Last Wednesday at the ACCA Employers and Educators Reception 2024, someone asked me a question I’ve been hearing a lot —”Why am I into adventure sport?”

The truth? It’s a journey that started with a simple question—what’s next?

I was an avid golfer from my mid-20s to 40s. How avid?

I could bet on just about anything—hitting birdies, nailing the longest drive, chipping into the hole, or even scoring below 40 for nine holes.

I was a hard hitter from the start, and I spent hours perfecting my short game. At one point, I was so in the zone that I could feel where my iron shot was heading the moment I hit the ball.

The turning point came the day I hit four birdies in nine holes.

That was the moment I knew it was time to walk away. I realised I could either become a big-time hassler or gambler, or worse, no one would want to play with me anymore.

So I asked myself, “What’s next?”

Running popped into my head, especially since I had been a hardcore smoker for 20 years.

At 43, I could barely run 100 meters, but I knew I wanted a healthier life.

It wasn’t easy—injury struck sooner than I’d expected. That’s when I bought a bicycle, thinking it would be easier on my body.

Thanks to some “bad influence” from the wrong gang, I got sucked into triathlons. And just like that, I found myself with friends who encouraged me to take on mountaineering and motorbiking.

One thing led to another, and suddenly, I was deep into adventure sports.

These days, I’m just a casual golfer who enjoys spending time with my old golfing buddies. I’m no longer the serious or intimidating golfer I used to be.

Every Wednesday, I hit the 9-hole walking course with my golfing buddies for a good workout. We keep it simple by only using irons without drivers, 3 woods and hybrids in the bag.

On weekends, I might even play a full 18 holes very very occassionally.

But my heart now lies with the thrill of adventure sports. It’s a different kind of challenge, one that keeps me excited and motivated.

Looking back, it all started with a small step—one that changed everything.

And honestly, I am a ex-smoker for more than 10 years. I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long 10 years career. 🤪