Hahaha, I actually stole that me and my monkey from Robbie Williams. I remember that when his album came out, thousands of people where wondering what or who that monkey actually was.. In the end they translated it as: passion, addiction, something you can't live without...
So that's surfing to me: a monkey 🐵 haha
PS: I'm incredibly proud of that backhand (having the wave in my back, surfing towards the right being a lefthander = goofy). I haven't surfed many of them so far, and this one really killed it! So yes, it's actually quite technical...
Really interesting that I read it slightly differently but I think might have the same outcome. I know you are quoting a great philosopher and psychologist there (!) .....but I read the Monkey as the problem. There is a phrase " Get the Monkey off your Back" - it refers to trying to eliminate the problem or burden on your mind. So on first read. I read the Monkey as you being "self-critical" during the surf. I hope you can save (or eliminate) the self-criticism until, at least, you are analysing the go pro footage and you enjoy the moment of riding the waves.
Sounds like you are making great progress with the new technical move.
I was slightly referring to a great book, I recommend it to all humans and some chimps (that sentence makes sense if you ever pick it up) - it's called The Chimp Paradox - by Professor Steve Peters here.......have a great day and speak soon....