Surfing and the ego: It manifests as the need for external validation, comparing oneself to other surfers, and seeking recognition for impressive maneuvers.
It can manifest in frustration over wipeouts, jealousy of others’ skills, and performance anxiety, hindering pure joy and connection with the ocean. Letting go of the ego allows surfers to focus on the experience, fostering a more profound sense of fulfilment and improved performance.
This guide is designed to help you understand and harness your emotional states to achieve your goals and align with your true self. By recognising and shifting your emotional states, you can create a life filled with fulfilment, creativity, and joy.
Emotional States: Empowered vs. Reactive
In the world of surfing, just as in life, we experience two primary categories of emotional states:
- Empowered State: This state is aligned with the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting feelings of joy, peace, calm, happiness, and flow. It fosters creativity, well-being, intuition, and solutions, enabling you to feel connected and thrive.
- Reactive State: Linked to the sympathetic nervous system, this state includes emotions like anger, frustration, anxiety, stress, boredom, and jealousy. It hinders alignment with your goals, leading to unconscious reactions and automatic responses.
Ask Yourself: Are you in an Empowered State or a Reactive State right now? Do you feel good or not so good?
The Ego in Surfing
Surfing is a beautiful blend of skill, patience, and connection with nature. However, the ego can often get in the way, pushing surfers into a Reactive State. When the ego takes over, you might find yourself feeling frustrated by wipeouts, jealous of other surfers, or anxious about your performance. These emotions can cloud your experience and hinder your progress.
We often see ego manifest in what we post on social media, how we perceive other surfers in the lineup, and how we judge our performance compared to “better surfers.” Letting go of this ego-driven mindset can elevate your surfing experience, making it more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Insight from Competitors: Surfing can sometimes become a show for others, with surfers wanting to be seen catching waves or performing impressive maneuvers. As Robert Gardner, author of The Art of Bodysurfing, pointed out, ego can be a dangerous companion in the water. If we focus too much on how others perceive us, we lose the true essence of surfing.
The Power of Meaning
When you encounter challenges while surfing, it’s not the experiences themselves that are good or bad, but the meanings you attach to them. The quality of these meanings and thoughts determines your emotional state.
Exercise:
- Identify your current state while surfing. If negative, examine your thoughts and identify any limiting beliefs.
- Understand that these beliefs are often programmed from a young age and reinforced by life experiences and the emotions attached to them.
For instance, if you believe you must be the best surfer in the water, you might feel anger or frustration when things don’t go as planned. Shifting this belief to focusing on enjoying the process and learning can move you into an Empowered State.
The Role of Imagination
Your imagination is incredibly powerful. A Harvard study showed that practicing an instrument in your imagination is almost as effective as real-life practice. This means that imagined future stresses can be stored in your brain, reactivating negative emotions and pulling you into a Reactive State.
Visualize yourself surfing with joy, ease, and flow. Imagine catching waves effortlessly and feeling at one with the ocean. This mental practice can help rewire your brain, moving you into an Empowered State and improving your actual surfing performance.
Spiritual Growth Through Surfing
All negative emotions indicate misalignment with your higher self. True spiritual growth comes from loving yourself now, not waiting for change. Surfing provides a perfect opportunity for this growth. By letting go of the ego, you can embrace each wave, each moment, with gratitude and openness.
Questions to Reflect On:
- How much time do you spend in fear (anger, overwhelm, stress) while surfing?
- How much time are you in a Reactive State versus an Empowered State?
Insight from Competitors: Surfers often seek recognition from peers, looking for validation and approval. This is similar to how children seek attention with cries of “Watch me!” in the playground. Surfing can return us to this childlike state, making it essential to remain mindful of our motivations and stay grounded.
Detoxifying Fear
To create effectively, you must detoxify yourself from fear and downregulate your nervous system. Fear is an unprocessed emotion that feels negative because it’s untrue to your higher self.
Understanding Beliefs and Emotions: Behavioral psychology tells us that our beliefs determine our thoughts, which are electrical activities in the brain. These thoughts transmit through your nervous system, turning into emotions and actions, ultimately reflecting your beliefs.
Exercise:
- Identify a limiting belief related to your surfing.
- Choose the opposite of that belief.
