Staying True to You: Staying Afloat Financially
We all need money, but it isn’t always easy to do what we love AND make an income. We have to find a way to blend our passions and skills to provide something for the world. Having the courage to do so is always rewarded! Photo: Dominic Mosqueira
I met high and low seas during first year of my voyage. Sailing to find surf was exhilarating, but I spent much of my time wracking my brain about how to stay financially afloat.  People often wonder how I manage monetarily. Many suppose Iâm some sort of  trust fund kid. I wish that were true! But truly, every dollar spent since leaving the dock has come from my own efforts. That was the original deal I made with my mentor and sponsor, the late Dr. Barry Schulyer. Barry agreed to prepare Swell for the high seas, but I would have to fend for myself financially once the voyage began. My travels on Swell  as a young, female captain earned me considerable attention during my first year of sailing. Covers on adventure magazines like National Geographic Adventure, feature articles in Foam and Wend, shoutouts in Outside, and the opportunity to write monthly columns for Surfing and Latitude 38. In hopes of not draining my savings too quickly, I composed articles and blog posts in a frenzy. I invited adventurous friends as crew who could double as amateur photographers in hopes of attracting sponsors. Every site on the coast of Central America with internet became a happy port of call in my mania to network, produce, and trawl for additional income.
But a year after I sailed away from California, I ran fiscally aground. My only stable sponsor stopped sending money. I panicked. I felt defeated. The window to cross the Pacific had already begun. I kept busy between repairs to Swell in Panama City and writing emails at TGIFridays hoping for new sponsorships. An underlying dread about my finances persisted. A month later, I woke on the cabin sole amidst scattered tools. I began to re-think the entire enterprise, stem to stern. What did I want from this voyage? Why was I really doing this? These unsettling questions flopped around in my mind like a luffing jib.
I realized I had been moving and working at an unsustainable rate for almost two years in an attempt to keep my âfollowersâ entertained. I thought people would get bored and lose interest in my enterprise if I didnât sail quickly enough to ever-new destinations. I was shaping my whole trip around assumptions about what other people wanted. So I took a deep breath and embraced an actual change in course. I decided to slow down, try to let go of financial anxiety, and really do what I wanted while my savings lasted. While other sailors were choosing to speed across the greatest expanse of ocean on the planet, I decided to let myself  enjoy a few of the first south swells of the season in the islands off Panama. Then, at my own pace, I set off toward the South Pacific late in the season of 2007. Upon arrival, I decided to take more time to explore. I stopped worrying about having a photographer with me and started to love sailing solo. Traveling without a lot of money pushed me to connect with more people, use local transportation, waste less, and become more resourceful. Instead of passages planned around scheduled pick-ups for crew, I tuned into my own intuition about when and where to sail. I went remote, didn’t panic about needing an internet connection, and kept writing blogs because I love writing blogs. New places, cultures, and the enthralling natural world around me urged me to stay present, showing me that money doesn’t always have to be first priority. I learned so much. I had more time for simple joys like photography, fishing, cooking, and learning from local people. My savings dwindled, but I felt richer. I became more generous, more compassionate, more confident. I had more time to discover who I was.
Just when I imagined Iâd have to pack up and head home to work to fix a problem with Swellâs hull, private donations began trickling in, sponsors started contacting me, and I was even offered payment for my blogs. I saw that my real value lay in my allegiance to my own dreams and desires. My voyage and life took on more meaning as I challenged myself to maintain the faith and fearlessness to prioritize what felt valuable to me: Freedom to surf and adventure. Time to dedicate to environmental issues and awareness. And time to help people along the way.
Now more than ever there are so many unique ways to make a living doing what you love. Despite what I might make it look like on social media, I work hard every day to keep this lifestyle going. I am lucky enough to work with some of the most wonderful, environmentally-dedicated companies in the world now, including Patagonia, Avasol, Mizu, Eco Flex, Firewire Surfboards, Zeal Optics, and Wave Tribe. Plus collaborate with a variety of non-profit organizations like Changing Tides Foundation, 9 For 17 (vegan awareness), Beyond the Surface International, and Boarding for Breast Cancer. I’m also finishing up that book Iâve been promising! Iâm not putting away any savings for retirement yet, but Iâm living in my values and doing work I believe in. Whenever I doubt myself and my future, I try to remember this lesson. I tell myself to stop doubting and stay true to myself, because, although it may not appear so at first, therein lies our greatest abundance. Itâs not easy to do in today’s world, but we must remind ourselves that we have the power to choose where and how we spend our energy, and that when we persistently align ourselves with our deepest callings and desires, we can attract what is needed to do what we really want to do. When we live from heartspace, there is always a way. Turning away from the âsecurityâ of a job we donât love or a situation that no longer suits us is a scary leap, but there is so much to gain when we prioritize our personal values and happiness. So in this new year, I will strive to trust my heart and give myself the liberty to choose again, and choose differently, according to what feels right. And I hope that you will too.
