August 17, 2021 - Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Goleta, CA

 I usually like to keep these posts to just surfing, but sometimes I includes times that I used a boogie board or body surfed, as long as there was surf.  This was part of our west coast trip and we had stayed with Lance and Thuy at a really cool Airbnb in Goleta, CA.  There was a beach that you could walk to that was virtually empty of people.  Waves were small shore break and not surfable, but I did find a crappy old waterlogged boogie board to catch a few waves on.  The water was cool and I wore my 2 mil top that I brought.  It was fun, but too bad I didn't get to do any real surfing. 

June 28, 2021 - The Wall, Hampton, NH

 Decided to take the day off to take Mel and Lillian to the beach.  This was the beginning of a heat wave but water was ice cold again with very small waves.  But because we got there realtively early at 9:15 AM, there were some decent waves and wind hadn't knocked them down yet.  I got a bunch of fun liitle rides on the McT most of them crouchers cause of the offshore wind.  Unforntunaltly, by the time Mel got in the water, the surf was done, but she floated around.  If you arent' experienced with surf conditions, you don't know how quickly it can change due to wind and tides.  Fun morning though.  Hit Five guys in seabrook after.  Crappy photo.

June 20, 2021 - The Wall, Hampton, NH

 First day out this year and it was Father's Day.  It was me, Laura and Evan.  They had recently installed some new rock steps down to the water on 10th Street, which was nice.  Waves were small but fun.  Used the Ricky Carroll and starting to like this board for it's manuverability.  Water was ice cold.  Ate at the Secret Spot, burritos and smoothies and went into CR's for first time since pandemic.  Didn't really take any photos, but took some water videos with new action cam.

October 20, 2020 - The Wall, Hampton Beach, NH

 In this work at home era, it is unacceptable to not use it to my advantage in constructing my own recreation schedule.  That's why I went surfing this morning.  I packed the new Ricky Carroll into the Prius and shop to the wall on this 55 degree mostly cloudy morning.  It's been a long time since I have surfed in the fall and this reminded me of the good ol days surfing with Larry.  There were not many people out and I parked at 8th St.  Surf was actually bigger than I expected with clear sets coming through, but somewhat bumpy with a slight rip current.  I wore full gear including booties, gloves and hood.  There were some big sets coming through and I'd say there were some sets that were head high, but mostly waist-chest.  Caught a couple good ones (rights seem to be preferred), but it was mostly a struggle and (good) workout.  Definitely had some dramatic wipeouts/whitewashes.  Some nice cryogenic benefits of the cooler water.   This might inspire me to use the winter suit this winter.

September 4, 2020 - The Wall, Hampton Beach, NH

 This was the Friday before Labor Day Weekend and I planned to take Mel surfing.  Little did I know the surf would be so good!  It was ground swell from a OMAR out at sea.  It was nice waist- chest sets.  Probably the biggest surf that Melissa has been in.  We found a good spot on the southern part of the wall and she tried and bailed on a few, all in great fun.  I caught many waves, mostly rights, but two rights that were just so long and one that Mel caught on video.  Another surfer was filming with his go pro and gave me a big thumbs up and shout! My arms were sore for days, in a good way.  This is why I love surfing so much!

August 14, 2020 - The Wall, Hampton Beach NH

 Day 3 of surf camping trip.  Did I surf this day?  Maybe.  Met a guy named Brig, who was really nice.  He was having some much fun swimming and paddleboarding even in tiny waves.  Said he had just move here from VA.  I took a swim and it was actually more fun than surfing.  Nice clear water.  Also tried the paddle board and discovered that it is just not a board you want to use in surf.

August 13, 2020 - The Wall, Hampton Beach NH

 Day 2 of early beaching.  Did I even surf this day?  Can't remember.