Surfing and cycling! I had a complete weekend and it's not even Sunday yet. Friday's surf lessons proved to be very challenging. The surf was rough and unpredictable because of the spring winds. But, the weather was warm and the sun was shining and made the whole thing worthwhile. My surf instructor said he almost called off the lesson. However, he thought the rough surf might give me some good practice. And it did. I didn't stand as long as I had been standing the last time I surfed, but I thought more about my form. I will be continuing to practice my pop-up at home. I even went board shopping on Friday night and found one that might work. I haven't bought it yet, but I'm seriously considering it. I can't wait to have my own board. The guy at the surf shop (everyone in the shop was at least 25 years younger than me) tried to dissuade me from buying a soft top board. He thinks I should buy a hard board. He kept saying soft tops were for beginners. I said I was a beginner. He said, yeah, but you've surfed before. According to him, that means I'm not a beginner. hmmmm... The hard boards are definitely prettier! After all, if you can't hit the ball, at least look good at the plate, right?
My training on Saturday included a 62-mile bike ride to Manvel. Although it was a little windy, the ride was still fabulous. Friday's surfing had dehydrated me a bit though, and I got dropped at mile 38. I stayed ahead of the 18 mph group though and, eventually, caught up with some racers who were "taking it easy." At least, I didn't have to finish alone. That's always a good thing.
All in all, it's been a great weekend!
"The joy of surfing is so many things combined, from the physical exertion of it, to the challenge of it, to the mental side of the sport."
pro surfer Kelly Slater
