I knew after Friday's surfing session that I would be at the 43rd street jetty at least one more time this weekend. I was hoping that the howling north winds would die down just a bit and that waves would be perfect by Sunday morning. However, the north wind kicked up the waves on Saturday and the window for opportunity was going to be slim. I have a pretty tight training schedule these days. I have to...to be able to fit in all of the things I want to do!! People probably think I'm a little neurotic about this stuff, but really, I just want to have fun doing many different things. Therefore, I don't usually surf on Saturday because it is reserved for running (5:30 a.m.) and cycling (7:30 a.m.). This past Saturday, I completed at least part of my "regimented" training. I was able to run 6.3 miles, but realized during the run that any cycling would be treacherous because of the wind. It was blowing out of the north, which means that the ride would be going to the San Jacinto Monument -- not a favorite route for me. At best, it would be very difficult because, for some reason, the cycling group doesn't work well together during that particular ride to the monument. So, I opted for spin class, which was a good thing because as soon as I finished my run, I received a text from my friend Robin saying she was at the beach. She said that while the conditions weren't perfect, just about every other surfer was out, and that the waves were consistent and semi-big for Galveston standards. I finished the first spin class, loaded up "Sunshine" and made my way down.
Needless to say, by the time I made it to the beach, I was just a tad tired from running and cycling. I shouldn't use that as an excuse though. I was glad I brought my 8'1" board because it was so windy and unloading my two bigger board ("Pedal" and "Iris") would have been difficult. I definitely had to carry any board inside because taking it off and putting it back on the rack would have been treacherous. Either I or a passerby would have probably been decapitated. I need to figure out an easier way to hold it down while strapping it to the top. I spoke with Brian briefly and then paddled out. Brian thought the wind was blowing too hard to have a good surf session so he opted out of surfing, which should have probably been a clue. (He had already tried to discourage me.) However, Robin had been out as was T, M and Houston A, as well as N and B. The wind and rip current was taking everyone west. Robin mentioned that she had gone out on the west side of the jetty and that getting out was easier there, but that she immediately got pushed halfway down the beach. She recommended going out on the east side. I did. That meant that I got pushed toward the jetty, making it a constant battle to get back to the center point between 43rd and 42nd (?). In the end, I paddled a lot, but I only caught two waves, only one in its formation -- the other being whitewater. I wish I had done better. There were several guys out catching everything they went for, as did Ang and T. I think M. caught several too. I just seemed to be having an off day. Oh well, I had done quite bit before actually making it to G-town, so I probably shouldn't complain. I'm trying hard not to be discouraged. I should definitely stick with just one or two sports on a single day. There's always next time.
On another note, I found out this morning the new issue of The Parrot is out. I'm in a brand new ad with Brian. One of the writers did a wonderful write-up about taking a surf lesson from Brian. He's doing quite well with his self-marketing. The new ad is fun too! (Story on page 6 and ad on page 18. Note about the ad. It's under the regular surf story by Kris Hopkins. He's a local surfer who also attends UHCL. I wrote a story about Kris Hopkins for our university magazine. He was a fun "dude" to interview.)
