Learning Can Be Painful, But Gainful.

All right, let’s call this what it is: a gratuitous opportunity to show off my new obsession: Wing Foiling!

But there are also a few lessons I want to share with you around learning, so bear with me. 

This was me “flying” off of Catalina Island last month

Wing foiling is a 2-year-old sport that is insanely exhilarating
but also really hard to learn. The feeling of hydrofoiling is a lot like flying. It’s fast, silent and kinda feels like magic. It also leads to never-ending, unexpected crashes. So many, in fact, that I wear a helmet and an “impact vest” for protection!

Here are a few lessons around learning anything from this very steep and often painful learning curve:

1. Hire a professional

I knew it would take me longer to figure this out on my own, so I invested in a series of 3 lessons. Always hire a professional.

2. Study

Since I’m obsessed, I’ve spent countless hours studying YouTube videos and reading about techniques.

3. Practice

This is the biggie. Took me about 15 sessions before I felt remotely in control of what’s happening out there. 

4. Feedback

During the lessons, my coach was on the beach coaching me via the headset in my helmet. The other helpful feedback was watching the videos my friend took. I saw from the clip below that right before I fell, the foil “breached” out of the water. 

5. Visualize

Like many skills, it’s super helpful to visualize what you are trying to do or learn. Since all I can see when I close my eyes now is foiling, this came naturally.

6. Ibuprofen (or tequila)

Yes, learning can be painful, and we must take care of body and mind.

So, what is it you’re trying to learn? A new sport? Another language? How to be a confident presenter?? Take these 6 tips to heart, and let me know how it goes.

One of my many lessons learned on the road to wing foiling…

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