Mid Decemmmmburrrrr, Christmas and going into the 2010 do over.

Got to get out with Jason on a few days before Christmas as school is giving him a break. No more trunks now for awhile I suppose. A week ago Ted was beckoned from his 2nd story deck by my son and a friend an he bolted out in trunks. I of course was stuck at work. When I heard that one I got bent. One of those recent Santa Ana days mid morning small waves but trunkin it.....ahhhh.
Jason,his buddy Todd and I tried on Saturday, in the cold but really could'nt snag anything. THere was a pre-swell 20 minutes apart wave that would show up but that was it.
Later that day, more came thru but I was Christmasing with the family, a good thing.
Sunday am we go out too cold too closed out, alida,pat went I grossed about it all day.
so Monday was gonna be an early out of work or should I say get outta work on time for a change day. Paddled out with Dave @ 345 and witnessed some true power under and "over" me. SMart ass kid and a great couple 6 foot in and outs a 10 foot thumper that sent me under and backwards about 10 yards wondering which way was up. Finally a nice head and shoulder ride in with Dave. We laughed about it and finished well

Merry Christmas to All

Very Cool Wednesday PM session

This has been an interesting
few weeks for me. I have been struggling with work in setting up a new specimen collection office for a large San Diego Medical Laboratory. I designed it from the ground up.
First time for that.
All eyes on me.
Finally we opened and it is going great on day 4.
However, LOTSA STRESS leading up to this, and not much surf time, which is a tough combo.
The weekends have been ok with a few really good sessions sparsely mixed in. Notably, witnessing my son Jason getting some great stuff and riding well. Myself getting more waves per session than usual .
Tonight was a hoot.

Very stressed and ready to go, I raced out at 4;30 pm and paddled into some very large sets.
Stoked, I waited for the right set and picked an overhead right that got my heart a pumping.Ride an ever increasing shoulder for a bit, turned as it was about to close out , and rode in into 1 foot of water and hopped of at 5;20 pm. PERFECTION.
Just what we ordered........ ah big waves of winter.
Gonna be a fun week if the weather holds.

surf on

nice redemption sessions

After Sunday's ..... well after Sunday I was treated to an after work/evening surf with my son.

Wed.
I snuck outta work at 3 and got out and in the water by 330
There was some surf and the weather was perfecto.
We each got some glassy rides and saw our friend Don...groovy dude and good surfer.
Sat.
Waited until 10 am to go out cuz the tide was @ 6 feet. That was a mistake as I was told by a few. Paddled out to mostly peaks without shoulder, but managed to get a couple decent right shoulders out of it. Weather was great and I was satisfied.

so far so good
we'll see what Sunday brings

Welcome Winter Waves ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Saturday's dawn patrol began in the water @ 6am
with a wetsuit(first time since march)
Dave and I got a few although they were kinda tough to get into.
Had some nice winter rights on the smaller board and was moving around pretty well.
Sunday's dawn patrol began in the water @ 6 am,

Today it would be very very different for me ! !
I got "worked" on my paddle out,
more "worked" than I care to be "worked". I got "worked" for 10 min.
I was exhausted when finally got outside.
The sets that came through early on were beautiful. Big sets.
Big, glassy, deep green 2-3 wave sets way outside.
Big and glassy with spray blowing back from the peaks.
Some had great long shoulders. Some were close out BOMBS.

BEAUTIFUL

The first set a guy handed to me,
but I was still recovering from the paddle out.
The second set I would back out of,
still too tired.
The third set I relinquished to an another,
who rode it fine, fast, and furious to the right for a good 50 yards.
The fourth set he and I both paddled for. He was to my left.
I backed out thinking he was going right again,
but
he did go left, as a courtesy, I am sure.
Missed another.
Miscommunication.
On the big stuff especially, I am uncomfortable with 2 or 3 of us dropping close, in one wave.
I don't like to worry about the other folk should I mess up on a bad close out.
I don't like to worry about the other folk should they mess up a bad close out.
To make it worse, I got SUPPED twice from 1 SUP.
From 15 yards further out than Frikin OAHU. Supper's gack !!
We should segregate ourselves a bit in my humble O
To make my VERY Long story a bit shorter,
today I surfed
like a puss.

Luckily there will be more semi epic days, and opportunities, God willing!

surf on

Trick or treat.......

T R E A T
It is funny how we all perceive the same "thing" differently.

As I was walking towards the beach today, Sunday, with Laurie and Jason I saw a couple of friends. One was just signaling in the distance to get out of the water as if it wasn't good.
My other friend said as long as your hear to just paddle around it will be OK.
What I saw was...
1)My wife Laurie had joined me, a rarity and always pleasant experience, despite the fact that it takes "longer" to get ready and go.It is so good to have her share this thing.
2) I was getting a rare chance ( nowadays ) to surf with my son Jason.
3) Air temp about 75. Sun bright and very warm on the skin.
Very clear blue green water. I see the eel grass swaying in the swell below me, lots of fish, exposed winter reef and sand bars.
4) Trunks still, yeah the water is cool, but with no wind and bright sun, it rocks.
5) Small little waves rolled in. Jason and I both caught a good amount and rode faces into 3 feet of water.
Jason had a couple really nice waves.
I had a couple more, but I am in better practice right now.

It was a wonderful day. My son was proud of me. My wife was proud of me.
WE were together in midst of a beautiful day.
I felt like royalty, standing up in knee high waves the color of.... well, you know.

surf on...

Beautiful, tropic Monday PM and I get......

SCHOOLED

Kinda flat looking. I decide to go in anyways even though my "buds" bailed on me before I got there.
Got to know a long time T Mar local and got a wave or 2. After Paul SR. split, there came 2 GREAT surfers whom I love to watch.
Along with them, came some swell as the tide changed.
These two would catch every bump or roller that came through, and rode em well and were very stoked on the weather, conditions and vibe. I was super stoked on the conditions and the dolphin pods around us. I got a couple, and then I started a real fun thing.
I started to F* up everything I did.
It was funny actually.
I got owned, and I am the one who ownethed myself.
Then Chuck came out and I proceeded to miss virtually every wave I went for.
As I was getting out I thought "aaahhhhh it's lunch recess at last."

No worries.
I get that sorta thing, it is actually what keeps me so stoked, in a way.
Sheesh, just yesterday I was.........

surf on ...

Sunday AM....... I GET MY 1st SHACK !

The Photo is of Chuck. Chuck has Terramar wired.


Chuck and I start the paddle out together and as we are timing the waves to get out

We are floatingbetween Paul and the beach, as he is getting tubed, beautifully tubed.
Paul is in the photo below.. NOT"the tube" but Paul, none the less.

