I haven’t really been updating this thing…so here’s a quick and dirty update…
Went up to Whistler with Bid (aka Alicia Bidwell) and her friends. I could NOT believe how beautiful British Columbia is, and Vancouver, and the drive up on the Sea To Sky highway (coolest name for a road ever). And then the mountain itself…the view from the peak was incredible. We were above the clouds and the treeline, and it felt like I was on another planet. Truly an experience I will never forget.
Sometimes I’m kinda glad I didn’t travel much up until about a year ago. I think I’m appreciating the variety of the world so much more, and I don’t take it for granted.
The surf here has not been too great. Very small and weak, and it’s frustrating. Had a few fun sessions on Quadzilla, and last night some dolphins swam VERY close to me, I’m talking like 8 feet away. It really startled me! They were also surfing. I love how dolphins play around. They ride waves just like surfers. Last night was a surprise session…almost too many fun waist high waves and only me and a couple other people. Then it kinda turned off and got crowded. Them’s the breaks.
I don’t know how the Californians do it…afternoon sessions are torture because you’re looking straight west at the sun. On Long Island we’re facing primarily South/Southeast, so we don’t really have that problem.
I surfed Swami’s yesterday, and I’m over it. Yeah, wasn’t the best day there since the waves were weak and small, but on a shortboard it’s just an exercise in frustration. Too many people in such a small area. I’ll take a beachbreak any day.
Two weeks ago I spent a few days visiting with Betty and Evelyn in Santa Barbara. We surfed the iconic Rincon, and the talent level there is unbelievable. Kelly Slater was there, and I was in the lineup 5 feet away from him. I didn’t talk to him, but it was neat to share the lineup with such a living legend. He has the most beautiful green eyes…you have to see them in person.
I’m going to Oahu on March 19th! I am sooooo stoked. I want to surf, but I’m a little worried because I keep hearing all about how much power is in the waves in Hawaii, and how it’s a whole different surfing animal altogether. However, we’ll be visiting with Cat, and hopefully she can point me to an easier spot.