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| What a beautiful day to go paddling. And just think, it was just raining the day before. Check out the mountains in the distance... yep, that's snow. |
Monday, February 28, 2011
Snow Over Yonder
Saturday, February 26, 2011
BRRR... It's Cold Out Here
OMG, it's been getting pretty cold lately! And when I'm cold, I'm not happy. Usually my 3/2 O'Neill is enough to keep me warm but the wind chill has been ridiculous that I needed to get a thicker suit. I ordered a 4/3 O'Neill D-Lux with the fluid seam construction and now I am a happy camper.
When I'm warm, I don't prematurely come out of the water. This winter in my 3/2 I was only able to hang in the cold for about an hour before I started shivering. Along with my boots and cap (I finally gave in and wore a hood), I can stay out as long as I want and not worry about getting cold. Next weekend I'll be putting it to the true test in Northern Cal where the water is much colder and the winds are usually stronger!
When I'm warm, I don't prematurely come out of the water. This winter in my 3/2 I was only able to hang in the cold for about an hour before I started shivering. Along with my boots and cap (I finally gave in and wore a hood), I can stay out as long as I want and not worry about getting cold. Next weekend I'll be putting it to the true test in Northern Cal where the water is much colder and the winds are usually stronger!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Raising Funds for Young Bali Surfers
Yesterday I attended a surf movie premiere at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. It was a pretty casual event, being held poolside. It was sponsored by Ocean Beach Surf and Skate Shop. I was curious about the event because I personally do fundraising for an orphanage in South Africa and wanted to scam some ideas. My intention for attending was selfish but it didn't take long for me to want to support the cause.
"The vision for Calling on Others was created during a six week trip to Bali. What began as a surfing exhibition with Scott LeDuc and Andrew Matthews quickly became more as they met with locals -specifically four young boys- and realized not only their talent for surfing, but their desire to stay in school. "Calling on Others: Bali, Indonesia," follows a few weeks in the lives of these enthusiastic boys through surfing, school and their culture! This film takes you into the boys antics and high energy surfing but leaves you with the seriousness of their goals and dreams for the future!" (http://www.callingonothers.com/)
The hope is that those who watch the film is touched by their stories and donate so that these boys can continue with their schooling. The movie has already been recognized for its efforts and the creators were invited to show it at an upcoming Surfing Film Festival in Australia. If you have a moment, check out their website and instead of buying a Starbucks coffee tomorrow morning, donate the $5 (and then some) to this worthy cause.
"The vision for Calling on Others was created during a six week trip to Bali. What began as a surfing exhibition with Scott LeDuc and Andrew Matthews quickly became more as they met with locals -specifically four young boys- and realized not only their talent for surfing, but their desire to stay in school. "Calling on Others: Bali, Indonesia," follows a few weeks in the lives of these enthusiastic boys through surfing, school and their culture! This film takes you into the boys antics and high energy surfing but leaves you with the seriousness of their goals and dreams for the future!" (http://www.callingonothers.com/)
The hope is that those who watch the film is touched by their stories and donate so that these boys can continue with their schooling. The movie has already been recognized for its efforts and the creators were invited to show it at an upcoming Surfing Film Festival in Australia. If you have a moment, check out their website and instead of buying a Starbucks coffee tomorrow morning, donate the $5 (and then some) to this worthy cause.
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| These are the cool Dizm shades I won by participating in the raffle! Sweet! |
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Don't Miss It: WOW
WOW: Women on Waves is the current exhibit at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside. It explores many aspects of feminine wave-riding. It celebrates more than 300 years of women's performances in surfing, from Hawaiian surfing queens to the current champions of the women's pro tour.
