What standup paddleboarding teaches us about professional adversity

The first time I attempted to stand on a paddleboard was an opportunity to set the record straight.

With valiant effort, like a newborn deer on rollerblades, I fell face-first into the lake. A relative of my wife, who’d heard a football guy was going to join him on the lake, was confused.

“You used to play in the NFL?” he said as I cleared the water from my eyes, dog-paddling in 34 feet of pride.

“No, no,” I said. “I work in the NFL. Never played in the NFL. There’s a big difference!”

Well, I needed about five more years to get back on that board. This time, thanks to our guide Kami at Paddleboard Winter Haven, I did it successfully. And in the process, I learned something remarkable. Standup paddleboarding teaches us how to approach and fight through professional adversity. Here’s what I mean.

Speedboats on a Central Florida lake create a lot of waves. And waves are the enemy of beginner paddleboarders. But just like the best NFL coaches, Kami knew they were coming and had a simple but proven strategy. Turn your board into the wave and paddle, paddle, paddle.

Counterintuitive, isn’t it? If adversity doesn’t blindside us, how many times do we see adversity coming and instinctually turn away? And once adversity arrives, our default seems to sit still and let it pass.

On a paddleboard and in the professional arena, the winning strategy is to face adversity nose-first and keep fighting through the waves as they come. This assertive approach cuts the time in half and forces the waves to roll beneath you, rather than roll over you.

What a fantastic lesson. I also saw great parallels in balance and coaching.

• Balance: Without it, paddleboarding will humble you, quickly. And without work-life balance, you won’t achieve true success. If you’re not holding the paddle correctly, and your feet aren’t equally distanced below your shoulders, with your knees bent like a linebacker before the snap, you’re in trouble. And if you’re not physically present with your family at dinner, games, concerts or appointments, or not mentally present and they have to compete with your electronic devices, you’re in trouble. Be where your feet are. When your feet are with your family, be with your family. I learned this the hard way. Work-life balance is critical for any successful professional.
• Coaching: Five years ago, I had no idea how to ride a paddleboard. I needed a coach. Thanks to our guide Kami, I learned the steps to success. At the office, coaching can come in many forms. Resources are readily available and people genuinely want to help. Surround yourself with coaches, mentors and friends who care about you. Be intentional in that area. You won’t regret it.