, often takes a toll on our physical and mental health.
So it doesn’t do anyone any good to set unrealistic expectations for ourselves and put pressure on ourselves to be a pro right away. The most important thing is to always have fun!
Tips for avoiding stress and staying relaxed—Setting lower expectations will help you move forward!
To avoid feeling pressured while browsing and develop a more relaxed approach, the following tips might help you:
- Focus on having fun: Remember that surfing is, first and foremost, a recreational activity that should bring you joy. Prioritize enjoying the experience over the urge for perfection
- Embrace and accept the learning process: At the start of your surfing journey, own up to your mistakes and insecurities. Learning to surf is a step-by-step process in which mistakes and progress are equally valuable.
- Patience: Give yourself time to grow. Don’t rush things, and let the learning process unfold at your own pace.
- Live in the moment: Focus on the here and now. Let go of worries about the past or the future, and focus on the waves, the water, and your movements.
- Mindfulness: Use surfing as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Pay attention to your breathing, your posture, and the sensations you feel while surfing.
- Learn from your mistakes: See mistakes as opportunities to grow. Every fall or missed wave gives you the chance to improve your skills and get better.
- Take a deep breath: When you feel stressed, use mindful breathing to calm yourself down. Deep breaths can soothe your nerves and help you relax.
- Relax during breaks: Take time to rest between surfing sessions to recover and recharge your energy.
- Community: Connect with other surfers, share experiences, and learn from one another. A supportive community takes the pressure off and can help motivate you.
- Change your perspective: Shift your focus from achieving specific goals to a general sense of well-being and fulfillment.
By following these tips, you can let go of the pressure and use surfing as an opportunity for relaxation, joy, and personal growth!
Have fun trying out 🙂
