That's Swell

Kevboy put together a map with swell directions.
It is mighty swell:



Give Google Maps a run for their money with that.

Kev picked up a new 7"0 Becker board last week! Kev dropped the board off at Dreiling Surfboards to get it patched up and prepped. The gentlemen at the shop were kind enough to give Kevin information on which beaches to hit during each season because of the swells.

Kev's Wisdom: Good conversations with [Dreiling Surfboards Crew]. He says we should be surfing Huntington and Newport [because] of the Southwest swells, and maybe even Bolsa. I take it those are swells hitting on the south west side of the coast. Those usually occur in the summer. El Porto is the spot in the winter. Those are the times we need to look for the west swells. PV might also be more of a winter spot since they require more west swells probably more so than El Porto. So are we going to hit the surf today?!?

I wish I could have, stupid Cheesecake Factory.

My thoughts: Kev's going to end up learning how to rip on that board. It's going to be an interesting road to Al Merrick's!

Surf Report

July 27, 2008, 6:00AM - Bolsa Chica, CA

Dex. Another good day to learn.

Slow day today. We did meet up with Anthena with 2 of her friends.

July 28, 2008, 6:00PM - El Porto, CA

Jeremy, Kev and Ryan. Bad day to surf, waves broke close to shore.

Surf Report

July 26, 2008, 6:30AM - Bolsa Chica, CA

Dex. Low tide nice clean lines in the ocean. I stayed shallow with Dex.

Dex had a good day today: 2 good stands and confidence treading in water.

Yours truly, had a slow day. Caught an opening wave.

Surf Report

Neapolitan

July 23, 2008, 10AM - El Porto

Cold Water. Caught opening wave!

July 23, 2008, 11:30PM - El Porto

Slept on beach near surf camp near Imperial Highway. This might be where my Dad's friend surfs.

July 23, 2008, 5:30PM - El Porto

8 Nose Dives. 1 Good Wave and 1 Good White Water.

Surf Report

July 21 2008, 6:00PM - El Porto, CA

I experienced my first run in with locals: Meza, Juan, and Gabrielle.

I believe I caught their attention after I celebrated catching a wave. Yes, I actually caught one - paddled and popped up - I was able to keep my balance and ride the white water back to shore.

After paddling back in, I tried catching my second wave - I ended taking a nasty nose dive (pearling).

Right before hitting the water to dig for pearls, I yelled, "Ah...shit".

When I returned from my ocean drink, I was greeted by an audience of 2 laughing men. (If you read my earlier posts of friends nose diving, I don't blame the 2 guys for laughing).

Obviously, I felt pretty stupid.

I had to suck it up and try to catch another wave. Meza decided it would be funny to surf next to me. My genetic paranoia tells me, "this gentleman wants to dance". But my heart tells me to let it go. Damn religious guilt.

So the Meza and I are waiting for waves side by side.

I feel really uneasy next to him, cause I know what he's thinking - show this kid up.

A wave comes in, I see that he has started paddling first and I (follow surf etiquette) try to paddle over the wave. Too late. The wave broke before I cleared it, and I catch the wave backwards.

I knew that Meza would try to hit me.

He did.

Meza decided to fling his board toward my face.

Nice.

I'm on the test your faith list this week aye big guy?

Instead of losing it (This week has put me on edge), my faith kicks in and tells me to drop the pride and apologize.

So I paddled out towards Meza, thought about Jesus, and did what I felt was right.

"It's cool." = Apology accepted.

Meza and I ran into the beach and shook hands.

I ended up making friends with Meza's buddy Gabrielle.

El Porto Gabrielle Tip: "This is a good day to learn. There's a swell coming in this week. We're here everyday man. Come look for us."

Hornet and the Ocean

Fear sucks ass.

Doctors surf too.

I met a surf friend, Hector, that has been surfing for 3 years. He shared a few spots with good waves:

Sunset Beach - Drive down Sunset Blvd to the end of the street

Ventura on C Street - This is Hector's "spot"

San O (Old Man's)

Time to hit the beach, beaches!

Nasty Lefts

Softboard

Went to Costco and check out the $99 softboard. I might consider picking a board up for J and myself. J could carry it around in the water easily, I have no idea how hard it's going to be to jump over waves with or if there is a wave height limitation.