As Chuck and I watch him come out of the green room he raises his hands in a victory "touchdown" kinda thing.
I was stoked just watching him in that pipe so close up, from the inside.
As I paddled by him I was kidding and said, "Oh I thought you were on your SUP"
He just smiled and said ,"Nah, this day is all about the Tube Fest"
Well.... he was right
and the time was finally right for little old me !

I caught a few nice outside to inside speeders and watched others gettin' covered and then coming out. There was some great surfing goin on this morning.
** THEN I got an outside right, stayed with it to the inside, started speeding up then squatted down and dug my hand into the face...
next thing I know, all I can see is white water, and I am in and covered up, but still flyin down the face. After a few seconds I came out, could see the shoulder again, stood and flipped over the back side of the wave. S T O K E D ! !
Chuck saw it, AND a woman happened to be taking pictures
of the only guy out there in TRUNKS (yours truly of course), so I may get a shot of that.
Anyways, it's etched in my head and heart forever.
1st good cover up ! !
hell yeah

surf on...

Friday night , Saturday Morning, and Life

Friday night and Saturday Morning were good.
PM surfing was with my son.
It is ALWAYS good surfing with my son.
JASON+FRIENDS+WAVES+TRUNKS+NATURE+EXERCISE=G O O D

Surfing with Jason is an integral part of the whole scene for me, although that has been changing, as all things must, I suppose? We surf together less and less. I dot think that will be the case for very long and I look forward to retirement and surfing often with him and his family if I am so fortunate and blessed.
These last 2 years have had a lot of changes for me and my family.
Yes, there were some good changes.
Most notably were the strengthening of my relationship with the love of my life, Laurie.
Also the addition of "friends" into my life.
Plus the building relationship with GOD and nature.
There were other ones that weren't so good, but I fight them physically and mentally everyday. Family, friends, God, and mother ocean will get me through the bad ones.

Saturday AM was good. Got out with my friends Dave and Pat although the waves were hard to get into I seem to be surfing well and better than before.
We had fun as usual.

Wed Pm was nice stuff.....

High tailed it from work to home.
Home to break. 5pm
Wife.
Friends.
Waves,waist to shoulder stuff.
Trunks.

Many waves , rights and lefts.
Good rides were had by all.
I had many more waves than a typical session..... AGAIN !.
Sunset
Green Flash
Dinner

Repeat...... if lucky

surf on....

Saturday PM very surprising and prolific

Saturday PM was very surprising and prolific.

Did not do a dawn patrol as the high tide scene was in effect.
Worked around the house trying
to earn a "get out in the water" pass
to go afternoon surfing at the tide pull out.
Well...
this worked out fine ! ! !
My better half, Laurie, went with me, brought a chair and sat and watched me surf long enough to actually see me get 5-8 waves.
This only took about 15 minuets.
I would get many, many more this VERY FOGGY afternoon.
NO ONE WAS THERE.... well let me clarify this to crystal,
there were 3 other people, spread out with 20 yards between us
and a proliferation of super glassy, frequent, shoulder high waves coming through.
TRUNKS
I had no rest time between long lefts and rights.
It was simply AMAZING.
Laurie then went for a walk while I spent myself surfing in virtual solitude.
I mean solitude.
I mean spent myself.
The fog-mist was so thick, I think no one figured it would be good.
Maybe they couldn't see anything on the cameras,
or... maybe it was just my turn.
Oh Yeah, I stood feet together,on the nose,diving board style,
at the top 3/4's of a shoulder high wave and
just rode it....
rode it long and good.
I am proud and humbled at once.
I am now surfing better than before the --------------------------->
nightmarish surgical, near death, sooo set-back, bullshit #*$^@ crap ! !
Haaaa
Thank you God.
Thank you all that helped me and are still helping me get through this !
surf on

Friday Pm ..............not as LARGE

but I had a good time.
1) My son JASON was with me in the water.
2) Other friends were there as well.
3) THE WEATHER AND SURFACE CONDITIONS were perfect.
4) T R U N K S
5) I caught several pretty good rides on both boards. This was the first time I have been on the small single for quite awhile and that was nice.
6) I actually out surfed most the crowd :)

THURSDAY PM WAS.....L A R G E

Got out after work and in about 4:30 or 5 pm.
Decided to go with the big board as I was not confident about my abilities to paddle out so well yet.
TRUNKS as it was still warm and I didn't need the restraint of anything on my shoulders ...
With the tide coming in fast and high I had to wait a bit in the soup, then made it out with only a few "dive for life's" on the way.
I sat waaaaay the hell outside,
with BIG ROLLING SWELLS passing under myself,
Pat, David and Kyle.
Those big fat swells slap a permagrin on me like nothing else really.
It's wild.
I let 2 waves go that I should have gone for.
one cuz someone else next to me was going for it
( I don't wanna eat anything other than dinner tonight )
and missed the other just shooting the shit with a friend.
( There are always more, right ? ),
After some time. the next "Bill" wave came through about a minuet after I was pondering all the obstacles there would be on the inside, if I did get a fast big one.
Oh well...... From far, far outside
I went, dropped far, stood, rode up and down the face, moving fast through the short boarders strewn the length of the wave....
I was laughing out loud the whole way,
had a great ride into 2 inches of water,
stepped off, and called it a night.
BINGO ! !
hope you all got some too
surf on

Last night I dreamed of BiGWavES

Going front side, doin mean rail grabs to get out of the late take offs.
Going back side, doin mean pig dogs to get thru and around the white water and onto the steep shoulders.
Dropping down the peak, cutting deep bottom turns and slowly standing on the way down the line.

I am hoping the forecasters are right, that the shape is there, and that my arms and body are strong enough now, just to get the opportunity.

I used to go out without too much concern,
pre surgical crap------>
Now thing are a little different for me, but I won't ever give up
getting back to square 1.

we'll see
surf on...

After work sessions, did I even go to work?

Wednesday PM
After work sessions, did I even go to work?
That's how it still is.
I don't even remember work immediately as I enter the water.
For another 5-8 years ( God willing I'll retire to a less stressful scene ) I hope that's how it will be. I won't even remember work immediately as I enter the water.
It's like playing hooky, its like a big washing machine for my brain, 5 minuets in and it's like all the troubles of the day are GONE, POOF, VANISHED, nuthin left but water, sun, waves, flying,
yep ......
Last night got calls that there were some waves at super low tide around 5 pm. I figure the in push will offer some up. It Did !
David says Pat says, so Dave is hoping for a repeat of the night before when were all in the water until 715 pm and its dark.
Kyle was there.

