What's a "Soul Surfer?"

People keep suggesting I do more writing that is not technology related, and one suggested I ponder the concept of "soul surfing " and how styles of waveriding can be related to personality. Basically, the idea is that surfing styles might be related to a person's basic orientation to life. 

So keep in mind the term developed at a time when surfing began to become commercialized; when Eastern religions and mysticism were popular among young people. If we can generalize meaningfully, it is a philosophical approach to wave riding that emphasizes the spirituality of surfing. 

Some also use the term to describe a non-commercial approach to wave riding. Others might note the vibe of authenticity, spiritual connection with nature, and rejection of materialism. Some of that is overblown. As with all teenagers, we were certain our ideas were profound, our ideals sustainable, our understandings deep. None of us likely escapes the danger of posturing. 

For me it was not so much any of that as an approach to becoming one with a particular wave; flowing with it; being smooth and complementary. This was before short boards, so the idea of riding a wave like one skateboards was physically impossible. 

So "ripping the wave" or using it as an energy platform for acrobatics wasn't really possible, as it now is. 

To be sure, one tries to use the physics of a short board to do things on waves that were not possible on longboards, which were heavy, ponderous, anything but light on a wave. 

The point is that some of us were probably more oriented to a spiritual connection with the ocean, the energy forms we call waves, the union with the energy form, perhaps what Buddhists call mindfulness. 

Others might have related to it more as any sport: with higher degrees of skill being the objective. All surfers in competitions have to approach it this way. 

Even if some might argue "we are all soul surfers" to some extent, soul surfers, who prioritize harmony and connection with the wave, might have a more receptive, intuitive approach to life. 

These individuals might tend to read situations carefully, adapting their energy to match what's required rather than imposing their will. In relationships, they're likely the ones who listen deeply before speaking, who find rhythm in conversations rather than dominating them. 

Professionally, they might excel in roles requiring empathy, collaboration, or creative problem-solving where success comes from understanding and working with existing dynamics rather than forcing change.

Power surfers, with their explosive maneuvers and aerial acrobatics, typically demonstrate a more assertive, goal-oriented personality. And they also do so only on short boards, which enable such maneuvers. 

They might see waves as platforms for expression and achievement. This might reflect an approach to life's challenges featuring confidence and determination, perhaps leading to thriving in competitive environments or leadership roles. 

They're the ones who might push boundaries in their careers, take calculated risks, and view obstacles as opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities.

Technical surfers who focus on precision and form might reflect methodical, detail-oriented personalities that might show up in their surfing styles as well. 

Without pushing the analogy too much, it might be reasonable enough to assume a surfing style could be related to other fundamentals of personality.