Chasing Seconds - From Tube Rides To Ringing The Bell

It's time to embrace the grind – those few seconds of glory are just the payoff for a lifetime of dedication.

👋 Hey, I’m Felix – Welcome to STOKE & FOUNDER!

This is my personal journal where I share surf-inspired startup wisdom from my journey as a founder and surfer. Let’s get into it!

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Alright, let's get real. Surfers live for those precious seconds in the tube, getting barreled and then spit out. It’s a fleeting moment, just a couple of seconds, but the dedication to get there is a lifetime goal (at least for me as I picked up surfing in my late twenties). And when you finally hit that speed and the lip of the wave is coming over your head, you might ring the traditional Bells Beach bell as the winner of your personal Rip Curl Bells Beach Pro Contest. Similar to Mick Fanning below defeating 11x time World Champion Kelly Slater in 2012.

Now Founders, listen up. The journey is strikingly similar when it comes to raising VC funding. Your ultimate goal and exit strategy? An IPO. Picture yourself on the balcony of the NYSE, ringing that opening bell. Those few seconds of broadcast glory? They represent years, sometimes decades, of relentless dedication.

But here’s the kicker: those seconds are short-lived. So why are we so driven to chase them?

Embrace the Journey

Here’s the truth. Surfers endure wipeouts, endless paddling, and harsh conditions just to catch that perfect wave. It’s not just about those few seconds in the tube; it’s about the entire journey to get there. The dedication, the failures, the small wins – they all add up to that moment of pure stoke.

The IPO Moment

For founders, an IPO isn’t just a financial milestone. It’s the execution of a vision, countless sleepless nights, pivots, setbacks, and breakthroughs. But don’t get it twisted – ringing that bell is just a few seconds. The real value is in the learnings, the growth, and the journey that got you there.

The Bottom Line

We chase those seconds because they represent the pinnacle of our efforts. But here’s the thing – it’s the journey that makes those seconds meaningful. Without the journey, those seconds wouldn’t mean a thing, so find something that you love.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. – Steve Jobs

Get barrelled and ring YOUR personal Bells Beach Bell 🔔 whatever you want to achieve!

#StayStoked 🤘