You may have heard his story in his five-minute viral speech, but this book tells the rest.
Mike Shoreman, aka “The Unbalanced Paddleboarder”, experienced the most significant crash he has ever known as a neurological condition called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome came rushing in to take away every joy in life that he had worked so hard to obtain. He decided to take the next right step in his darkest hour, finding power and confidence and began to rise higher than he ever thought possible.
#PADDLESUP became the war cry of thousands of paddleboarders all over the world and culminated in him becoming SUP Man of the Year 2020. Mike discusses how to transform from victim to thriving survivor in his first and most exciting book titled, Crash and RISE. Whether you’re having a moment of minor struggle or find yourself in a state of crash, you can turn to this book for SUP-port.
It is important to say that I am the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Crash and Rise so that those who read this review will know that I am partial. Nonetheless, Mike’s story is truly remarkable. It has been an extraordinary privilege to be a part of seeing this book make its way to the hearts and minds of others and it has certainly changed my life for the better. I often find myself getting tripped up by life’s daily challenges and reminding myself, “Tabitha, get back on your board.” I have Mike to thank for this and so many other words of inspiration he has breathed into my spirit.
The waves of emotion, heartbreak and triumph in this book moved me to tears over and over again. It read like a movie in my mind and I could not put it down! Mike Shoreman, thank you for sharing your journey, your pain and your strength with the world. I am better for having read your words and I hope they reach the hands and hearts of millions!
A love at low tide, a dream vacation to a faraway land, creating a business model based on lotus flowers and candles, a tragedy slamming into a brick wall and rising once again with paddles in the air, Shoreman takes us through a voyage of life. As if sitting with a dear friend catching up over the past decade, Shoreman is that friend who conversationally takes us there in his account of Crash and Rise, Diaries of the Unbalanced Paddleboarder.
He opens with sharing the end of the end of a great love. He allows us to peer into his hope-filled romantism approach to love, business and life. In the darkness of the final days, the water dried up in his relationship, he extends one last preserver in a lifetime dream trip to India.
Shoreman packs his things and goes solo on this “Eat, Pray, Love” excursion to India. We feel the heat, smell the spices, and even a cow leaving a parcel of dung in the airport. Nothing lets him get in the way of finding the light and we continue on through this trip and land in a place where ladies gently place exquisite lotus flowers illuminated with tea lights on to a river. It’s this light, this simple gesture that gives Shoreman his business model.
Paddleboarding for the common person can be a wobbly exercise in embarrassment, especially as a couple. Shoreman, in his determination and dreaming, creates an experience where he turns this vulnerability into a powerful remembrance for his customer base. Much like the beautifully lit flowers swimming along the stream, he takes these novices and gives them sea legs, strength and love.
Much like how the book flows, we also get to meet his glorious mother, the sublime matriarch and his distinguished father likened to Robert De Niro. The parents we all wish we had to share our dreams, our failures (wait until you read about Canada’s pastime of hockey – spirit never wavering), ‘coming out’, and navigating through a debilitating condition that leads Shoreman to his darkest, most treacherous waters – waters we have dipped our own toes in.
Swimming in the seas of Shoreman’s life’s waves takes the reader through ripples of immense joy, wincing pain, love of all kinds and inspiration that will lift you from your beach towel and want to change the world. One paddle at a time.
I completed the book in 3 sittings over a period of one day. As many have mentioned it was an easy read or as they put it, a page turner. I really enjoyed it. Mike Shoreman has a way of bringing us into his memories through descriptive words. I felt I was there with him in India, then on his paddleboarding journey, the exhilarting moments and then those darkest days, weeks, months. My heart sank, my eyes welled with tears. I wanted to shake him when I read through some of those pages. I had to leave the book a moment. My final sitting. Mike led me through his RISE, I teared up again.
Thank you for sharing with us your enthusiasm and determination to live fully on and off a paddle board.
I loved the humour, the heart and the hope that this book left me with. It was a quick, easy read - light-hearted and powerful at the same time. It was a story of overcoming adversity at a time when we are all going through adversity, so the message of resilience and innovation in the face of extreme challenge was relevant and powerful. I loved this book even more than I thought I would!
