Pimpin' My Ride

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I heart DogPatch

I LOVE surfing! I also love DogPatch. If you've never been to the 'Patch, you really need to make time for a trip to the spot- especially if you're just learning how to stand up paddle surf. DogPatch is such a great spot for beginners because it's an easy wave, there's nothing life threatening about the surf out there. Also, the 'Patch is a paddle friendly spot so there's no worry about stepping on any surfer's toes as long as you stay in the designated paddle area. My favorite thing about the spot is that it's a gathering spot for old friends as well as great place to make new ones- the place just has a good vibe about it. Show up at the 'Patch with some hotdogs, a grill and cooler with drinks to share and you'll fit right in. 

Me, my 9'5 Boga Bullet and a little right hand peeler = smiley face! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are the things I'm thankful for this year:

1. My beautiful daughter and my loving family- duh, always first on my list. 

2. My friends. 

3. My health.

4. The opportunities I've been given and the luck that has graced me this year.

5. That I learned how to surf. Really. I think learning how to handle myself in the ocean and being able to actually ride waves has changed my life for the better. I've learned lessons in patience and humility, I've met surfers and water people who've inspired me and I think my world has expanded in a positive way.

Funny, I actually spent this Thanksgiving morning surfing with my brother and friends at DogPatch. We roasted hot dogs, smothered them in chili and drank a couple incognito cocktails. The wind backed down, the tide dropped and I had a great time. Surfing and Thanksgiving- they definitely go together.

Good times-- Surfing for Thanksgiving with my bro.

It's called a quiver....

What a crazy day of surfing today! First of all, I'm way out of my 'hood. For the last three days I've been up in northern California touring college campuses with my daughter (Stanford... wow.). I've been able to hook up with my sponsors at Boga and surf a couple spots outside of Santa Cruz. 

We ended up surfing Davenport landing today- and it was a challenge. The water up here is different. In the first place, it's really cold- the kind of cold that hits you in the middle of your body- deep inside. I wore a fullsuit, booties and was wishing I brought my hood. Secondly, there's a lot more going on- the chop is a little more punchy, the surf a little bit more powerful and everything about the place just seems a bit more raw. 

We paddled out into tough conditions, I was on the 9'5 Bullet- my "go-to" board. Today I learned that you need to be flexible- you've got to let the conditions dictate what you ride. Even though I love the Bullet- for me, today, it wasn't the best choice. I could barely stand up on the thing. That's why serious surfers have quivers, collections of boards of different lengths, dimensions and functions. Mid-way through the session I was able to switch out to a bigger wider board and I immediately felt more comfortable. Don't get me wrong- I didn't rip the place, that will come with more experience and water time. The big take-away for me was this- there's a right board for the condition and I'm working on building my quiver- Bogas of course!

Dreaming of warm water, fun waves and lots of good food... south!

Found this photo on my hard drive and it really hit home- I think I was built for warm water, sunshine and fun waves:

I can't wait to get back down south- this photo has that dreamy, after-surf feel to it... take me back!

Mission Bay Paddling: There's a lot to see! - Part II

While paddling around Mission Bay last week, we ran into this guy:

He decorated his kayak for the Row for the Cure.  Row for the Cure is an event that raises awareness and funds to support the fight against breast cancer.  You can support the cause on water or on land.

I wasn't sure if Oty was going to make it to the race
and I was very happy to see her watching at the starting line.

Today I participated in my 5th Race for the Cure in memory of my good friend, Joanna Colada Domingo and in honor of my friends-  Oty, MJ and Lisa.  Breast cancer is such a devastating disease and I have unfortunately witnessed the impact it has had on some of my friends.  If you participated in the race today--- kudos.  If you didn't, there is always next year.

A BIG hug and thank you to my team, Save Our TaTas!  You guys rock!

Some of my team members in the background:
John, Bree and Nikki

Surf Food

Here are the three things that define surf food:

1) There's got to be a lot of it;
2) It's got to be relatively cheap;
3) It's got to be within 10 minutes of a surf spot.

One of my favorite surf food spots: Pizza Port!




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