My namesake Tropical Storm?

When Tropical Storm Karen formed, I became the butt of a number of jokes...or perhaps "IT" became the butt of a lot of jokes. Those closest to me claimed that the storm would be unpredictable, while others claimed it would be a calm storm sure not to do much damage. I liked the second idea, but became used to the fact that the first claim might be closer to the truth. I would definitely be unpredictable. However, I would give the Gulf Coast a chance to explode with waves, which is exactly what happened this past weekend.

Because of a cold front heading toward the Texas Gulf Coast, TS Karen was forecasted to bear to the east and hit Florida. And that is what it did. The strong wind associated with her though brought better than normal waves to Galveston and the surrounding coastline. We were on the 'clean' side of the storm and the waves were incredible.

It's hard to tell from this photo, but
Tropical Storm Karen created
some decent waves in Galveston.

I made it down for my usual Friday afternoon surf session. As soon as I drove up to the seawall on the incline that connects 45th street to Seawall Blvd., I could see the tops of waves. When I made it to the 43rd St. jetty, I was incredibly excited to see firsthand nice-sized waves rolling in. The storm hadn't really started churning the waves very bad just yet. That would come a little later. I was able to take Roxanne down to the beach and start catching waves. I caught the first two I paddled for, but about an hour after I arrived, I pearled. I got caught in the inside and wasn't able to save it when the wave tilted the board forward. I hate it when that happens, but I guess it's just one way to remind me that the waves
are really in control of what happens. Several of the waves I caught that day after my pearling incident were much bigger than I'm used to and, therefore, a lot more powerful. I had one of the fastest "rides" of my life, which is odd when I think about it since I've certainly surfed much better places with much bigger waves. This particular wave, though, was just plain quick. I almost lost my balance once, but saved it and even managed to make a turn...at least that is what I felt like I did. Later, someone commented that it looked like I turned, so I felt proud that they noticed. I was no Kelly Slater for sure, but I managed to hang on to the wave for a very long ride, which made my trip worthwhile.

My first text from the G-town surf dude on Saturday indicated that, while the waves were big, they were incredibly rough. Some of the usual weekend surfers made it down, but I opted to run and cycle. After my ride though, I received a text saying that it was worth the drive down. Unfortunately, life got in the way that day, and I didn't have time. I kept my fingers crossed for Sunday, but, just as predicted, by the next morning when the cold front pushed through, it was flat. It was also significantly cooler. I would have probably needed to wear a long-sleeve rashguard or a spring suit had there been waves. I opted to ride my bike, but even that was difficult with the stiff north breeze. I regret not being able to surf on Saturday, but I'm thankful that I had such a terrific time on Friday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this Friday too. I know I will not get TS Karen waves again this week, but I'll surf anything I can.