winging word of the day: PERSEVERANCE

thinking about getting into winging?
or maybe you've been winging a while now and already know...
perseverance and winging go hand in hand.
I've been meditating on this word for over a year now, so I figured I'd have some fun and make a video on it. I dedicate this to all my old, new, and future wing friends out there!

Here is the William Finnegan line I mention that really resonated with me:
On smaller days, perseverance was usually rewarded. Bigger days were another matter. From the water’s edge, looking out across a stepladder of six or seven walls of cold, growling, onrushing whitewater, the idea of paddling out actually carried with it a whiff of lunacy. The project looked impossible, like trying to swim up a waterfall. It took a literal leap of faith to start. You threw yourself into the icy torrent and started plowing seaward. The waves as they approached sounded like bowling balls rumbling down a lane, and then like the crashing of pins as they slammed into and rolled over your bowed head and shoulders, inducing instant ice-cream headache. Long, strain-filled minutes passed. Little or no progress. The frisky, punishing waves came on and on. You tried to present the least possible resistance to the onrushing walls of whitewater, willing them past your body even as they snatched at you, sucking you backward. Breathing turned to gasping, then rasping, and your mind began to play ever-shorter loops, turning over the same half-nonsensical questions: Is perseverance rewarded? Is it even recorded?

[michaellambert]

Oh hell yes. I scream into the water all too often, but I find a quick moment as I walk into the water to thank nature’s energy in its various forms helps me go out with a sense of gratitude. And then when I’m doing something easily that used to elude me, like jibing or just foiling at all, I might remember to appreciate that my body and brain can use amazing tools to use wind energy to fly over the water. And just remembering how far I’ve come helps me….persevere through whatever is next!

[lawrenceteresa]

After winging for 1 year, I totally agree with the word Perseverance in describing the sport, both physically and mentally

[rayglynn]

100% agree - hard work makes the reward all the more sweeter. I felt I had a breakthrough session recently, nailing turns and staying on foil for 20 mins at a time as opposed to falling every second gybe or foot switch. Was stoked after it. Love the book Barbarian days as well - he nails some of the spot descriptions on what the waves are like.

[yomi]

Learned to twin tip last year. Now it’s my 3rd day winging. Being a brave sucker. I’ll get to “dance with the Mother Nature” eventually. I just gonna commit this off season. Well said and I appreciate it a lot.

[dcharlton]

Got my first Gybe and toe side ride in shortly after you posted this!

[allenshorter]

I need to be able to give this video two thumbs up.

[HandyCapito]

I can only say in Italian and french the same Word : BRAVO.
You’re right, I was a very good Windsurfer but some years ago a f.. sickness make me weak and I loose my balance, walking becomes difficult, but my challenge is now: Wingfoiling, instead lying on canapé.
And following your videos, just few minutes ago I ordered a Fone 8m CWC, because I’m riding on a Lake, not like windy upper Garda Lake I used to visit many times, but a Lake with little wind and cold water. My biggest wing was Ensis Score 6, 2. So now I hope I will be able to use PERSEVERANCE in the water and not on the shore, waiting for wind.

[robadair]

So true. Recently had my worst session ever sandwiched between two best ever. Humbling but so rewarding. Thanks

[foilfanatic]

Spot on. Such a humbling sport, but so rewarding when you lock in. Great perspective and summary of what you have pushed through to get to the moment.

[christoph]

Thats it ... excactly lets keep on going ... This year I went to a race in Brazil .. .everybody used foils 800 or less.. and me with a 1240 😀 but very rwarding .. I learnd so much ... as You always say I AM STOKED !!! All the best

[WildGooseAdventures]

Nice, you talked my journey. I say it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done but also the most rewarding- perhaps because of the perseverance!! And I’m doing it in warm water. Kudos to you for taking this journey in less than comfortable surrounds!!

[M-yr]

Oh boy, I feel really determined right now!😜 thanks for the motivation injection, tomorrow I get out there again in 5 degrees air 10 degrees water temp in shitty lake-gusty up to 30 knots. And man, I will enjoy it thats for sure👍

[joshs]

Long day of perseverance (that's what we're calling flailing right?) But seriously, that word was in the front of my head today thanks to you. I'm still trying to get up on foil. Today I had some short take off and touch downs. That was big. I learned so much today, mainly how to taxi up wind (which has been hard for me) I can feel it getting closer. Persevere! thanks, Brother!

[sailarchy]

Just started getting consistent flights, thanks for the inspiration !

[rocketmarket]

That was awesome, thank you, I am in the thick of it, hopefully tomorrow will nail the first on foil jibe

[solentfoiler]

Progress is often hard won, and frequently two steps forward and one back... And then one back again... And two forward, and another forward... Conditions make such a difference in how easy your riding will be that day, and it's only as I've got better that I've learned to recognise and acknowledge that, and not beat myself up for not being better than I was last time... but I'll nearly always come off the water having learnt something, or done something I've not done before, or feel like I've made some progress, even on my worst sessions. Perseverance...

Edit - just to add that working out what doesn't work is just as important as working out what does...

[SUPSUNRU]

man you are legend! very inspirational speech-keep rocking) P word I will recall working on my transitions)

[martinomovies]

Great pep talk and the sport requires perseverance. but getting in and out of shore break and trying to get up in low period chop is super stressful.

[waterbaby]

Great message I've lost count the number of times I've nearly given up. But like when i was learning windsurfing, I always thought no one will ever master it (as in there's always more to learn). That's something to think about. You can always improve and that's the basic human trait. If you are having a bad day you have probably learnt more that day therm when things happened more easily? Keep it up!

[bones]

Thank you for this pep talk. It's just what I needed after the beating that I took yesterday.Overpowered and rolled in the sizable shore break. I did downsized my wing and go back out for a few more laps even though I was pretty spent. But it left me questioning whether or not I'm cut out for Wingsurfing. Good timing on PERSEVERANCE! Love your channel!