Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Nistal.
Nicholas, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Miami Florida. During my early years in High School, I made a decision to take on the sport of rowing. I remember at the time all my friends telling me that I would shed all the excess weight off my body and build up muscles in all the right places. Sure enough, the muscles came and I quickly took a liking to the sport and developed an intense passion for it. I experienced a complete transformation in all areas in my life. I suddenly felt like I was apart of something bigger than myself. Being a part of a community with people that shared the same goal as I had put me on a path that I was eager to follow. While my friends were getting into trouble and failing their classes, I practiced my craft and made the necessary sacrifices to achieve the goals I created for myself. This hard work eventually landed me an opportunity to row on scholarship at Northeastern University. My rowing career continued all throughout college. I traveled across the country competing with some of the most loyal friends I’ve had up until this day.
After graduating college, I decided I wanted to take the next step pursuing a spot on the Olympic Team. During those years of training full time, I was fortunate enough to work as a model and actor. This allowed me to keep up with the bills while training at the highest level. Unfortunately, I fell just short of earning a spot on the team. Once I decided to retire from competing, I continued to stay in touch with the sport as a High School Rowing Coach. I now have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion I have for rowing with the world. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to wake up every morning knowing that I have the opportunity to inspire and positively influence another person’s life. I’m and will always be grateful for all of my mentors and teammates I met along the way. They truly brought out the best in me and will always hold a special place in my heart.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Every journey inevitably comes with bumps in the road. I came to realize it’s these exact hurdles that forced me out of my comfort zone. This is where I experienced the growth I was later thankful for. Being the top recruit at a prestigious rowing University came with a lot of pressure to perform. I grew accustomed to being the top rower on my High School team. Adjusting to a foreign environment in college with rowers that were faster than myself was a tough adjustment. I spent a couple of years not rowing in the fastest boats. During this time I had to keep digging deep and have the ability to know that eventually, my hard work would pay off. Surely enough I eventually competed in the top boat during my last season at Northeastern University. The toughest struggle by far was falling just short of making the Olympic team. I overcame this by telling myself that it’s not about destination; it’s about the journey. I wouldn’t have been the same person I am today had I not endured those 15 years of hard training.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Nick Nistal – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I picked up coaching shortly after I retired from rowing. I’ve had the opportunity to coach at programs all over. I recently moved to Los Angeles to further my career as an actor while creating more opportunities for myself as a rowing coach. I’m currently working for Row LA teaching rowing machine workshops to High School and Middle Schools around the Los Angeles area. Most of my free time is spent taking acting classes, going to auditions, and having the best of times with my girlfriend Yasmine.
I stay as creative as possible to make a name for myself in the sport. I started up rowing workshops to teach individuals how to properly use the rowing machine. I’ve heard around the rowing community that my knowledge and ability to deliver effective technical instruction about the sport while creating a healthy competitive culture sets me apart from other coaches. In my opinion, having the ability to be a strong leader while making strong connections with my athletes is what has provided me the ongoing success in coaching. I always strive to be the best version of myself by learning as much as I can on the daily and being completely present at all times while at work. These are the qualities I tap into to separate myself from the pack.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to continue to create the best life for myself and my girlfriend out here in Los Angeles. My goal is to either start up my own indoor rowing facility where all are welcomed to row. I just recently moved from Miami to further my career as an actor. Another goal of mine is to land a role as a character in a T.V sitcom or featured film. I’m looking forward to challenging myself during this next chapter of my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Nicholasnistal
- Facebook: Nicknistal
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