- Establish this new belief as it feels good and moves you into an Empowered State.
Use your Reticular Activating System (RAS) to confirm your new belief, activating new pathways and strengthening them with myelin.
The Power of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)
The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a sophisticated network of neurons in the brainstem that governs our arousal, attention, and consciousness. Acting as a gatekeeper, the RAS filters incoming information, prioritizing what aligns with our dominant beliefs and focus. When you adopt empowering beliefs, your RAS highlights opportunities, solutions, and positive experiences, naturally steering your thoughts and emotions into an Empowered State.
On the other hand, holding onto limiting beliefs causes the RAS to spotlight negative information, perpetuating a Reactive State. By consciously training your RAS to filter in support of positive, empowering thoughts, you can transform your state of being, fostering alignment with your higher self and unlocking your true potential.
The Path to Transformation
- Recognize: Acknowledge that fear and stress are memories of past experiences.
- Understand: These emotions are not conducive to living fully.
- Analyze: Reflect on the meaning you are giving to these experiences.
- Decide: Choose not to blame external factors for your internal emotions.
Remember, you are in control. Your ego may seek to justify negative emotions externally, but true power lies within you.
Conclusion
Thoughts that move you into a Reactive State are not true. By understanding and transforming your beliefs, you can shift into an Empowered State, creating a reality that aligns with your higher self. Embrace this journey and unlock your unlimited potential. Surfing without the ego enhances your experience on the waves and brings deeper joy and fulfilment to your life.
I love teaching spiritual and emotional awareness and personal development at my surf coaching retreats because it allows me to help others find this deeper connection and joy.
Insight from Competitors: Embrace the community aspect of surfing. Compliments and encouragement from fellow surfers can enhance the experience and reduce ego-driven stress. Sharing the stoke and supporting each other can make surfing more enjoyable and less about competition.
Now you have your mind sorted, let’s get your body ready for your next surf trip.
“Keep salty, find your flow, and surf with soul!”
FAQ Section
What is the surfer mentality?
The surfer mentality emphasises a deep connection with the ocean, a sense of adventure, and a relaxed, go-with-the-flow attitude. Surfers often prioritise living in the moment, appreciating nature, and finding joy by riding waves. This mentality helps them stay calm and focused, both in and out of the water.
Why is surfing so spiritual?
Surfing is often considered spiritual because it involves a profound connection with nature and the ocean. The experience of riding a wave can feel meditative and transcendent, allowing surfers to be fully present and in tune with their surroundings. This connection fosters a sense of peace, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of oneself, aligning with many aspects of spiritual growth.
Does surfing release dopamine?
Yes, surfing releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. The physical activity, the thrill of catching waves, and the sense of achievement all contribute to the release of dopamine. This not only makes surfing enjoyable but also reinforces the desire to surf more, creating a positive feedback loop.
What is a surfer personality?
A surfer personality is typically characterized by traits such as a laid-back attitude, a love for adventure, and a strong connection to nature. Surfers are often seen as free-spirited, open-minded, and resilient individuals who embrace the challenges and unpredictability of the ocean. They value experiences over material possessions and often seek a balanced, harmonious lifestyle.
How does letting go of the ego improve surfing?
Letting go of the ego improves surfing by allowing surfers to be fully present and focused on the experience rather than worrying about external validation or comparisons. This shift leads to a more relaxed and enjoyable surf session, fostering better performance and personal growth. Without the ego’s interference, surfers can connect more deeply with the ocean and the moment, enhancing their overall surfing experience.
What are the benefits of surf apnea training on land?
Surf apnea training on land helps improve breath-holding capacity, lung function, and overall water confidence. By practicing controlled breathing exercises and apnea walks, surfers can simulate the underwater conditions and prepare for the challenges of hold-downs. This training enhances their ability to stay calm and manage breath efficiently, contributing to safer and more enjoyable surfing sessions.
How can shifting emotional states impact surfing performance?
Shifting from a Reactive State to an Empowered State can significantly impact surfing performance by promoting feelings of joy, peace, and flow. When surfers are in an Empowered State, they are more relaxed, creative, and intuitive, which helps them read waves better and execute maneuvers with ease. This positive emotional state enhances overall performance and enjoyment in the water.