I enjoyed seeing the transformations of the swimsuit, from long dresses to one-piece, knitted short jumpers to two-pieces, including bloomers, boardshorts and sexy bikinis. It was interesting to learn how women influenced the trend toward lighter and shorter boards. Swimsuits from the different eras are on display, along with the choice surfboards of each of the legendary female surfers, such as Linda Benson, Marge Calhoun, Joyce Hoffman, and Lisa Anderson. Also, the actual surfboard that Bethany Hamilton was riding in 2003 when a 15 foot tiger shark bit off a big chunk of the board, along with her right arm. Yet, this courageous surfer continued to surf just two weeks after the incident.
The WOW exhibit will only be on display until the end of February so be sure you get out there to support the museum. It was only $4/ adult and $1/ student! Plus, there are a ton of great places to have a bite to eat nearby after your visit to the museum.
I enjoyed seeing the transformations of the swimsuit, from long dresses to one-piece, knitted short jumpers to two-pieces, including bloomers, boardshorts and sexy bikinis. It was interesting to learn how women influenced the trend toward lighter and shorter boards. Swimsuits from the different eras are on display, along with the choice surfboards of each of the legendary female surfers, such as Linda Benson, Marge Calhoun, Joyce Hoffman, and Lisa Anderson. Also, the actual surfboard that Bethany Hamilton was riding in 2003 when a 15 foot tiger shark bit off a big chunk of the board, along with her right arm. Yet, this courageous surfer continued to surf just two weeks after the incident.
The WOW exhibit will only be on display until the end of February so be sure you get out there to support the museum. It was only $4/ adult and $1/ student! Plus, there are a ton of great places to have a bite to eat nearby after your visit to the museum.
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| This is where we decided to eat. We got to enjoy our delicious burgers while enjoying the weather, outside on the patio. |
Saturday, February 19, 2011
When All Else Fails...
When it's raining in San Diego and the winds are howling, hitting the surf or even just a quick paddle session is not on my mind. I start looking at other options. Usually when the sun worshipers are crying because of the sudden rains, snowboarders are smiling because it just means more snow in the local mountains. Due to the passing storms, Big Bear got dumped 2 feet of snow and made for a nice visit to the mountains this weekend. The sun peeped out for a few hours mid-morning but by afternoon, snow flurries started coming down from the sky. It's so surreal snowboarding down a white-covered mountain with more snow floating down in front of you. After a while, the cold temperature kicks in and the winds start to pick up. Your face gets cold, your nose, toes and fingers get numb and then it's not so fun anymore. I hate being cold, whether it's in the water or the snow. But by the time this happened, I was satisfied with the few hours I had on the mountain and had no regrets about leaving.
So when all else fails, and the surf just isn't cooperating... try the local mountains. They're just as beautiful and engulfing as the ocean.
So when all else fails, and the surf just isn't cooperating... try the local mountains. They're just as beautiful and engulfing as the ocean.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Ready When You Are
You never know when the tides may change in your favor and you get that ultimate phone call that says, "Surf's up!...come NOW" or "I'm at Grand Caribe about to do a long distance paddle, you coming?" or "It's a beautiful day, come meet us on the beach." I'm into spontaneity so my wanna-be surf mobile needs to be stocked with what I need in a moment's notice. I don't want to have to go through a long thorough checklist of things to grab. So, most of my beach gear is already in my car, ready to roll.
I don't have a cool truck or van that makes it easy to stow whatever you need. I have a 10 year old, compact 4-door Galant as my play vehicle. It's not your ideal surf mobile but I make it work for me. I use every nook and cranny:
In my center console, I keep my sports watch, sunblock, chapstick, hairt tie and valet key (Hmmm... maybe I shouldn't have mentioned the key.)
In the back seat, I carry a 12-gallon tupperware which holds a towel (or two), hat, more sunblock, a fleece jacket (for those chilly days flat-water paddling), make-up bag with chick stuff and tie-downs.