Wasn't quite so good but....we got some

yep ......

surf on

Frequent sets of 5-8 or more waves........................HHJJ

WoW, the first taste of winter like swell, cept for the warmness
When is the last time we had that?
I cant remember.
Beautiful sunset, water temp and conditions.
There have been some BIG nice days this year, but this is the first I have been in a consistent wave scenario in awhile.
David,Pat and I really had a good time tonight. Lotsa waves, with some punch and shoulder on some of 'em. Very few people in the water. We even saw "The Green Flash", big, bright and just as sure as I type this blog, astounding.
Surfed into the dark.
This was just one of those GREAT after work sessions.

one for the books
Happy happy joy joy,
LoL
surf on.......................

Whether Report (knot sew) Suite

Was hoping for the AM glass(not predicted)and the predicted swell, but no. White caps,wind, and victory at sea conditions starting up.
Sometimes yeah, but not this AM.

surf on

Im all about the Happy Happy Joy Joy.......... so if ya dont like it, suck it.................. LoL

I could NOT RESIST my own commentary on the state of being in the water.

Dawn patrol looked bad so I went home ehhhh
I figured the tide pull out/approaching swell combination would be good around 12 noon if the wind stayed off. Ooohhhh I got one right for a change.
Friends waved me to the reef but it didn't look too good yet ....but a beautiful day for sure. Then it turned on and Kyle, Pat, David, and I had the place to ourselves for about 40 minuets. Got some good stuff. It was nice to be out in the bright sun and warm water, midday. I practically never do that with Dawn Patrol and after work sunset surfs.

Tuesday's PM Surf was killed by the tide, but

I was warm, without human company, and I found myself in amazement while in the water catching a few swells.

Why was Sunday's Super Slick Session Sick ?

Because I have a great big






surfboard
that loves the glass.
Sometimes that board truly rules Ted's spot despite that
I am the one surfing on it LoL
Got out at about dark o'clock, trunks and ZERO air movement.
Water temp seemed up again.
There were 3 people in at Ted's.
Squat, Greg, and myself.
Alone.
Waves came through,
and we each got 'em.
Alone
Glassy ones, that got pushy on the inside.
Rights and lefts.
It took about a half hour for anyone else to get out.
I enjoyed this morning's session.
It was clean, quiet, glassy, and super glide(y)

Surf, surf ,and surfy surf.

Today's DP was nice, but slow. My in Laws, whom I love dearly, were in town and I didn't want to spend too much time away this morning and didn't.
In at 6am TRUNKS, out at 8 a little on the cool side.
4 -6waves
I did get "vague de la journée", so I was told.
A nice, outside solo that Aleta and I both paddled for, smiling.
She goes left I go right.
Thought I might get get frog housed ( LoL )- so I dug my right arm into the face and it slowed me, too much, probably.
Ahhh oh wel, it still was a great ride and got the compliments that I evidently (and secretly) need.
When they come it DOES, feel good.

Was out last Wednesday Pm after work and that was good too.
I actually had some really long shouldered lefts and was moving the big stick around pretty well for me.
Saw a new friend I have made at Terramar whom I haven't seen in awhile.
Kyle was injured about 2 months ago during some big surf when a ditched board cut his calf, literally right to the bone, for about what looks to be 9 inches or so. He took 3 layers of stitches and 2 months recovery, because someone let loose their board in a large set.
I really try to hold on these days. I learned a good lesson from his misfortune.
It was good to see him okay and back in the water again.
I know the feeling of being forced out of the water for periods of time too.
Kyle makes some super fine wood boards check this out http://karmasurfboards.com/home

SURFING is the LIFE for me

surf on ...

Saturday AM

Got out pretty early today 0630
Coulda got out @ 6 but didn't sleep well....work dreams YIKES ! !
Got a few nice ones as the tide turned and came up.
Nice, warm and glassy as we like it. Trunks if course.
Crowds came in fast this morning, probably cuz they saw me styling away on those smooth, long shoulders, uh huh !
Was catching rights after a few early lefts, so as not to get too tangled up with the others.
This worked out nicely.
I have never considered myself to be a great horizon set spotter but, I did ,and paddled away south and out to it ..... bam wave-o-the-day action for moi. A left,got a good drop, no one else was prepared, and much to my amazement, no one stood up on me ( shoulder hopped ) or otherwise.
Believe me that is rare around these parts, in these conditions, on weekend days, with those surfers.....LoL.
The return paddle out was rewarding too.
Got some more rights as the tide filled in and then got out by 820.
Sunday Im gonna get in at 6 and go directly to the reef as it looked( almost always does ) better.

It was a good surf morning.
I did, however, miss surfing with Jason and "the Dave".

surf on...

Sunday's swell was , well, swell

Better than Saturday
Sunday Swell was there but ...
Wind was on it immediately,I put on the spring suit up in the lot then took it off as soon as I got 2 toes in the ocean, so trunks in the wind...
Paddled outside and got a pretty nice left .
After that I would watch some friends get a few outside EPIC lefts. Head high drops and shoulders.
Most of the outside stuff would wall and closeout badly some with not so nice outcomes.
I avoided that scene... just wasn't in the mood to chance some smack downs today, so I stayed well within myself. After a bit it dawned on me that most all of the outside stuff was too closed out to get into and I picked up on the Terramar experts being inside and taking r i g h t s. Did the same and was feeling it. My rights were nice reasonably long, allowing me to get into the nose area several times.
Not what I truly wanted, that is to say I would have preferred some of those "better" rides ,but no worries, I like that I can surf at all.
I will

surf on...

I Paddled alot !

A funny "pre" windswell( ??) was on and coming on Saturday morning.
It was tough getting into any of the beach breakers for me and my long board.
I paddled to the reef , turned back n paddled to warmwater (hot water) maybe 78 degrees ?
Paddled back to Ted's and caught a few then rode one in.
As I stood on the cliff changing I saw some lines in the glass .

Finer still ! ! !

Friday it was Jason and I again.... I was hoping for less crowds and instead of thinking about who I don't want to hit, maybe I could concentrate on my board, myself and dancing on the WAVE.

Bingo. Got what I wanted and so did Jason
We each had some very good ones and it was sweet.
I love surfing sunsets and the last two didn't let us down.
Surfing with my son is always so fulfilling. I hope to do this until I'm gone from this earth

I am feeling more"normal" again.
It's been a awhile.
For sure it has been awhile.

Saturday's AM dawn patrol was great.
I got 2 GREAT waves ! !
Just the ones I hoped would show... fat, fast, and outside every one else.
As I was riding the sweet spot on best of those, I saw Alita, sitting on the shoulder way in front of me, with a pretty big " nice one Bill" grin on her face ...... like it, and, as I continued, some one else who was facing me as I was coming down the line fast was taking pretend camera shots of me, ya know?
I like it like that sometimes I need that once in awhile, not always but once in awhile its really good to get that stuff from your peers.

