Ocean City makes a big Splash in Surfer Magazine

After our return from Rincon, PR, Julie and I began to dream the surfer's dream of living in a coastal surf community year round. Although it seemed as if it was something we could only dream about - at least we could crash at her parents condo in Ocean City, New Jersey on the weekend. If we truly want to surf year 'round, we only need to learn how to grin and bear the cold of Northeast winters. No OCNJ is not Rincon, in April and May the water is only about 50 degrees, but there's definitely potential.

After purchasing some booties, Julie and I had a wonderful Spring weekend in the water this past April. We left Ocean City with smiles so big you could surf them! We love Ocean City, even if it isn't a surf mecca like Santa Cruz, Rincon, or Waikiki.

Just when we were trying to convince ourselves that OCNJ had surfing relevance - the July issue of Surfer Magazine arrived with its article titled Ten Best Surf Towns In America. Lo and Behold! Ocean City, New Jersey was number 10!

The article states: Known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Ocean City, New Jersey, boasts more surf accolades than any northeastern surf establishment. Home to Dean Randazzo, New Jersey’s only World Tour Competitor, and a fresh crop of committed and aspiring WQS surfers, Ocean City takes its surfing seriously. The local high school has won eight consecutive state surfing championships, and despite an unfriendly climate, the locale’s consistency and proximity to ledgier surf put it on the U.S. surf map.

Needless to say, Julie and I have started brainstorming ways to spend more time in OCNJ. ANd I'm sure there will be a lot more people in the water now too :)

You can click on the title of this post and it will take you to the surfer magazine article: http://surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/ten_best_surf_towns_in_america/

Drying Out in the Pool?

I haven't gone surfing in what feels like an eternity - 2 weeks. It doesn't look promising that I'll get back in the water this weekend either. Despite feeling bummed out, I've avoided the doldrums of landlubber life by taking an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training class.

In early October 2008, I went out for some fun in the waves alone. There wasn't much surf, maybe ankle high 2 footers. It was enough to catch a quick thrill and flash a smile. The waves were breaking in waist deep water, so I simply stood by my board and hopped on the little rollers as they began to crash. Despite their diminutive status, one wave had the power to violently toss me right of the board as I got caught sideways in its face. I quickly stood up and then BAM! It felt like someone hit me on the side of my head with a two by four. I immediately saw stars and felt my head tingling, my vision was blurry, and I knew that I might pass out any moment. I turned and walked to the shore - chanting "don't pass out, get to the shore, get to the shore." Thank God it was such a gentle day and I was already close to shore. I made it and sat down - head still tingling from the blow with a lump beginning to form above my right ear. I sat down, all alone - next to my board and tried to concentrate on not passing out - "don't fall asleep, stay awake, you are probably experiencing a concusion - don't pass out."

Eventually, my wife came to the beach and my senses returned. I never went to the doctor and my head ached a little but all in all I felt pretty good. This experience definitely scared me. I could easily have drowned. Surfing alone. Hit in the head. Face to face with my mortality. Afterwards, I told myself that if I were to continue to love surfing - I needed training in lifesaving skills.

Now I find myself in a class of twenty students, mostly between the ages of 16 - 19, every evening this week from 6 - 10 PM learning how to be a lifeguard. Sometimes I hate it - especially when we sit in a circle and read from the book. But other times - when we are in the water practicing life saving rescues - I feel like it is an awesome experience. Last night I dreamt that I tried to save someone's life who was choking. I calmly positioned the woman and began to administer the Heimlich maneuver. It didn't work - and I woke up before she died. But it felt really good to at least be able to do something.

My favorite times surfing are often when there are no lifeguards, no crowds, no one else around. I love the solitary, individual challenge of surfing. By sacrificing a little ego to be the old kooky guy in the lifeguard class, I may have found a new passion. Thanks Eddie!