Tuesday, August 19, 2008

"Catching Waves"

SO during my week down the shore, I boggie boarded for the first time since I was around the age of 14.

The first day I went out I hit the beaches with my friend Justina (same one the previous post) and apperently its not like riding a bike.

First off we went to Whale Beach in Sea Isle, mainly because the waves are better there usually but also because people don't really go to that beach. Most people crowd the down town Sea Isle City beaches just off JFK, if you dont mind being a bit far from a bathroom or a place to eat than Whale Beach is pretty awesome. THey also dont hassle you at all for beach tags, and if you dont have them and have gone that far you might as well just drive an extra mile or two to Strathmere where they never ask for them.

The first day was a Monday after a stormy Sunday down the shore. Justina had the boogie boards so I figured why the hell not try it. The first day the waves were pretty crazy as result of the previous day of storms. I couldn't even stay on my board. Many times getting knocked off and not really riding at all.

There were many surfers and they were doing crazy things on their boards. Zipping up and down the wave, going parrell with the beach.
One time I had my back to the waves while watching this guy doing all kinds of moves on his board, even zig zagging around my capsized friend. While this happened a giant wave came up from behind me and knocked me right off my board. The safey wrist thing came undone and the board when zooming to the beach.

I darted after it yelling to Justina it was cool (they were actually her 9 yearold sisters boards so she was paranoid about us wrecking them) she at the time thought my running to the beach was shark related.

Various times I think I came close to death. Several times I realized the water I was in was way too deep for me to stand. Including one time when it took me about 5mins to paddle to standable land. I thought for a second I would be the big story on action news. But I didn't get sucked out or ride any waves.

The 2nd day I realized that I was doing something wrong as my friend was riding them to the beach like it was nothing. I did manage to ride a few but not that far before flipping off. The 3rd day my friend Rick came day he got quite a few laughes at us. But! I started actually riding the much smalled waves that time. That Friday (when both my firends were gone) I went to the beach and rented a board, and FINALLY was riding them pretty well to the beach.

Again on Friday the waves were dangerous. However, since I had to rent the board downtown I boarded on the crowded beach making me have to naviage through people standing there randomly and not crashing into other boarders(sea isle has assigned board beaches so many others were out there).

This time the waves were worse than Monday, or better I guess. THey would litterally crash over my head when I was only up to my waist in the water. A few times I was knocked off my feet and drug to shore by the board, because I wasnt in position.

One time when I think I was pretty airborne, a few times I got all the way to the sand. One of the best rides became a bit akward when I realized I run someone over. I flipped myself over to see what I hit. It was small boy who was clearly knocked under water by me and my board. THe kid was shaking his head and getting to his feet slowly.

"Sorry little man"
I offered him.
Then another huge wave crashed and hit us both. I really felt bad, but I didnt see him. I felt even worse when I saw the brace on his knee.

I went back out an hour later or so, and the waves were just insane. Just one after the other. My friend Justina wants us to learn to surf , actual surf next year. I am told it usually takes an entire summer to able to even stand up. So you have to look like a buffon and almost die several times before its actually fun. I am also certain I would likely die or break something if I tried it. Maybe next summer I will feel more dangerous. However, for now I will stick to the belly down, face foward position and taking kids out left and right like there is no tomorrow.

7 comments:

sarah said...

hey keith

sarah said...

hey keith

keith said...

hey just cause duke moved away forever and ever and drew died doesnt mean we still cant be friends.

If you ever do a south jersey wine tour again count me in.

I lost your number ages ago. OUt of pure laziness never programing it into my phone.

By the way this is Keith Awesome not that other keith you smoke cigars with.

sarah said...

are you ready for our birthdays this year? we should drink heavily again.

keith said...

it will be the last year of my 20s i might as well start it off with a monster hang over.

keith said...

it will be the last year of my 20s i might as well start it off with a monster hang over.

sarah said...

same here. you will always be 1 day older than me old man!