I wanted to pick up the softboard to help me get rid of the fear of getting banged up by Morgan as we nose dive together.

My inner little macho man is telling me to cowboy the F up. Save the $99 for a shorter board.

Now that I am standing more consistent, the ego inside of me is growing. I want to pick up a 7' by the end of this season. Before that happens i need to complete:

1. Paddling and Catching waves more consistently
2. Ability to ride across the face of the wave

Surf Report

July 19, 2008, 7:00AM - Bolsa Chica, CA

Kev and Dex. We had a good day of surf today and met ?Anthida? She picked up surfing a year ago and is currently dating a pro surfer.

**more to follow**

July 19, 2008, 3:00PM - Bolsa Chica, CA

Ross, Jake and Alex. I took the Chicago young bloods to the beach. It was their second time in their life to go to a beach in California. They all stood up their first day (must of had a good teacher, haha).

** more to follow**

Surf Report

July 16, 2008, 6:00PM - El Porto

Kevboy. We are making progress in our surf.

Kevin's able to stand up consistently with Morgan and the Blaster.

I'm not as consistent as Kevin but managed to stand on both boards.


And now,

An ode to my loves:

Sound Advice

You have to get a taste of my new philosophy

My darling Morgan revealed that I have to believe in me

When we ride I think I can’t handle it

But she holds me up and never stops building it

Love pulls me out of my insecurities

She says,

Lose your fears to keep your love

Trust in me, don't think twice

Trust in me, love is sound advice

I Make Baskets

July 14, 2008, 6:00PM - SC Basket Ball Court

Alex, Anthony, Eugene, Jeric, Kev, Ramon, Ramon's brother, and Randy. For the first time in a few months, we played basketball: 21, 2 on 2, and 4 on 4.

Jeric made a special appearance, he has to drive 30+ miles. The man can shoot the ball from half court

Alex delt out jukes, tricks, and literally danced circles around me.

Randy was doing well but had to cut out early for a menu tasting event.

Kev used his signature glide move.

Eugene got eye gauged.

Ramon kept faking me out.

Ramon's brother got tomahawk choped across his head by muah (unintentional).

Yours truly, hit myself in the nuts while dribbling.

Good times.

Surf Report

This weekend allowed for 3 straight days of surf, or what I have dubbed, a Neapolitan Weekend.

July 11, 2008, 4:30PM - Bolsa Chica

Big Wave Dave, Kev, and Dex. We arrived at the beach late in the afternoon to discover overcast, cold water (lucky me, all I brought was a short sleeve rash guard and board shorts), little waves (if there were any), and one lone surfer in the water.

Despite the poor conditions, the boys were in agreement that we should go in the water and paddle around.

Low tide. We tried our best catching the small waves that broke close to shore. A pair of "pro" status surfers came out 20 minutes after us. As soon as the duo entered the waves picked up pronto.

Dex rode the Blaster today. He was getting up on the board and paddling hard, but grew frustrated because the waves were breaking too close to shore. Dex ended up sitting out most of the day to observe the amazing surf duos techniques. His favorite quote of the day, "This [the challenge] reminds me of snowboarding".

Dave was able to get up a few times on his board, he surfed on his own terms to catch a wave break further out from Kev and I.

Yours truly was able to use the short board and catch a wave back into shore. "It's too fast", was my favorite line. I was hauling ass towards shore and could not get a good pop up. DAMN.

And the beast, Kev, put on a clinic. It was a show of shows. Kev used Morgan (my 8'6" Becker) and took her for the ride of her life. 8 consecutive waves standing all the way. Kev knows how to raise morale on a "gloom and doom" day.

This day is Vanilla

July 12, 2008, 7:30AM - Bolsa Chica

Big Wave Dave, Kev, and Dex. Big D closed up shop when we just opened. It looked like he was in good spirits. He did complain that his elbow/arm was a bit sore. I hope he gets some good rest and comes out later this week.

Low Tide. I love coming in early in the morning. The earlier the better: Low Tide + Gentle Waves + Breaks in between sets = opportunities to stand.

Dex put on a show of his own today. He told us that the night before he psyched himself up using visualization (Check out Pickthebrain.com for articles on visualization and success) to help him conquer the deep end. Conquered.