Sunday afternoon I got a couple in the super hot 100 degree weather and nice refreshing glass.
What a great week of surfing ! ! ! !

I have had at least 10 sessions in a row without missing any days....


I am just about back to good! I am so close now !
Thank God, family, and friends for that.
THANK YOU ! ! !

I usually don't whine....

I usually don't whine....but the crowds were a bit heavy today.
The swell improved as predicted....
I have got into a great forecaster by the way.
http://socalforecast.blogspot.com/
Big fatties were rolling in from the outside again, but this time there were more spots showing than just the reef. Unfortunately, there were a lot of short boarders, long boarders, body boarders, and sups all mixed in and spread wide.
All of these working the same spot, when there are pretty good sized outside sets sweeping through,just doesn't work well.
My son was there and that was a treat. WE shared boards and both got a couple of very good rides.I really enjoy seeing him get some, as I know he does for his old dad. Although I do admit, when I surf, I don't feel old at all. I feel like I'm a kid for sure.
I wish I didn't have to spend the majority of this day dodging sponges and insiders.

This is about stoke and stoked I am.
The waves were, well , some of 'em were epic.
The water quality and temp were epic.
Weather epic.
Friends and family, yep, epic.
Sweet ! !

Surf on

Tuesday swell so, so.........but

Tuesday swell so, so.........but

the water/weather was super fine. Got calls from both surf buddies saying go, although with slightly different reports. I have been out 5 days in a row and Im sore.I cannot resist it.
Brought a different board, and(after trying out a cutaway fin on the big board),it took me a few waves to get into any kinda of grove. We gort some rides in the bright sun and warm glass. THE highlight was watching Pat in the Hat take a 8 foot straight down, late take off. It was just epic really. He didnt make the bottom turn but that was just a HELL DROP, one I appreciate. He came out fine, maybe some parts were bruised, but man what a sight. I didn't want to get out of the water last eve.

It is just so fine right now, so fine. I am hoping for a repeat and in trunks in the water at sundown and beyond Maybe some of that cosmic canopy action, after the sun sinks below the horizon. Maybe...when the sky looks like this

Monday , more, more please. Thank you !!!

Monday Swell.........................Monday garden.

This swell has been nice. This swell has aloha.

"THE SOUTH" is here alright, though it does require patience, at least when Surfing Terra Mar. Since my set back I have only dreamed of dropping down big faces, in warm water, but in the last month my dreams have come true. I can. I do. I will. Made some good drops today. Got a couple of nice shoulders. My shoulders and back are sore , but in a good way.
This is what surfing is about for me and some of my closest friends.
Slipping through an all encompassing, silky,blue green warmth. Life everywhere around you.
All the senses are on full alert,and in full use, every one of 'em.
Sight, smell, touch, taste. Sound, thought, cunning. Being a hunter,being social, being primal, competition, fear, elation, exhilaration.
Joy, envy, pride,anticipation,etc. etc fill in the rest.
It just goes on and on if you let it.
It is so amazing.
I know this is very, well ,very something that may be thought of as over the top.
You know what though, it's not. It is exactly that and much more.
It is the most amazing of things. To receive this gift is the best thing.

I love the stoke. The ocean and it's power and beauty.

I am lost in it.
I am found in it.

surf on

Sunday night....... not too shabby

As promised a return to the reef for Sunday PM.
As I was ready to paddle out a large 7 wave outside set came crashing in. It was impressive.
Stoked, I got on the board and put myself to the far south of the break hoping to avoid the 4-5 person take offs on the left side of the peak.
After 15 minuets an outside set came,each wave bigger and breaking 5 yards further out than it's predecessor. On the 4th or 5th I turned and picked up a peak and a right. Several people on the inside but I stayed high and fast and the shoulder held.
Having replaced the 10' Standard FU fin with Daves 7" cutaway and side bites, the board was much more responsive than usual but still held me in on the face of some of the more powerful rides. I am really liking the different fin config's.
My right tonight was borderline epic and
I'm a happy boy ....

Surf on...... enjoy this nice swell and the warm ocean ! !

Sunday AM was better

After the blown out Saturday night surf (was still fun)
Sunday morning panned out just like I thought except for the 60 people in the water part.

Very glassy and trunkable. Spaced apart long interval biggish swell.
Dave got me up and there early enough to where we each caught some long fun lefts, some rights, and some steep, big drops as well.

Then the stampede came and things got a little dangerous on the big stuff, so after 2 hours we were out and are hopeful for the evening session with no wind and no peeps.
We will see.

All and all it was just what the Doctor ordered.

surf on...

S-a-tur-day ...... night !

Sat. night THE SOUTH swell shows up, as well as some blossoms at home.
Sat morn all dressed up and no where to surf.
Hopes were high but no real swell except for a very blown, wall-o-junk at Tammy, with 20 surfers all not on it, but trying.

W E N T H O M E
I almost NEVER GO HOME...

Nice day with Laurie and Lori and Geila. Saw Jason at work, which gives me pleasure to see my son working his way into his own life.
Went back out at 5pm and the swell was showing much better now. Dave and I had a great exercise, caught a few good keepers each, meeting out there @ 6 Sun morn.
IF THE WIND STAYS AWAY
IT'S GONNA BE GOOD ! ! !

Stoke on ! ....

Mornin' there Guillermo

Woke up ...got outta bed ...
looked out the window and scratched my head.....
Took a peek at the flowers... and had a cup.....
and looking up........ I noticed I was late
Headed out... to surf the glass...
ran with my board... across the grass....
Flopped into the sea..... all warm and green....
Got my first wave .....and went into a dream....
Ahhhhhhhhhhh......Ahhhhhhhh Ahhhhhh Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Ahhhhh Ahhhh Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
Ahhhhha Ahhhhh Ahhhhhhhhhhh
OK whatever that eh?
Spent 3 hours in, and saw the first swell from Guillermo.
Maybe go back for more if the wind stays off.
Sunday will be good too....
Maybe Jason and Emily will show up.

Nice, Nice, Nice
surf on...

Guillermo may be visiting on Saturday

Hoping to see a little south swell this weekend.
Guillermo may be peeking in your window.
Hope so !

Wax, rinse, repeat. Sun 08.09.09

IN at 6:45 am. Trunks. Cool, tropical, feel to the air.
Again not many people.
Perfect glass.
Fast got into a few lefts, and was feeling it right away. The swell was up from yesterday.
My board is performing very well with the smaller fin.
Really got into some nice fast ones, outside in, then would play on a few insides.
Got a little crowded and I got out. It was perfect

surf on...

