Tropical Storm Debbie and waves

Hurricane season is going full strength, which means that it's only June and we already have a named storm starting with a "D." Tropical Storm Debbie is in the Gulf of Mexico. (I heard one of the forecasters say that it's the first time in more than 70 (?) years that we have had so many storms so early.) Surfers have been wondering what the next few days might bring in the form of waves since several models had it moving closer to us, with possible landfall in south Texas. However, tonight seems less hopeful for waves. The storm is forecast to just cause a lot of rain and wind for Florida. Sorry for Florida, but very glad we don't have to worry about a storm. I'm not sure if it's because of the storm, -- there are some who say it -- but the waves were pretty this weekend. They were small, but very well formed in a way that we don't always see or experience on the Texas Gulf Coast in June.

One of my other hobbies is cycling.
I love seeing unusual bikes! The
paint scheme on this is great.

It all started on Friday. I had already planned to go for my usual afternoon surf session because I had heard from one of the gals I met at surf camp who was going to bring her daughter to town for a surf lesson. And, there she was taking a lesson from the surf dude when I arrived. I had already received a report that the waves were good. And, they were: small, but well-defined. I immediately took my 9' board out. It was wonderful. The sets were easy to read, which is somewhat unusual for Galveston in June. Oh what fun! I surfed for approximately three hours. I had some unusual wipeouts, which I don't completely understand, but I also had some clean rides where I turned a little. I get worried about my pop-up every once in awhile because I feel awkward doing it. I pop up and then I wobble. It's almost as if my knees are locked, but then I settle in and get back into what I think is good posture. I need to practice that. I'm not sure why, after all this time, I'm still having that feeling on occasion.

Sunday brought just about the same type of wave, only a little smaller. I went out at 7:45 a.m. at 36th street, moved to 45th around 9 a.m. and stayed out until about 11:30 a.m. My visiting friends returned to the beach on Sunday, and I had the privilege to lend my board to her daughter who, after only a couple of lessons, was quite good at surfing. I pushed her for awhile, but she asked if she could do it on her own, and I said "Definitely." She seemed to have a good time, as did her mother. By the time I left at about 1 p.m., I was bushed and a little sunburnt. I had an excellent time though.

On another note, I'm still looking for a new board. I need a 9' epoxy that will be easier to turn. I don't want to spend a lot of money on it, but I'm thinking that to get the kind of board I want, I just might have to spend more than I originally thought I would spend. Who can put a price tag on fun, right?