Waterboarding (Really not that bad!)

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Some are concerned with my zealous position on waterboarding. But I'm all for it. Thumb's Up

Got up friday 5:15 for dawn patrol - headed to the north end of Palm Beach to check the wind and waves (dinky swell and light offshore wind).

So I call my west palm customer and big wave surfing (ex-hawaiin) friend and he suggests I give waterboading a try. He shows up with a 8'6 waterboard and sets me loose on the knee high swell (wheeeee.)

But what to do you know, the sets build from knee, to waist, to overhead peelers in less than hour. Got my first paddle-in ride. Botched the drop and went over the falls about 6 times but got 2 nice ones - went 2 for 8.

After and hour was pretty much dead - waterboading does really feel like drowning.

Was amazed how nice the waves turned out on a nothing swell day - the pic is from Friday but 10 miles down the beach.

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

Nice shot!!!

I this is exactly why surfing is so much harder than kite-surfing...but surf enough and you'll understand how to ride the waves better with a kite in your hand....you get to try 8 waves in a session...if you are in a non crowded spot...of you're in a crowded one..you might be lucky if you get one try....I still suck at surfing, but it sure as hell is a lot of fun.

I usually go to spots where it can take 20 mins to paddle out, simply because there is a little less people there...

and oh, for anyone wondering..you will not get a ride like the photo on your second time out...

btw...how are your arms today? Any problems lifting them over your head? Wink

A.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

thx tau - feel like a knuckle dragging gorilla - actually it was a bit rough on the ribs I broke two years ago - I guess they sort of stick out wrong right at where you lie on the board - will stick with it

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

LOL...

the ribs get used to it...everyone..even the ones who has not broken any ribs gets that soreness in the beginning....but soon you will not feel it at all..guaranteed.

If you stick with it, you'll have so much fun. btw. don;t the waves look a lot bigger from the surfer perspective? I mean looking down the wave from the surfboard as you pop up a lot more fear inducing than with a kite...especially as the waves gets bigger...but so much fun when you make it....

a.