Saturday 08.08.09

Saturday @6:45am. Looks weak and scattered.
Dave showed in the lot and I changed the fin on my big stick.
Went from a stock 10" ( it's a a 10'3'board,the yellow ) to a stock 8".
Funny but the paddle out was not as easy as it looked to be. No one else was out cuz it was looking like no waves. After a 15 min. wait a set of Souths came through and met some WNW (?) wind swell and bam, I'm in the peak and get a screamin left.
The board is amazingly more responsive cause of the fin change, and I am moving her around like never before. Got a couple more lefts and a right, David did the same.
The sun appeared,the crowds appeared,the tide appeared, the waves and us disappeared.

As I write, the Sunday morning coffee is almost done and I'm headed back out to rinse and repeat ( if possible ).

surf on....

Was surfing last night any good?

( OK,Picture is not last night,but Jason showing nice form! )
The original blog name 5 years ago was " surfing with my son."
"We" totally learned this together almost lock step. We both have a lifetime of surfing to do, and learn about.
We went out last evening, walked down to the reef and paddled into what were the weirdest waves I have been in, in awhile. Lots of peaks, then disappearing peaks, some with shoulder, some without. Jason was more comfortable than I, as he was getting decent length of ride on either board (we switch). In several waves, I would get up and not stay in front of the wave enough, lose momentum, then the wave would pass under me and vanish.
That is a very frustrating wave for me.
When I do get the chance to surf with my son, which is not that often anymore, I like to surf well.
I like him to see me surf well for a lot of reasons, as a father would, specifically because of the circumstances of the last 2 years and my rather miraculous recovery and return to the ocean.
I remember 1 year ago, post surgical nightmare, bobbing in the ocean with my son, still unable to stand up, and getting really frustrated. I remember wanting to get a single wave so bad.
I remember looking around and seeing my son want me to just get a nice, single wave.
I then DID get up, on a wave, on my own....... for him. It was when I realized I wanted it more For him, more than for myself, I was able to go through the pain, and just do it.
It was one of the single, most proud moments of my life.
From that point we ( family, friends, and I ) realized I could heal
and make a run at getting back to good !
So, was surfing last night any good?
No, surfing last night, with Jason, was GREAT ! !

Reef was OK

Got off work @ 445pm A little stressful of a day.
In the water at 515, trunks, slight texture, slight current , slight waves.
Lots of bikini surfer girls.
Dave called me and left 3 messages that the water was "inviting".
Paddled over to reef looking for the Dave . Long paddle for some reason.
After an hour we started getting some with the tide push. Spent about 2 1/2 hours in the water and didn't want to get out .
Some dude said"we had "it" dialed in exclusively", which I did find really funny, but was cool. Very warm nice water. I love summer. It feels good.

Weekend ( post South Swell ) in Review 8.1.09

Saturday
In @ 7am , trunks, glassy, minimal waveage. Got about 3 waves and then paddled to the reef.
The reef peak is funny. Depending on the swell direction you paddle into it a different way.
Saturday was the First Time I have been the on the south of the north breaking peak, and as I sling shot myself from the south to the north, to my amazement, 3-4 people backed out of the wave for me.
First time that's happened there, for me!
This was a great thing as far as my surfing at the reef goes.

So it has led me to believe that I have been approaching this wave the wrong way, and probably pissing off a few each time. WAA WAA WAAAAAAAAAAAA

Sunday
In @ 630am, trunks, pure glass, minimal waveage but, better shape on some rare outside set waves !
Took me awhile to grab a few but got a nice left into about 4 inches of water, was gonna leave but decided to paddle out and south to the reef to get a nice exercise. Plus the reef was showing an occasional set or 2 every 10 minuets or so. Paddled right up and into a mellow bunch of long boarders, short boarders, yakers, SUPers. I do try to paddle right into the peak line up and make my face at least familiar there. Today, a big boy and a kayaker hit. It was almost bad but the yaker grabbed the long board before it could damage.
I got a couple rides, soft mush burgers then paddled hard back to the beach houses spot where I started.
Got a good work out and enjoyed the silky warmth of the ocean. No complaints.
Went to Del Mar horse races afterwards on Sat. with my sweetie
I'm fixing to go again today .
life is good ! ! Very, very good !

Sundays South Swell (part four 7.26.09 )

Same sorta cloud hanging over me again this morning.
This time my friend Dave would meet me at my house and we would ride in one vehicle ..
This is different.
Arrived at 7 and trunked it on out.
Waist high and inconsistent at the beach/houses spot.
5 Palms was p a c k e d with the fine Sunday staff, the reef was still a zoo.
It was so packed we stayed in the same spot and just caught few.
30 minuets later the Reef was starting up and getting some.
Another 15 minuets and the reef and 5 palms were getting head high + peaks and lines.
Tippy toed over there to talk with Aleta, sneaky guy.
Soon, the shift of swell had become apparent with the tide change, and things did get pretty good sized, though inconsistent.
I got what I needed ++. Really one of the nicest waves in several years (when you consider the surgical bullshit and recovery time) a long steep left. Up, down, all around,
toes close to the nose, finished with some good surfer girls giving this old bird some shakas, etc,etc.
That was nice.
Caught a few more very good sized, long rides, in epic conditions as far as water and weather go.


My good friend Dave got a lot of it too.
That did me good to see
as he---------------------------------------------------->
has been dry for a week or so.
Took a beautiful STEEP(go to drop, get pitched out and over pearl, wonder when my head is gonna go through my board , oh missed the board, good, when am I gonna hit the bottom cuz I am being driven down so far) one, but came out good.
I needed that too.
Met a surfer ( one I have watched and admired a few times before ) named Kenny.
He has been reading this blog. This is the first time I have met someone who met me FIRST through this "diary" I write. I was a bit taken back by this, as I never really expect to meet
anyone who reads this that way. I write some personal stuff in here and it was embarrassing at first, until we talked a while and I realized that we all experience the same stuff. the same pure passion, the STOKE.
All in all, I truly got just what I needed Sunday, on a lot of levels.....

surf on....

South Swell ( part three 07/25/09-7am )

I am Still awake on Friday night at 12am, that is extremely WEIRD
I get up at 630am, dress, hit it and I am .... sorta depressed??
I am missing my son and surfing with him.....
In the water @ 7am GLASS - low tide 3-5 footers, very inconsistent.
40 people in the water at houses
Look South to the reef
for that big South Wall o white.........4-6 footers, some thumping
60 people spread through the reef area.
Shoulda brought the big GER board.
Missed a few, others grabbed those and RODE em.... got thanked for missing one.
Got one and rode it in........ almost ZERO stoke, no reef, kinda bummed.

maybe tomorrow, or tonight,
this is very odd for me....

surf on...

