Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Mon., Oct. 14th, 2019: Be Your Own Surf Report

Loc: El Porto, 45th St.

Time: 0800-0900

Conditions: glassy, 2 Ft.

Board: Zippifish

            Don’t always put full stock into Surfline. In fact, I had my eye on both Surfline and Magic Seaweed, and all I could tell is that one of them was lying to me. In any event, Surfline definitely forecasted the surf to be so lackluster that only a fool would even bother doing a surf check. Well, lucky for me, I am a fool.

            I scored free parking where I normally do and trudged my way down to 45th. I wasn’t expecting much, I hadn’t really seen a wave break before I parked, but I did notice a few heads out. Once I made it down to the lot and saw the other surfers out there, I truly felt like I understood. Yes, I never thought I’d be the surfer who sees ankle slappers and says, “Fuck yes, this is me, this is who I am! I am stoked!” And now, to see how many other surfers still opted to paddle out despite the forecast, I truly realize that I am one of them. I am that guy who just wants to paddle out every day. I see my future self, old and weathered, still doing this routine for as long as I can.

            So I paddled out at 45th. Nothing to really see here. I didn’t expect much, so I was fine just waiting for some ankle slappers, and then it happened. It was bigger than ankle slappers. We’re talking thigh and hip slappers! But the waves were breaking a little long and fast. I would’ve been better off with the Skipper, but I thought it’d be weaker.

            Even then, the surf still got a little better. With the tide going higher, there were these occasional set waves that broke further out at about waist high. I still pulled in, never making it out, but it was a lot funner than expected; better than both Goldenwest and the local afternoon sesh on Saturday.

            I don’t have any memorable rides, but I just remember feeling good, like I had scored. Despite the forecast, I chanced it and had to see and experience it for myself, and it was well worth it.




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