COURAGE

When it comes to improving at all levels, learning to be a bit braver is as potent as good technique.

- PETER HART

I write this from the shores of Ireland waiting for a new band of brothers and sisters to join me in this ocean wonderland to hone their wave sailing skills. They are to be greeted almost immediately by a 4m swell. At the same time the 1,500 competitors at the Defi Wind, many of whom are amateurs who have never raced or rallied before, will be lining up alongside pros, about to embark on a series of 10km joint rattling broad reaches, in winds that may top 40 knots. People ask what the joining criteria are for such events. They should be happy in the straps and harness on a sub 100L board; more than averagely fit; able to waterstart; and, for the waves, happy to get their hair wet and bob around in breaking surf. But most importantly, be prepared to confront their fears. They need a big dollop of courage.

When it comes to the subject of courage, the accounts of former SAS members like Andy McNab and Ollie Ollerton are hard to beat. After reading them, I feel mildly depressed that despite making a living out of an adventure sport, I’ve never got beyond first base when it comes to pushing the limits of human resilience and endurance. But so much of what they discuss regarding decision making, goals and courage is applicable to those seeking the next level in their sport and everyday life.

MIND AND BODY 

The selection process for the SAS is an ordeal like no other with just 10 out of 125 applicants making it through - the rest dropping out through injury, fatigue – or because they’ve had enough.