Caution...Drop Off

It's always good when there's a sign! Whether it's a flag (green for calm conditions; yellow for normal; red for rough conditions; blue for excessive jellyfish, etc.) that says when the waves are rough, a sign that indicates exactly what jetty is nearby or a caution sign on the seawall that warns that the edge of the wall is near, signs often let all of us know how to make decisions about what we are going to do. I think I've written about signs before...in fact, maybe I've even written about the sign I'm attaching to this post. I don't remember. I searched and didn't see it, but that doesn't mean that I haven't overlooked it. Life can get so complicated sometimes. I want to be more carefree, but it just seems that I often over-think things. I need to learn to turn my brains/thoughts off on occasion. If I did that, then, possibly, I could just relax and trust my instincts, instead of making sure I always do the "right" thing. Doing the "right" thing, may not always be the "best" action. Hmmmm...still thinking this all through. Not thinking might even make me a better surfer.

An important Seawall sign

Initial first-hand Friday surf reports didn't sound good. However, a Tweet (yes, a surf report I follow on Twitter), and an Internet post indicated that things weren't so bad. And, when I looked at the webcam, I agreed. I knew it was windy, but I also knew I really wanted to surf. So, despite the initial reports, I headed down right after I finished work. I took my 9' Softop, continuing my goal and the suggestions of several surfers to stick with one size until I master the sport of surfing. I was worried about the "reported" wind; although, the wind definitely was not a problem on the mainland. Oddly enough, when I made it to Galveston, the wind had died significantly there also. The waves were small and a little choppy, but definitely surf-able. In fact, quite a few surfers were out -- more than usual on a Friday afternoon. Approximately eight or nine were on the west side of the jetty and only one or two were on the east side. Neither side looked better for waves than the other from the Seawall. I made the decision that I was going to surf the east side, and when my surfing buddy made it there, he agreed. All in all, I'm so glad I went to surf. I had read the surf reports and because of an approaching cold front, I knew the waves would be gone by midnight for a couple of days, including Sunday...my other regular surf day. I had some great rides Friday and even managed to turn BOTH directions to ride the wave. I had some wipeouts too, especially twice when I got caught on the inside of the wave and couldn't save it. I had one ride of which I'm particularly proud. I caught a wave as did a guy on the left of me. I was on the wave first, and he came my direction down the wave. I refused to get off. He got nervous and bailed, which caused his long board to knock my board. However, I didn't get nervous or lose my balance. I maneuvered my way around it. I felt like I had won "King of the Wave." Not sure it was technically my wave. My gut says it was, but, then again, the waves don't really offer any signs saying who owns it. I definitely could use more signs.