Preparing for fun

And the joys of water sports

In my note-taking system, I have a note titled "Cool Stuff", with ideas for fun activities prepared for when I have a little bit of time and/or opportunity to enjoy myself. It’s a similar principle as with my bucketlist, but it’s stuff that’s achievable at a moment’s notice.

Before I had that note, sometimes magically, a nice, full day would appear with no errands, work, or other obligations, and I would waste it on some nonsense like scrolling Twitter mindlessly or cleaning up.

I decided to write up some of the things that bring me joy so that when the schedule magically clears, I would be prepared. I’ve got some fitness classes to try out, coffee shops to visit, and a link to my relaxing reading list for something to unwind. There is also a section in that note called "Summer" with the following content:

• "Kayak near my summer house"

• "Windsurf"

• "Stand Up Paddleboard"

• "Ride a bike in the forest"

• "Wakeboard"

• "Efoil"

As you can see, this is weighted heavily towards water sports.

Efoiling

This week, we are staying close to Manerba del Garda, where it just so happens there's an eFoil school. I would probably miss it if I weren't priming myself to spot any opportunity to address one of my "Fun Stuff" activities.

Artur, what are you talking about? What is this "Foiling"? Well... You might have seen this video:

This is technically a hydrofoil, meant to be pulled by a motorboat to get to "flying" and later you would "pump it" as Mark does to keep momentum. eFoil is a hydrofoil with a small electric engine underneath, so you don't need a boat or anybody else:

The principle at work is that you have a wakeboard with a "wing" underneath. Once you reach about ~20kph, the board would rise and glide on that wing. Because no more water resistance is on the board, you are flying 50cm above the water. It is AWESOME.

And I got to fly on it in front of Isola del Garda. It's a nice place:

I highly recommend Ewave.fun if you want to try it yourself.

What's the deal with all the watersports?

Oh yeah, here is my philosophy of water sports:

• If you succeed, you get to fly / ride / whatever. It's fun

• If you fail, you fall into the water, which is also fun. If you are learning to eFoil, you fall A LOT at about 25kph. Fun better appreciated in an impact vest.

And the views from the lakes are always great and unobstructed!

I could see myself living close to a lake like this and just riding an eFoil whenever possible.

Do you have any suggestions for my "Fun Stuff" note? I would be happy to hear it! What are some of the things you want to add to yours? If you treat your fun as seriously as I do, you might want to check my argument for seeking second-tier experiences.