It was a somewhat last-minute decision, but I felt like I just had to get wet. Despite dismal surf reports about strong currents and hefty winds, I followed my gut and went to Galveston on Friday afternoon. When I made it to the 43rd Street jetty, it was packed. I knew right away that if I stayed, I would be competing for waves. I met up with the dude, and he suggested that we go to 36th. No one was surfing down there. I arrived just as a school bus-load of kids from somewhere else in the state were arriving to have "fun on the beach." They weren't in bathing suits, so I knew I wasn't going to have to maneuver around them to get out in the waves. The tide was in, so I would be paddling out a little farther than usual, which is slightly more tedious at 36th since I'm not in a rip current near the jetty. I didn't care. I was ready to get wet.
The air temp was warm and, although the water temps are still in the mid-70s, I was able to get out in
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| A pic of Pipeline. Love my G-town waves. |
just a 2mm long-sleeved rash guard. Many were out in just bathing suits, but I was glad I had my long-sleeved rash guard. I needed the extra warmth. I think I'll be in a regular rash guard by next week. The toughest part of 36th is, as I stated earlier, paddling out since there is no jetty. But, I made it out without too much trouble. I just have to take a second to regain my composure when I'm paddling out in this sandbar break. I felt completely in control though. I had a great session even though I did get wiped out by a wave once. I caught several and had wonderful and playful rides. It's not Pipeline, but it is a fun place to surf nevertheless. It's my home break, and I will always think it is wonderful.
Since Sunday was Mother's Day, I couldn't make it down. I had a friend who went to Surfside and the surf sounded a lot like the surf I had on Friday, messy but fun enough to make a trip worth it. I'm hoping to make it to Surfside a few times this summer. It's just a little further than G-town, but I'm willing to give it a chance…especially on those days when it is crowded.
We are scheduled to get a late season cold front this week, so I might have to break away to make a trip to the island on either Tuesday or Wednesday evening. We'll see! I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
