fuego451's Journal: Back in the water

Made my first surfing expedition in ten years down to Cherry Grove beach in SC. Conditions: Medium tide, strong north drag (current to others), a 20kt wind blowing out of the south, 3-4' swell.(to summarize: Victory At Sea) Equipment: 7'10" beach break board. Though I've kept myself in pretty good shape by running and walking, the paddle out was very difficult and I thought my arms were going to fall off. Of course, the conditions, short board and ten year break didn't help. Conclusions: I sucked! I've been surfing since 1953 but I looked like an absolute beginner out there. The first thing I'm going to do to remedy this is get a longer board better suited to my 63 year old body. Then I'll concentrate on having fun.