new decade, new hobby

i turned 30!

A New Decade, a New Hobby to embrace My Coastal Roots

As I step into my 30s this year, I’m embracing a new mindset: one that values exploration, connection, and the simple joys of life by the water. This journey begins with a new hobby I’ve always been drawn to but never dared to try—surfing.

For years, the North Sea has been my constant companion. Its ever-changing waves, salty air, and rugged beauty have shaped my sense of home and heritage. Yet, I’ve always admired surfers from afar, thinking their lifestyle belonged only to places with golden sands, warm waters and perfect waves. It’s taken time for me to realize that i, too, can create a surf culture here—one that’s rooted in resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of our own coastline.

Why Surfing? Why Now?

Turning 30 feels like a new chapter—a chance to reflect on the things I want to pursue in this next decade. One of my biggest realizations is that life is less about being perfect and more about being present. Surfing feels like the perfect metaphor for this mindset: you don’t have to master every wave; you just have to show up, stay balanced, and enjoy the ride.

This year, I’m committing to trying new things that push me out of my comfort zone, and surfing is at the top of my list. I may not live in a tropical surf paradise, but the North Sea offers its own kind of magic. Kite surfing, paddleboarding, and cold-water or wind surfing are all part of the unique coastal experience here, and I’m ready to dive in.

Finding Joy in the Journey

As a beginner, I don’t have any expert tips to share—yet. This is all about starting small, embracing the process, and learning as I go. I’m already enjoying the little steps: researching wetsuits, watching surf videos, and even trying out balance exercises to prepare for the board. Every step feels like a celebration of this new chapter.

Beyond the physical act of surfing, it’s about adopting a mindset: staying active, connecting with nature, and finding peace in the rhythm of the waves. It’s about making the most of where I am and who I am, rather than wishing for something different.

Embracing Our Coastal Lifestyle

Living by the North Sea, I’ve always felt a connection to the water. But I’m learning that embracing the surf lifestyle doesn’t mean I need warm beaches or perfect swells—it’s about celebrating what makes our region special. The bracing wind, the open skies, and the camaraderie of a small but passionate surf community are all part of this experience.

In July and August, I’ll be taking a surf trip to Borkum, where I’ll dive into my first-ever kite surfing lessons. It’s a step toward making this lifestyle a reality, but for now, I’m enjoying the anticipation and preparation. If my time allows it, I might even try out a surf lesson on the mainland before heading to Borkum. We will see.

What’s Next?

This blog will be a place where I share my surf journey: the beginnings, triumphs, the challenges, and the lessons along the way. I hope it inspires you to try something new, too. Whether it’s surfing or another passion, there’s so much joy in letting yourself be a beginner and discovering the beauty of the process.

Here’s to new adventures, staying active, and finding inspiration in the waves—wherever they may be.

Waves of love, always.
Ines