Happy New Year, friends.
P.S. Book comes out March 2018!
Nature is my favorite boss. I hope to be able to keep working hard for Her!! Photo with GoPro Hero 4
I’m honored to push for sustainability in surfing through companies pioneering better methods and materials–here Patagonia Yulex non-neoprene wetsuits, Aquatic Oddities Eco-Flex surfboards (the singlefin), and Firewire surfboards (the wood veneer board)– so stoked to show people that these alternatives exist and that by choosing them we choose a more sustainable world! Photo with GoPro Hero 3
I cherish having time for children along my journey. They always re-inspire me to keep fighting for the future of our beautiful planet. Photo with GoPro Hero 4
My floating ‘office’.
Sometimes I just wanna save the world, but then the surf comes up and I remember we all need balance in mind and body. Play is essential to staying inspired! Small day fun on my Firewire Hashtag. Â Photo: Pierre
Stay true to YOU … xoxo, Liz    Photo: Domenic Mosqueira
40 Comments
Kevin (SailFarLiveFree)
January 10, 2017“I saw that my real value lay in my allegiance to my own dreams and desires.” So simple and so powerful. That’s why I love the Swell blog.
Captain Liz
January 10, 2017Thank you Kevin! :D
Noah
January 10, 2017I couldn’t agree more with the power of the quote Kevin cited. Great job, Liz. Stay wild!
Tucker
January 10, 2017Liz
Thank you for this timely post. I’m on my sixth year of cruising (now in South Africa) and heading back, with a great deal of uncertainty to the USA to find gainful employment.
My passion is not of the sort that is easily monetised, and I’ve learned to do things i can tolerate but don’t love, to make ends meet. I may yet have to continue that for a while, (kids need family and stable friends) but your message resonated deeply with me, and may be the catalyst I needed for a change in professional trajectory.
May fair winds carry you along,
-=Tucker
Captain Liz
January 11, 2017Best on your journey, Tucker. :D liz
Rosanna
January 10, 2017I have so much respect for you! A Die Hard Sailor! Keep up all the good work, i wish you all the best in your magical journey! Love Mama Natureza, Beautifull soul! Xoxo Rose The Pirate ;)
Syd
January 10, 2017Baby steps
I see myself in you and Matt Rutherford 25 years ago. I didn’t sail as far,Yet,but I keep sailing.Life will take bumps and turns but,keep the dream. I know what it’s like to catch a nice fish,also to look out across the water after dropping anchor
From a long sail ,and a cup of coffee and chocolate. Don’t rush it. Baby steps,keep it simple,I wish you the best,stay safe.
Capt.Syd Shuler
valentine
January 10, 2017Thank you for this article! very inspiring, give me hope :)
Love your blog, can’t wait for your book!
(really hard to say in english all I want to say, I’m french, but the principal is here!)
Valentine :)
Bill
January 11, 2017So glad you are still doing it out there. Love your style in writing and your surfing is world class. I am really happy to have helped a little when you had the shaft leak. Still haven’t given up on the possibility of anchoring in the same bay as you someday. Stay feral.
Scott Johnson
January 11, 2017Hi Liz ! Keep up the good work, keep spreading the word !
I live on Cape Cod, a decent sized peninsula off of Massachusetts. Starting in 2016, town by town, county by county, we’re BANNING PLASTIC BAGS HERE ! I know, right ?!?!?! Very exciting ! We see whales from shore spring through fall, have recently become a great white shark hot spot, probably due to rising sea temperatures. Scientists have been tagging now for about 3 years and are getting some amazing tracking results. We also ): unfortunately see our share of autumn dolphin and turtle strandings. We’ve got an excellent facility to rehabilitate the turtles, most of them are transported by van to Florida and released when they’re healthy enough. Maybe we’ll see you here someday for a visit, with or without the Swell !
Wishing you and kitty all the best and steady fair winds at your stern, wherever you go !