Dex was focused on paddling out to the point he didn't realize how far out he was. What clued him in was my shit poker face. I was too serious and looked back, Dex caught my bluff and discovered he was too far out. He turned his board around and Viola! Caught a wave back in, standing. Cheers to you butterfly stroker. At the end of the day, Senor Dex was catching waves and standing at will. Line up, Dr. Dex is opening for business.

Kev, was out on his own today with the short board. Today, I kept close to Dex - the current pulled the 2 of us away from Kev boy, so no report on his progress. Kev commented that he was able to catch a few good waves on the short board - not an easy feat.

I had a good day - was able to catch a few going straight on Morgan. My very last wave resulted in a nasty nose dive. Dex saw it and had a laughing time. I'm not mad at all, it makes me smile too. Trust me, watching your boy nose dive is hilarious. Kinda mean, but its funny - like a fart.

We met a Bolsa Chica local today, Danny. Cool guy - scary to walk towards cause he's ripped, but nice guy.

Danny: Nice Board, Becker right?
Me: (scared) Yeah, thanks.
Danny: How big is it.
Me: (ready to surrender the board) 8'6".
Danny: Sweet, mine's a Becker too. 7'.
Me: (relieved) Cool, Nice Board. My name's Mark.

Hahah, I am still a chicken but always polite.

Bolsa Chica Danny Tip: Keep going and have fun. A lot of guys give up because they get frustrated. You have to stick with it and keep going. You'll get better, don't give up.

My response: I hear you. It's good to go surf with a supportive crew, like these boys. These guys help keep it going. Or else I would have picked up a new Nintendo game

This day is Chocolate

July 12, 2008, 7:00AM - Bolsa Chica

Han Solo.The boys were knocked out when I made my usual wake up call. Kev made a kayaking trip with Daniel and crew at Torrance Beach to PV. He said Torrance Beach surf is bad, but kayaking is the shiz-naz.

Low Tide. Good surf day today. Man, I love going early in the morning.

I caught waves and stood up like never before, standing back into land standing.

I had 1 nasty nose dive, but redeemed myself and took one in.

Cheers love!

This day is Strawberry!

Dex's Goal: Float
Kevin's Goal: Curve into a wave sideways
My Goal: Say no to nose dive

Jooly

July is a beautiful month for my family and I, not so beautiful for my bank account.

I celebrated 10 years with the wifey, my lil' sister's birthday, my parents anniversary, my mom's birthday, my aunt's birthday, my wifey's older sis's birthday and alejandro's birthday.

I couldn't go to my wifey's older sis's birthday because my aunt had her birthday dinner that same saturday - my aunt was upset that i didn't go last year. She always says that I don't like her house.

I had a great time celebrating my loves, but oh my wallet is in debt.

I lost my car keys at the mall today. Sad.

Ten, Ten, Ten....

Wow, I've known my friend for 10 years.

Makes me want to...



BAM!

I love little doors and everything behind it.

J = Hot

The place was "cute", I quickly fell in love with the French/Mediterranean interior design: Open ceiling patio, clean white walls with blue windows, decorated with fine paintings and walls of wine. The inside of the restaurant was covered in beautiful plants and flowers. I would like to come back her this year and sit in the Blue Room or the patio again.

Man.

I was surprised that we were encouraged to take our time and relax. We finished half a bottle of wine before we ordered an appetizer. I have never had a candle lit dinner that felt "romantic" before.

Life was good:

A fine and generous appetizer
2 bottles of wine
Chilean Sea Bass
Moroccan tea
Creme brulee served with complementary dessert wine

I think the 2 bottles of wine put me over the top and made this night a memorable/i don't remember night.

If I could live one dinner over again, it would have to be this one.

Hickies are Funny

Cynt's 20th Birthday - Don Jose, Cerritos, CA

Happy birthday mi sexy sis.

The mrs. was the only one missing due to yoga. Mrs had a funny line about going, "I got to go yoga someones balls". Nice love, nice. Remember, it takes two to tango.

Pops was looking for my lovely, since there was an empty seat in front on him. Pops says, "We're not complete, where's your wife?". How sweet of Pops aye love?

I overate Chips and Salsa, Sopa, and half a chicken taco. I ate the taco because I get worried about my brother in law over eating or eating unhealthy. My brother's family has a lineage of heart problems at a young age. Bro is fit though, but he complains about chest pains every now and then. Best look out for my loves right?

