Until I bought an SUP about three weeks ago, the surf has been flat. So an SUP was the way to go. With my birthday a few weeks back, it was easy to decide what gift I was giving myself. I did a little research and decided to check out the sales going on at a store located near me called West Marine. Not only did they have a full selection of SUPs, the prices were pretty good. I dropped by the store to look at them, and I fell in love with a JimmyStyx 10' epoxy SUP that was covered with a pink design and a huge pink painted ribbon representing breast cancer awareness. I lifted it and found it more manageable than some of the other boards I have seen, lifted or used. I went home to think about it. I bought it two days later. I loaded it myself inside my vehicle. The hatch didn't close all the way, but I tied it down with bungee cords. The next day, as I was showing a picture of it from the website to someone in the office, I saw that the SUP was discounted even more. I immediately called the store and found out that would be getting $100 back. Not only did I get the SUP I wanted, but I got it even cheaper than I first thought.
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Love my new SUP!
Thinking about naming
her Penelope. |
I called my SUP friend and she and I decided to take out our SUPs on the following Sunday (two weeks ago now). She would be purchasing hers from a beach dude in G-town that day. Although the day was perfect for SUPing, getting hers purchased took a little longer than first planned. So, we played on mine for a little while. What a blast! Once hers arrived, she got out in the water for a little while and we practiced fighting current and attempted to catch some of the waves coming to shore. We had a ball. We've since gone again, but in Taylor Lake…close to home. The current was strong on that occasion, but we still had a blast. I had to maneuver getting on and off the board from the pier, which I managed to do without falling in the water. The only problem that day was that I jabbed my hand pretty hard with a nail on the edge of the jetty. But the blood and pain didn't last long at all, and I made up my mind that launching there should always be fun and easy.
Since starting this post, the waves came back for a short while. I surfed twice…once last Sunday morning (at 43rd) and once Thursday evening (at 25th). Both times, the current was strong and the waves were unpredictable, which made paddling out a little more difficult. But, both times, I caught waves. My Thursday evening surf this past week was, for the most part, out past the jetty, but on the inside of the waves. I caught a couple as they were breaking, but caught most after as forceful whitewater. Had a ball though! On Thursday night, I stayed out until it was almost too dark to paddle. It was great to be in the water and helped ease the stress of a crazy week, and I'm very glad I went.
Mixed in with all the fun water sports was my usual running and cycling. I continue to train for my next marathon, which isn't until early next year, but still requires training…lots of it. My cross-training includes hard rides on the bike, which I try to do at least twice a week. Finally, this week, I even went bowling and know that I should NEVER consider a career on the professional bowling circuit. I love staying busy, and I'm always looking for the next adventure.