South Swell ( part two 07/24/09 )

Friday,a tough day at work,a tough week at work.
I get home at 530pm, strip, hit it and I am in the water @ 550pm. .......4-6 footers, inconsistent.
Look South to the reef for that big South Wall o white.......................6-9 footers thumping'
45 min.later
Look South to the reef for that big South Wall o white ......................8-10 foot outsides with some serious "clean-up" and "clear-out" action going on.
Again I caught 3, 2 way outside, shoulder/head high fatties, that were nice long rides, and 1 ticket home.
The reef continued to build and pound.
gonna try to snag a reef wave tomorrow
to be continued.....

South Swell ( part one 07/23/09 )

3pm my son Jason is out with his bud's while I work, he reports 2 -3 footers nuthin special.
I get home at 530pm, strip, hit it and I am in the water @ 550pm. .......2 -3 footers nuthin special.
Look South to the reef for that big South Wall o white.......................2 -3 footers nuthin special.
45 min.later
Look South to the reef for that big South Wall o white and THERE IT IS.
Caught 3, way outside, shoulder/head high fatties, that were nice long rides, through all the bowling pins lined up on the inside.
The reef continued to build and pound.
Caught one in and was satisfied
to be continued.....

surf on

Tropical air, clear cool water, ahhhhhhhhhh

Mellow were the waves and crowd, with clear, refreshing water.
Waist to shoulder peaks. Reef grass swaying with the swell and visible when riding.
Got some both on Saturday and Sunday.
@ 1pm Sunday, I drove right to the reef at Igor's.
It was nice not to do dawn patrol as ALWAYS.
I dawn patrol for 2 reasons.
Morning glass.
Get home to spend time with Laurie.
Sunday was Glass all day and I had a good time at a different break. Enjoyed the mid day sun in the cool water, and checking out different surfers.

an important observation:
My son Jason has moved south to be very close to campus and his gal.
For Laurie, myself, and the regular surfers at Terramar,
he was conspicuously missing this weekend.
Another page is turning.
surf on

It's what we like

and.... it's headed to a Southern window in your neighborhood.

S W E L L~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ S T O K E

No Swell... oh well

Had a nice run of Souths and fun. The water is so warm and clear. Glassy knee high stuff to paddle for ,stand up, relax, move around a bit, and ride.

I love the feel of moving thru the clear blue-green, warm, glassy water, and being in the bright sun with a blue sky.

It just ALWAYS feels GOOD

surf on...

Like Children

Went out @ 5 pm not expecting much.
Headed straight to the reef after saying hi to Ted and Pat at houses.
They weren't getting any and of course, the reef was getting some.
GLASS, CLEAR,WARM WATER,
TRUNKS, zero wind.. beautiful ! ! !
Paddled right into the thick of things and caught 5 or 6 waist to chest highs right off the bat.
Then caught a shoulder peak, fought off two others and cruised that face to the beach and paddled right back.
Saw my friend Dave all alone midway inside getting a lot of 25 yard rides. A lot of em.
I left the pack and joined him for 2 more hours of wave after wave after wave.
We were super stoked and laughing like children for hours! ! !
I think I stood and rode 20 waves and so did Dave.
It was UN REAL !
It was PERFECTION !
Here is where I was just a short while back
http://surfing-terra-mar.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-1st-paddle-out-in-7-months-ahhhhh.html
Today I stood 20-30 times and paddled like a pro..... thanks all ! !
THANKS

surf on....

Reef (er) Madness

The South Swell ( as I predicted ) will be a dominate feature this summer season.
This means that for me and my friends the spot to be will be the reef.
This means that there will be serious competition for waves, at times.

This means I will rise to this challenge, and maintain my cool.

Big, outside, crystal clear,
warm, green-blue, glassy waves, reef (ers).

Got only a few rides yesterday during a high tide but was stoked.
Jason had a difficult time " tough day at the reef" yesterday.
He hasn't had a lot of surf time this season, and I was feelin' for him.
Today he called me at work to say he was headed back out ( get back on the horse) to the reef.
He reported many long rides fitting the conditions described above. I like it ! ! !
Didn't get out tonight, work prevented that.
Will get out tomorrow and paddle into the thick of things and get my fair share.
Enjoy the swell ! !
surf on...

Big Daddy's Day

My son knows what I like to do.

Surfing with him will always be my favorite thing to do.
Day started out cold and gray. So some Jason/Mom waffles brightened things up.Awhile later things ended up bright blue, warm, trunks, and a bit of a swell.
Surfed for hours. Afterwards Dave came home with us and we relaxed a bit. Then Jason,Laurie, and I all watched a nice blue ray together on my sons killer high def set up. Topped off the night with a root beer float and I'm one PROUD and HAPPY dad ! !

Happy fathers day to y'all, its a great thing being a dad and surfing with your son (children).

surf on....

A BIG South on Tuesday Night

A BIG South on Tuesday Night....perfect.
Got home after a San Digey meeting for work and the $2.00 Del Mar day traffic cost me about , well, 1 hour in traffic delays.
Looked at the Tam Cam and saw the big south lines. Hmmmm ..... hit it.
In @ 6pm and proceded to get shoulder high rides . To the south the reef was booming again, it really hasn't stopped for week ++.
I got mine and some fine rides there were.
My body is still healing, it has been 1 1/2 years now ! !
Have a ways to go.
Got complimented from strangers on some rides...WOW !
I am getting closer to good as far as recovery goes.
Stoked...YEAH IM STOKED
Who woulda thought......I didnt really , thank God for family and friends.
surf on....

More Reef man, More Reef

Went out today with a newly repaired spring suit that a bud...Birke Buddy.. told me how to fix.
This time I walked with Dan to the reef, after returning his shorty loaner from yesterday.
Surfer/Wave ratio was messed up.
Went to it but didn't compete with the Main peakers and thus didn't get the quality I wanted.
But I did get to chase Alita down the face of one.
She hopped me, kinda, I might not have made the section, I dunno,
but the view was good LoL.
Got about 5 right close-outs and 1 left.
Ah the reef...... many there get surly when the wave action slows. I just wasn't in the mood today, wish my son or Dave had been there, I get strength from them to handle that scene.

I love my wife.
I love my life, my son, and my family and friends.
I love to surf.
I love the water.
I love the sun.
I love being a surfer.
God, I Thank you ! ! ! ! ! !

