NOT A SWIM TODAY, BUT HANGING IN THE WATER WITH MY SON

About 11 a.m., my son and I grumbled and thought of excuses why we shouldn't drive to the Pier and freeze in the water, but we both needed the wake-up. 

Water temp 63 degrees. Took a while to get used to it--10 minutes, I'd say. Lots of surfers: 35 on the south side.

The day here was glorious. Good crowd on the beach hanging out for this time of year. Parking lot full.

The water was almost glassy, very flat, waves decent, nice shape. Too bad we don't have an angle to the waves here--a stronger left or right angle. Mostly beach break--no angle.  I'm not criticizing, just describing.

Such an awakening feeling for the brain is 20 minutes goofing off in cold salt water.  But I do need to get the zipper fixed on my good wet suit.  

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

Quick 6 p.m. Dip to Awaken my Brain

I felt lousy today and late in the afternoon I got the urge to get in the water, so I did. I usually fail to respond to my swim thoughts.

Ten minutes or so letting small waves of 1-2 feet wash over me.  It was nice. Chilly salt water cures a tired mind...temporarily.

That's it.

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

OLD PHOTO

I saw this OLD photo but it was rare for me to get myself in a swim photo, so I decided to post it. 

It was labeled June, 6 years ago.

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

Some Cold, Mildly Rough Beach Water Before Sunset

68 degree water felt cold to me late this afternoon in the south side of Oceanside Pier.  And that was with a wet suit that I had outgrown. My son surfed while I kicked with fins a little and tried to boogie board. 

It was good to get wet and cold and experience how far I have sunk in my years of health issues. For one thing, I need a larger wet suit. I'll keep this short.

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

Got in the Water Today--Five Years

I heard my son was going to surf a bit in Oceanside, so I accompanied him. He had a report of 72 degree water. I broke a 5-year streak of being landlocked-in my mind-and we got in the water. Beautiful, calm water, warm, clean. Like a place where you might take a summer vacation. 

We were in about an hour or an hour-and-a-half. I had fins and a boogie board. His board is 7'10", pretty new. 

My right low back gave me lots of grief. I was wearing a snug waist elastic support. But I'll call it a big success. My son did also.

No photos. Oh, crowded beaches today. But for paradise...what can you do?

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