It was actually pretty cold with the water in the high 40's
and the air temperature in the low 30's. The skies were
rather grey and overcast, a norm for New Jersey winters.
The surf was micro maybe knee high at best but the offshore
wind and the post-superstorm Sandy sandbars made for, as my
friend Rick calles them, "perfect little peelers". I didn't go out.
I didn't respond to my buddy Tim's text. He was "heading in for a
New Year paddle". I probably should have gone. Would have
started the new year off on a nice note.
I find with each passing year I need more and more of an internal
push to put on the 5 mil and get wet. That's especially true when
the skies are grey. I know I would have had fun today on those
"perfect little peelers" but I didn't go. Obviously I'm having second
thoughts. Maybe it's the trip I have planned in a few weeks to my
place in Puerto Rico? Seems the more time I spend in Rincon between
November and April the less motivated I am to surf in New Jersey.
I rationalize really well. I sure could use a new 5 mil but the cost of a
5 mil equals the price of a flight. New winter wet suit or another trip
to warm water?
I know I'll eventually have to break down and get in the cold water
again. What other choice do I have? Maybe it's a fantasy or dream I've
been having as I get older. Why buy a new winter coat or 5 mil? Maybe
next winter I'll spend it all in Puerto Rico?
