Dawn Patrol in San Diego

Tourmaline Surfing Park

Butch and I got up at 4 am to drive to San Diego from his house in La Quinta. Waves were waist to head high and glassy. We both rode our inflatible paddle boards. His is 10' Uli and mine a 9'3'' C4.

The Inflatible boards are a fun challenge. You really have to concentrate on riding the board. We surfed off the point in the distance. The tide was low and big rocks and ledges were sticking out of the water. Since the swell was alittle inconsistant many waves broke only a few feet from dry rock. The waves hit these hollow boils caused by the rocks under water and the water sucks out from the bottom of the wave. The inflatible boards are slower and made these sections a real challenge.

I also almost ran over a surfer girl that had turned around and was paddling toward shore when i caught a head high set wave. I was in a wide leg stance just trying to steer away from her when she looked back over shoulder to see me coming right at her. The look she had on her face was priceless! I missed her, but it made me laugh thinking of riding over her on the inflatible board.I know, it shouldn't.

"Santa, all I want for Chrismas is a set of waist high glassy waves."

I guess I was a good little boy this year! DW got this sequence today. Thanks D! What a week for waves.

Next week I might get some San Diego shots with the "blow up doll".

SUP n' Surf At Masonboro

Tough economic times turns a paddle board into a tow boat. I glued an Easy Plug to the bottom nose of my surfboard and one to the back of my paddle board, in order to tow my surfboard across to Masonboro. It worked great. I used the surf board leash to attach the two. Not only can I have both boards with me but I have an extra leash if one brakes. I also found it just as easy to wear the leash instead of attaching it to the paddle board. It's probably safer as well.





For what I could tell, it takes about 8 minutes to paddle back across against the tide and wind. The toughest part is transporting the boards and paddle to the water. The traditional paddle board "shoulder carry" seems to be easier than the hand grip with gloves on.



Paddling out not quick enough (part 1).

Paddling out not quick enough (part 2).

Not paddling out quick enough (part3).

FUN surf with nobody out. I didn't see anyone coming or going. A weekend rarity at mas. Thigh to chest high with perfect shape and light NNW winds. Great for paddle boarding.