Mike takes you on a no holds barred look at his life from the amazing highs to the extreme lows, Mike has you laughing, crying and feeling like you are living life with him through this book. It’s an amazing read that will keep you hanging on to every word! I can’t recommend this book highly enough. #paddlesup 💙
A beautiful tale to take straight to the beach (or bathtub) and read all the way through. A hero's journey with a SUP. I loved Mike's authenticity as he wrote about his crash than rise. A must-read for anyone who's ever found themselves challenged by situation to push on, keep moving and find their next adventure.
I found "Crash and RISE" to be a moving and inspiring book. A story of personal tragedy, crisis, and rediscovery that speaks to the crises and choices we all face, and that shape our lives. At turns funny, exhilarating, and heartbreaking, Mike Shoreman's story offers an intimate and vulnerable window into some of the brightest and darkest times in this funny, kind, dedicated young man's life. He takes us along on a roller-coaster ride of exciting discovery, and terrifying loss, into the light of a new day and the power of saying "Yes" to ourselves.
I admire Mike's work to help raise awareness of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and of the critical importance that this rare condition be recognized and diagnosed quickly to help ensure that patients can make their best recovery. I applaud his work to help raise awareness, and money, to help those suffering from mental illness. I am impressed by the courage and energy he has shown in reinventing himself and building a bright future for himself that is so much different than the one he thought he would inhabit.
I cannot say enough about this book! Mike Shoreman's "Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE" is a vibrant, heart-wrenching and authentically brave story of personal triumph, struggle and transformation. It gives the reader a raw and honest glimpse into one person's successes and heartbreak, and how a debilitating diagnosis ultimately led him on a path of healing, reawakening and self-discovery.
I laughed and cried throughout reading this book; the rollercoaster of emotions was intense and real. This is a story I believe every person needs to read - at a time when the world is itself going through much hardship and transformation, stories like this can feed our minds, souls and hearts. Anyone struggling with any form of mental or physical illness will likely find comfort and solace in relating to Mike's story - it is truly a lifeline for the world. It teaches us that through suffering, we can find redemption and healing - that it is OK to not be OK, and that the struggle is truly a gift, and can lead us to a greater sense of purpose and self-realization. I am left with feelings of hope, and the overwhelming feeling that we are all responsible to create our own happiness in life.
I am so grateful - thank you Mike, for you willingness to share your story in such a candid and courageous way. I absolutely loved this book, and highly recommend it to all! #PaddlesUp
I was given the opportunity to read Mike’s story before its release. I knew that Mike was a professional Paddleboarder, that he was an amazingly talented, well spoken man, but I didn’t realize the strength and perseverance that he carries with him in the face of adversity. This memoir taught me so much about the human spirit, the vulnerability and the fight, the struggle and the win.
Crash and Rise are two words that hold the story but so much surrounds those words. From Mike's bold steps into a new direction, to his moments of dread in medical tragedy, to his ability to reframe darkness as a light that reaches so many souls, he shows us that there is no boundary to hope.
An absolute must read, it will charge through you and lift you with him as he reaches new goals and shows us life is as good as the strength we all have to overcome.
As a fellow sufferer of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, I was searching for information about this new health battle I was dealing with and began looking for people who had been through this before me. That's when I found Mike Shoreman and his new book. I had seen Mike's winning speech from Speaker Slam and wanted to know more. Mike's story is one of determination. It is a powerful, heartbreaking and uplifting story of courage and resilience. I could relate to Mike's crash in more ways than I wanted to, as I am only a few months in of battling RHS. I am so appreciative that Mike has shared his story to help others like me navigate the choppy waters ahead. For anyone diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome or other chronic illness, this is a must read.
I knew of Mike's story from social media but when I read Crash and Rise, I realised that there was so much more to Mike and his story - from the very beginning of being that toddler running into adventure and then back into the safety of his father's arms and his successful paddling business abruptly stopped by an initially undiagnosed virus. No wonder there were moments of complete darkness from which he rose but not without help - his meteoric win at (spoiler!) and so many incredible adventures that have come his way since - all of which he richly deserves - this story will make you laugh and cry - always a good combination - I read cover to cover non-stop! Sarah
You have to love Mike’s openness in telling his story publicly. It hurts when you hit rock bottom, it hurts a lot. To then pick up the trail of breadcrumbs and follow little beacons of Hope one at a time to emerge a SUPerior human takes courage. Courage to dig deep in the knowledge that you can make a difference.