So I ate his taco. "I prefer the taco to the sausage" - *movie quote*

I have been nice to my stomach lately, ate at: Al Noor twice, Sushi Cal, Disneyland, 4th of Juligiving, Don Jose, and Palms Thai. All in one week. WOW! I'm poor and fat again!

Pops got Popped

For the first time, Pops was satisfied with eating out, he had the Carne Asada dinner. He kept asking for more salsa. Pops got owned by the host though trying to score free salsa for home.

Pops: (Fishy Sales Man Tone) You have very good salsa.
Host: Thank you
Pops: Do you have any I can take home?
Host: Yeah, you can buy Chips and Salsa for $3.oo.
Pops: ....

Kids say the darnedest things

Eating out with the family if fun. My 4 year-old nephew, Ryan, is hilarious.

Me: (Stomach Full) My stomach is happy
Ryan: Why?
Me: Because I ate all my food
Ryan: (Looks at his Chicken Tender Plate) Oh, my stomach is a little happy.
Me: Why?
Ryan: Because I only ate a little

Kids are adorable.

Hickies are funny

I found a hickey on Cynt's neck.

Me: Hey, what's that!
Cynt: What?
Me: That! (Points) Haha that's a nice hickey you got there.
Cynt: Shuddup, it's not a hickey!

I run into Cynt and her beau before her birthday dinner...

Me: Hi guys
Cynt: Hi, let's go to don jose
Me: Ok! (Looks towards beau) Hey buddy i hear your giving out hickeys
Cynt: Shuddup!
Beau: What?
Me: Yeah, that was a nice one. When can I get one?
Cynt: Shuddup!
Me: hahahah
Beau: (smiles) I didn't
Me: Yeah you did, real nice there.

I walk out of the room and turn to see Cynt throw a paper towel at Beau.

HAHA!

Hi Larious.

Surf Report

July 5, 2008 - El Porto

Han Solo. Caught nothing but white water today. I am starting to develop the bad habit of knee boarding. I wore the Paul Frank bumble bee shorts with a rash guard. The shorts keep revealing my ass.

July 5, 2008 - Bolsa Chica

Han Solo. I woke up at 6:30AM hoping to go out with Big Wave Dave. I couldn't get a hold of Big D. I went out solo at around 7:30ish. I enjoy going this early. It would be nice to get the mrs. out here to learn with me.

Low tide. The waves were pretty small and made it easy to learn. BUT, i ended up nose diving 5 times. A surf lady asked, "How's it going?". I told her, "I'm eating a lot of sand, nose dived 2 or 3 times". She told me to sit further up the board, I ended up nosing diving 2 more times. Good advice, but bad execution. I still suck.

I look pathetic 98% of the time that I am out in the water: Board slapping my face, swallowed by white water, swallowing water, or my personal best, getting pulled under water then popping back up with the board on top of your head, real sexy. Despite the embarrassment I hope that we'll start to see improvement in future posts.

The 2% of looking normal goes a long way if you smile and have fun. This is the only activity, besides helping at church, that gets me active both physically and mentally. Mentally? Yeah, we can talk about that more later.

I am thinking my guardian angel is giving me this outlet for the future. Nintendo made me a sloth. These days, I am having a lot more fun. Future Investment: Camera. You see a lot of pretty things out there and have a lot of great memories. Best preserve them.

I saw the old guy with the fisher man hat again today. That old man is awesome. He's always up on his board and smiling too. I was paddling in when he caught a wave. He saw me watching and tipped his hat towards me. I gave him the thumbs up. Cool guy, hopefully I can be just as nice and cool.

July 5, 2008 - Bolsa Chica

Kevin, Eric, and Dex. After my first trip to Bolsa, I made a second trip with the boys to Bolsa Chica at 2:30PM. I did manage to fit in quality time with the lovely: Sunday mass and shopping.

High tide. Had a lot of good laughs with the boys. I picked up a new FCS leash with a key holder. This would make our total board count to 4.

Dex bought a sun block spray and wanted me to spray him. Felt kinda weird doing it. But it was hilarious to over spray his bald head. Dex did pretty good with his short board, he doesn't realize it but he is actually going further out into the water.

