33rd to 26th Paddle, WED 02OCT2013 MOR

Loc: 33^rd - 26^th

Crew: Gary, Russ, John A., Klaude, Joyce  

Conditions: 2-3 FT

     I score parking on 33^rd Street, right by the fitness center where all the Manhattan Milfs workout at in the morning. When I walk down to the 33^rd Street tower, I see Gary, Russ, and Rick’s brother John A. I paddle out behind John and paddle next to him undetected. We’re about thigh to thigh when he looks over and sees me.

     “It’s pretty fun,” he says. I look over and wave at the rest of the guys who I know. Russ is there with his crew of people who I don’t know, it’s like unfamiliar gang territory, so I’m weary on taking waves right away.

     John goes ape shit on a right. Even though the waves aren’t that big, he’s getting these fast, backhand slashes—three in a row. If Rick is like a dad to me then John A. is like an uncle, and I’m stoked for his stoke.

     I pass up a couple good lefts to make sure that their pack keeps integrity on their spot, so I end up paddling more south for a quiet exit.

     On the way to the brick house, I run into Don Kadowaki. “The crowd’s pushing their way over here,” he says.

     Fuck. I feel kind of bad because I am part of the crowd too, so I push it a little further south.

     In front of 26^th, I see Calvin and Tom. It looks more crowded there, so I stay in my spot. I don’t catch the most significant rides, but I’m busy enough to be satisfied.

     Tom and Calvin drift further south towards Marine, and then I spot Klaude in front of 26^th. I paddle over there to say what’s up.

     “I was by the brick house,” I say.

     “Really?” says Klaude. “It looks crowded over there.”

     I look around. “Nah, man. It’s way more crowded here.” Not only that, the waves here aren’t as consistent. But solo sessions get old, it’s nice to see familiar faces in the water, and I’m happy to catch a little of Klaude before he heads out to work.