In the trunk, I keep a couple of beach chairs, blanket, long paddle (flat-water paddling), short paddle (surfing), cooler with water and gatorade (stays in the trunk fully stocked) and gps. It took me a while to figure it out that it was easiest to just keep everything in the car instead of unloading each time and then forgetting something when I did get out to the water. So basically now, I'm ready for some fun in the sun anytime.
I don't have a cool truck or van that makes it easy to stow whatever you need. I have a 10 year old, compact 4-door Galant as my play vehicle. It's not your ideal surf mobile but I make it work for me. I use every nook and cranny:
In my center console, I keep my sports watch, sunblock, chapstick, hairt tie and valet key (Hmmm... maybe I shouldn't have mentioned the key.)
In the back seat, I carry a 12-gallon tupperware which holds a towel (or two), hat, more sunblock, a fleece jacket (for those chilly days flat-water paddling), make-up bag with chick stuff and tie-downs.
In the trunk, I keep a couple of beach chairs, blanket, long paddle (flat-water paddling), short paddle (surfing), cooler with water and gatorade (stays in the trunk fully stocked) and gps. It took me a while to figure it out that it was easiest to just keep everything in the car instead of unloading each time and then forgetting something when I did get out to the water. So basically now, I'm ready for some fun in the sun anytime.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Not Again! WTF!
You've probably already heard that a Great White was spotted 500 yards off the coast of La Jolla Cove.
The lifeguards said that the Great White was a baby, measuring about 5 feet in length. Many swimmers weren't phased and still jumped in the water because it was a baby. I don't know about you, but I'd still be scared for my life if I was approached by a 5 foot baby Great White in the water!
I've almost forgotten about the shark sightings caught on video by stand up paddler Chuck Patterson last year in San Onofre. Now that I'm reminded that we share the ocean with these large, man-chewing creatures, I hope it doesn't effect my confidence in jumping into the surf, especially at Dog Patch. I know I shouldn't be naive about sharks being in the water. But I'm better off not knowing information regarding how close sharks really are to me while I'm surfing.
The lifeguards said that the Great White was a baby, measuring about 5 feet in length. Many swimmers weren't phased and still jumped in the water because it was a baby. I don't know about you, but I'd still be scared for my life if I was approached by a 5 foot baby Great White in the water!
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| This photo is not of the shark spotted in La Jolla. |
I've almost forgotten about the shark sightings caught on video by stand up paddler Chuck Patterson last year in San Onofre. Now that I'm reminded that we share the ocean with these large, man-chewing creatures, I hope it doesn't effect my confidence in jumping into the surf, especially at Dog Patch. I know I shouldn't be naive about sharks being in the water. But I'm better off not knowing information regarding how close sharks really are to me while I'm surfing.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Ready for Breakfast #3
If you've driven the 5 North Freeway past San Clemente, then you've probably seen this sign before:
So many years I've driven past this sign and wondered about the restaurant. The understated sign always stirred my curiosity but I never stopped to eat there until recently. It's located a few miles north of my favorite surf spot, DogPatch. When you walk into the restaurant, you're greeted by classic actors such as Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Charles Bronson plastered on the walls in black and white. The booths are a two-toned blue and white leather, all named after different legendary icons.
I'm an omelette fiend. So I've tried their greek omelette, veggie and the classic ham and cheese. They were all delicious! They not only cook up great breakfasts but they stir up a mean shake as well. After a hard core surf session, a shake with breakfast is your hard earned bonus.
So next time, don't just drive by Tommy's. Take the next exit and visit them for a scrumptious breakfast!
So many years I've driven past this sign and wondered about the restaurant. The understated sign always stirred my curiosity but I never stopped to eat there until recently. It's located a few miles north of my favorite surf spot, DogPatch. When you walk into the restaurant, you're greeted by classic actors such as Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Charles Bronson plastered on the walls in black and white. The booths are a two-toned blue and white leather, all named after different legendary icons.
I'm an omelette fiend. So I've tried their greek omelette, veggie and the classic ham and cheese. They were all delicious! They not only cook up great breakfasts but they stir up a mean shake as well. After a hard core surf session, a shake with breakfast is your hard earned bonus.
