August 12, 2020 The Wall, Hampton Beach NH

 This was a three night camp trip to Wakeda with our pop-up.  A pretty nice trip actually, except for the extreme humidity.  Because we have a new pup, we went to the beach first thing in the morning and left by about 11:00 AM.  First day, we got up and went to the Wall.  Surf was tiny the who week, but this was probably the best of the tiny days.  

July 16, 2020 - The Wall Hampton Beach, NH

 Catching up on surf log entries.  Took the day off to take Melissa and Lillian to the Wall.  I don't think I chose the day because of big surf, but was just not busy at work.  I don't think Melissa even brought her board.  Surf was not too memorable, maybe slightly messy and knee high.  The air was slightly cold, but water was really warm.  Lillian tried surfing. I asked her if she was OK, and she was like " Oh ya I got this, no problem.  No, she needed a lesson.  Anyways, good excuse to get out.  We went by several burrito places, but the girls had to have five guys.  It think this was my first time back into a restaurant since the start of COVID.

June 27, 2020 - The Wall, Hampton Beach, NH

Early Saturday morning trip to the Wall to get a parking spot.  Half the spots are blocked due to the restrictions, but we had no problem getting a spot around 6th St.  Waves were MUCH cleaner and wind was calm, so conditions were pleasant and good for teaching.  The surf reports always say flat or ankle high, but the waves always seem to be knee to maybe waist.  We stayed out there for maybe an hour and a half, and I instructed Mel a bit.  She was able to get up late on a couple waves.  I caught several, but they were pretty short rides, but fun and clean.  Love have a new surf buddy!  We got ice cream at the Beach Plum after and the kiddie sizes are HUGE!...and my ice cream fell off the cone.

June 14, 2020 - The Wall, Hampton Beach, NH

First surf of 2020 and first surf of the pandemic.  I bought a new 8.5 ft Ricky Carroll long board for $400 used.  It's in nice condition and I plan to have Melissa use it and anyone else that wants to go with me.  I'll be selling the 7' WRV.  First things first, we stopped at CR to get Mel a new wetsuit.  She tried on a bunch and ended up with a 3/2 Hyperflex.  I think it cost more than my 4/3.  Surf at the Wall was small and messy wind swell, so it took a lot out of you to paddle out and position.  Not good waves for teaching, but I did get a few rides.  Mel had a hard time getting these, but had fun.

September 22, 2019 - The Wall, Hampton Beach, NH

I was really trying to get out for the Hurricane Humberto Swell that was big the last 2 days, but these Sunday leftovers were very fun!  Its great when the surf exceeds your expectations!  Mel was busy at a birthday party, so it was me , Evan, Laura and Bubbie on this 85 deg summer like day (and weekend).  We went to the wall, but the tide was higher than I thought it would be, and we ran out beach pretty quick.  Nonetheless, I surfed for a good amount of time.  Really fun longboard waves with medium length rides.  Probably waist high at best, but fun, fun fun.  I talked to some guy in the water that looked like Ralph the surf photographer and blogger.  Not sure if it was him, but looked just like him.  Water is still warm.  I could have stayed in the water all day.  Any day when you get 20-30 rides is a good one!

July 14, 2019 - The Wall, Hampton, NH

We planned this one out pretty good.  The plan was to drop off Evan at Scout Camp in Northwood NH and then hit the wall at low tide on the "way back".  It was a big circle, but not too bad.  Ate a huge lunch before, so we were fueled up and bogged down.  Found parking pretty easily at the wall.  This was my chance to surf with Mel after her week at surf camp!!  It was really cool to have someone to go out with again.  I rarely have the chance to surf with anyone.  Conditions looked good from afar, but the small knee-thigh waves were really hard to catch early and you had to get them late.  If you did get one, it was a very short ride and you risked hitting swimmers or ending up in 2 feet of water.  Mel actually got up on a wave for a split second and then did a face plant into the water.  Water was really warm and the day was hot.  My arms are still a little sore 3 days later.  Must be getting old.  I need to trade in that WRV for another long board for Mel so we can continue to do this!

May 26, 2019 - Jeness Beach, Rye NH

Writing this exactly one month later, but I think I remember this session.  This was our 17th anniversary!  It was beach weather, but the ocean was still only 50 deg.  Waves were pretty big at the wall and I hadn't surfed in a while, so we went up to Jeness.  Parking was ridiculous, as usual, especially at 2 PM.  Wore my booties and gloves.  Had to catch these waves pretty late, but got some good lefts and a really nice long right on my longboard.  Generally waist high stuff.  I usually don't surf this early in the year, so this was nice.