Written by Chris Grippo
So they say: Never stand in the way of technology. My reply: Never say never.
Not to sound too old school but every new pulse of energy in the ocean these days is preempted by a rising groundswell of hype. And the constant state of connectivity is only breaking the actual flow.
Accordingly, per the title of this article, I will be now Be The Ball and channel The Force. But more on that later.
I sometimes wonder if the simpler days of ‘the dark ages’ were actually the better ones. Aka: back when all a surfer had to listen to was the weather radio, a local TV segment, NOAA forecasts, a shop’s answering machine surf report ... Oh, and basically trusting the Universe.
All this tech is certainly great for life enrichment -- but not necessarily needed for my surfing enlightenment.
It’s 9AM and I am working. My phone beeps once, then twice, then three times. It’s a text from a friend about an upcoming swell.
“Dude! Look at the forecast. Do you feel like you are catching a cold (with a wink face)? Plan ahead and get the day off Bro! (shaka emoji)”
Not long after the aforementioned text I see an alert from one of the forecast sites. And then another alert. And then another text — but this time from a different friend, one whom I’m convinced does not have a “real job” since he never seems to miss a swell.
Personally, I am getting pretty tired of the forecasts, the alerts, the texts … and the hype. From a surfing perspective, sometimes I wonder if my smartphone and its associated connectivity is more foe than friend: with its constant barrage of digital frenzy hand grenades thrown into my life.
Chaos is becoming the constant – so much so that I often feel like even my phone needs its own R2-D2 assistant!
Author, Chris Grippo: Functionally superior in his 00 BY XIIIG Hooded 4/3MM
PC: Erica Nardone | @gullrising_photography
Everyone knows the routine: Do some work and look at your favorite forecast site (or sites). Do some more work, text or call a friend, post something to let followers know, pretend you are actually doing work ... and then rinse and repeat until ‘the day of.’
In its present form, this continual state of cell phone alarm-bell-enablement can skip me and my surfing.
Besides, we analyze and promote the forecasts that suit ourselves and our schedules. Simultaneously, we might downplay some forecasts if there is no way. Aka situations where no matter how creative we get, that we won’t be able to get out of whatever prior commitment.
In other words: “Yea I don’t think it is that accurate. It won’t be that good.”
This is the FOMO kicking-in; and sheer survival instincts taking over. If I can’t have fun then why should anyone, right?
We are surfers and by nature we are selfish with our waves. But, if we have plenty of free time we tell everyone how good it will be and that the plan is “to surf all day.” Of course we need to let the world know that we have that winning hand. Again we are surfers and by nature we like to let everyone know how pitted we got. It is funny how the forecasts can affect us and can change our mood and demeanor.
And then there is the social media machine. When it kicks in, just turn-off the phone and log-out of whatever social waste of time you use. The various surf sites light up smart phones with swell notifications like Christmas tree lights on Christmas Eve.
You know the type, “Hurricane Swell approaching”, “Nor’easter on Tap”, “Godzilla fighting King Kong creating a three day swell event...” Comments, shares, screen captures and the hype is in overdrive. And let’s be honest, not every moment is Hurricane Erin hitting New England.
For the most part, I fail to recall the number of times that swells didn’t materialize and or live up to the forecast, but I do know it’s more than the number of fingers I have.
Back to my 9AM productivity killing interruption. The hype had many surfers frothing and somehow I was able to get the time-off to surf. Despite the chaos it created in the days leading up to the swell on ‘the day of’ I was happy to get out. It turned out to be an average day and fun, but not the ‘5 Star’ or ‘Big Green Bar’ kind of day that myself and everyone had hoped.
But I digress.
In short, all this hype (mostly) sucks. I am starting to think it is a real energy drain. It genuinely feels like it’s killing my focus, productivity and probably my headspace as a whole (word is that there are some studies floating around about it).
Sure, maybe I should work on the focus thing. And THAT is why I am making some changes. GOING FORWARD my plan is to kick it old school and leave it up to chance. I plan to use the good ol’ Magic 8 Ball. You know that nifty toy from the 80’s & 90’s?
Yes, that goofy ball filled with blue, sudsy squid-ink-esque liquid.
That old liquid-filled sphere of wonder with 20 possible outcomes that ranges from positively, to maybe, to you must be a chump to think so. The same Magic 8 Ball you asked if you would pass that test, hit the home run in the championship game, drop-in and get your first barrel – or maybe merit a date with that gal you just met.
Shake vigorously: “Will the surf be good tomorrow?”
Hold breath and then look with one eye: “Ask again later…”
“Dammit!”
Shake vigorously again a few minutes later: “Will the surf be good tomorrow”
Hold breath and then look with one eye (again): “Without a doubt”
The universe has spoken and like Luke Skywalker (in Jedi) I must trust The Force. Like Ty Webb in Caddyshack, I will Be The Ball.
In other words: In the flow. Blinders on and faith restored. I will not be checking the forecast or texting a friend. The universe has informed me and only me. Off into the great unknown is where you’ll find me.
PC: Erica Nardone | @gullrising_photography
Sea Ya Out There!
