Another great weekend surfing

Yippee! I got to surf twice this weekend (5/21 and 5/23). Although Friday started out rough down on the beach, by the time I got there in mid-afternoon, the waves were small but quite nice. Since my funboard was still in the shop, I got out the ol' Softop for some 9' fun. I didn't take my 9'6" Petal 'cause I still needed to strip my winter wax off and put on some good, warm water wax. It's definitely almost summer. The water is quite warm now. At any rate, before I surfed, I met with my surf guru Brian and representatives from a Houston radio station who will be broadcasting live from the 43rd Street Pier one day in June. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for Brian and C-Sick Surfin' He wants me to help, and I definitely will. After the meeting, I went right across the street (we were meeting at the 41st street Underground Surf Depot) to the 43rd street pier. I had already heard how rough the waves had been that morning, but they were looking pretty good by that time. So I unloaded the board, walked it down to the beach and paddled out. I didn't go very far on the outside since they were breaking closer in, but was able to catch some nice little waves that allowed me to practice turning back in. I was able to walk a little on the board also by cross-stepping. All in all, it was a great afternoon.

Sunday turned out to be a more difficult day. I had to be in Santa Fe early for a family lunch, so I had to start surfing early. I was down at the beach before 7:30 a.m. and in the water by 8. It was quite rough, but I had the urge to surf! I was eventually able to catch a few waves, but they were not as easy to catch as Friday. The waves would closeout and cross, making it difficult for a beginner like me to stay up. I got some rides though and was definitely glad I made it out. My friend, Robin, joined me, and, later, our new surfing acquaintance Angie joined us. I got in a solid two hours of surfing before I had to leave to come home, but I'm sure glad I went out. Robin stayed later and got some good rides herself. She was also able to go surfing during the week since she is between semesters. Brian says she is surfing really good these days! I think we are both just having a really good time.

Surfing South Beach

Since my nephew left for Miami to play baseball for University of Miami two years ago, I've been saying that I wanted to go watch him play baseball. Of course, it seems that every weekend comes and goes without getting out there. So, finally, in late April/early May we headed out for a quick weekend trip to Miami. It was great to see Taylor play and to see him. He is a sweet, smart hardworking young man. And, he's a good set-up pitcher. He explained that he usually only pitches the eighth inning and sets up for the closer. After meeting and speaking with him, I realized that he's going to succeed no matter if he plays baseball or not. He's well-liked and has his head on straight.

While I was there, I decided I had to try and surf South Beach. I contacted a local surf shop and planned the lesson ahead of time. Although Maui, the super surfer, was late for our appointment, I still had a blast. He gave me a board to use and sent me out into the waves, which were quite similar to the waves we have in Galveston. It's always a thrill to surf somewhere new. And this was certainly true in South Beach. I had a blast and got in two solid hours of surfing! All this and I had an outstanding visit with my nephew too. It just doesn't get much better.

Weekend surfing and more

Instead of cycling on Saturday, I decided to go surfing. Actually, Saturday was very windy and was threatening to rain, so I loaded my boards (I took my long board and my new funboard) and headed to the island. Once I got to the beach, I realized I probably would be just using my longboard. The waves were mushy, but rideable. I took the board and headed out. I had a fairly decent day, and was glad I had chosen surfing over cycling. It would have been a miserable, windy ride. (On a side note, even Rob decided not to ride; he opted for spin class.)

The next day, I headed to the island again for surfing. This time, I only took my new "used" funboard. I had it waxed and ready to go. I had a blast! I didn't ride waves for very long, but I was able to get up, which is more than I thought I would be able to do. I successfully paddled out (I mistakenly say "swim out" often and get chastised by Brian, who insists I say "paddle out.") Anyway, I paddled out, sat on the board, turned the board and caught a wave. I was awkward and only stood for a few seconds, but it was phenomenal. I caught two or three, but eventually got so worn out from trying (and falling) that I had to give up after a couple of hours. I sure had fun though.

Brian told me that he bought new boards for his school and named them after his wife (Karen), me(the other Karen), Andrea and Robin. How fun!