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.

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?

TS Lee and the possibility of waves

Galveston-area surfers get a little excited when there's a storm brewing in the Gulf. Although we don't want any devastation for anyone, when something is churning in the Gulf we can at least count on waves. It's been so flat lately, that just about any ripple is appreciated. And, you could tell that everyone felt that way today. Brian convinced me yesterday to pack my board and surfing gear and take it to work today so that I could head straight to G-town when I got off at noon. So, when he called today at noon and told me that the current was way too strong and waves too rough and inconsistent, I explained that it was too late. I already had everything packed was ready to go.

When I arrived at the 43rd street jetty at about 1:30 for my regular Friday afternoon surf session, I saw in person what I had seen on the web cam (g-townsurf.com) and exactly what Brian described. But I was committed, so I unloaded and went out. I decided before entering the rough waves that I would stay on the inside and just catch the ones breaking closer to shore.  Because of the storm, the tide was being pushed to the shore making the tide higher than usual, even though it really wasn't high tide. The wind was blowing strong from the east, which meant that in order to surf without getting pushed into the jetty, we had to surf on the west side. Probably six or seven surfers were already out. Only one was doing what I was going to do and surfing on the inside. The rest were taking the rip current out and going to the outside before catching waves that seemed to offer rides lasting forever...or at least a minute or two. I was in awe. Brian paddled to the outside, but I remained intimidated by the roughness and stayed right where I was. All of the elements were in place, though, for me to catch some really long rides even if it was whitewater. I was on "Sunshine," my 8'1", so I enjoyed the practice. I had some terrific runs. I even managed to turn the board a little and stay with the wave down the line. However, I still have the problem of looking down instead of where I want to go. I mentioned that to Brian. He said I was being too hard on myself. He eventually had to leave after about an hour, but I stayed another hour and got a good two hours in of surfing. Rumor had it tomorrow the waves will be 8 feet. I find it hard to believe. However, the wind is howling and with the storm still out there spinning around (forecasted to go into Louisiana tomorrow), anything is possible. Hopefully, either tomorrow or Sunday the waves will calm a bit and, yet, still be out of the north so they will be clean.  I am glad I went today though!

"Beach Blanket Bingo" is on AMC tonight. I just saw a scene where a guy went out to surf, caught a wave and then, for some unknown reason, fell into it and bumped his head on a rock. A mermaid rescued him. I just did a google search for male mermaids and found that, according to a couple of sources (ask.com and Wikipedia...what sources! :-), mermaids in the male form are called mermen. (hee hee) I just hope that if I ever crash and hit my head on a rock, a merman will save me!