This one is in the category of “keep an open mind and miracles happen”.
Seaside (2018 Nov 8) Rights on lefts. I really didn’t think George’s ‘day trips’ to Sesaside could possibly be enjoyable, since GB had joined in for more than a few I finally decided to give one a try to find out for myself. 2 am start. On the way down GB said, “Don’t worry at dawn everything will become clear.” Arrived for dawn at Seaside at 7:30 to frost on the rocks- but it was supposed to be a high of 15? Quick oceanside parking lot breakfast (for me) and then we took to the water (George, GB and myself). Lots of variety – wedging waves, point break lefts in the cove and rights on the main beach. Spent most of my time catching lefts in the cove (even rode one switch), but tried forcing a right on several lefts (hard not to head in your favoured direction). Light crowd, but predictable take-off zone in the cove made for more than a little friendly competition and some limited elbow room at times. We were treated to more than a few hours of glassy waves and light off-shore wind. Then a brief push of north wind late in the session that lifted as quickly as it arrived. Easy to get out in the point break conditions (a little harder further down the beach), but still managed to take a few on the head in the cove. A touch of roll caused by the waves reflecting off the rock shoreline in the cove (glad I took the larger board out). Waves entertained us until about noon. This spot reminds me of Jordan River (baby-head rocks along the shore line, point break, rip to ride back out) except for the sand bottom, everything being in reverse, and friendly locals (what a treat). It was everything George said the forecast was telling him it would be – sunny blue bird sky, slight offshore wind, chest-high to overhead waves, and smiles – lots and lots of smiles. For my first session at Seaside, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Quote of the session:Local guy walking his dog: “I come down here every day and these are some of the best waves I have seen all year!”
Me: “Awesome day for sure!”
(smiles)
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SlideshowShort Sands (2018 Nov 8) Natural. Second first of the day (for me). Beautiful state park - Oswald West. Late afternoon cool-down session at Short Sands. Smaller waves, but more punch. Some fun drops against the south headland. Was treated to some incredible back-light moments of both George and GB riding waves in the evening sunset (I will have to bring the old Olympus and waterproof housing next time). The rides got a little shorter as the waves got a little thumpy as the ebbing tide drained the water from the cove, but there were still some soft shoulders to be had. Lots of stoke, a few good solid hits, and a few party waves! George and GB closed down the session. Thanks to Gorge and GB for choosing a gentler day for my first trip and for reserving the bigger day ‘mauling’ for a future trip. Special thanks to George for driving home! Not only was the ‘day trip’ doable, it was super fun! I definitely enjoyed my first surf SUP charter!
Quote of the session:Me (late in the session): “I was starting to get a touch frustrated at a sting of rejections. That was not the way I wanted to end such a great day, but that last one was fun!”
George “That’s it, we just have to be patient and we’ll get some good ones.”
Then we both proceeded to pounce on anything that held even modest promise, with generally good outcomes.
(smiles and laughter as we realized we were ignoring our own advice)
George (late in the day as the sun was going down): “You must be full now from all the waves caught today?”
Me: “Not quite full yet. So many waves, so little time.”
But in the end I was the first of our lingering trio to leave the water, fully satisfied with the day and was treated to truly spectacular sunset flooding the valley with glowing orange light as I crossed the walking bridge back up the trail from the beach. Perfect! Just perfect!
(smiles)
Boarder Guard: “Purpose of your trip?”
George: “Day trip to Seaside to surf.”
Boarder Guard: “Did you stay overnight?”
George: “No. Just a day trip. Just under 24 hours.”
(puzzled look)
Gallery (better for mobile devices)
Slideshow