No Mas, No Mas

I tried my hand at surfing today, taking advantage of the full-moon surf and the small crowds on the beach. After all if you are going to flail away in the ocean it's nice to have as few witnesses as possible. Anyways, I thought I was fairly well prepared having watched a video on u-tube demonstrating proper technique and spending the last several days intently studying the surfers while I drank my beer. Sure people have mentioned that I might want to try a lesson but come on I snowboard, ski, skate, boogie board, waterski, rollerblade, pretty much any sort of balance sport other than surfing I have given a go so how hard could it be. Well as the photos below illustrate perhaps a lesson wouldn't hurt.

See how carefully I study the surf break. The guy on U-Tube said this was essential for a successful surf experience and something many beginners don't take enough time to do.

Ahhhh....... here I am wading out my weapon firmly in hand ready to do battle with the Posiden and his minions.
















Looking good paddling out, confident, nice form, possibly a high point of the whole experience right here.

Yes, just like I had visualized on the beach, spot the swell, feel rise, paddle for the break.....

Houston we have a problem! I am not sure what went wrong I just know that it kept going wrong over and over and over. Apparently when people say you should try a lesson they are not always full of crap. Either that or I had a faulty board, which at this point I haven't entirely ruled out as some 11 year old girl was beside me and she seemed to have no problem getting up so obviously there was some equipment issues.

Of course, at least I would be able to stand proud in front of my boys having shown them that the only true failure comes in never trying. That was until I saw the photos of their reaction to my surfing, I think they missed the lesson.