Stretch and Kick

Lindamar prepfest, and power to them.  Stretching is good for you.

I did my own bare minimum of stretching before I paddled out and learned my own lesson that I need to be in better shape, better paddling shape, for the next outing.  Kayak-paddling muscles aren't quite the same ones, quite apparently, as board-paddling muscles.  I paddled the (soft) board out, and I realized quickly that I lacked oomph and push.  I made my way somewhat nervously beyond the breakers, not ready for a spin and ride nor for a silly wipeout, and rested.  Hmmmm.  I'm not moving very quickly and am tiring fast.  Realizations are good.  I paddled about for the practice, the exercise,  but slowly, slowly, slowly.  I tried a couple of waves, and then returned to the beach, chastened.  But happy.  Still counts, you know.

Then, I put the 9' board back on the truck's racks, and I pulled out fins, mask, and boogie board and went back out for a while.

Beach Time!

Sandy, salty, sunburnt, and sore-muscled: all the signs of a good day at the beach.

Red Board, Ready To Go

This kid was going for the good ones: boogie boarding. Here's he's jamming to get in a better position as the next set approaches.

Another shot of that kid: he's cresting one wave as he heads towards the best position for the next. (He made me feel slow, as I kicked along with my fins.)

If you click on the picture, you can see the crest of one wave with the kid at the apex, and then the crest of the next wave behind the first. The two waves have slightly different textures and colors here.

Waiting for a good wave, waiting for his turn.