Reefer Madness

The reef was in full swing this morning. Got out @ 630 and things were drained at the houses and the beach, but the reef just pounds on during the whole of last week and this morn.
Last night I never made it into the water....defective shorty zipper failed, and I wasn't in the mood to trunk.
Fixed the zipper( thought I did ).
Went out today, put on the shorty suit, and" voila" the whole zipper fell of broken.
A buddy, Dan, loaned me his shorty as he wanted to go full suit, repaying some wet suit help I offered him from a weekend prior.
I walked down with him and Chuck, but as they turned to paddle out I just kept walking to the reef.
I NEVER DO THAT !
Paddled out and immediately turned on one in the middle of 20 reefers. It was G O O D.
Good wave, but more so, Good for the HEAD and SPIRIT. I will admit I never got a MAIN peak but took off whenever I knew I could get one to myself, especially if I felt others wouldn't beat their section.
This paid off well. I got 6-8 really nice ones today, coulda done better and been more aggro, coulda done a lot worse and not have had any.

Might go back out tonight, waiting on a call,
well see

South Swell + Cosmic Weather x myself + a few friends = perma-grin

Wednesday 6/2/09
As promised a ( purple blobs from far away) south....was just beginning to show up.
No one out at the reef after work because tides were a bit high. The weather was perfectly cosmic. High, broken up clouds stretched across the sky. Warm sun beaming through the breaks in the ceiling. No wind on the water. Big thunderheads looking east, with that odd, warm, and yet contrasting lighting. Clear, warm water. Got some nice rights at the reef. Sometimes the big Slick stick is, well it's like cheating out there. It catches what many boards cannot. An advantage is good, and I will take that once in awhile.
I've earned it.
Saturday 6/6/09
High hopes.
After some bum weather Friday eve. which kept me at home , I was hoping the newly filled in South would be in full, GLASSY production early Saturday morning.
VERY EARLY, as we all have been somewhat starved for decent surf for weeks.
In @ 5:45am and the reef had 25 surfers on it.
I chose 5 palms and tween the reef, to the far south of the houses entry point.
It was the only place for solitude....and I know a secret about that spot that many forget.
Cosmic tropical looking weather again.
This time I was in a spot where I could hear no one else chattering.
I could hear many birds from the gardens on the shore.
The lighting and canopy were beautiful.
I could hear the reef tubing .
I was gifted nice glassy lefts AND rights. Got a full five O V E R!
I have never done that before. It was one of my very best performance days.
Ever !
I would not have expected to ever say that after 2/8/08.
Lots of surfers confirmed I wasn't dreaming.
N i c e !
Sunday 06/07/09
Hope was high but I knew the reality would be different.
6:45am and 50-60 people were where yesterday there were only 30.
Smaller all around. The reef was still banging, as were many boards.
It was 4-5 people take offs on each set wave, boards, asses and elbows flying until 1 would be left upright, then that person would get hopped. Repeat. Repeat.
I chose the same spot I enjoyed yesterday but.... everyone else did too.
Got 3 waves that were good. 3 were solo shots, amazingly.
@7:45 rode one in, poured some hot water on myself and got home.
An hour well spent.
I am being handed a big bonus in life. Thank you !

I see purple blobs, swirling around far away, so very far away.

It's Sunday 5:43 AM, raining and there is no surf to be spotted on any local cam, chart or anything that I can read about, at least none I can travel to.
I have the feeling that the reef will have a very weak knee high peak ,and I'm gonna go check it.

After last session
( a good one considering the last two weeks of swell ( or lack thereof )),
I am left craving surf.
I see purple blobs, swirling around far away, so very far away.
Bye

ANNOTATION: 8:00 am There were no waves and I went to swim laps at the gym, while pretending I was paddling into big surf

surf on...

It's been awhile..

Sunday.
Upon arriving@ 7AM, it was gray,cool with a breeze, minimal surf.
It was not what my friend Dave would describe to me as "inviting".
Lot's of regulars were suiting up, with big smiles and
story telling, coffee , and laughter. The typical weekend scene, but more crowded due to Memorial day.
I was hoping that my son and I would surf and (at least temporarily )forget some not so hot news concerning college we got just before going out that morning.
That, and Sundays dawn patrol never happened.
This news has dragged down our family's spirits collectively.
We parked, looked at the scene, then each other,
then left.
Bummer.
.......
Got a call from Dave at about 12 noon as he was headed up the coast.
He did say that the water now looked "inviting".
Jason and I headed out towards the ocean again.
This time it was warm, sunny, very little breeze, and actually a swell breaking at the beach and the Reef.
Trunks would be the attire, regardless of the temp.
As it turned out, it was perfect water temp.
I scored on this one.
I did lead us to the reef wave
I watched the reefers get wave after wave shoulder high south combos, said screw it and paddled over to and then directly into a pack of VERY GOOD SURFERS, as usual.
I was feeling good and confident after some great rides at the usual beach spot, and I wanted the big reef wave too, for us, regardless of the "vibe".
Got into a great peak and dropped, along with another.
I was in the perfect spot and he wasn't, though he tried to call me off. He then appeared to try to come around me but I cut towards him, he bailed and I continued on.
THERE ! ! I did it.
From that point on I could go for what I wanted,
for what was m i n e.
Got many more out there that day. Made my son proud. Dave had some good ones.
The water was clear enough to see the reef grass waving 10 feet under us, as we got long, fun shoulders after big drops. For me it was damn near perfection
I did a good thing. Hell, Laurie was even out for a walk to watch us for a change and she actually saw me on some waves of size.
We all walked back together, proud, tall, and stoked.
I was SUPER STOKED.
It's been awhile.

Anything better ????

IN the water @ 6 AM.
Super glass and warm water.
Tide moving up so maybe a push.
Shorty on.
Got a couple. Maybe 10?
Very quiet, mellow, and stomach-chest high peaks with some shoulder to em.
A little South, so the reefers were happy.
I chose to stay solo and it worked great !
I am really noticing physical improvements often now, and my surfing improves with that...
Out @ 7:15AM and directly to the gym
Went and swam laps, then right after a nice jacuzzi and shower.
Today was the first day I have been able to stretch like that in ......well... since the thing.
Home @ 8AM. Kiss my love "good morning"

Anything better????
Not really !
surf on..

Waist to~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Knees nice, long lefts, rights, and nose rides Please

This was most unexpected this morning, as it was inconsistent and fairly crowded.