Scott Johnson
Tom
January 11, 2017Wonderfully put Liz. Beyond all the sailing metaphors some great lessons learned we can apply to our many different types of lives. Sail onwards!
Shelby Stanger
January 11, 2017F’ YEAH! Sista! I love this post because I have been there and returned and sometimes have had to learn/learning still learning this lesson daily.
When you do what you love you can choose to do it on your time or chase the green. But when you listen to your gut and slow down, it usually works its way out. I just asked the last guest of my show how she affords her adventurous lifestyle. Her parents, also adventurers who were in many of the same magazines as you and worked for many of them as well, used tell people they have a Trust Fund. As in, they “trust” the funds will come. I love that and reminded me of what you just said here. Happy to wait until 2018 to read more of these beautiful words all in one package. xoxox
Eric
January 11, 2017You’ve a richness in purpose few achieve. You’re a beacon, doing this – and your light rings true halfway around the world, and even to old guys at desks.
Better than the old feral surfers of yore, I reckon
Katie Gaut
January 11, 2017You have been, and continue to be, such an amazing inspiration to my family and countless others out there across the world. You are a beautiful, adventurous and brave soul. We sailed for a year and a small and very simple boat in the Sea of Cortez with a 4 legged kid and plan to do some major life changes soon to keep adventuring, this time adding our new two legged kid. Thank you for being you, Liz!
– Katie and the boys
Angela
January 11, 2017“When we live from heartspace, there is always a way.”
I follow you and Tropicat on Instagram and I thank you today for giving me the power to dare to dream. Sending great vibes your way from New York City!
Andy
January 11, 2017Great post, Liz. In our family’s travels under sail, we definitely agree on the slowing down part. Cruising at our own pace and in our own place â and not through the expectations of others â allows us to live everyday in the moment a little bit more, enjoying each other and the world around us to the fullest. Cheers from SV Yahtzee!
CJ
January 11, 2017Liz-
Beautifully articulated … We throw off the dock lines 2018 and the sacrafices we are making now to fuel our dreams are validated by voices like yours. May our paths cross in real time someday.
Your sail sister,
CJ
Geoff
January 16, 2017Warm congratulations Liz on the life you have chosen and are sticking to. You are a real beacon for those of us who are “arm chair travelers” tied to desk bound jobs, mortgages and family responsibilities. You remind me of Tony Herrick and his wife who did three circumnavigations in yachts they called ” Wanderer” ( 1 – 5), after finally settling in New Zealand.
He also wrote many interesting books, detailing their passages and adventures.
Have you thought of joining “sailblogs.com”? That may help you to get a bit more publicity.
We appreciate you sharing your journey, adventures and beautiful photos with us!
May you be blessed with “fair winds and gentle seas”.
Keep up the good work, and we are looking forward to hearing and seeing, more from you!
Take care
Geoff
South Africa
Rachael
February 28, 2017I think you are referring to the Hiscocks, I happen to be reading their book written about voyaging on Wanderer IV.
Agness of Fit Travelling
January 19, 2017Liz, your blog and pictures leave me speechless! Thanks for sharing your unforgettable experience!
All Aboard (February): Staying Afloat & Sailing Fast / GSPRODUCTS Blog
February 14, 2017[…] That's what captain and surf-devotee Liz Clark of theSwell Voyage blog explains in one of herlatest posts. Read up, get inspired and just maybe launch an adventure of your […]
Kathi
February 24, 2017Hi liz,
its really inspiring how you live on the sea! I love cats and it is amazing to see how your cat travels with you! What is the secret that she does not escape during exploring new places?
Greetings from Austria
Rachael
February 28, 2017Hey! Glad to see new posts since last time I clicked your bookmark. You are so inspiring, thank you for being you!
:)
Captain Liz
March 6, 2017xoxo!!
Michelle
March 3, 2017Liz,
How would you summarize the comparison of a board such as an Aquatic Oddities Eco-Flex surfboards verse a traditional fiberglass/standard surfboard?
Rideability?
Flex?
durability? (real important on travels!)
Weight?
Performance?
Also curious if you have ridden anything larger in size from Aquatic Oddities, like a 7 to 8 foot fun board, or 7 to 8 foot all around take anywhere board?
Thanks.
Captain Liz
March 6, 2017Hi Michelle. In general, epoxy boards will float more than traditional surfboards. This often makes them easier to ride because they are easier to paddle and catch waves. I find them to be lighter and more responsive as well. Durability!!! They will outlast a poly board by at least 3 to four times. AO boards are super light and ultra high performance. I’m sure Jake could make you a fun board, hit him up!!
