San Onofre Beach -- Photo by Bekah Wright
I’m already planning my To Do List for my next few lifetimes. Two things that have made the list — 1) become a pop star a la Madonna and Lady Gaga, 2) be a professional surfer and participate in the X Games. Though these plans are in place for other futures, that hasn’t meant they’ve been neglected in this lifetime. Especially the yearning to surf. Bad knees may have kept me off the board this go-round, but I’ve spent lots of time watching surf movies and competitions or staring wistfully out at the ocean as those more able-kneed Hang 10. So when my friend Deb invited me to join her and husband Tom at San Onofre Beach in San Clemente, California for a bit of surfing/camping, well, this spectator was immediately on board (so to speak).
Bob's Peach Cobbler -- Photo by Bekah Wright
I had quite the welcome. Deb and Tom’s friend Bob had cooked up some peach cobbler as a welcome. I was quite impressed with what he considered an easy endeavor (AKA baking on the beach with a Dutch oven). His ingredients: 1 can of peaches, 1 box of yellow cake mix, 1 can of Dr. Pepper. Tapioca was also involved.
Bob's cobbler -- Photo by Bekah Wright
As you can tell from the photo, Bob’s cobbler was declared the Best Damned Peach Cobbler Ever!
Photo by Bekah Wright
While digesting, Tom surveyed the waves. As did Maisy.
Photo by Bekah Wright
The surf was pronounced ready. Deb and Tom donned sunglasses recovered from the end of the beach (there was quite the collection for the taking sans lenses). And they were off!
Photo by Bekah Wright
As I watched from the shore, I couldn’t help but wonder… did I really have to wait until my next lifetime to partake in the fun?
Bringing it home:
Flash forward a few weeks. Fresh from gallbladder surgery (okay, a week out), Heidi Carson and I decided to head to Rancho Santa Fe for a writing retreat. Still foggy from the anesthesia (what can I tell you, I’m a lightweight), I mentioned to Heidi on the drive down that I was already planning my next several lifetimes. Heidi, a woman of action, had an idea. SUP — Stand Up Paddleboarding. It was something I’d considered before, but… would my knees be able to handle it? Heidi assured me they would.
First things first — though Heidi said I wouldn’t get wet, we still waterproofed my gallbladder incision sites.
Next stop — Carlsbad Stand Up Paddleboard Club.
Amy Hendricks, the owner of Carlsbad Stand Up Paddleboard, got us set up with our boards.
Between them, Amy and Heidi sent me out into the lagoon, my knees already locked into place (no, readers, you shouldn’t SUP with locked knees, mine just happen to automatically go into this position, dammit all!).
I’d like to say Heidi and I were able to SUP side-by-side like these two friends. Sadly, I’m not as advanced as Heidi. Tentative would best describe my progress. I was making headway, though.
As Heidi passed me by, I mentioned feeling a bit intimidated, but inspired at the same time. I mean, after all, what was the worst thing that could happen? I fall in the placid lagoon and get wet? So what? I had on waterproof bandages. I wouldn’t be able to get off my board due to locked knees? Amy would help me off the board, right? Courage growing, I started listing other things I’d thought about putting off for my next lifetime. Why, at the next swim meet I’d take off from the diving block versus the wall of the pool. I’d…
Heidi took this opportunity to pipe in, “Go on a date.” Leave it to a relationship expert. Well played, Miz Carson.
My knees did require cutting the trip around the lagoon short. And Amy did have to help me off the board (thanks, Amy!).
Amy Hendricks of Carlsbad Stand Up Paddleboard Club
I took the extra time on shore to watch Heidi’s technique. After all, if she can commandeer a SUP that well, and knows the ins and outs of dating like nobody’s business, shouldn’t I be taking every note I could from my well-versed friend?
Dear readers, I encourage you to take the bull by the horns and try something your heart has been yearning to embrace, be it surfing or dating. After all, what have you got to lose? I promise, someone will be waiting on shore to lend support, no matter the endeavor.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Bekah,
I want to try that!!!! I see people out there and think it looks very peaceful. Thank you for sharing your new endeavor and that cobbler… I love the Dr Pepper as the secret ingredient… I used to get to have Dr. Pepper as a kid at my friend Tonya’s house…. ahhhh it was such a treat as my parents thankfully didn’t allow it although I didn’t thank them at the time! Can’t wait to read your next post!
I can’t wait to go in a double date Bekah. Whoo hoo! Nice post…and hell…you stood up on an unstable board. Major accomplishment.
So proud of you! And you look fantastic too!
Thanks, Sheila! You should try SUP. You’d love it!
I’m all for double dates.
Glad you liked the post, Riley. And SUP would be right up your alley.
WOW! SUP impressive – Whats next on your list?
Falconing forthcoming!
I was so excited to see this pop into my inbox – welcome back!!! I too have always wanted to try SUP!!! Surfing terrifies me, but SUP looks so peaceful. So glad you didn’t let a surgery stand in your way!
You’d love SUP! And I think I need a guest blog from you soon…
{ 2 trackbacks }