Well, it didn't take me very long to make it back up to Duluth! I kept looking at the wind forecast for this weekend and it was looking very favorable. Winds over 20 MPH starting on Friday. The closer it got, the more excited and hopeful I was. Problem was, I still didn't have my own surfboard... Renting is okay, but there is no guarantee The Back Alley was going to have one. And, trying to find a decent used board in the size I was looking anywhere close to me was nearly impossible... Nearly!
Last Wednesday I had reached out Jerry, at The Back Alley coffee and surf shop, about a couple boards I was looking at online when he mentioned one of his buddies had a 9'2" board he just put up for sale! It included the fin, leash, and a bag. Just the kind and quality board I was looking for with everything I needed! He gave his friend my number so we could connect, and thankfully it was still available!
The stars aligned, as the board was in Duluth and I was heading up there this weekend to try and surf regardless! Plus, Bailey, the dude who had the board for sale was going to be out that day surfing too! I was able to pick up the board when we got up there so I could use it right away.
Saturday morning, we loaded up the truck and headed for Duluth. I had company this time. My son, Bentley, my fiancée, Norissa, and her daughter. I was a little anxious on the way up. The lake was going to be angry with some big waves, the largest I've been in. I just imagined wiping out and being violently slammed to the bottom of the lake on a rock. To add to that, I wasn't sure if I would even be able to catch a wave. Last time I was out, the waves weren't big enough to pop up on. Catching the right wave and popping up on the board at the right time is harder than it looks. Hopefully Norissa would be able to at least get a couple decent pictures of more than just me wiping out!
After finally making it to Duluth, battling through some rain, snow, and nasty wind gusts on the way up, we made it to the parking lot where the Lester River drains into Lake Superior. This spot is popular for surfers, as there were around a half dozen in the water waiting to pop up on a wave. After we found a spot in the jammed full parking lot, I met up with Bailey and picked up the board, plus picked his brain for some tips as the wind continued to whip. He was very cool and generous with his information. I'm enjoying this surfing community already! He recommend checking out Park Point Beach (where I was at a couple weeks ago) as there is more area and it has a nice forgiving sand bottom. The Lester River location is a great spot, but there is not as much area and there are more hazards to navigate, such as large rocks, which was what spiked my anxiety on the way up. Combined with being a novice, not confident in my abilities yet, and the amount of other surfers, I figured the best bet would be to head to the other location.
After we arrived at Park Point, I donned my wetsuit, grabbed my board, and clumsily made my way to the beach. Carrying a long, flat board isn't the easiest to maneuver in the wind. There were multiple other people out watching the waves crash in. Also, there were a few people attempting to fish, and a couple other surfers navigating the waves.
I strapped on my ankle leash and wasted no time making my way into the waves. They sky was overcast, with a temp in the low 30's (not including windchill), and the wind was steadily blowing around 20 MPH, with random stronger gusts. The waves were angry and inconsistent. I was in for a challenge... Thankfully my wetsuit kept me nice and warm, but the first couple face washes as I blasted through the whitewash on my way out reminded me how cold that water was! I felt bad for Norissa and the kids, as they were on shore getting slammed by the chilly wind.
I continued at it. Getting smarter, I started to get picky and wait for a better wave to try and catch. The waves were crazy and there was no consistency to them slamming in. Many were breaking way out on the lake. I was keeping my eye on one that had not quite broke yet, hoping to catch the peak and ride the shoulder of the wave before the rough whitewater tossed me off. I was making some progress with a few more short rides on my knee. I came in to take rest, as I was getting exhausted. Norissa made her way to the truck to warm up. Bentley stayed out with me as I don't think that kid every gets cold. Time to head back out. I eyed up a good potential wave. I got myself flipped around and started to paddle to match the speed of the wave. I felt it start to pick me up. A couple last paddles and I popped up. I finally made it to my feet! It was a very short ride, but I made it up! Norissa was not there to capture it, but Bentley witnessed it!
As my session went on, I started to get a better feel and started to pick some better waves. Norissa had made her way back out to brave the wind for a little longer. I had a couple more short rides on my knees and was able to pop up to my feet a couple more times for a couple seconds before the wave petered out. Completely exhausted, I made my way back in. Not before I laid drained on my belly and had a wave pick me up and give me a nice long ride in. I was progressing and that felt great! The wind didn't make it any easier to walk back up to the truck, especially be exhausted. I felt amazing though, my adrenaline and endorphins were pumping.
Back at the truck, I got my board loaded and stripped out of my wetsuit. Much easier when I have someone there to help pull it over my elbows! Tired and satisfied, we made our way to The Back Alley, so I could spew my enjoyment with my surfing experience to Jerry and grab a delicious maple latte! I was content with my progression. The challenge and risk involved keeps me motived to keep pushing myself. I cannot explain the mental therapy it provides. Anyone who takes on a new challenge and continues to push their limits knows the feeling I'm talking about.
Oh, the smiley face on my board came like that! It was made in the wax, presumably by Bailey! I smile every time I look at it! It reminds me of the fun I'm going to have on it. I can't wait to get back up there again!
-Aaron
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