Robby Naish is without question the world's best-known windsurfer. But there's much more to be learned from this Kailua-based champion than how to ride the wind. People who would never consider trying to wrestle a sail while riding a 6-foot wall of water can apply Naish's life philosophy to their own, and learn from his approach to creating a life built around the things that he loves to do. At the age of 36, Naish is much more than a professional athlete. The symbols of his success are housed in orderly fashion inside of his garage. Every piece of windsurfing equipment imaginable is there proudly wearing the NAISH logo. Evidence of his ability to design, manufacture and market these products. Kite surfing, same story. When the sport was just getting started Naish lead the charge and his company now manufactures kites and a selection of boards. The yellow racecar, well this mans love for speed and his interest in racecars produced this fastest, street legal machine as part of his long list of sponsors and business associations. In short, Naish is a very bright and industrious young man who is able to make a very good living doing exactly what he wants to do, when he wants to do it.
The moral of Naish's story: he can work hard, focus and have fun. Naish can take an idea from inception to actualization; he has the vision to see the possibility, the determination to find the applications and solutions and the energy needed to complete the process. I remember the day I realized that Naish was special in this regard. Shortly after Hurricane Iniki we were discussing the events leading up to this horrific storm. Naish had arrived from Germany on the last flight allowed to land at Honolulu Airport. He had 45 minutes to get a huge amount of windsurfing equipment through customs, load his van, drive to Kailua and secure his house before the storm hit. For most people, this situation would have been impossible and very unpleasant. Naish quickly accepted the challenge. He saw what he had to do and he did it without any wasted effort. Applying the last piece of duck tape to the picture windows at his beachfront home, he sat down to welcome the storm. Naish has a steel trap for a mind, once he decides to do something you can bet it will get done.
Naish has taught himself how to focus. He can concentrate on the details of what's happening in the moment and shift to the big picture and back. The details are important to his performance as he combines the speed, power, sensitivity and body awareness needed to windsurf, surf and kite surf under pressure. The details are important to his performance on land as he manages the businesses that carry his name. The big picture is equally important, as he is able to step back far enough to relax and appreciate all that life has to offer. For Naish this means spending quality time with his wife, daughter and extended family, and enjoying the simple pleasures of watching a sunset or cooking a favorite meal.
The key to Naish's success is his ability to work hard, focus and have fun… all at the same time. Simply put, he can perform at his best when it counts the most, totally absorbed in the moment rather than looking ahead to a specific outcome or looking back at a missed opportunity. You might say he is wired for success, every aspect of his personality is working on his behalf. As he says, "I'm happiest when I'm working, working in the water."