Dex ran into an A Hole Surfer. This guy was either A. On his rag or B. On drugs. He was good, but he was not nice about it, he told Dex to get out of his way. WOW. This was our first run in with an A Hole in the water. A Hole Surfer ruined most of the day for Dex. I hope that guy wakes up and realizes what a jerk he is.

Eric went with a possible leg fracture, he went mountain biking the day before and wrecked his bike. I saw him nose dive (hilarious).

Kevboy was on point, as usual, caught 1 wave all the way in.

I'm in love with the Blaster. I borrowed it from Kevin, while Eric was using my board. I was able to catch and stand on a couples waves. At the end of the day, I got really confident and took the Blaster out 1 last time. I was able to catch some white water and stand up a bit.

Surf Report

06/26/08 - El Porto, CA

Kevin and Eric. Eric stood on the first wave he caught. Kevin caught a good one (long ride). No love from Mother Ocean today for muah, I spent it paddling. Where's the love, I use reusable grocery bags honey.

07/03/08 - El Porto, CA

Kevin. I caught 2 waves: First wave body boarded, Second knee boarded. Kalangot and I collided a few times, we thought we killed each other with our respective boards.

Spent an hour and a half paddling for waves.

We saw Brad Pitt's stunt double surfing: Brad Putt. Brad Putt was burning waves in front of me. What's worse is that he really did look like Brad Pitt.

After an hour and a half of watching Brad Putt rape the ocean, I told Kevin, “I’m done”. Kevin replied, “Alright let’s catch this next wave in”. I began paddling and eagerly replied, “Good Idea”. When I looked back the wave was at least 5 feet (looked like a tsunami to me) and broke on top of us.

When I was finished being told by Mother Ocean to suck her salt water, I was able to put my head back up and told Kevin, “That was the worst idea yet.”I had a big smile on my face walking onto shore.

Scoops with Lovely J

Took the lovely to get ice cream at Scoops on Melrose. I love the place, but f the parking. It drives me nuts, I turn into the Hulk. I had to drop the lovely off so I could cool down in the car.

I'm such an ass.

Once I let my little macho man pride go, I had an enjoyable time. We had a scoop of Brown Bread and White Chocolate.

I love Scoops. What is amazing to me is that 1 scoop at Scoops is equal to 2 scoops. Since when has 1 = 2? If only,

1 girlfriend = 2 girlfriends

1 beer = 2 beers.

AMAZING!

Good-bye My Diet 1

I am 100% certain that I gained all of the weight I lost from the GM Diet in two days. I didn't go back to my usual eating habits, but I definitely did not eat bananas and milk for a whole day. I can't remember anything from Monday (Hung over from the cruise).

Tuesday's Menu:

Breakfast / Brunch - 2 Gaja apples
Lunch - Al Noor Garlic Naan, Basmati w/ Saffron Rice, and Paneer Tiki Masala
Dinner - Cabbage Salad, 1 Steamed Gyoza, and Teriyaki Chicken Strips (4 pieces)
Snacks - Water and Blue Ribbon Almonds (Sea Salt)

Exercise: Ab Ripper, Pull Ups, Biked 1 block, and walked 1 mile.

Wednesday's Menu:

Breakfast / Brunch - Banana and Milk
Lunch - Spicy Cod Roe Pasta with Wheat Pasta and Cabbage Salad
Snack - 1 Gaja apple
Dinner - Likely skipped.

Today I hope to go surf with Kalangot. I have been hearing that Pandas want to surf too.

GM Diet Day 7

The final menu is supposed to consist of brown rice, fruit juice, and vegetables. I did not complete this day of the diet. While on the cruise, my diet consisted mostly of vegetables, special k, and protein (beef, chicken, eggs, and fish).

On Saturday, I used the on board gym to jog a mile, complete ab ripper, and do a few push ups.

I guess the fruits of dieting for 3 months, surfing, and a few push-ups/sit ups are starting to show. I received compliments for losing weight from the friends I haven't seen in months.

I came home yesterday morning and weighed in at 168lbs. I lost about 6 pounds from the 5 days I completed of the 7 day GM Diet program.

First Goal: Keep a steady weight of 165 lbs. (when I weigh in at night)

Second Goal: Drop to 160 lbs.

Motivation: Standing on my board.