Surfin’ USA. We all know the song and don’t lie; sometimes you want to blast it with the windows down when you’re somewhere nice in the summer. It’s a song I’ve been singing since I was a kid, yet until recently, I’d never even tried the sport. How could I be singing this song all these years when it couldn’t even resonate with me? That just didn’t seem right, so I had to fix it.
To catch you up quickly, I am #% years old, have participated in water sports my entire life, and still hold my nose when I go under the water. This didn’t seem like an option here. It was a thought I really had to get past. Seriously. I wasn’t looking forward to a saltwater nasal enema, but I powered through. I tried hard to forget the fact that it was jellyfish season and I’d just seen countless washed-up, tentacle-having blobs on the beach. Sharks? Well, I just can’t even let my mind go there. I have to enjoy this beautiful ocean we’ve been blessed with.
So, off I went nervously without a clue as to what I’d be doing other than falling off a board repeatedly. One week earlier at a local tourist spot, I had posed for a photo on a wooden cutout of a surfboard on a wave, oblivious to the fact that while enthusiastically presenting my “Surf’s up, dude!” hands, I was facing the wrong way on the “board.” Seemed like a good start. One attempt surfing at that angle and I’d be pinballing through the waves like a pair of tennis shoes in a dryer.
Shred I did not. Rip? I’m afraid that’s a no. I heard others throwing out these words, but if they were referencing my performance I assure you it was to talk about the ways in which my body was bending during each wipeout. Ah, yes! Wipeout: that’s the one they said about me! I did manage to catch three waves, and considering the pitiful whimpers heard from me each time I limply paddled out (which for a large part of the time probably looked like a girl paddling in place in the waves), I figure I’ll take it! Though I did somehow manage to take Tynley for a nice evening walk later that day, I spent a good 24 hours recovering from this outing and as I was splayed out on a lawn chair literally not moving upon my return home, I felt a wet doggie nose checking on me many times. I reassured Tynley I was okay each time with grunting sounds.
Confirming the guess I made prior to this experience, I learned that I prefer a sport with a more controlled environment. This led me to question myself and realize that maybe it doesn’t hurt every now and then to let go of control. After all, we’re never fully in control (or even close really). We can use caution and common sense, but if we take risks every now and then, we’ll fill our lives with excitement and as a bonus have more to look back on in our older years. Let’s keep it interesting!
I feel oddly addicted to this new sport and will be trying it again. All jokes aside, this was an incredible experience. In my past, I once stumbled upon an indoor surfing set-up. I was intrigued and now can appreciate an entirely new meaning for the words “inside, outside, USA.” Maybe one day when I’m actually decent at this, Tynley can join me. It’s a thing! I’m not kidding! Do yourself a favor and check it out by searching “dogs surfing.” Prepare for some smiles!
The lesson I learned? Put on those huarache sandals and tell the teacher you’re surfin’. We shouldn’t forget about rules and levelheaded behavior, but sometimes we can let go of control a little bit to gain a lot.