Beneath the Surface

Through stories, adventures, behind the scenes at elite events and through his actual journal pages, Zane Schweitzer gives a rare and personal glimpse of his life. "Beneath the Surface" connects you with Zane beyond the "Zaniac" competitor we know and love as a Professional Waterman and Ocean Advocate. Through a lifetime of journal writing he has selected personal stories to share with readers of all ages. Whether or not you enjoy watersports, Zane's insights, "attitude of gratitude, ability to Innovate and Inspire and his appreciation of the diverse people he's met around the globe will engage you from the very first chapter.

Waterman, Ocean Enthusiast and ECO Advocate (and master stroyteller) Zane Schweitzer gives a rare and personal glimpse of his life "Beneath the Surface" through sharing his personal journals and adventures. Whether or not you enjoy watersports, Zane's insights, "attitude of gratitude, ability to Innovate and Inspire and his appreciation of the people he's met around the globe will engage you from the very first chapter. From Zane Schweitzer, "Just as hidden caverns, reefs and extreme rock formations create the waves and shape the ocean’s personality, there are motivations, dreams, goals, choices and influences lying beneath the surface that have shaped my life. In this book, through a collection of stories, people, events and life-practices, my hope is that you will discover what lies beneath my surface. Of the many mantras that have helped me innovate and inspire, the most powerful is 'Learn from the past, live in the present and manifest your future.' Throughout the course of this book, you’ll get a peek at how I’ve applied that mantra to my life, beginning when I was 13 and carrying through to the present day. You’ll learn to apply it to your life, too."

I am a third generation Professional Waterman, Ocean Advocate and (I've been told) a master story-teller. I have the family, the history and the gift, for which I am grateful, to have excelled in every action sport that has been a part of my life so far. Following in my parents' footstep's (Dad, Matt, is an as 18X world Champion and my mother, Shawneen also was a World Champion in Windsurfing), I began my career as a child. Traveling with my best friend, Connor Baxter, and sponsored by Starboard (for my entire career) we competed in windsurfing, gradually adding surfing, then Standup racing and surfing. 

Throughout my life, since the age of 13, I have kept a daily journal - in fact, three different journals. I was inspired by my Grandparents, Diane and Hoyle Schweitzer, and my maternal grandmother, Carolyn, to reflect on my days and collect my life stories with an attitude of gratitude.

In 2017 I had the honor of competing in the Ultimate Waterman event in New Zealand. It is comprised of 8 different watersports and eight of the top athletes in each discipline live and compete together. I was fortunate to gain my second win at The Ultimate Waterman event (2016 and 2017). In my book you can share these adventures with me. For example, I share the exact pages from my journals that led to my earning the ISA World title in Fiji in 2017.

A lifetime of global travel and competition (since age 11) has provided me with a collection of adventures and stories - collected in my daily journals. I am eager to share my personal stories and insights. They have led me on a learning journey that most recently sparked my mission to be an ECO Ambassador for the Ocean, the environment and to #innovateandinspire the next generation. My knowledge and connection with the ocean all stem from my lifelong pursuit of my passion - the Ocean as our home and our playground.

I had the honor of participating in Parley for the Oceans - Ocean School in the spring of 2017. This experience is detailed in my book, and it changed my perspective on what "living a full life" means to me. 

Life as a professional athlete is not all glory and fun - although it is a life I wouldn't trade for anything. I have often had to "dig deep" and overcome injury, illness, challenges and roadblocks. I have not shared these stories before, but they help paint a picture of who I am - and how we all have similar challenges no matter what path our life adventure takes us.