Friday 5 pm Harbor

Yesterday late afternoon I got in the water for a short stint. 

Cloudy, few beachgoers, no water visibility, few surfers, and strong waves rushing in every ten seconds, straight on, with lousy surf conditions. 

The water was quite rough and angry, with the outer waves pounding this man, who wanted to kick out through the 4-5 footers and achieve comfort past the breakers. No such thing occurred. 

In front of the big waves, one surging after another, consistently, I had to use my safety discretion and ease back in toward the safety of sand. 

I broke out my old, trusty swimmer's lifejacket yesterday, wore it, but didn't need to use it.

I somehow developed this no-wind-in-my-lungs condition, I don't know why, but it's unpleasant and limits my physical output. I think it's a forever condition.

Despite rough waves and a lack of air, I enjoyed the brisk water; it was worth the trip.

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Oceanside Harbor Beach Surf Contest High School

I have been dry for a few weeks due to general malaise and ongoing, boring pain. Yesterday, Monday morning, I was up early and felt okay. Lots of coffee.

To my surprise, many people were frolicking at my beach. I typically expect my beach to be sparingly populated with an ample supply of parking spaces. Uh, oh, a big sign read "State Championship High School Surfing."

Also, I think it may be the start of Spring Break, as the adjacent beaches were populated with families.

We are so fortunate here; I'll repeat it again & again. Even if I did have to walk 100 yards or 200 to get my feet wet. 

The water was notably warmer Monday with the usual 2-foot visibility. The ocean was calm, flat, lovely with waves of moderate shape...about 3-4 feet. Good enough for a decent surf contest but not great.

I walked to the south side of the south rock jetty as the north side was populated with surf families and fun. 

I have had to come to accept that my vigorous swim activity days are gone. As years pile up, I add maladies to my list of body malfunctions. My recent addition is a diaphragm problem which really decreases the volume of air that I can take in when I breathe. Under exercise stress, the air intake causes shortness of breath and chest tightness. It's termed 'Significant hemi-diaphragm elevation right side.'

My swims now will be more like mild dips in the water with a bit  of kicking with the fins. The big waves are off limits now due to a senior citizen's safety and discretion.

That's the way it was yesterday. I enjoyed it anyway. Thanks. 

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Oceanside Harbor Beach Friday

I mostly like to be surprised at the water conditions before I drive to the beach. Today at 1 p.m. I was somewhat surprised that the conditions at the Harbor were inhospitable to human recreation.

A strong wind blew in steadily from the west, so much so that one guy surfed the wind quite adeptly.

I was the sole entrant into the water during my brief stay. No surfable waves whatsoever. The photos show a very low tide; however, hiding past that all hell was breaking loose. In 6-8 feet of water surged 3-5 foot waves crashing straight on in, parallel to the shoreline.

My objective was to kick around a bit to work the back muscles. Once the water was over my head, I experienced looming 4-5 footers dumping on me and actually creating anxiety in my mind. Anxiety in rough surf is certainly an adrenaline rush per se but I'm not young anymore.

 

I'm cautious and decided to kick back in and call it a day. Easier said than done. The underpull of the water was strong, even with my webbed feet touching the sand on the bottom.

 

This afternoon I had the momentary thought that if I had been wearing my life jacket, I just might have had my hand on the CO2 cartridge pull. Really.

I need more wind in my lungs. Rehabbing is a long road, but I LOVE cold salt water! I love it. Did I say I love to be cold in salt water...

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Warm Water

I got in at 2 p.m. for some kicking around at the Harbor Beach. It's just so nice here!

Waves up to a max of 4 feet every several minutes for 3-4 waves, but the shape wasn't very good for surfing--closed out. The south jetty was more popular than the north side. The water was very flat and calm out past the waves and I relaxed on my back, kicking easily. I got a bit inspired and kicked around the south rock jetty. It's a rough spot, the south side, and a kid could get smashed quickly and pulled out. 

I got two epidural steroid shots 2 days ago and I think the Dr. just hit two bad spots of mine just perfectly. Good reduction in pain and the lumbar felt very good this afternoon. 

I did forget my disabled placard and had to pay the $1.50 to the meter. It makes one happy to have a disability. I missed out on my free parking spot right by the sand. 

(but I'd trade it in for health).

No photos; I didn't care.

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Before Sunset

Not an exciting swim today just before sunset. Ten minutes of kicking but I had no wind. A little bit rough with up to 4 foot strong waves outside. I didn't dare try to get through them due to a lack of breath. When one is old it is better to be cautious.

No photo. Forgot the phone.

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."