I was to meet Dave, early. He parked way down the line and I took the numero uno spot, which was open.
Dave never paddled out.
I Paddled out into a group of 20 , although none of them my closest friends. I looked around, then quickly proceeded South at the dead end of that group, and WHAM... one came right to me. It's always kinda weird to have that happen in a lineup but..... I secretly love exactly that. Nice long glassy left past the whole line up. I called off a friend, "Squat", with a "Howdy neighbor"
I wouldn't be alone again this morning.This was fine considering everything. Paddled back out to compliments from many
( that's a rarity in this group ). Took a rest and deliberately passed on a couple. Saw an outsider and went for it, grabbed a right , a long one. Sweet. Did the long paddle back, got some looks and rested.
The next left was a shoulder peak with a pit and I positioned perfectly, moved forward on the big board and went flying, my best position on a wave in a long time. Called off a hopper and he said "where did you come from?", I replied "way the hell back there bro!"and continued on down the wave.
Many comments again about the speed I had, and some " I could have had that'(s)"
My final was a right and alone, Squat had gone left. This was a chest high shoulder, and I was positioned in the top 3/4 of the wave the whole ride. Just kinda dancing the nose of the board up past the lip and then down, repeat,repeat,repeat, floater, then rode it in to 1 foot of water. Stepped off and went home.
Perfection comes very rarely for me, and is always when I least expect it !

Got Some.... 2 WEEKDAYS in a row !! !!!!!!!! This is a good thing for me.

WED pm THURS pm
Took a shorter board to work each day, so no excuses. Got into some peaky steeper drops.
Very warm water, trunks totally and ZERO chill. glass, sweetness.
I felt normal for the first time in 1.2 years.
Came to a great realization.... something I have always known.
I want to, maybe, truly need to, surf a lot !

More later.....

surf on

Your brain calls but the body stalls.

Weird Waves this Sunday.
Probably, best described as inconsistent.
I would say the same about myself.
I got some. My best wave, and a nice one by others standards was cut too short while dodging insiders.
I enjoyed the time in the water. Things did play with my brain though, detracting from the experience.
Once again I am plagued by various pains related to events of over a year ago. These alter the way the body works for sure, especially in a "high performance" situation. Your brain calls but the body stalls.
No doubt I am in the position( once again) of having to drop 20 lbs. That 20lbs pushes out on the abdominal
scarring and incision sites,prior drain hole areas., etc,etc.
I worry and struggle to not plateau at
at a performance level that is less than before surgery(s). I HOPE that I will keep getting better at surfing, as well as at life.
There is a lot of work to do, I guess there always has been, and always will be..god willing.

surf on

Gnarly paddle

Today's paddle out was just what I needed....
kinda.
I am still uncomfortable ( scared ) with the thought of getting my
surgically DE enhanced body
"worked" over.
After about 15 minuets of paddling but not going anywhere, Jason, Dave, and I had a window and we made it out.


Once we recovered, I recall having the "perma grin" going for awhile. This was a result of "having made it stoke".
Occasional LARGE jacking then walled close outs would pass under me and this created an equal amount of "bigness" stoke.

I Love
the BIGness stoke !!

The waves were tough for us to get into, and delivered a beating for choosing the wrong ones.
I caught about 4 and was finally satisfied with the whole scene.
I could have done better a year ago,
but its not a year ago....
I did need a confidence shaker,
and a success, in exactly that order, and that's what I got.... friends and family, in the big surf with me, sun out, big waves, challenges met,
life is very, very, good.

surf on...,
I plan too !

Argh

Right now @ 6pm
I'm watching my ( sort-ta ) break pound a bunch a guys over and over on a live cam
(glassy bigger stuff)
I MISS GETTING POUNDED
I know that slightly south it may be real good, reeeeaaaaaal good.
Oh, chart says high tide and gettin higher, too high.
Soooooo oooooo oooooo oooooooo o I don't go.
C i r c u m s t a n c e s sucked it outta me.
Made me too late.
The tide
My battered, recovering body.
My brain says this and that.
I hate that...

tomorrow...
AARRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Wetsuit OFF ...........Trunks ON

I love to paddle without a wetsuit on.
That is plain and simple.
There is something about it that just turns me on.
Being in the full sunshine, water flowing and splashing on, around and over you. Being thrust through the water by a powerful force.
Nothing pulling on your shoulders, neck, or anything else as you paddle.

I love it.

My son and I had a really fun time in the water yesterday, despite the fact that we barely caught any "waves". There just wasn't much ride opportunity yesterday. We did get a few, but we had a lot of laughs and fun. Laurie came down to watch ( of course, there was nothing wave wise to see ).
Naturally there were 2 or 3 really GOOD surfers there,
Chuck ( rules the place) and Rick,( Erick )
professes his style to be that of a "drunk monkey".
Truly great surfers can and do find anything and
make it look easy.............someday will come, at least I will continue to work for that day for me.
So fortunately my wife had something to watch as far as surfing goes while her husband and son struggled for less than ride able ( for us ) waves.

It was a great day, a great day for all. Find something everyday and appreciate it. It works !
surf on...

My intent is to go, go, and do it in my trunks!

Its 2 pm, I'm all hot and bothered.
I'm not particularly proud of myself this day, so I'm goin' for a purification session.
I'm leavin' now, with my trunks ON.
Goodbye sweetheart, maybe I'll see ya again, maybe not.

Check this blog out, "The Closer Walk" . I love the "localism" you tube that got posted there!

The Closer Walk

I thought the little fellow would be able to easily make that wave. Honestly Sir. .

Swell, from the south as predicted .
I have a gut feeling that we will be a lot more southern this year, of course I have nothing to base this on other than feeling.
My friends were getting out of the water as I arrived tonight after work,
I was told to not go to the reef as it was tough enough to work them a bit too much. So, for me, in my state of recovery, this would be too much. I agreed so I opted be "safe" and stay closer to Warms than Igor's.
That lasted about 45 minuets. I crept towards the reef, it was indeed thumping and looking like "swarmies" with 4-6 people per peak making the drops. I have become very patient as a result of my injuries and will wait. The secret to that is I am almost perma stoked every time I'm in the water. I LOVE that ! !
My BIG ONE came right to me and I worked IT ! I am soooooo faaaaar from being consistent, but I pumped and danced my 10'3' board up and down, from bottom to top, then, THEN......
made an almost perfect "roundhouse" and rode it into 6" of water and stepped off.
I LOVE THIS............. I am so thankful that I can surf after what happened.
I am so thankful for these days !

surf on...

Swell Wally, and I think it;s a Southy

God, what a beautiful morning in the sea, despite the religous snickerings

Today was warm, clear, glassy with some wave action. The low early AM tide had things drained out a bit but..... I got a few solitaire rides

How beautifully gorgeous can a day get ??
I was with a few friends, but we were not in the best wave spot...should have been further north towards
warm water jetty.
I find religious "tensions" sort of amusing.
Many people are not comfortable with talking to others concerning each others beliefs. I, for one, am fine with the notion that many believe different things and I don't mind outward celebration of these different beliefs. I think it's good as long as we don't fight over it.
HAPPY EASTER y'all, it's a good thing ! !