Written by: Becca Webber | CS Cape Fear
Photo by: Nate Ennis
Living on the East Coast, it’s only about once in a blue moon that we’re blessed with proper, clean swell. Having learned to surf in that reality, I’ve come to understand that even when it’s not firing, I need to paddle out anyway if I want to keep progressing. After I’ve been consistent with paddling out, regardless of the conditions, surfing begins to feel automatic. My body starts to know exactly what to do on the wave, before I even think of it. Something that I’ve heard Kyle Sullivan (CSUS Northeast Regional Coordinator) say to people searching to improve their surfing is “time spent in the water.”
We can watch videos of pros, dissect techniques, and ride the surfskate all day long, but if we only paddle out on the rare occasion that we get actual waves, we won’t retain our surf fitness or technique. Although these things help supplement our training, the only way we can actually improve in surfing is to get in the water consistently. The more time that we spend surfing — no matter the conditions, or how well a session goes… what to do and what not to do becomes programmed into us.
Sometimes, we may not even notice how much better we’re getting at surfing until we have that “perfect storm” session. Offshore winds, solid swell, and next thing you know, you’ve had your best ride yet. Although I may not get that sick wave for some time, it’s worth it when I do. I can see almost immediately when I don’t make it in the water for even a couple of days; I start to lose that momentum. It’s almost like I have to take a session (or a few) to rediscover that groove. Sometimes, I might even avoid paddling out if I haven’t had a chance to get in the water for a week or so, or if there’s been a flat spell…making excuses like “the wind is bad” or “I’ll do it tomorrow when the conditions are better.” Whether or not we see it right away, our labor is bearing fruit that we might only become aware of when it really matters.
When that swell comes…sets are rolling in, I’m paddling for waves, and it becomes so obvious to myself and to others whether or not I’ve been spending my time in the water.
It reminds me of John 15:4: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
We can have all the head knowledge in the world and try to follow Jesus’ words in our own strength; I’m sure most of us can relate. Our own efforts only sustain us for so long. On our own, we cannot bear fruit that lasts, or fruit that shows up when our hand is to the fire. The only thing that will bear fruit in those moments when it matters is spending time with God, learning, and being transformed through His Word.