Surfing and Blockchain; what do they have in common?

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by LARA PLANDSOEN

Surfing is one of the most amazing sports in the world. There is no better feeling than when I manage to catch that perfect wave and ride it for what feels like an eternity. All the way to the beach, sun in my face, wind in my hair. Interestingly, surfing is also the hardest sport I ever tried. It is not merely about technique, strength, or even the quality of your material: even if you’re the fittest person in the world, master all the techniques and own the most advanced surfboard, this does not guarantee you being a good surfer. Why is that? There are two more factors of essence: timing and courage. Without the right timing and without the courage to take that risk and really go for that perfect wave, you will never be able to ride out that wave. Just try it out, you’ll see!

Next to surfing, I have another passion: technology. At first sight, these two passions might seem unrelated, however, the comparison has been made many times before: both the ocean, and technology are always in a constant state of change.

There is one specific development that has been stirring the big tech ocean for a while now. This specific technology has gotten me intrigued like I’d never experienced before: blockchain. Initially, the concept seemed complex. However, at the moment of understanding, that click, when I started to realise the full potential of this technology; the rush and kick I got out of that are very much comparable of catching that awesome wave.

The rush described above is the reason I became a blockchain consultant at IBM. Each time I introduce the concept of blockchain to a client and take them through how this could affect their business and how it could aid and improve not only their own organization, but the entire industry; I see the audience go through a few phases. From scepticism and confusion; to careful understanding; and finally to that aha-moment. Then, I know it’s happening; they are now riding that wave of potential in their imagination. They want to be part of that wave in real life.

That’s where the real fun starts. Even once a client has realized the potential of the wonderful world of this technology, and has gathered the courage to go for it; how do they know when, how fast, in which direction to paddle, when exactly to stand up and ride out that wave? How do they know how, when, where and with whom to start, with which use-case, which technology to use, and which strategies to apply to really ensure their blockchain network becomes successful?

My challenge is to advise organizations that want to go for that wave. Using the tools and techniques we developed at IBM, my colleagues and I get to ride that wave with our clients, time and again. Best job in the world. As the saying goes; ‘only a surfer knows the feeling’.

Lara Plandsoen – Surfer and Blockchain Consultant at IBM