From Shorebreak Battles to the Time of My Life
… Foiling in the Wildest Conditions
There are days when you suit up, head to the beach, and know you’re in for something special. There are good sessions, great sessions, and then there are the sessions that redefine your entire experience on the water. Today (at the moment of writing this two weeks ago) was one of those days — one that had it all: big, scary waves, insane winds, driving rain, and moments that tested my limits.
To get back to the questioning faces I got after:
Nope.. It didn’t start with excitement all the way. It started with a serious question; “What the heck am I doing out here?” … But what started as a battle against the shorebreak ended up being one of the most unforgettable rides of my life. Why…?
The Wind Almost Took Me Before the Ocean Did
Before I even hit the water, I could feel the intensity of the conditions. Just walking down the pier to the shore was a battle in itself. The wind was blowing so fiercely that I had to hold on to my board & wing for my dear life, just to keep it from flying away. Every step felt like the wind was trying to rip me off the beach and hurl me back. I hadn’t even gotten into the water yet, and I was already wondering if I was in over my head.
But there’s a point where you just stop thinking and go for it. When the (scary) excitement kicks in, you trust that you can handle whatever comes next. With the wind whipping around me and the waves roaring ahead, I knew there was no turning back.
The Shorebreak Battle
As soon as I hit the water, I knew I was in for a fight. The shorebreak was relentless — wave after wave crashing down, dragging me back every time I tried to break through pounding me in every direction. I found myself swimming for 20 minutes, battling through each powerful wave that knocked me back like it didn’t want to let me pass. I had to fight for every inch, swimming against the current, struggling just to stay afloat, keep my wing in my hands and untangled from the leashes – all the time. The wind was howling, and it felt like I’d never make it past that punishing zone.
But here’s the thing: when you’re out there, you don’t have time to overthink. You can’t hesitate. It’s just a go for it”. And that’s exactly what I did, even as the ocean threw everything at me. After what felt like a lifetime of swimming, pushing, and getting tossed around like a rag doll, I finally broke through the shorebreak, exhausted but determined. I’d made it out — now it was time to ride..eeuh see what the rest of the ocean had in store for me….
Embracing the Chaos – Foiling in Insanity: The Time of My Life
As soon as I got on my board and started foiling, I realized just how wild the conditions really were. The wind was a relentless beast, blowing 40-50 knots, the rain was coming down so hard it felt like needles against my skin, and the waves were… well, huge. (at least for me..!)
Once you get past the shorebreak, it’s like everything clicks. Excitement takes over, there’s no time to think or hesitate. You’re just out there, flying. Every wave felt like a mountain, but they were mine to ride, and I was determined to make the most of it.
Riding the Edge
Every second out there, I was riding the edge of control, It wasn’t about analyzing the situation or thinking about how intense the conditions were — it was about trusting my instincts, trusting that I could figure it out as I went along and going for it. Instead of backing down, I leaned into it. Feeling the wind yank at my wing and the waves surge beneath me, but somehow, it all came together. At times the wind was that strong, I’d get thrown completely off the board — but every time I crashed, I somehow managed to recover.
Unforgettable Rides
There were crashes…I wiped out, more times than I can count, but every single time I managed to pull myself back up, ready to take on the next set. Once you commit to riding them, there’s no looking back. It’s just you, the wind, the wave, and the wild foamy ride ahead – with a speed I wasn`t sure about. The ocean was fierce today, but instead of fighting it, I let it take me on a ride, and that made all the difference.
Learning to Let Go
The ocean teaches you to let go of control. As much as you prepare, train, and strategize, sometimes the waves don’t cooperate. The wind changes direction, the swell is bigger than expected, or you get tossed off your board despite your best efforts.
But here’s the thing: that’s where the magic happens. In those moments of chaos, you learn resilience. You learn to laugh at yourself when you wipe out spectacularly. You learn that no matter how strong the wind or how big the waves, the only thing you can control is how you respond.
When the Ocean Humbles You
Every time I go out to wingfoil in those big waves and fierce winds, I’m reminded of one simple truth: I’m just a tiny human playing in a massive, unpredictable world. The ocean, with all its strength and power, has a way of keeping things in perspective. The ocean doesn’t care about your confidence or your skills — it’s here to keep it real. It forces you to respect the forces of nature — and to respect your own limits.
Grateful for the ride
When I finally came back to shore, after what felt like a marathon session of crashing, foiling, and battling the elements. The ocean had humbled me, pushed me, and had given me the most insane ride of my life.
I’ve never felt so small, yet so alive. The wind that kept ripping me out of my straps, the waves that looked way too big to handle, and the stinging rain? They all came together to create an experience I’ll never forget. That feeling of battling through, of making it past the shorebreak, and foiling waves that scared me at first glance — that’s what keeps me coming back.
So, “ thank you” ocean, for testing my limits, for humbling me with your power, and for rewarding me with one of the most unforgettable sessions of my life.
Why..?
The next time you find yourself facing something bigger and stronger than you, remember that feeling small isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign you’re in the middle of something truly epic. Sometimes, the biggest battles lead to the best rides. Whether you’re swimming through a 20-minute shorebreak or facing down massive waves, the key is to stop thinking and just go for it. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of — and end up having the time of your life.
the ride is always worth it!
Wow, wat een geweldige,spannende belevenis.
Petje af dat je dit allemaal doet en met ons deelt.
Groetjes,
Irene
Dankjewel! Super leuk dat je het volgt 🙂