Michelle
March 6, 2017Cool. I will likely call the company soon to learn more, and maybe order myself a new board! Yee haw….always a
cool feeling getting a new board, seriously. I always looked forward to it.
On a separate note, do you drink any coffee during the day? If so, have you found a benefit,
or even a benefit without it? How about chocolate (vegan, of course!)?
Raihan
March 15, 2017Such a natural way of expressing one’s thought!! good wishes from Bangladesh!
Chris Lucas
March 16, 2017Captain:
It takes some individuals a lifetime to figure out what you’ve so eloquently ascertained:
Once you let go, and begin to ‘give’ without concern for receipts, then you indeed begin to receive.
My best, Chris
You may dig this poem: blessing the boats by Lucille Clifton
blessing the boats
may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that
Captain Liz
April 20, 2017I LOVE this poem!! Thank you!!
Jessica Bloomfield
March 26, 2017Hi Liz!
I love reading your blogs and admire what you do. In a few weeks I’ll be taking my first sail to upstate NY from Fl. I am new to sailing, however my partner knows so I will learn along the way! I am super stoked. Are there any tips you can suggest like food to bring, or anything that helps along the way. I’m wondering how we will keep veggies from going bad, without having to buy ice etc. Would love to here your thoughts!
Thank you for being you the world needs it!!
Jess Bloomfield
Elena
April 17, 2017Absolutely LOVE that quote! And well done for securing those sponsors and articles. It’s all down to you, it wasn’t luck. We love your mission and lifestyle. We’re setting off in less than a month to pursue a very similar life (without the pro surfing and sponsors :P). We’ll work freelance from our laptops to stay afloat. We hope to live half as intensely as you do Liz.
Fair winds,
Elena & Ryan
Captain Liz
April 20, 2017Awesome!! Hope to see you out there somewhere!! Fair winds! xoxo
Harry McPherson
May 5, 2017I am inspired by your strength, purpose and cat. Your cat (well cats own you, actually, so NOT yours) drew me in to following your journey originally. I’ll read that book. Come to Chico for a signing. Or Maine. Fill your heart.
“…straight on till morning.” Peter Pan
âYou are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.â Winnie the Pooh
Michel Pariseau
June 30, 2017“the less popular atolls…I dissolved into the remoteness, absorbed the wildness, delighted in realizing how much stuff I don’t need…” those words of yours play over and over again in my head. That ability and joy in connecting with yourself is a marvelous gift to yourself and to you share with the rest of us. They way you do that, your humility and sense of self that you have so wholesomely connected to, taps into and unlocks something universal that belongs to all of us. It’s personal and intimate and yet you share it in the most beautiful way. Thank you for you courage, your joy, and your delight in the most elemental aspects of great life. You are a shining star, a beacon of the rest of us. Stay true to yourself, hold tight to your inner being and you will always have fair winds, warm sun and cool restful nights. Be safe in your little cocoon, Mother earth will look after you. All the Best, Michel Pariseau
Captain Liz
June 30, 2017Thank you for your kind and encouraging words Michel. Much love and gratitude your way, Lizzy
John
June 21, 2018Hi Liz,
People like you encouraged me to quit the job I hated, sell everything and take a huge leap to live life the way I want and not the way I am told. I must say I am scsred to death. I am scared of not making enough to meet my budget. My plan is to charter so I can share the wonder and beauty with others. Being a solo sailor I think the company will be a good thing. I am also taking my TIG Stainless Welder, benders and cutters in hope of finding those that could use my service. One problem I know I must face is the politics of not legally working in foreign countries. Too bad we can not escape big brother anywhere in the world. I am just going to take the chance of working anyplace and anywhere hoping no one will report me.
People encourage me and say I have to folliw my dream or if I dont I will live thinking “What if”. I am diving in with both feet, scared to death but scared more of working my life away instead of living my life.
Thank you for being another inspiration.
John
Captain Liz
July 17, 2018Hi John, You must go! All the details will work themselves out. But you have to give it a try or you’ll never know! You’ll be taken care of, I’m sure of it!! Have a blast my friend… Capt Liz
Captain Liz
July 17, 2018John you have to go!! The financial details will work themselves out along the way. Once you commit to your new path, the universe will help all the right doors open. Fair winds my friend. Liz
Gus
September 27, 2018Lovely post Liz. It resonates with me a lot and I guess it represents much of the feelings of our little community of free souls.
Thanks.