Entry 012 - Fat Tide

Got out early for a workday today - 0745.  Surf was pretty good and better than Sunday.  Caught a few and had 2 nice rides.  There were corners that I could get but many times the waves walled up around me and I didn't risk it.  Even on the ones I caught I found myself back pretty far on the board to keep it from pearling.  Thinking I might move the center fin to keep the board in the water a little more.  Not sure though.  My 9' Stewart just seems to be holding me back a lot from the surf at Porto.  I'll try some experiments and see what works over the next few weeks.  Seriously considering going smaller though - 8'.

Weather: 58 deg, Overcast

Conditions: Glassy, Some Corners, Fat as the Tide Rolled In

Waves Caught: 3.5

Sea Life: Seals (2)
Sea Temp: 57 deg

Entry 011 - New Wetsuit

So I tried out my new Rip Curl E-Bomb wetsuit today.  Pretty damn nice!  The Body Glove suit is starting to show its age even though it's only about 2 seasons old.  I could definitely tell the difference... no water getting into the legs when I first got in and throughout the session.  As for the surf, not so good.  But, nice to get out, as always.  The middle of Porto was workin' pretty good but mainly for the short board crowd.  Us long boarders tried to get what we could at the north half of Porto but didn't have much luck.  Often times walled off and when it wasn't the high tide made it fat.  Tuesday looks good though!

Weather: 58 deg, Scattered Clouds

Conditions: Glassy, Some Corners, Fat as the Tide Rolled In

Waves Caught: 1

Sea Life: Dolphins (6)
Sea Temp: 57 deg

Entry 010 - Right Place, Right Time

Started out at high tide this time and from the beach it looked pretty good.  Lots of sections, but scattered walls with areas that were workable.  In the end it all came down to being in the right place at the right time as someone in the lineup said.  Current wasn't as bad today as it was last weekend so there wasn't as much paddling back to your favorite spot.  Water was cold but the air temp kept it a little more comfortable.  Didn't really catch anything except one nice beauty toward the end of the session.  Overall, well worth it just for that one ride - and the dolphins who almost joined me on a wave!  Come on summer!

Weather: 57 deg, Overcast but Sun Peaked Out Toward the End

Conditions: Bumpy, Mixed Up, Semi-glassy, Cold, Sections but Wall-y at Times

Waves Caught: 1.5

Sea Life: Dolphins (4, catching the surf!), Seals (1)
Sea Temp: 57 deg

Entry 009 - Before Work

Got out before work today, again.  It's been really sporadic the past few weeks with the weather and the surf conditions.  Just kept waiting for the right day.  Today was good but a little weak.  Caught 2 good ones but still did a lot of paddling - the current was running north again.  Loved the glassy conditions though.  Looks like the rest of the week doesn't look as good but the weekend is shaping up to be some good surf.  Overall not a bad time even if I didn't catch as many as I was hoping for. ;)

Weather: 56 deg, Overcast

Conditions: Glassy, Long Periods, Knee to Shoulder High, Weak at Times

Waves Caught: 3

Sea Life: Dolphins (4)
Sea Temp: 58 deg

Entry 008 - Traffic

Surf was better today but totally crowded (as you can see).  Caught a few but some just didn't want to be caught.  Good friendly crowd though.  Everyone seemed to be happy that the sun was finally showing up after the long dreary week and the water just seemed a little warmer.  Was thinking about skipping this morning but I was glad I went.  Low tide was where it was at.  As it started to fill in the walls started to form up and when they looked good they usually closed out pretty fast.  Okay day overall.  Looking forward to spring!

Weather: 54 deg, Sunny w/ Scattered Clouds

Conditions: Long Periods, Medium Strength, Some Corners, Crowded

Waves Caught: 2 (ish)

Sea Life: None Today
Sea Temp: 58 deg

Entry 007 - Whales and Paddling

Well, skipped out on San O' this weekend and opted to stay in the South Bay.  Thought the surf was going to be better in Porto.  Not so much.  Not that it was bad, but I just wasn't feeling it.  Cold, long periods that ended up either weak or walled.  Of course, the fact that I haven't been out in two weeks didn't help.  It was really crowded too (everyone was itching to get out after the small week) and the current pushed me from 40th street to almost the jetty in 20 minutes.  Tried to catch a few but had little luck.  Hoping tomorrow will be better.  I think the time change did me in too. Waking up before the sun is tough enough on workdays.  Here's hoping for a better St. Patty's Day session!

Weather: 54 deg, Dense Overcast

Conditions: Long Periods,  Weak and then Walled, Crowded

Waves Caught: 1 (kinda)

Sea Life: Dolphins (4), Whales (2, in the distance)
Sea Temp: 56 deg

Entry 006 - Sunrise / Surfing Dolphins

Yep, things are looking up.  Went out and caught a great one within 10 minutes.  Met up with Art, Rich, and the crew for a bit, too.  Still not very consistent for the longboard.  Long waits and then some walls followed by the rideable ones.  Wish I had caught more than I did.  Beautiful morning and I even saw 2 dolphins almost take off on a good looking wave!  Love SoCal.

Weather: 60 deg, Clear Skies

Conditions: Long Periods,  Some Corners, Big for the Longboard but Workable

Waves Caught: 2-3

Sea Life: Dolphins (4)
Sea Temp: 58 deg

Entry 005 - Getting Better

Well, things are looking up a little. Southern swell is coming in and the water is starting to warm up a bit.  Didn't catch much today but I was glad to get out.  Still long waits between rideable sets on the longboard.  And some pretty big stuff that comes out of nowhere.   Pretty crowded too.  Everyone was lined up today.  Getting into shore is still rough with the beach all torn up from the winter.

Weather: 60 deg, Clear Skies

Conditions: Textured, Long Periods,  Some Corners, Big for the Longboard

Waves Caught: 2-3

Sea Life: Dolphins (2)
Sea Temp: 58 deg