How I Became a Sandboarding Instructor

Summary

An adventurous individual transitions from a recent graduate to a sandboarding instructor in the Namib Desert, overcoming initial hesitations and personal fears to embrace an unexpected career path.

Abstract

The narrative tells the story of a young graduate who, driven by a thirst for adventure, embarks on a journey through Africa and inadvertently becomes a sandboarding instructor in the Namib Desert. Initially declining the job offer, the protagonist is persuaded to take on the role for a season, which turns into a four-year tenure. Despite an initial fear of dogs, the instructor finds companionship with a canine friend in this unique professional chapter. This experience is part of a series of six-word photo stories capturing different facets of the author's life and adventures.

Opinions

The author values adventure and new experiences over conventional career paths immediately after graduation.
Persistence by the sandboarding company owner is a key factor in the author's decision to accept the job.
The author's fear of dogs is presented as a challenge that is eventually overcome, suggesting personal growth during their time as an instructor.
The narrative conveys a sense of self-discovery and the pursuit of passion, as the author chooses to continue in a role that was initially meant to be temporary.
There is an implicit recommendation for readers to engage with more of the author's work by joining an email list or subscribing to a Medium membership.

Never too shy for any job.

That was me. In 2014. Just finished my studies, a degree in my hands but too young and adventurous to sit still, settle down and start a 9-to-5 job.

That’s when I ended up traveling through several African countries and found myself standing on top of a sand dune with a snowboard strapped to my feet. Yes, you heard right. I was in the desert with snowboard boots on my feet and a board underneath me.

And just a few days later, the owner and boss of the company asked me to work for her. Not for long. Just a season. I said no. She asked again. I said no. She didn’t give up and asked again.

I began to think. I asked myself “why not”. And since I couldn't find an answer to that question I said yes. To her. To three months working as a sandboarding instructor in the oldest desert of the world. The Namib.

Four years later I was still there. On that dune. With that board. And a dog. While I was actually afraid of dogs and hated them. But that’s a totally different story…

This was part three: The sandboarding instructor

Read more of my series presenting myself in six-word photo stories:

Join my email list here if you would like to read more photo essays or sign up for the Medium membership to receive unlimited access to my and other writer’s stories out here (I will receive a commission fee in return).

PHOTO ESSAY SERIES

How I Became a Sandboarding Instructor

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”

Never too shy for any job.

In Yellow Looking for Fall’s Beauty

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”

Never too Old to Splash in the Waves

January six-word photo story challenge: “Self”