Another flat Friday and Saturday has kept me out of the waves. Not sure what to think other than I probably need a break anyway. Saturday, though, I was able to get in a 61-mile bike ride. I believe that strengthening my aerobic capacity would surely help me in any endeavor, including surfing. Because my surfing buddy Robin is still out of commission, it will be just my other surfing buddy Andrea and me heading down to catch the waves tomorrow. I noticed on the Web cam that the waves are returning so tomorrow morning should be good...at least better than it has been. Other than arm weights which strengthen my shoulders and my swimming slightly, I'm not sure what exercises I should be doing to make me a better surfer. So, I just continue with my cycling and spinning.
I really think it's mostly about timing. Today (Sunday) I went out. The surf was rough, but the waves were big. Because of the rough surf, getting out was a workout, but once past the end of the pier, swimming was a little easier. I say easier, but I should say slightly easier. The occasional big breaking wave made it hard to maintain composure on the board. But, I was able to get out past the bubbles on the outside. Of course, because of the wind, it was very easy to suddenly find yourself almost to the 43rd street pier. It's not fun being carried all the way down because that means that I have to either swim or walk along shore all the way back to the 45th street pier where I started. Super surfer Brian was giving a lesson, but stopped to point out some things to me and Andrea. Again, it's easy to hear and understand what he is telling us, rather than being in the water and actually doing it. Once we get out there, we know we should be swimming back toward the pier, but we get caught up just looking for a wave to catch. I didn't stay up long, but I was on my 9' board for the first time in a long time so I had to re-acquaint myself with it. I do love my board, but it is short (I know...9'...short, really?) for me. After all, I'm 5'9" and I have to be in perfect trim each time. There's no room for error. I still managed to get three short rides in, before being tossed about. I was working on my standing form and moving my feet around, so it's no wonder I lost my balance. l had one really fast ride along the edge of the wave, which was incredible. No one saw it, because it only lasted a few seconds, but it was still incredible. Can't wait to try it again...hopefully, for a little longer next time.
BOARD UPDATE: I went by Surf Specialties to check on my new board. James and Debbie said it was still at the glassers. He was a little backed up, but assured me it would be coming any day now. There's no rush, but I'm dying to see it. And surf on it!
