So you’re starting a new business, whether it be a new innovation, blog, or enterprise, there’s so many things you can learn from a surfer - me. Just remember as you read this, in Hawaii they follow the aloha spirit. It’s a spirit that “brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others.” It also means to be happy, and be relaxed. This is the first lesson. You can’t do something well and share it with others unless you enjoy it yourself. Work is only work if you’re not having fun, if you are, it’s play.
Understanding the spirit of a new business in this era is the first step, but the next is perfecting the physical aspect, just like you would as a new surfer. Every time a surfer paddles out to the ocean, they know that they’ll jump on a wave and enjoy the moment, but be back where they started, paddling again out to the ocean. 
In business it’s the same thing. You will have ups, and a lot of them - but they won’t come easy. You will have to work for them, nothing comes easy. Just like you can’t catch waves without paddling you can’t succeed without hard work.
If you ever watch surfers waiting for a good wave you’ll notice that they hang out, sitting on their boards relaxing and talking. It’s as if they’re networking on the waves, because that’s exactly what they’re doing, making friends and sharing in their joy. If you can’t share how great your company is with others, and can’t make network with others, business might not be your cup of tea. Surfing may look like a solo sport but the truth is, that sharing it with others makes the joy that much more. Business may seem like it’s run only by the CEO, but the truth is that through the support of friends, clients, and colleagues the company flourished.
Every once in a while, a great wave comes by, and a good surfer will start to paddle furiously trying to catch the way. They pop up and, people watch in amazement as the board glides over the water, through the wave, almost effortlessly. The truth is that without being able to balance on the board, the surfer would never have made it up onto the wave, they would’ve doomed themselves from the beginning. Understanding that business life and personal life needs a healthy balance is just as important. Spending too much time in your business life can make your personal life wither, and might make you burn out. Conversely, if you spend too much time enjoying your personal life, your business will suffer. Finding a healthy balance between the two will keep you happy (important? check paragraph 1).
One of the scariest things a spectator can watch is a surfer wipe out on a huge wave. It’s one of the hardest lessons to learn for a surfer, and it can be summed up in a simple phrase, “don’t bite off more than you can chew”. 
How does this relate to the business world? Don’t spend more money than you have and don’t jump into ventures you don’t know or understand. Research and learn all you can, and take the time to realize how much you can commitment to a new business. Don’t worry if you fail, though, it’s a part of life. Just make sure you learn from your mistakes, and don’t wipe out twice to the same wave.
Hopefully, the lessons helped you, and you can take away something. Worst come to worst, it may just make you realize you should be out surfing and enjoying life instead of working so hard. Time for me to head to the beach.
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