If you have friends and family that don't surf...?

Question

...do you ever have a hard time explaining what surfing is all about or why you love the ocean?

I don't live near many other surfers right now and often feel isolated from the community. Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever had a hard time explaining to other people why you love it?

I'm madly in love with the sea and with surfing and must sound like an idiot. :/

Answer 1

I hear ya. Trying to describe surfing and the feeling it gives you, to someone who doesn't surf, is like trying to describe s*x to a virgin.

Answer 2

You don't sound like an idiot to me, you sound quite passionate about surfing!

Sorry you are having issues with people relating to what it is that you love to do. Try getting online and finding a forum of other surfers that you can talk with. You may learn more about thet sport and make some surf-buddies elsewhere.

And remember what Robert Duvall said in Appocalypse Now..."Charlie don't surf..."

Answer 3

Good for you. It beats watching TV.

I'm a balloon pilot and most people think we're part of a strange cult. They have no time for such interests. Ditto experience with my boat sailing buddies and their acquaintances. (I mean, why go sailing on a lake if it means you'll miss the Jerry Springer show???)

Ask them what they're interested in, instead, and feign interest. You'll make them feel special, even though you don't care about American Idol or Oprah at all...

Me, if I were stuck having to converse with you about your passion, I'd enjoy hearing your stories.

Have fun...and hopefully you can plan the future so you can get more surfing back into your life.

Answer 4

i don't think you sound like an idiot! in fact, form where i come from, surfing is merely a dream! EVERYBODY wants to learn how to do it. if they are truly family and friends, i'm sure they'll understand. otherwise, don't let anything get in the way of your dreams.

hit the waves now!

Answer 5

Unless they have ridden a wave, your family and friends have no clue of what surfing has to offer. And you can't explain to them what it's all about.

When your faced with isolation from the community, simply call them kooks and then go surfing.

Answer 6

Believe me honey, you don't sound like an idiot, most people don't get it until they've been there done that,  too bad they've missed out

Answer 7

no, pretty much all my freinds family and neighbors surf, i live on a beach front house

Answer 8

Hey PeahiWah,

I've read all the answers others have given for your problem's resolve, and the closest and most healthy answer is the one that goes by "wiseone". He offers the best track to go down! Your situation reminds me of a very similar surfing problem I had over 15 years ago. You see, 20 years ago when my dad first started me surfing, surfers and the whole lifestyle that IS surfing was not as positively accepted in and around the general population and/or community. We were still recognized as loser, slackers that did nothing but marr the face of nice beach communities and not to mention were an embarassment to society as a whole. Thankfully, because of the advent of surfers like Tom Curren, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, the Irons bros, Pam Berrage, Freida Zamba, ect. surfing has recently enjoyed a new face of societal acceptance. It's now "cool" to surf. So PeahiWah, your situation is not all that rare, and there is a solution. The reason you're finding it so hard to "explain" your passion to others is because that passion you hold so close to your soul is a private matter. Hold it dear and close, but try not to feel as if you have to "explain" it or yourself to anyone. It's YOUR passion. YOUR love. NOT something that you should have to "explain". It's YOURS. YOUR gift. Keep it to yourself, sweetheart. It's something given to you that's really nobody elses business. Don't be mean, or have an attitude. Just try to give simple, and politely vague descriptions of your PRIVATE passion for the ocean and our sport. If they don't get it...they don't get it. Their loss! Just smile on the inside and your problem will find a way to work itself out. I promise. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions, O.K.? My address is [e-mail]. and my name is RyanO. Mahalo wahine!!