Chasing the wind: Balancing kitesurfing and life
Let’s face it—kitesurfing is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle, an obsession, and the one thing that makes us rearrange our entire schedule the moment the wind forecast hits perfect. But how do you balance your passion for kitesurfing with real-life obligations like work, social commitments, and the general chaos of being a functioning adult? Spoiler alert: It’s tricky, but it’s doable.
The eternal struggle: Kitesurfing vs. everything else
We’ve all been there. It’s a Saturday, the wind is cranking, and you’re mentally preparing for an epic session—only to remember that you’ve RSVP’d to your best friend’s birthday party. Or maybe, you’ve got a big work deadline staring you in the face. What do you do? Well, let me tell you, there’s an art to squeezing in a session without completely abandoning your responsibilities (and friends).
One of the tricks I’ve learned? Prioritise the wind. Seriously. If it’s a windy day, and you’ve got some wiggle room in your schedule, move things around like a Tetris master. Can you get up earlier? Work a little later? Maybe skip that third coffee break? I became a freelancer for more flexibility to chase the wind, and I won’t lie—there have been a few last-minute “Hey, I’m kitesurfing today” texts to friends. But, balance is key, and sometimes, you just have to miss the session to keep the peace with your obligations. But man, it stings.
When work and wind collide: The torn-at-work dilemma
Even if you're not a freelancer, the wind doesn’t wait. Ever find yourself at your desk, head buried in work, while your kite gear sits patiently in your car? You’re not alone. The good news is, there are ways to manage the guilt of skipping a session—or the guilt of skipping work. The trick is to plan ahead. Windy weekend? Work your butt off on Thursday and Friday. Wind looks good for Wednesday afternoon? Schedule fewer meetings (or just, you know, a “doctor’s appointment”).
And yes, sometimes you’ll end up on the water thinking about that presentation you still need to finish, or back at work wondering why you didn’t take a cheeky lunchtime session. That’s part of the game. The key is finding that sweet spot where you can balance both without feeling like you’re sacrificing one for the other.
The rule of priorities: Kitesurfing first, life second (sort of)
Now, don’t get me wrong—I'm not saying ditch all your responsibilities for the sake of kitesurfing. I mean, someone’s gotta pay for all those shiny new kites, right? But what I am saying is, if you're passionate about something like kitesurfing (or any hobby, really), you should make room for it. I prioritize my mornings for work and other obligations, and when that’s done, I give myself the green light to hit the water.
No wind? That’s my cue to get ahead with life—more work, meal prep, and hitting the gym. That way, when the wind does kick in, I can drop everything and go. The trick is to keep everything else running smoothly so that kitesurfing doesn’t feel like an indulgence, but something you’ve earned. Plus, let’s be honest, when the wind’s up, nothing else really matters, does it?
Staying motivated when life gets in the way
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs just when the forecast is perfect. Maybe the wind is howling, but you’ve got back-to-back meetings or, worse, a dry spell with no wind for weeks. It happens. The trick to staying motivated? Keep kitesurfing front and center, even when you can’t get out there. Talk to your kitesurfing friends, geek out on new gear, plan your next trick to try. Keep the stoke alive so that when the wind does return, you’re ready to go.
It’s also good to keep things balanced—physically, too. I make it a point to stay in shape and be ready for that next session. Whether it's working out or making sure I’m eating right, it all plays into how I perform on the water. And when I finally do get back out there? It makes the wait totally worth it.
Final thoughts: Life’s too short not to kite
My advice for anyone trying to balance a passion for kitesurfing (or any other hobby) with life’s demands is this: Make time for it. Whether that’s negotiating flexible work hours, cutting down on less important tasks, or even getting your friends involved—find ways to carve out space for the things you love. Don’t wait until the stars align perfectly (because they rarely do). Instead, make your own rules, and find the balance that works for you.
And above all, remember this: Life’s too short not to chase the wind. Even when it means making some sacrifices or juggling a few things around, that feeling of being out on the water, gliding through the waves, is always worth it.
xox Berit