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Surfing's Influence
Born and raised in the Midwest, I moved out to California and, as the stereotype goes, I picked up surfing. A year in, it was time to order my first custom surfboard. A 7'0" Channel Islands Flyer with bright green rails and blue Futures fins. A black Al Merrick logo center-front at the nose.
Two months later, it arrived and I made the 50 mile drive to Santa Cruz's Steamer Lane. Walking down the cliff rocks, I passed the RIP signs of all the others who didn't make it. My first time surfing at this spot, I immediately realized I was in way over my head but couldn't turn back now. I got on and started paddling. 30 seconds in and the waves took grip of me, only yards from the rocks. I was in trouble and frantically tried to get out of harms way.
In that moment, I was immediately reminded it has nothing to do with the board and everything to do with the surfer. Determined to learn how to ride those waves, I spent that afternoon processing what happened, what I did wrong, why I panicked and how I can overcome a situation like that in the future. Over the next year, I made the 100 mile round trip drive nearly every weekend. Rain or shine. Summer or winter. In 4 hours, I can drive there, surf and drive back in time for lunch.
That first day at Steamer Lane set me on a path to become better than I otherwise would be. Today, I continue to learn, adapt and evolve in the ocean, in life and in business.
I've learned just how much surfing mirrors entrepreneurship. Just as I navigated the waves, we entrepreneurs brave the tumultuous seas of business, facing uncertainty and adversity. Like a surfer reading the ocean's cues, we must anticipate market shifts and seize opportunities.
Surfing teaches resilience. Despite wipeouts, we must hone our skills, endure setbacks, learning and adapting along the way. In surfing, as in business, success hinges on preparation and execution.
Reading William Finnegan's book "Barbarian Days - A Surfing Life", he underscores this, highlighting the split-second decisions that define outcomes. Likewise, in business, quick, informed decisions are critical amidst ever-changing circumstances.
You see, surfing isn't just a sport; it's a metaphor for life's challenges, teaching resilience, adaptability, and the courage to dive into the unknown.
So whether it's riding waves or running a business, the journey is about embracing the struggle, overcoming failures, and emerging stronger on the other side.
That is precisely what SGP Capital is about. It's what we know and what we will continue to stand for.