106.9 the Point

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of helping my surfing guru Brian while he gave lessons to guests from the 106.9 the Point radio program. I met Pam Kelly, afternoon deejay, as well as the marketing director and the rest of the important 106.9 creative crew. Brian asked Robin and me if we would just be nearby in case he needed help running errands or had a lot of walk-up lesson traffic. We could then help him with pushing those taking lessons into the waves. What fun!!! The radio group was fantastic, and gave Brian a chance to share his surfing skills, as well as get publicity for his C-Sick Surfing and Way Cool Surf School. I took a few photos during the event as did Robin as did the 106.9 marketing manager. At one point, the radio photographer asked if I would take the 106.9 the Point sign and surf in holding it. I would have to do it in the white water because he didn't have a telephoto lens. So, I stuck the small sign in my mouth and paddled out. I started out a little past the beginning of the white water, caught the wave, popped up and held up the sign. I was proud. He said that he wasn't sure he got it, and Robin, who had also decided to take a photo, knew she didn't get it. So, they asked me to do it again. I did. The photo is on the 106.9 the Point website. How fun! However, looking at the photo is difficult 'cause I look so spastic...more spastic than I feel. I always think I look smooth, but the photos show all (www.106.9thepoint.com). I'll just have to keep practicing. It's fun, though, that I am now on THREE websites as a surfer. Who would have ever thought?

Another great weekend surfing

Yippee! I got to surf twice this weekend (5/21 and 5/23). Although Friday started out rough down on the beach, by the time I got there in mid-afternoon, the waves were small but quite nice. Since my funboard was still in the shop, I got out the ol' Softop for some 9' fun. I didn't take my 9'6" Petal 'cause I still needed to strip my winter wax off and put on some good, warm water wax. It's definitely almost summer. The water is quite warm now. At any rate, before I surfed, I met with my surf guru Brian and representatives from a Houston radio station who will be broadcasting live from the 43rd Street Pier one day in June. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for Brian and C-Sick Surfin' He wants me to help, and I definitely will. After the meeting, I went right across the street (we were meeting at the 41st street Underground Surf Depot) to the 43rd street pier. I had already heard how rough the waves had been that morning, but they were looking pretty good by that time. So I unloaded the board, walked it down to the beach and paddled out. I didn't go very far on the outside since they were breaking closer in, but was able to catch some nice little waves that allowed me to practice turning back in. I was able to walk a little on the board also by cross-stepping. All in all, it was a great afternoon.

Sunday turned out to be a more difficult day. I had to be in Santa Fe early for a family lunch, so I had to start surfing early. I was down at the beach before 7:30 a.m. and in the water by 8. It was quite rough, but I had the urge to surf! I was eventually able to catch a few waves, but they were not as easy to catch as Friday. The waves would closeout and cross, making it difficult for a beginner like me to stay up. I got some rides though and was definitely glad I made it out. My friend, Robin, joined me, and, later, our new surfing acquaintance Angie joined us. I got in a solid two hours of surfing before I had to leave to come home, but I'm sure glad I went out. Robin stayed later and got some good rides herself. She was also able to go surfing during the week since she is between semesters. Brian says she is surfing really good these days! I think we are both just having a really good time.