Riding The Impossible Wave

During our recent trip, we stopped in a coastal town in Portugal called Nazaré. What we didn’t know is that Nazaré is home to the largest waves in the world. In winter, they can reach 60–100 feet—and yes, surfers actually ride them.

Back in 2010, an American big-wave surfer named Garrett McNamara arrived in Nazaré. Other surfers scoffed at the idea of riding these monster waves, but Garrett spent months studying the ocean, experimenting, and figuring out how it might be possible. In 2011, he rode a 78-foot wave—setting a world record and putting Nazaré on the global surfing map.

Here’s what struck me: the day before his record-setting ride, Garrett had a terrible session. He had painful wipeouts, lost equipment, and nearly decided not to surf the next day. But with encouragement from friends, he got back on his board and ended up making history.

Business development can feel the same way. Whether it’s hitting a revenue target, landing a “too big” client, or giving a presentation that scares you to death, it can feel impossible. The doubts are loud. The naysayers are louder. But what if you went for it anyway? Even if you don’t nail it the first time, you’ll move closer to success.

The takeaway: Setbacks don’t mean stop. They mean reset, recalibrate, and try again. Your biggest win might be one more attempt away—the wave that changes everything.

Gut Check Question: What’s the one client, project, or opportunity you’ve been hesitating on, and what would it look like to just go for it?

On a fun side note—we stayed in a charming Airbnb in the heart of Nazaré. The owner? None other than Garrett McNamara himself.