Messages

2656

SUP General / Re: Food chain in the Monterey Bay.

« on: October 08, 2013, 11:57:16 PM »

I have paddled into the middle of several large bird frenzies in the past couple of weeks off of Private's in Santa Cruz.  Damned if I can see the fish, just once in a while jumping out of the water over yon, or in the bird's beaks.  Seagulls harassing pelicans for their catch.

There was one day when the water was full of dead ones washing up to shore, and the feeding frenzy was on with those, any bird with a beak could just pick them out of the shallow water between 41st and Pleasure Point. The dead ones were larger, flatter fish, not like anchovies.  Still, the birds seemed to get as much pleasure over stealing them from each other and fighting rather than fishing.

Somebody pointed out that there were leopard (?) sharks roaming about at the shore frenzy, but I couldn't spot them.

2657

SUP General / Re: Seasick-anyone?

« on: September 30, 2013, 07:26:10 PM »

Marijuana is very effective for moderate motion sickness.

No, I don't use it and I don't advocate using it, but for those who already use it, a bit before a ride or on a boat should help if you are prone to motion sickness.

In Santa Cruz, you can barely walk around without smelling it in the air.

2658

SUP General / Re: Food chain in the Monterey Bay.

« on: September 25, 2013, 08:46:58 PM »

I have been watching it, too, it's amazing. I love seeing the whales breaching and pounding their tails, only see it about once a year from shore.

2659

Random / Re: What's the best derogatory name you've ever heard?

« on: September 16, 2013, 11:03:01 AM »

"You qualify as a retroactive abortion".

2660

SUP General / Re: SUP - Growth Accelerating

« on: September 15, 2013, 02:52:07 PM »

Strange, I posted here for the first time last night.  Went out today in Santa Cruz. Until today, I was only knee surfing while getting acquainted with the ocean.

I was paddling toward shore when a swell caught me. Thought it would either go under or knock me off, but instead, I found myself riding it standing up in a boiling white line all the way to shore. Even dismounted without falling off and paddled back out.  That popped my stand up surfing cherry at the tender age of 63. It probably wasn't pretty, but it was done.

Unfortunately, I cracked a rib on Friday so was in so much pain I couldn't stay out long enough to try another, maybe next week.

2661

SUP General / Re: SUP - Growth Accelerating

« on: September 14, 2013, 10:41:19 PM »

Thought I would try my first post after many unsuccessful attempts to join the board.

Been learning in Santa Cruz Harbor for 10 months. Now learning my balance on the ocean since May, whole lot harder.  Attempted some knee surfing but haven't stood up yet.  I try to stay away from the lineups but they have a habit of occasionally coming toward me. Trying to learn ultimate safety because I am too old to heal quickly.

Lots of paddle surfers in SC these days, but there does seem to be a negative political element.  I have never surfed (except my knee stuff so far), so it's all Greek to me.

Been using a Red Paddle Mega inflatable lately, because it bounces and I bounce on it, and it seems safe until I get some confidence.

It is taking a long time for me to get that ocean balance but it is sure beautiful out there. Will eventually seek some boarding companions when it doesn't look like I will slow them down.