If my husband’s passion is surfing, I wonder how it developed. Growing up on the Atlantic coast with cold, dark green, brownish water with a summer high temperature of 71 degrees doesn’t seem like it would inspire anyone to jump on a board and slam themselves into the water repeatedly. He did though and moved to Hawaii to follow his passion. Its been more than 3 decades, no sign of slowing. If he would only text his beach location so we might have a chance of finding his body or board that afternoon he paddles out and doesn’t come back.

His friends are getting older, too. They have chased these waves, been battered and pounded by the surf, up earlier for dawn patrol than they would be for work, for that thrill, that surge of adrenaline, like the wave they paddle into, ready for that rush.

They reminisce about the days when prior to jet skis and safety vests, when they surfed the biggest waves unaided.

Now body beaten, arthritic, and sun spotted, my husband asks for a padded vest to cushion his chest and hips. Thanks Patagonia for designing such a device. We can not wait for the redesign. If it comes with a bit of reflective tape so the rescue helicopters can spot my husband while floating, I think we will be customers.

So my husband’s love of surfing has lasted for decades, longer than our time together. What about those people who are serially passionate. These individuals find and explore an interest for a shorter time before moving onto the next passion? Do you have long term passions or shorter serial experiences?