Today my guest is Simon Short, also known as The Average Surfer. Simon is from England but he lives in sunny California. He is a writer. He has been a regular contributor to The Inertia, one of the coolest surfing magazines on the planet. In 2016, he attracted a lot of attention when he published an inspiring article about Surfing, Depression and the Need for Identity. The success of this intimate and moving story inspired him to continue writing. Fast forward 2 years later and next Monday (November 19th) Simon is launching his first book. It’s called "The Average Surfer’s Guide to Travel, Waves and Progression", it’s a true story and a riveting read. Simon reached out to me about a month ago, and sent me his book, and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is wonderful and Simon really nails it when he defines what an average surfer is and how surfing affects us. Beyond business and entrepreneurship, Simon and I discuss how surfing is more than just a sport : it’s an identity, a community, it’s a lifestyle and as Simon would put it, "it breeds in us the love for the the environment, for travel, for adventure and for other people. " Simon is a living breathing example of how we can prioritize our passions to become happier people and better humans. And this is his story...
Today my guest is Simon Short, also known as The Average Surfer. Simon is from England but he lives in sunny California. He is a writer. He has been a regular contributor to The Inertia, one of the coolest surfing magazines on the planet.
In 2016, he attracted a lot of attention when he published an inspiring article about Surfing, Depression and the Need for Identity. The success of this intimate and moving story inspired him to continue writing.
Fast forward 2 years later and next Monday (November 19th) Simon is launching his first book. It’s called "The Average Surfer’s Guide to Travel, Waves and Progression", it’s a true story and a riveting read. Simon reached out to me about a month ago, and sent me his book, and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is wonderful and Simon really nails it when he defines what an average surfer is and how surfing affects us.
In today’s episode, we take a step back from business and entrepreneurship, and reflect on what it is to be an average surfer. I think most of you will recognize yourselves in Simon’s definition of an average surfer. We talk about how surfing is more than a sport: it’s an identity, a community, it’s a lifestyle and it breeds in us the love for the the environment, for travel, for adventure and for other people.
If there is anything to take from our conversation, it’s how to find that balance between your passions and the rest of your life : your sanity may depend on it. Simon is a living breathing example of how we can prioritize our passions to become happier people and better humans. And this is his story...
Links and Show Notes:
To connect with Simon, start by following him on Instagram @average_surfers_guide, connect on Facebook (The Average Surfer) and on Youtube where he shares some really cool videos. You can read Simon’s articles on www.surfers.guide and on The Inertia . As mentioned in the episode, Simon’s book can be preordered today on his website, The Average Surfer’s Guide , you will also be able to grab a copy on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (if you’re in the US).
Simon is sponsored by Fitzroy Surfboards (core surfers from England who will be on the show soon) and Spy Optic.
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I’ll be back next week with another awesome surfer who’s crushing it in Peru.
Until then, take care, have fun and enjoy the waves!
Ciao
Imi