Mike’s book follows his path in and out of the light. From bad, to good, to bad, to good. It show that you mustn’t be afraid to believe in yourself, no make what life throws at you.
Love how Mike draws the line in the sand by going to India alone which showed tremendous courage, the trip was full of triumph and trial which certainly tested his unwavering resilience, that is displayed throughout the book. Luv how he decided to get back on the paddleboard, which helped restore confidence in which the disease tried to unsuccessfully rob from him. Also the raw vulnerability of his feelings prior to being diagnosed and after made the reader just want embrace him. This book is about resilience, the highs, the lows and coming through on the other side, and taking what is thrown at you and building a new stronger and powerful destiny.
3As someone who experienced Bells palsy I can relate to the shock of seeing one's face change suddenly to something I could never have imagined. What I really love is the never say die attitude of the author . This story is very inspirational. I love how this story demonstrates resilience and that resilience doesn't have to be a serious thing. We do not have to give up on fun and humor in life. Paddles Up!! - Shirin Ariff
The world is off balance. Mike is the perfect voice to guide us back to some form of balance and this book is a gift to us all, especially right now. We all need to be reminded how to rise. This is the needed reminder. - Blake Fly
I give this book 5 stars! Crash and rise is an inspirational journey where you are met with all the emotions from laughter to tears. I couldn’t put it down. Truly a great read. Would highly recommend
This memoir was full of raw emotion, wit, and humor! I’m still smiling days after reading Michael’s incredible story. Reading this, I felt like Mike was telling me his story in person. His story has a voice! I found myself cheering out loud while reading. I found myself closing my eyes and imagining myself on Mike’s adventures. This was such a wonderful read and I can’t recommend enough! So inspiring!
This book will have you turning pages until finished. Even with the light hearted humour, you will not be able to feel the waves as you read this book.
I know Mike Shoreman, as a fellow stand up paddleboarder, through social media, so I thought that I knew his story well. But there is so much more to Mike Shoreman than I knew. Now that I know how low Ramsey Hunt Syndrome took Mike, I realise how brave and remarkable his subsequent recovery has been. This is a story, told with passion and humour, of the authors descent to a very dark place and then his rise again. An inspiring story from a winner!
I knew much of Mike’s story before reading his book,"Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE", but there were depths that we could only know because he has been brave enough to reveal the torturous world he inhabited for a while and how that world almost broke him. It takes a gifted writer to take us on exciting adventures, tell us of the satisfaction of starting a new business and connecting with customers, and then exposing us to the dark, life-crushing corners without being maudlin. Mike’s prose style is the way he talks – articulate, effusive, sometimes sassy, with honesty, clarity and respect for his audience’s time and intelligence. Mike Shoreman is so real and you can feel that coming off every page.
I have known Mike for a couple of decades now. We first met when I was part of the faculty team in Media Studies at Loyalist College when Mike was a student. The energy, wit, creativity, and determination that you see throughout this book, were evident then. I saw all of it in the classroom and I saw it when he would drop into my office for wide ranging conversations. We stayed in touch through social media and I was thrilled to hear of his latest adventures, devastated by his health challenge and cheering madly as he fought his way back. We reconnected again recently when Mike came to speak to the post-graduate Public Relations program at Loyalist and awed them as he awes so many, through public speaking and coaching.
I am so glad that the world is getting to know Mike Shoreman, the special man that he is, and is starting to feel the inspiration and spirit that this luminous and triumphant soul has to share. I know he will touch and change many lives.
Buy this book,"Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE", read this book, your life will be fuller for it. To quote Mike, "Paddles Up" (read the book to fully understand that phrase!)
Mike Shoreman's Book " Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash And RISE is an extraordinary and remarkable true life story. I felt invited by the Author on his journey as he weaves a brilliant story of adventure, laughter, gut wrenching rawness and hope. I was enthralled with his humour and delighted with his antidotes from his travels. The roller coaster of his life seems fun and exciting until this very same roller coaster goes off the rails.
