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Writing About Surfing Fifty States and Making It Relatable

So, writing about surfing all fifty states… yeah, it’s been wild. I mean, when I started this journey, I didn’t really think about how I was going to write about it. Like, sure, I knew I’d share the waves, the landscapes, the stories of each place, but making it relatable? That’s a whole other thing. Because let’s face it, not everyone’s gonna grab a board and start hunting for waves in, I don’t know, Nebraska, right?

What’s funny is that it wasn’t about the surfing at first—it was about the why. Why would someone try to surf fifty states? And the answer is, well… why not? It’s a challenge, it’s a little bit crazy, and it makes people curious. That’s where the relatability comes in. Like, even if you’re not a surfer, you’ve probably had that itch to try something new or ridiculous just to see if you can pull it off. And that’s the hook.

When I write about this journey, I try to focus on the stuff that resonates universally. Like, yeah, I’m surfing, but really it’s about finding community in places you’d never expect. It’s about failing—so many times—and still paddling out again. And it’s about how we all have these moments where we think, Can I actually pull this off? Whether it’s surfing, starting a business, or even just trying to cook dinner without burning it, we all know that feeling.

I also think it helps to write about the people I meet. Because those stories, man, they’re gold. Like, in Kentucky, I met this guy who had never seen a surfboard in person but had the biggest smile when I pulled mine out. He helped me find the perfect spot on a lake, even though he thought I was a little nuts. Those moments? That’s where the magic happens.

And I try to keep it light. Humor goes a long way. If I took myself too seriously, no one would read this stuff. Like, I know it’s absurd to be hauling a surfboard to Kansas. It’s ridiculous, and that’s part of what makes it fun to write—and hopefully fun to read.

But I think the biggest challenge is making sure the adventure feels personal. Like, I don’t want to come off like, “Oh, look at me and my cool surf quest.” It’s more like, “Hey, here’s this crazy thing I’m doing, and here’s why it matters to me. Maybe it’ll matter to you in a different way.” Because we all have our own “fifty states” to conquer, right?

If you’re curious about how to take your own weird, wild adventures and turn them into relatable stories, I found a great resource from the Travel Writing Academy. They’ve got tips on how to connect personal stories with universal themes, which has been a game-changer for me.

Anyway, that’s where my head’s been at. I want this whole thing to be bigger than just me and my board. It’s about finding joy in the unexpected, laughing at yourself, and proving that even the craziest ideas can lead to something pretty special.

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