Another Surf Movie

Last week on Facebook, one of the surfing pages I follow posted information about a documentary that would be premiering in the Clear Lake area at the local Cinemark on Thursday. I usually work out on Thursday nights, but I was ready to make an exception so I could see "A Deeper Shade of Blue." Described as "a film about surfing’s deepest roots: in the subconscious; in ancient lore; in the craft of surfboard building; in man’s perpetual quest for a joyful relationship with the natural world," it sounded intriguing, to say the least. After grabbing a bite to eat, I went to the movie theater and could quickly decipher who was there to see the surfing documentary and who was there to see something else. I hate to typecast but many of the surfers were distinguishable; especially the older surfers. You could tell who they were from the rugged, tan, almost leathery skin and the hair that was blonde at the ends. I saw a couple of cool guys I know from G-town, but most of them were unfamiliar older surfers with a few young ones thrown in. I saw a guy I know from work with his son. He's been a surfer for awhile, but he has only recently introduced the sport to his son. I chuckled when we were sitting in the movie theater waiting for the movie to start because everyone seemed to be talking out loud. They were  shouting across the room as people they recognized came in. It was interesting.  

The movie started with interviews, which were entertaining for the first few minutes, but dragged on a little bit too much for me. It was interesting information, but I was ready for the movie to start. All in all,

The movie was called "A Deeper Shade of Blue," which
made me think of this pic I shot while flying over
Costa Rica.

the movie was good and the information about different boards and wave heights was fascinating. I shudder to think how I would react if I saw a wave as a big as some of those in the movie coming toward me as I was lying prone on a surfboard. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't react well. I'd be looking for ways to get out of the wave. Check it out at adeepershadeofblue.com. 

After seeing a movie about surfing, I was dying to get out in the waves. On Friday, the waves were rough and the seawall was full because of the Easter holiday weekend. On-the-spot surf reports from some of my surfing acquaintance indicated it wasn't worth the drive down to the shore. Saturday morning brought some pretty little waves, but by the time I could get there, crowds had gathered again and the wind had made it far too choppy to make it worth my while. (On a side note, I had a family breakfast to attend; I was glad that, at least I got to run 8.1 miles.) Sunday was Easter and my calendar was full. I read on the web that there were a few surf-able waves, but I didn't have time to make it down. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this weekend. I have to work Saturday afternoon, but I should be able to squeeze in a session midday Friday and Sunday mid-morning. I hope I can...I hope I can...I hope I can... I have no ruby red slippers to click together, but maybe I'll squeeze some board wax for luck.  

No surf, but beach time anyway

I look forward to surfing on the weekends. As I've written in the past, I usually surf on Friday and Sunday, while I save my Saturdays for cycling. This weekend was a holiday weekend, which means the beaches were more crowded than usual. Many people had Friday off so even on my regular day, it was crowded. However, it didn't matter, 'cause according to my sources and to the webcam on gtownsurf.com, the small, mushy waves that could be used for surf lessons, were way to small and mushy for me. My sources said that they were, indeed, "bad" waves and not to bother coming down, so I didn't go. I hated not going because I knew that with Sunday being a holiday, I wouldn't be able to go then even if the waves were good. I had too many plans that day.

Although I don't usually go down on Saturdays because of cycling, my surf DUDE B, had asked me to come down. He added a new element to his surf business -- Beach Yoga. The first lesson took place Saturday, which made it the "opening" day, and the DUDE wanted it to be successful. Thankfully, the first lesson was at 10:30 a.m., which meant that I still had time to get in a quick 40-mile ride. And, I did, before heading to the 43rd Street jetty. The yoga lesson provided a fabulous post-ride stretch. The instructor seemed a little less mellow than many of the yoga instructors I've had in the past, but I liked his style. He took us through poses quickly, which is my preferred style. I loved it. Since this was the "opening," the lesson was free, but I think there will be a $10 charge from now on, which is still pretty good for yoga lessons. Several surfers showed up for the lesson, as did several people from the yoga studio. At one point, a family in the water also joined us for the stretches/moves. I think it was quite successful for the dude's new venture. A second lesson will be given at the same time next weekend. I think the lessons will be at other times after that. I know that later in April the classes will be offered in the evening, but I'm hoping that the standard time will be on Sunday mornings. Although I had my board on Saturday for surfing after yoga, the waves were extremely small and "iffy." It wasn't worth going out. I was glad to see, though, that the 43rd street lifeguard booth was back for another new season. So, despite that there was no surf, I felt like seeing the booth on the beach provided hope that a new season of surf would be here soon.

Today, I had so much to do that there wasn't much time for me and surfing. As it turned out, there were no waves anyway. My agenda included reading the lessons at church and then going to my mother's house for a combined Easter/birthday celebration. At least five members of my family had/have a birthday in either late February, March or April. So, we had a joint birthday party for two of my nieces, my nephew, my brother and my father. I had a blast as usual. As part of my cross-training, I'm running. So, after a week off of running to nurture a nagging injury, I went for a run. I ran about 4.5 miles from my childhood home. I forgot about country dogs, but remembered quickly after the first one chased me less than a mile from the family driveway. I had three total chase me during my run, so instead of adding miles, I shortened my average run by a couple of miles. Oh well! It was still a beautiful day with family and good food. I love creating memories with them all, and hope we can continue to do it for a very long time.