So next time, don't just drive by Tommy's. Take the next exit and visit them for a scrumptious breakfast!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I'm Ready to Visit the Family
I'm a google-maniac when it comes to Stand Up Paddling. I especially love to search You Tube for cool SUP flicks. I've visited the PI (Philippines) many times to visit family but don't recall ever seeing surf like this. Or perhaps, I was looking through non-experienced lenses when the ocean was just the ocean. Now every time I pass by a large body of water, I see a playground!
Let me know if you can identify what part of the PI Islands this is at. I'm supposed to be going next year. I know... the swells are probably too big for me here but I'm thinking that somewhere nearby there may be something more manageable for me. Instead of just basking in the sun like I usually do, I'd like to hit the surf. So if you know where the great spots are for SUP surfing or flat-water paddling, give me some insight.
Let me know if you can identify what part of the PI Islands this is at. I'm supposed to be going next year. I know... the swells are probably too big for me here but I'm thinking that somewhere nearby there may be something more manageable for me. Instead of just basking in the sun like I usually do, I'd like to hit the surf. So if you know where the great spots are for SUP surfing or flat-water paddling, give me some insight.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Can't Get You Off My Mind
6:30am Yep, my day starts early. I love getting into work before everyone else does and I get to leave when everyone else is just getting into the groove. I wonder what the surf forecast is for today.
7:04am I have breakfast at my desk while I check my emails (work and personal).
8:22am I always find time to check the surf report. It's looking good. And it looking even better through the weekend. It's definitely a surf weekend... but when is it not? I wonder if my buddy wants to head to Dogpatch this weekend? (My favorite spot to surf.)
10:01am I'm sitting at my desk looking out the window wondering if I could get out early today. The sun is luring me outside. If I can just get through all this paperwork... Did I bring my baseball hat?
10:02am I've decided, I'm finishing early today!
11:30am I'm heading home for a quick lunch. At home, I grabbed my swimsuit, paddle and racked my board.
12:05pm I can finish my work in the next couple of hours and be out paddling by 2:30pm. Focus! Did I grab the right paddle? Last time I accidentally grabbed my shorter surfing paddle. It wasn't great on my back.
1:32pm I'm almost done! The winds are howling today but I'm ready for the SUP workout. I do hope I grabbed the longer paddle.
1:54pm Yippee, all done with my deskwork! It's time to change into more appropriate attire for stand-up paddling.
2:03pm I'm outta here! Heading to Grand Caribe for a 4-mile paddle session.
Gotta love it!
7:04am I have breakfast at my desk while I check my emails (work and personal).
8:22am I always find time to check the surf report. It's looking good. And it looking even better through the weekend. It's definitely a surf weekend... but when is it not? I wonder if my buddy wants to head to Dogpatch this weekend? (My favorite spot to surf.)
5 DAY SURF CONDITIONS
*Hint-click day for summary conditions and weather forecast10:01am I'm sitting at my desk looking out the window wondering if I could get out early today. The sun is luring me outside. If I can just get through all this paperwork... Did I bring my baseball hat?
10:02am I've decided, I'm finishing early today!
11:30am I'm heading home for a quick lunch. At home, I grabbed my swimsuit, paddle and racked my board.
12:05pm I can finish my work in the next couple of hours and be out paddling by 2:30pm. Focus! Did I grab the right paddle? Last time I accidentally grabbed my shorter surfing paddle. It wasn't great on my back.
1:32pm I'm almost done! The winds are howling today but I'm ready for the SUP workout. I do hope I grabbed the longer paddle.
1:54pm Yippee, all done with my deskwork! It's time to change into more appropriate attire for stand-up paddling.
2:03pm I'm outta here! Heading to Grand Caribe for a 4-mile paddle session.
Gotta love it!
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