Surfing Through Academia: Lessons from the Waves

Being an academic is a lot like surfing. On the surface, it may seem that the ultimate goal, whether it’s catching waves or producing groundbreaking research, should be simple and enjoyable. But, as any surfer or academic knows, the joy of the craft is often eclipsed by the sheer number of tasks, challenges, and moments of uncertainty required to achieve it.

Surfing has taught me invaluable lessons about navigating the complexities of academic life, and the parallels are striking.

Preparation is Key

Before you can even think about catching a wave, there’s a checklist of essentials: finding the right spot, waxing your board, slathering on sunscreen, and paddling out through the break. Similarly, in academia, preparation is everything. The simple act of writing a paper or teaching a class requires hours of groundwork (e.g., reading, planning, organizing, etc.) and ensuring all the necessary pieces are in place. Preparation is the foundation for success, both in the water and in the classroom.

Pacing Yourself

Surfing isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon of stamina and balance. You have to monitor your breath, conserve your energy, and take breaks when needed. In academia, the same rule applies. Whether it’s pacing yourself through a semester, a grant proposal, or the tenure process, you need to have enough “gas in the tank” to sustain your efforts. Burnout is the academic equivalent of being wiped out by a set of waves you weren’t prepared for; it can leave you disoriented and struggling to get back in position.

Etiquette and Community

In surfing, respect and awareness of others in the lineup are essential. You talk to fellow surfers, watch out for them, and they (hopefully) do the same for you. Academia also thrives on community. Collaborating, networking, and mentoring are as critical as autonomous work. Just like surfers share stories and advice on the waves, academics grow stronger through shared knowledge and mutual respect.

Adaptability and Patience

The ocean is unpredictable. Tide changes, weather shifts, and unexpected swells can completely alter your plans. The same is true in academia. Anticipating changes (whether it’s in research trends, student dynamics, or institutional priorities) is crucial. Sometimes, what you expect doesn’t happen, and sometimes it does in ways you didn’t foresee. The lesson? Stay flexible. Embrace the ebb and flow rather than fight against it.

Handling the Rough Surf

Inevitably, there are moments when you’re held under by a wave, caught in the whitewash, or unexpectedly wiped out. In these moments, surfing teaches you to relax, not fight the ocean (you won’t win), and trust that you’ll surface again (be sure to hold onto your board!). In academia, setbacks are equally inevitable: grant rejections, harsh feedback, or challenging students. The key is to breathe, regroup, and start paddling again.

Mindfulness and Focus

Staying in position while surfing requires mindfulness. You must notice when you’ve drifted too far, adjust, and remain aware of your surroundings without letting fear of sharks, sea life, or looming waves consume you. In academia, mindfulness is equally critical. You must stay focused on your goals while being attuned to the shifting landscape around you. Fear, whether of failure or judgment, is natural but must be managed to stay in the lineup.

Joy in the Process

Ultimately, both surfing and academia are about finding joy in the process, not just the outcome. Catching a wave or publishing a paper is incredibly rewarding. Still, the real growth happens in the moments in between paddling through challenges, learning from others, and appreciating the beauty of what you’re doing. Remember, not everyone gets to experience the blessing of surfing; not everyone gets to experience the blessing of having a career where they can be imaginative, help people become their best, and produce something that can help the world! Be grateful that you do!

Surfing is teaching me how to thrive in academia by embracing preparation, patience, and adaptability while staying present in the moment. Both endeavors remind me that while the ultimate goal may be important, it’s the journey (the paddling, the drifting, and the rising back up) that is the true gift.

Thank you, surfing, for teaching me how to navigate the waves of academic life.