#080 – From riding the high tides to providing healing touch, the life journey of Spencer Tong is as intriguing as it is inspiring. A dedicated surfer, nurturing nurse, and a loving family man, Spencer has always found a unique balance between the exhilarating thrill of surfing and the calm tranquility of his nursing career. In this podcast episode, we delve into Spencer’s fascinating journey and how his love for surfing transformed his life and helped him nurture invaluable skills.
Spencer Tong didn’t just develop an interest in surfing; he mastered it. Growing up near Newport Beach, California, he was inspired by his brother’s boogie board to buy his own surfboard. Spencer began surfing competitively in high school and quickly rose to prominence, even attracting sponsorships. However, the most remarkable part of his surfing journey is not just the competitive victories, but the life lessons he harnessed from the vast ocean.
Throughout the episode, Spencer reflects on how his commitment to surfing has had a ripple effect, teaching him invaluable skills that have been instrumental in his roles as a father, husband, and nurse. The strategies he used in competitive surfing, he explains, are surprisingly applicable to life. The ocean has taught him the importance of balance, patience, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, skills that have proven invaluable in his personal and professional life.
But every great adventure comes with danger. Listeners are treated to heart-stopping stories from Spencer’s surfing experiences, including a close encounter with a shark while surfing at Newport Beach and his exploits in some of the world’s most challenging surf spots. However, Spencer emphasizes that these experiences, while terrifying, have also taught him the importance of remaining calm under pressure, another lesson he has brought into his nursing career.
Yet, the essence of this episode goes beyond high-octane adventure stories. It’s about family, passion, and the harmony that can come from pursuing what you love. For Spencer, surfing isn’t just a sport; it’s a bond he shares with his sons and daughter and an outlet that has kept him balanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a catalyst that keeps his zest for life burning. 
In conclusion, Spencer’s story serves as a reminder to find something that invigorates you and cultivate a passion that fills you with a zest for life. His journey from surfboard to the nurse floor is not just a tale of personal growth but a testament to the power of passion in shaping our lives. Whether you’re a surfer or simply someone seeking inspiration, Spencer’s journey is sure to leave you feeling inspired and ready to ride the waves of your own life.