Loc: Manhattan Beach
Time: 0815-0930
Conditions: 1-2 FT, overcast, light
onshore, uncrowded
Board: Zippifish
Since
the tide’s drained out, I decide to hit the surf a little later this morning.
The consequence to this decision will be the wind. Leaving El Segundo, I
already see the some flags blowing onshore, but at least it’s sunny, that is
until I reach Vista Del Mar, and then it’s Seattle all over again.
Driving
past Dockweiler, the conditions look bearable. Some textured lines are rolling
in consistently. If it’s good here, it must be all right everywhere else.
When
I reach my surf spot, I see that there’s barely anyone out. It’s smaller here.
Tide’s still drained. Ankle and knee slappers stand up and race away from the lack
of water. Well, I got the Zippifish. What’s an hour of my morning just to fut
around and get wet? With zero expectations, I make my trek down the hill. A
couple local heroes are watching the surf from the lot, but their body language
says that they’re going home. Don’s parked there, already in his wetsuit and
pulling out his board. There’s one.
I
take my time warming up. Could be some little trimmers out there once the tide
picks up. I walk three quarters of the way out to the lineup before I hop on my
board to paddle the rest of the distance, and then I turn back around because
nothing’s breaking outside. The forecast is finally true. Two days ago it
wasn’t. Consistent three feet it was. Even yesterday was double the size as
today. 1-2 FT. It was an anomaly that wasn’t supposed to happen, but now it’s
gone.
Despite
how small the waves are, my Zippi’s catching every little bump that swings my
way. Some occasional two-footers actually have a little umph in them. I go left
on one, pump, and actually get to the open shoulder. Since the waves are slower
this morning, my frontside feels much better, so I cram in a little bottom turn
and a smack off the lip.
I
hear a hoot when the ride’s over. It’s Don. He gives the nod of approval.
To
give respect to the local vets, I actually paddle away. I want to give these
guys room. This morning, it’s Don. Also, I like wearing earplugs, and it’s a
bitch having a conversation with them, and I’d hate to ask The King of 26th
Street to repeat himself.
In
the process of paddling away and securing my own little spot, I catch so many
little waves that no one paddles by me. Everyone else is north of the tower
towards the Brick House.
Halfway
through the session, Miles comes out. A couple other old timers, too. Cool dudes.
I
get another long left. Miles shoots me a smile on the inside.
Checking
my Vivofit2, I see that I’ve moved covered about a mile of distance. I’ve been
out for an hour and fifteen minutes. That’s good enough for an ankle-slapper
session.
I’ll
say it again. I had discounted this big blue Zippi, but it’s so nice to have a
board that works well in meager conditions. I’d like to be a dedicated
shortboarder, but I think being dedicated to the ocean is more important. Even
Don, a guy who rips in dredging surf, is out here on suitable equipment for
small waves. It’s about the stoke, nothing else.
 |
| Short session with lots of small waves, but covered more distance than yesterday in less time. |
 |
| Wave activity. |
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