This is the answer to question I of the #IEApplications 2014.

2. I’m quite an active person, so to pick one activity was very hard. I decided
to choose surfing because I only started a year ago and the journey is still
new and challenging. Because of scuba diving I feel very comfortable in the
water.

3. However surfing is very
different to scuba diving as
one requires an enormous
amount of physical strength
in surfing , in scuba diving
one mostly requires mental
strength and control. Such as
the ability to identify your
fears and control it.

4. For example a cross current
that separates you from
your diving group could
easily result in panic and
over exertion. To avoid this
you can STOP, BREATH AND
identify the fear – in this
case being separated from
the group and then decide
on the necessary course of
action. To release your buoy
and slowly ascend while
locating the dive master’s
buoy and re-join the group
to continue enjoying the
dive.

5. Physical
strength is not
something
easily attainable
when one has a
demanding
desk job. So it
requires
planning, dedic
ation and
perseverance. I
have realised
watching
seasoned
surfers does not
show you what
to do to become
a better surfer.

6. When I paddled out to the backline at Muizenburg for the first time, it was 9
degrees Celsius, I was freezing and it had just started to rain. I turned around to
look at the beach and saw a beautiful rainbow high in the mountains. I feel that
surfing has allowed me the unique opportunity to admire nature, soak it up and
free my imagination. To test my limitations and forget about yesterday and
tomorrow and rather focus or right now.

7. The only way to become a better surfer is to take responsibility for
my own improvement, similar to the work environment.
These were my goals when I started:
1.
To study the waves i.e. weather, current, wind. This influenced my
decision of when to surf which wave. In the workplace this can be related
to studying my work environment, the economics and politics to ensure I
make the right decisions.

8. 2.
To build strength doing
other activities such as
swimming to improve my
paddling and running to
increase my fitness.
In the workplace this relates
back to ensuring other
important factors in my life
such as my
family, friends, and health are
also being taken care of. Work
life balance helps me perform
better.

9. 3.
To be prepared and have the right equipment such as
wetsuit, booties, wax and the right size surfboard.
Similar to being on time and prepared for meetings or
important and difficult conversations.

10. 4.
To face my fears and just do it! When I’m about to catch that wave “the wave” and
it seems as if I’m jumping from the 3rd floor of a building – I tell myself that I’m
prepared and ready!
This is about seizing each situation as an opportunity to learn and grow. A difficult
situation can teach me more than an easy one. I am willing and I am able.

11. Lastly and most importantly, surfing has helped me to seek like-minded groups
that share knowledge, experiences, stories, laughs and turns on the waves.
This has helped me realise the impact I have on others in the water and on land.