Post-Nica surfing

Well, I've had the opportunity to go surfing at least four or five times since returning from Nicaragua, including a couple of my Friday afternoons, a Monday evening or two and Sunday mornings. Now that I see it written out, it's possible I've surfed six or seven times. I've had good days and bad days. On one of the evenings, a cool front had just passed so the wave were a little bigger than usual. Unfortunately, the front was more WNW rather than just a norther, so the waves were closing out fast. However, that evening, I had the ride of my life. It was short, but oh-so sweet! I was near the end of the jetty and, when I saw the wave, I started to paddle. I popped up at just the right moment, which means I had a free fall. At least, that's what it feels like. I've only had it happen a couple of times, but it's those few seconds when you catch a wave and you are right at the peak and when you pop up, the board drops down the wave. It's amazing! I was able to turn it, but the ride was shortlived; probably only a couple of seconds. However, it was such an amazing feeling and it made me realize why I love to surf. I can only imagine how fun it would be to catch the waves like that every time.

Yesterday, I made it down to find that two of my friends (friends that went to Nica with me) were taking a lesson from Brian. How exciting to see them out again! They really seemed to have fun. The water was unusually choppy. I managed to take the rip out when I first got there, and even caught one on the outside. The rest of the afternoon, though, I fought the current and was even unable to take the rip out. A lot of surfers were out because of the Good Friday holiday, but not many of them were able to catch waves. I even witnessed one man struggling to get out in the rip like me. Pshewww! I felt a little better knowing that I wasn't the only one having a hard time. I practiced in the whitewater some, but mostly just got beat up by the waves and current. I thought it was wonderful that I got to see Cyndi and Michele, though, and I look forward to surfing with them in the future.

Friday surfing

Well, I had a pretty darn good time even though the waves sucked! I got pretty beat up and even pearled twice, which is something I haven't done in a really long time. But it doesn't matter as long as I'm having fun. It's April and I got to surf!

Chica Brava Surf Camp Rocks!

I have had the privilege of attending Chica Brava Surf Camp for the third year in a row. I am having a ball. (I have been trying to type this post during my trip, but I haven't been able to because of technical difficulties. I will try not to switch tense, since I'm typing from notes in my head and on paper and, now, it's almost two weeks later.) I have fallen in love with Nicaragua. San Juan del Sur is the perfect surfing town. It's small, convenient and, basically, dedicated to surfers.

A great group of gals went this time with me. Once again, I knew many of them. My cycling friends Cyndi and Marie, not to mention Cyndi's sister and my spin class buddy Michele. Of course, my friend Robin came as well as Steph (surfin' sistah from last year) and Marcia (surfin' sistah from two years ago and one of my surfing role models). Steph and Marcia each brought a friend -- two marvelous gals named Lori and Leslie.

I had the pleasure of tagging along with Marcia, Ashley and Robin for a couple of surf sessions. Robin and I watched the skilled surfing styles of Marcia and Ashley, and I can't speak for Robin, but I longed to have surf sessions like theirs.

Beaches I visited included the following:

1.) Madeiras

2.) Romanzo

3.)Hermosa

4.)Popoyo -- incredible waves -- How fun it was to watch the real surfers take those waves!

5.) Hermosa

6.) Romanzo

Each beach had its good and bad points, but, let's face it, they are all better beaches for surfing than Galveston. I love Galveston, but it will never be a surfing mecca. It's okay for beginners like me...and maybe even really good surfers who know what they are doing...but for consistent, fun surf, it, basically, sucks.

All in all, Ashley and her 2011 crew including the lovely and dynamic Anne, dynamo Stephanie, and pragmatic and yet very skillful Jessica, made this trip incredible, and, once again, left me wanting more.

I want to be better on the board! I had hoped to have an impressive trip. It was fun, but I was less than impressive. I was intimidated by some of the waves; however, I did manage at least once to ride down a wave (even if it was mostly whitewater). I probably only caught a couple on the outside, but the two I caught felt good! I just need to keep practicing.

Oh, and I fell in love...with a 8'4" Robert August board!

(I do not need another board. I do not need another board. I do not need another board...)