Balance, balance, balance

I have been whining during the past six or seven posts about how the waves always come during the middle of the week when I can't surf. I am thinking that I might need to find a beach to travel to again real soon. Until then, all I can do is read the surf reports, watch the webcams and wish for better waves. I can also practice. I have read about the proper form and follow numerous surfing sites on social media so that I can constantly see photos of the world-class surfers catching the big waves. I also continue to cross-train by running and cycling. I've got several half marathons coming up in the next few months. I briefly considered running another full marathon last weekend, but decided against it. I digress. The cycling and the running keep my cardio strong, which is always a good thing, especially for paddling out and setting up for waves.

My pop-up always could use a little help, so I've been practicing on my living room floor. I lie prone and then jump up as if I'm about to catch a big wave.  I've also

Me on a balance ball at the gym.
It's the closest thing I've had to
surfing since returning from
Costa Rica in January.

been practicing my balance on the balance ball at gym. The hardest part of that workout is actually getting on the ball without falling. I try to maneuver and mimic surfing. It definitely requires being close to the wall…having something to lean on for support. Hmmm…finding support? How often we all need support for all the things we do. I'm fortunate that I have it most of the time from those who love me. I feel sorry for those who don't have it.

I was hoping to get out in the water this past weekend. Friday (3/7) was flat so I pinned my hopes on Sunday. A few waves kicked up on Saturday afternoon, but they were too weak to surf. They hadn't built much strength by Sunday morning; however, after visiting some of the webcams, I noticed a few of the diehard G-town surfers went out and now I regret not going out to give it a try. The waves were incredibly weak and the water is very cold, but I still wish I had ventured out. This is the beginning of spring break for area colleges and even I will get this Friday off. I have a few surfing buddies coming to town, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather and the waves will be good on Friday, even if it means pulling out my 5-4 wetsuit for the 50-something degree water. I'm ready for spring!

Gorgeous spring days

Ahhh...it's spring and the weather for the last couple of days have reminded all of us in southeast Texas how wonderful this season is! Henry David Thoreau dedicated a section of his "Walden: or, Life in the Woods" to Spring. "One attraction to coming to the woods to live," he writes, "was that I should have leisure and opportunity to see the Spring come in." While I know that Thoreau is writing more about life than just a season in the chapter, I must comment that I don't need to go to the woods or even to an open field to experience spring as much as Thoreau. I get to see it in the morning on the way to work or to a ride as the sun comes up on Galveston Bay. I also get to hear it when I walk through trees at work and hear a bevy of birds singing above me. I experience it every Saturday and Sunday during my early morning bike rides as I smell freshly mown grass. And, soon, I hope to experience it while taking surfing lessons in Galveston and feeling the sun on my skin and waves splashing through my hair. I've done a little Internet research and found numbers to call for info on different surf instructors. I need to take the metaphoric plunge and arrange for lessons and board rentals. I realize we're only two weeks into the "official" beginning of spring, but I don't want it to soar past so quickly that I miss my opportunity to appreciate this fabulous season while in the surf.