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!

Wetsuits keep you warm when the water is cold, but they sure are cumbersome, not to mention, difficult to get out of when they are wet. They imply winter because they exist. I’ve been wearing a 5-4 since November, and I’m definitely ready to revert back to a 3-2 or a springsuit. I’ve been hearing how great the waves can be if you are in the water just as a norther goes through. I haven’t been there at the right time though. I’m either surfing just before it comes through or just after it starts to calm down. I only got to surf one day last weekend, and I didnt’ get to surf today (Friday). Last Sunday’s surf was odd. I wasn’t mentally in the game, and my new pop-up prevented me from getting a good ride. However, I think in the long run that my new pop-up will pay off. One mishap with Brian’s board, though, left me badly bruised. He let it go to tell me something just as a wave pushed it into me. He felt bad about it, but not as bad as I felt when it pounded me in the kidney. The purple bruise covers part of my lower back and feels sore, but I know it will heal.

I should have listened to my heart last week and stayed out of the water. I think another kind of workout would have been better for me. I debated whether to go down today or not. Waves were rough most of the morning, but when the north wind came through, the waves were good…or so I heard. In the end, though, I’m glad I didn’t go. I had to work later than usual, and I had errands to run. I wish I had some great philosophy to share about knowing in one’s heart when timing is off, but I don’t. However, I guess “to thine ownself be true” works. I need to always remember to listen to myself.

SUNDAY (2/28) update — No surf today! The south winds didn’t kick up enough surf. So, I rode my bike instead. It was a great ride.