My PhD led me to El Fronton?

Who knew that after another 10 hour day of working on the complete draft of my PhD I would be led right into the center of bodyboarding history. Well, that's exactly what happened. Let me explain. After 3 years of working on the same PhD project and nearing the end, I basically locked myself away for a few months to finish the draft of about 350 pages of research (80,000 words). Getting tired of editing and refining day after day, I had enough and so after a grueling 10 hour day, I impulsively said to myself that I needed to get out of here as soon as possible.

I quickly looked up Ryan air flights to see what was the cheapest and I noticed Gran Canary Island was a cheap flight. Island = sun and beach, so I booked the ticket without looking at my calendar to see if I had any other prior engagements. I desperately needed a break!

After booking my 3 days in Gran Canary where I was going to be stoked just to leave the cold England behind for a bit a sunshine, my brother told me that there were waves there. Bonus, although I had just brought back all my bodyboarding gear to Cali my last trip home. Usually I at least leave a pair of fins and rashguard in the UK but this time I did not. I researched and found a place there where I could rent stuff as well as looked up the local surf spots and checked when the swell was going to hit them. Upon arrival, I immediately surfed Confital since that was near my hotel. The next day, I headed out to surf El Fronton.

After driving around the city and asking nice people to point me in the right direction, I came upon this little point break with only 3 guys out. As I watched what I believed to be El Fronton, another bodyboarder walked by me and carried on past the rocks. My curiosity caused me to follow him and I am SO glad I did. Once I made it to the top of the rocks, in the distance I saw glassy waves, air reverses, and backflips spotting the water.

I quickly jumped in my car and drove straight there only to see a black van in the parking lot with Mike Stewart as the driver! What was he doing here? I was just on holiday, taking a much needed mental break from my studies so that I could be refreshed to finish my thesis and there in front of me was Mike Stewart. Even more, when I paddled out to the waves, I saw GT and lots of other bodyboarders that looked familiar to me (although I have literally been out of the bb scene for over 10 years now so I only recognized a few of the old schoolers). When asked how to come in from my session at Fronton I was encouraged to just take a wave over the reef. I must admit, that was a little sketchy for me as I grew up only on beach breaks in Newport Beach.

Once I came in I heard someone in the distance yelling my name and its Manny Vargas! I did his IB Summer Slams back in the day and I hadn't seen him for probably over 10+ years. Long story short, I ended up extending my plane ticket twice to stay in paradise, had a super fun session with only one other out and Manny doing water photography, played in this swimming pool type thing adjacent to the ocean, took photos of the El Fronton Invitational and got to hang out with the best bodyboarders in the world, who by the way, are all pretty cool guys.

 

 

Crazy how everything worked out. I can only say that I am thankful that Christmas came early to me and that not only did I get sunshine and beach, but I got to paddle out with some of the best bodyboarders in the world all in a desperate plea to take a mental break from my thesis. SO thankful to God and so blessed for this intersection in paradise. I hope everyone has a happy Christmas! See more pics of the El Fronton event and of Gran Canary Island on my facebook page 

Silver to Gold is a tale of struggle, friendship, love, loss… Above all, its a tale of the adventure of pursuing a deep-rooted dream, the type of dream that you can feel flowing through your veins. You cannot shake it. You are being beckoned towards your full potential. Nothing less will satisfy. It is the type of dream that you are sure others are as committed to as you… aren’t they?

With a vast and callous army pressing down on them fast, there is nowhere for Desire and the other Young Revolutionaries to run. Her situation is desperate. This is not how her journey is supposed to end, certainly not before it has even truly begun. The legend is strong. Desire knows it offers escape and hope. More than that, it promises fullness and abundance. That is, after all, why she set out. But what will Desire do when faced with the choice of pursuing her dreams when others choose something different?

In a world where so many dreams never make it reality, Desire’s journey will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to dust off those dreams that have lied dormant and move forward to take hold of them once again.

See What People Are Saying about Silver to Gold below, learn about how music is integrated into the book, or order online today through this site or from the following places

What People Are Saying

“Silver to Gold is an inspirational story to dream seemingly impossible dreams. It is an encouragement to press through every challenge and obstacle, until our vision becomes a reality. Jen is an awesome young revolutionary who has courageously pressed in to the dreams of God for her own life regardless of the cost, and counted it all as joy! I highly recommend this book to everyone who is not prepared to settle for anything less than the very best!”
-Heidi Baker, Ph.D, Founding Director, Iris Ministries, Inc.



"Jen, did you put superglue on my copy? Cause I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!! Gripping, powerful, encouraging and challenging. Loving your work! The week after I got my job, I read Silver to Gold and, as well as being gripped by the story, I saw clear links with my own experience. I felt motivated to keep moving forward to the next goal, the next challenge, the next step. Silver to Gold challenges you to not settle for second best, but to push on towards the fulfillment of your dreams, and to encourage those around you to do the same. This book could change your life..." - Steve



“An incredible account of a girl who refused to let go of her dreams. This book is so encouraging, a must read for those who get weighed down by other people refusing to join them on their journey! Keep dreaming and keep walking!”
-Leanne Taylor, 20, student, UK




“I have known Jen for over ten years and I have watched her live the Silver to Gold adventure. I have witnessed the birth of this book as she talked and wrote this epic story. It came out of her soul not just her mind. This adventure will stir, invigorate and compel you to go for the Gold. I highly recommend it.”
-Robert Fulton, Vineyard International Coordinator Emeritus




“This is a modern-day Pilgrim's Progress, a tale that resonates with both science fiction and allegory of a young woman who rejects a life of compromise and finds her true fulfillment in overcoming obstacles and discouragements to reach her higher goals. This is inspirational reading that will inspire and resonate with any of us who have been tempted to give up. Once you pick up this fascinating story you will not want to put it down.”
-Dr. Allan Anderson, author of Spreading Fires



"A revolutionary book/novel for 'young revolutionaries' (in the book's subtitle) written by a PhD student (at the University of Birmingham, UK) who aspires to inspire; the book comes with all kinds of added dimensions at the www.silvertogold.com website - its riveting prose will keep us enthralled even while its message - to inspire us all to reach beyond the silver lining& horizons that often limit us so that we can reach the gold standard! - means that it will work well as a gift to high school & even college graduates."- Amos Yong, author of many books, one being The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh




"Silver to Gold is a story of extraordinary courage. The heroin's determination not to settle for anything less than the total fulfillment of her dreams inspires us not to accept mediocrity. We all have dreams hidden in our hearts, but for some reason we hold back and are scared to pursue them or we give up along the way. This is a message of hope showing that it really is possible to achieve our greatest goals."
-Alice Claire Stapleton, 20, UK


“Jennifer Miskov's desire to communicate a story with relevance and meaning is excellent. Today more than ever, we need writers who are willing to awaken our imagination and in turn touch our heart.”
-Dr. Gregory Allen, MFT and Director of Freedom4U



"Jen!! Wonderful book! I read it the day after I got it in the mail. Every time Azariah went down for nap I picked it up. Great work! Ill be ordering a few more copies to give out."-Chanelle, USA





"I am steadily reading through my copy of the book and I have found it not only to be a great read, but also very thought-provoking and inspiring, particularly at this time of year when life can get very stressful. I would certainly recommend a copy to anyone in need of a motivational boost, especially if they are engaged in any type of academic study or pursuing a dream that seems distant or unobtainable."- Dr. Helen I.

Also read an article about my book here

Official YouTube Video: Breakdancing

Special thanks to Affi who rocked this video production, Alice and Andrew for stepping into to share their thoughts, and all the breakers, especially the one who is the future of the next generation. Good times and hope you like it!