The rawness of the storytelling made me feel as if I was right there and wanting to help. In particular, the scene where he goes to visit a friends place with a completely different agenda then just a "visit" made my heart sink and the tears trickle down. What he has shared here is so breathtakingly sad and eye opening. The whole time as I read his story about his life unravelling -- my heart ached for what he was experiencing.
I want to share this beautiful, heart wrenching story with friends and I do hope one day that this story is read in schools as a part of the curriculum. This is a phenomenal account of being human and the twists and turns of life that can be incomprehensible. This story will encourage and guide many to continue when they face a dead end, because they will know that there is hope because of Mike Shoreman's courage to share his life with us.
I was fortunate to be able to read an advanced copy of "Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE" by Mike Shoreman and I have to say I couldn't even put the book down. The story took you in and you felt like you were right there with Mike experiencing it all, from the lost love to the adventures in India, to the rise and collapse of business along with personal tragedy, to that pivotal moment when you hit rock bottom, only to rise up, reminiscent of that line from The Dark Night "The night is darkest before the dawn". This is a story of growth, self reflection and personal perserverance, magnificently recounted so vividly. Thank you Mike for your vulnerability in sharing your journey with us. I highly recommend this book #paddlesup
What an amazing book! Mike has you hooked from the very beginning! Great easy read! You will laugh, you will cry! Then you’ll laugh some more!
Being another person that has been faced by medical adversity I found his book to be so touching. He tells his story in a way that is miraculous. He doesn’t make you feel sorry for him. You’re in his court! Things are very difficult but he figures out a way to pull through and keep going even when he thought he couldn’t.
Many challenges starting with a relationship that had gone separate ways. The Lotus flower candles lighting up the water was great and how he incorporates this throughout. The relationships. It’s just an overall amazing read.
I was privileged to have the opportunity to read Mike Shoreman’s Memoir Crash and Rise with an advanced copy of the book and could not put it down until I had read the last page. I have followed Mike's rise to glory since he competed on the Speakerslam stage last year and started a revolution in the paddle-boarding community and beyond. His comeback story is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever suffered a catastrophic loss or life-altering diagnosis.
Mike’s memoir is a stellar account of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity; while he also fearlessly shares the many “crashes” he had to face, while coming to terms with a life that he didn’t see coming. Most powerfully, in this memoir, is how Mike transformed his tragedy into triumph by embracing life in the aftermath of the unexpected, and how phenomenally he redeemed it all for a greater purpose than even the author, I suspect, could have expected.
Thank you for sharing your journey with the world. #PADDLESUP.
As a person who has been dealing with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome for over a year, I was very excited to read and obtain information about this horrible health battle I am dealing with. While in the hospital I began looking for information and people who had obtained RHS and their experiences. When I found Mike Shoreman and his speach from Speaker Slam I was immediately intregued and wanted to know more. Mike's story is one of preservation. It's a powerful, heartbreaking and uplifting story of courage and resilience. I can relate to Mike's crash in so many more ways than I wanted to admit. I am so appreciative and encouraged that Mike has shared his story with the world to help others like myself find the courage to never give up even with the choppy waters that feel as though they have flooded our souls and consumed our identity. For anyone diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome or other chronic illness, especially those that are rare and unknown, Mike Shoreman's book is a must read. (less)
My wife and I are busy editing Michael's book so my recommendation may be biased. However I know a top seller when it comes across my desk, and this one is gold. Our job has been to make sure that the message remains crystal clear throughout the manuscript. You can trust the author who pours his heart and soul into every word and sentence. Crash and Rise will be the longtime go-to book for those not only in the paddle board community but also in the larger mental health field. Bravo, Mike for this powerful first book, and may there be others later.
Mike Shoreman is a gifted and natural storyteller - his warmth, humour, raw honesty and vulnerability make this book an engaging and inspiring read. We are right there with him in every moment - running towards the geese, SUP-ing the waters of Lake Ontario and planning a bright new future jetsetting between LA and Toronto. Then out of the blue, an onset of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome shatters that dream. I was moved to tears as he recounted his physical, mental, emotional and identity struggles in the wake of this unexpected blow. It is hard to fully understand the profound impact of such an experience but Mike brings it home in a deeply personal way. Sharing the most painful parts of his journey, recovery and ongoing successes are a moving tribute to Mike's incredible resilience and his commitment to supporting and inspiring others. Highly Recommend!