Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Paddle Out in the Storm
Surf: 4-10ft, 20s period. Raining, Windy.
Gear: RipCurl G-Bomb and 7’4 roundtail.
We’ve had storm after storm the last few months. I’ve watched the buoys spike, heard the rain pounding away at my windows, and grumbled about how it was soo big and too rough to go out. I had a new wetsuit and a new board but no beautiful day to try them both out on.
Sometimes you have to suck it up and take on unruly surf.
Josh talked me in to a dawn patrol at Lindy. Long period waves were pitching into closeouts but I did manage to paddle out AND paddle back in without getting stomped. Didn’t catch a wave, but got to claim some success in at least getting out in conditions I’m not comfortable with.
The waves were really beautiful, giant blue-grey walls on a big grey black sky. Slices of whitewater peaking through right before it slammed shut in a curtain of whitewater and a roar of spray. Not too shabby too look it. The rain wasn’t mixing well with the salt water so there was a sliver layer on top disappearing into the sea. Pretty cool.
The new wetsuit is amazing. Warm, flexible, no flushing. I’ve always liked my old suit. It’s sturdy, warm and comfortable, but the G Bomb is very toasty. Even in the pouring rain and howling winds I stayed warm and even a little dry. Definitely digging the upgrade.
No Comments » - Posted in surfing by Tracey
Saturday, July 19th, 2008
New Wetsuit!
Conditions: 4-7ft waves breaking really hard with harsh winds. Strong current from the south.
Gear: New Xcel Superlite 3.4mm Fullsuit and Soft Top rental board from NorCal Surf Shop
Yay! I bought a wetsuit! After weeks renting I’m finally ready to take the plunge and buy my own suit. 
I love this suit, it’s comfortable, it’s warm, and best of all, it’s not pink.
That’s right, pink. I’d been hunting for suits online and found wetsuit after wetsuit that had pink arms or pink detailing. Sure, I’m a girl but do I have to be paddling out in pink neoprene? I thought the bright blue was pretty awesomely me. NorCal stands by Xcel gear and the guy there spent a decent amount of time going over styles with me.
As far as surfing goes, ouch, rough day. The waves were pretty large with few lulls and a lot of texture from the wind. My board was actually humming as I paddled across the water. I got tossed around, drug up the beach by the current and took some hard falls. I was determined to get at least one wave in with my new suit but being stubborn is probably not the best idea when it comes to conditions beyond your skill set. I had fun, but it was some hard hard work. I don’t think I got up once.
Injury report: I started to pearl on a wave and jumped off early. I assumed my board would go straight back but instead it followed me. The board hit the water, I hit the board, the wave hit both of us and I wound up taking a rail to the ribs. Oww. It bruised up a day or two later, but was fine in no time.