Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE: From Victim to Thriving Survivor

by Mike Shoreman

Mike Shoreman “the board man” is a fun and personable paddleboarder. On a trip to India, he stands before the Ganges River, and awakens to his passion of inspiring others on the water. He returns home, becomes a professional paddleboard coach, and soon, builds a successful paddleboarding business from the ground up. His dream of sharing his gift with students becomes a reality.One morning, everything changes. A sudden neurological condition called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome wakes him in excruciating pain. With a collapsed face, extreme vertigo, and an inability to walk properly, Mike is devasted that his budding paddleboarding career has come to an abrupt end. Hopelessness and loss enfold him as he is left to grieve his old life. In this heartfelt, raw, and humorous memoir, Mike channels his pain into purpose. Crash and RISE is a story about falling down, getting back up, and stepping bravely into a life that looks nothing like the one we have planned for ourselves. Mike demonstrates what it truly means to crash and rise again by transcending mental and physical limitations in order to share his light with the world. His story reminds us that it is always darkest just before the dawn.

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2020

Reviews

[karen porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read..it could happen to you

Mike's account of how he was struck by Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a rare and generally unknown condition, is gripping, harrowing and uplifting in equal parts. As a fellow sufferer, I can empathise, reliving with him the pain and confusion he felt and so movingly describes. Mike's crash can happen to anyone, his rise is an inspiration. Anyone can give up, but to rise when expected to fall apart, is true strength.. #paddlesup

[Doug Houck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational story of a young thriving man who lost his health and business to Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, (reactivated chicken pox in the ear or eye). There one line toward the end where he reframes : "what happened to me". You will have to read the book to gather that gem.
It's a fairly short read, about 100 paves. Well worth ones time.

[Amy Granville · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, inspiring.

I had seen Mike's speech online and as a sufferer of Facial Paralysis probably RHS I can relate to his experiences. Crash & Rise is a truly inspirational book that is a must read for anyone who faces difficult challenges in their journey. I was gripped from beginning to the end and it's helped me turn a corner.