While I read the June issue of Marie Claire, wishing I was stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing) instead of riding a stationary bike, I came across a feature with Laird Hamilton, the famous big wave surfer. In the article, he gives tips on how to get in on the SUPing craze, and things to remember if you fall off the board. As I perused his quotes, I found myself thinking, a lot of this advice applies not just to surfing, but to life. And who better to take advice from than a man who has figured out how to make a living doing what he loves, is married to Gabrielle Reece (such a cool lady!), and still finds time for speaking with women’s magazine, amiright?

So here are some life (or SUPing) lessons from the surf legend himself:

“As soon as you think you’re a little bit hot shit, the ocean is going to put you at the bottom and let you think about where the air is.”

“You have to be able to laugh at yourself and let other people laugh at you, and pretty soon you’ll be laughing at them.”

“Being willing to fail is an important personality trait. If you always stay in your safe zone, you never progress. If you don’t get resistance, you aren’t going in the right direction.”

Any life lessons you’ve learned from learning to surf, or another new activity?