Overcoming Fear: Lessons from Surfing, Paddling, and Life

When You Think of Fear, What Do You Think Of?
For some, it’s the adrenaline rush of stepping into the unknown away from safety and comfort. For others, it’s the voice of doubt that holds them back.

Before continuing, I want you to take a moment and ask yourself: When was the last time you did something you were truly afraid of?

I’m traveling back from a surf trip to Costa Rica while writing this, reflecting on fear and how it can sometimes stall growth. Fear showed up for me on this trip in ways I hadn’t fully anticipated.

On the first night of the group trip, we were asked to share our intentions for the week. Mine was simple yet deeply personal: to work through the fear I had developed of surfing larger waves.

The first step toward overcoming fear is acknowledging it exists. I can easily check that box, and I’ve spent time tracing the roots of this fear.

A little background: I grew up surfing as a kid and even moved to Hawaii during college to follow my passion for the ocean. Surfing was a huge part of my life.

But life has a way of shifting priorities. A few years ago, my now-husband was hit by a car while skateboarding, suffering a severe traumatic brain injury. Sitting at his bedside after he was life-flighted for treatment, I was confronted with a fear I hadn’t considered before: the very real risk of head injuries. That moment changed how I approached activities I once thought little about—surfing included.

At the time, we were living outside of Washington, D.C., far from consistent surf, so it was easy to put surfing aside. I told myself it was “too risky,” and I leaned into other hobbies. But fast forward to a new chapter of our lives in South Florida, and the itch to surf returned. While the breaks here aren’t always clean, I was determined to pick up surfing again and work through the fear I’d been carrying.

But as anyone who’s faced fear knows, it’s rarely a straightforward journey. On this trip to Costa Rica, I came face-to-face with how much that fear had been holding me back—not just in theory, but in real moments. My fear showed up in the lineup, where I hesitated to commit to waves that could have pushed my skills. I let opportunities pass, waves wasted, and even coaching feedback from our surf instructor fell short of its potential because I was too stuck in my head.

That got me thinking about fear in the broader context of athletics and personal growth. Whether you’re dropping into a wave, paddling across open water, or tackling a new fitness goal, fear has a way of sneaking in. It tells us to hold back, to stay safe, to avoid risk.

But here’s the thing: fear isn’t the enemy. Fear shows us where we’re about to grow. It signals the edge of our comfort zone—the place where real progress happens. The key is learning to work with fear, not against it.

The question is: How do we confront fear and move through it? And perhaps even more importantly, How do we let it teach us something along the way?

Here’s How You Can Start Working with Fear in Your Own Athletic Journey:

1. Acknowledge It:

Don’t ignore or suppress fear. Name it. What exactly are you afraid of?

2. Reframe It:

Ask yourself, “What’s the best that could happen?” Focus on the opportunity rather than the risk.

3.Start Small

Break the challenge into manageable steps. If paddling in rough water scares you, start with shorter, controlled sessions in choppy conditions.

4. Lean on Support

Surround yourself with people who encourage and guide you. Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a team, having a strong support system makes fear feel less overwhelming. The Aloha Athletics community—through our Book Club and the Endless Aloha Challenge—is filled with uplifting and motivated individuals who continue to inspire, challenge, and push each other toward growth. If you’re looking for a community that encourages you to step outside your comfort zone, we’d love to have you join us!

5. Reflect on Success

Every time you face a fear and overcome it, take time to reflect. What did you learn? How did it help you grow? Overcoming fear gets easier with each success story.

I find the best tools for acknowledging and reframing fear are through a journaling and visualization practice. Take the time to put pen to paper to address your fear. Then meditate on it. For me, this meant spending time on the beach watching waves come in and visualizing myself dropping in—how I’d position my board, feel the energy of the wave beneath me, and ride down the line. This mental rehearsal calmed my nerves and built confidence before I even paddled out.

Fear in Paddling and Athletics

Fear isn’t unique to surfing, it’s something athletes in all disciplines face. In paddling, it might look like tackling a long-distance race, navigating rough waters, paddling with wild life like alligators or shares, or taking the first stroke toward a big goal, like our paddler in the Endless Aloha Challenge. The Endless Aloha Challenge is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, whether it’s paddling longer distances or pushing through mental blocks. If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself this year, join us and see what you’re capable of. As athletes, we’re constantly asked to push through discomfort, uncertainty, and doubt. Fear is part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to define it.

When we acknowledge fear and move through it, we unlock our potential. Those moments of hesitation—whether on a surfboard, a paddleboard, or in life—are opportunities to choose courage.

If fear is holding you back in your paddling journey, personalized coaching can provide the guidance and support to help you break through mental and physical barriers. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s chat about how coaching can help you build confidence and skills.

Turning Fear Into Fuel

As I reflect on that surf trip in Costa Rica, I’m grateful for the lesson fear taught me. It reminded me that growth is uncomfortable and that fear allows growth if we lean into it and not run from it. 

So, I’ll ask you again: When was the last time you did something you were truly afraid of? Have you been letting fear hold you back?

What would it look like to lean into that fear, embrace the challenge, and use it as fuel for your journey?

Whether it’s taking on bigger waves, paddling into uncharted waters, or setting a goal that feels just out of reach, fear doesn’t have to hold you back. It can be the catalyst for your next breakthrough.

If you’re ready to turn fear into fuel and push past your limits, join our book club as we explore powerful mindset techniques to overcome fear and step into your full potential.

<3 With Aloha,

Lindsey