One of my favourite things about interviewing some of the highest achievers from around the world is finding out gems that I can share to help us all with our challenges on our journey.

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There is something about surfing that intrigues me. At times what they do just defies the possible, there is just so much that goes into it and they do it all in the ocean, out of the comfort zone of the land.

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The patience required to wait for the right wave and the perseverance despite at times unpredictable conditions and circumstances.

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There is just so much talent from one of the greatest ever in Kelly Slater, who has been challenged over the years by our local guys like Occy, Parko and Fanning. Then there’s another crop of talent, those guys who don’t compete on the tour but chase big waves for living, guys like Laird Hamilton, Koby Abberton and Mark Mathews.

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I was lucky enough to interview one of the best out there in Mark, who invited me into his home in Maroubra to get insights into his life and how he has reached the top.

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For the level he has achieved, Mark was scared in the water as a boy, his mum having to rescue him as he feared trying to get back in. How cruel sports & adventure can be, late last year on the NSW South Coast, Mark was slammed into the ref and survived some horrific injuries. He was an hour they reckon from losing his leg, his injuries a dislocated knee, snapped both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, severely damaged an important nerve and tore an artery.

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Despite the injury and against the wishes of his Doctors, Mark still has ambition to make a return. Why wouldn’t he, anyone who can come out of that accident with the mindset he has, never can be discounted, and by the look in his eye you can see that the man is much more than an athlete.

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My conversation with Mark had some great stories and inspiration.

 

Listen to the entire episode on the player below or continue for my key takeaways from his journey.

THE DYNAMIC OF FEAR

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It’s an interesting how we all handle fear. Some people can compete in Combat sports or do extreme activities where they risk harm or even their lives but struggle when speaking in front of people or in social situations. Mark brings up an interesting perspective of the dynamic of fear:

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“When anyone looks into their own fears, I’ll guarantee you that the majority of stress your fear as an individual will be an egoic type of fear. Like a sense of self, not wanting to fail or get embarrassed, we always pigeon hole it in a sense of danger of getting hurt, I surf big waves professional and that’s still only 10-20% of the stress I deal with, that’s the interesting dynamic of fear. For me I can be more scared of public speaking then surfing 40 foot waves. The one distinguishing factor and this is the thing with UFC, athletics and sport distinguishes, in big wave surfing there is that fear of drowning and dying which is scary, with UFC when you chat to most of fighters, there not that scared of getting hurt their biggest fear is losing in front of an audience and letting the team down”"

CHALLENGES TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

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“The fast track was when I moved down here and started surfing with Kobe Abberton and his brothers and other surfers. Not only were they the best coaches but ruthless. It was like if you don’t get the biggest wave of the session where ever we are here in Sydney you got to work home. It was freezing, bare foot and it just pushed me out of my comfort zone and I could see what I could do. I would have never naturally found that out unless I was pushed pretty hard, so I will also be some-what in debited to that experience”

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Tough love, that’s how it all started for him, but to continue to test and challenge yourself is one of the true keys of success. Another example of surrounding yourself with people that will continue to push and challenge you and for Mark people that became his family.