The saga of tanker surfing continues. I mentioned in my last post that I wrote to the person in charge of the tanker surfing charters, and explained that I was willing to just watch from the boat if he felt that was necessary. I told him that I was a strong paddler and that I wasn't worried about the strength it took to paddle in the wave, that the biggest problem I have right now is timing. I also told him that the group may not be willing to just watch, so I would probably have to find another couple of surfers to go out with me and surf dude Brian. (I really don't think that will be a problem.) I was pleasantly surprised to hear back that he would consider taking me out after all. However, the original day we had planned was for Friday and, because of boat motor problems, he wouldn't be able to take anyone out just then. He said he would get back in touch with me in a week or two. I hope so! I've already decided that I'm not ready to give up on this just yet. I'm counting on someone more experienced going out and catching waves so that I can watch how it is done. If I don't hear from him in the allotted time, I will write him again. I'm sure tanker surfing is in my future.
When looking at the surf forecast on Wednesday, I noticed that Friday looked flat. Weather forecasts predicted storms Friday and Saturday and, because of that, the waves would either be too weak or too choppy to catch. Thursday didn't look bad though. So, I contacted Brian and explained my plan: I wanted to go out after work on Thursday. He said that if I decided to go out, he would probably go out with me. In fact, when I spoke with him on Thursday, he said he was so tired of working on another project at the house, that he would love to get out in the water. I hate indecision when I have limited time, so when I arrived at the beach at 5:30, I was ready to go get in at 43rd Street. However, the dude wanted to go to 47th. So, even though I was a little anxious about it, I did. It was nice. I'm not sure it was any nicer than 43rd, but I didn't care. I was ready to get wet. I had a spectacular time. The waves were a little choppy, but, all in all, a little above average. My first wave to catch, was my best. I caught it at the peak and managed to ride it down the beach. I caught many more that night, but I still think the first was my best. I'm still bending at the waist, though, instead of at the knees. It should push me over, but it doesn't. Rather, it just makes me look goofy, and I don't mean goofy-footed. However, I'm not sure why it matters. If I'm not falling and feel in control, then why change it? Hmmm... I'll have to think about that one.
 |
Everyone following the surf forecasts
headed to the beach on Sunday.
I was behind this guy on my way home.
Hope he had a good surf session
despite the wind! |
On Saturday, the storms came and choppy waves returned. I was in G-town late Saturday afternoon -- not to surf -- but I did get to see the waves. They looked a little unmanageable. I kept my fingers crossed for Sunday. Forecasts indicated that a north wind would come through mid-morning on Sunday, which could mean waves. However, today when the surf dude called, he said it was rough still. A couple of hours later, though, he called again and said that it might be worth coming down if I really wanted to surf. I did want to surf, so I loaded up and headed down. I'm glad I did. It wasn't as nice as Thursday, but I still had fun. Don't get me wrong. The waves were probably some of the biggest I've seen in Galveston in awhile, but the strong west winds made them very difficult to catch. They were closing out quickly and with the strong west winds, pushing east. In fact, several times, I paddled out past the jetty and found myself near the 41st street jetty before I even knew it. I had several long walks on the beach back to the rip current near 43rd. Some of the others were staying on the inside and not being pushed down, but I wanted to go a little past the end of the jetty, which allowed me to catch the current down the beach. I had a few rides, but only stayed out about an hour and a half before deciding that I was ready to call it quits. The north wind made for a chilly day on the beach. Actually, I should say that I only got chilly after I got wet. The air temps were still in the low 80s, but the west wind on my wet body made me a little cool. I think fall is on its way to the beach. It won't be much longer until we have to wear a spring suit. Oh my!
