Opa!
Winter is making its way into the east coast, but not before making its dues out west first. November has been a cold month, and there is nothing better than organizing a Surf trip before the clouds permanently coat the mountains in a white snow abyss. My little Mazda trekked 3 others and myself across Vancouver Island through ice coated streets, snowstorm mountain passes, and slush puddle fights to meet the rest of the group at the infamous Rose Cottage in Ucluelet.
The morning sub zero temps make it hard to even ponder 1)jumping into a WET wetsuit followed by 2)running into the frigid ocean to battle the elements of the sea. Somehow, good friends, a solid breakfast, a shot of jagermeister and a little sunshine settle in for a magic concoction of enthusiasm. Just enough so as to remind you of your love for the sport, thus putting it into action.
The ocean was loud, the waves pounded high at a peak of 12ft, and the whitewash mimicked the snowy mountains for a perfect backdrop, regardless of where you looked. The morning after hangover seemed to add weight to my arms, as each gravity assisted paddle stroke took me one step closer to hanging ten. The swells came in repeatedly, and with the right strength, endurance, and last but not least, perseverance, the braver souls ventured past the break awaiting for the perfect, slightly too large of a wave. The cold, the shivers, the exhaustion all seem to disappear as you mount your board and ride the wave that follows your every smile.
Add a little dancing, sand wrestling, gymnastics, Jacuzzi dips followed by some towel whipping, and you have yourself a complete surf trip in just 2 ½ days.
Microsoft outlook says I have a meeting in 15 minutes. Should I answer the email from last week? Oh shit, phone’s ringing…. Back to work!
… next round… stay tuned.
Niko-Pavlo
(photos courtesy of Lee and Pavlo)
November 28th 2010, Tofino/Ucluelet, BC
