Catch A Wave (In Spite of the Wobble)

The first thing I see out my window each morning are the surfers. We live across the street from South Bird Rock, the best “break” in San Diego and only the most expert surfers dare to ride here.

Not only do you have to be an advanced surfer, you also have to hike down a cliff and then paddle out a quarter mile or more to get in position.

Some days, like today, there are as many as a dozen who are wildly riding the high surf.

Other mornings there are just a few wet-suit clad dudes sitting calmly on their boards scanning the horizon for the next wave.

On my daily walks around the neighborhood, I pass two other surf spots. One is suited to the “intermediate” surfers …it has a shorter hike down the cliff, and a shorter paddle out and the waves are a bit smaller.

This seems to be the preferred spot for the older, grayer guys.

The third location is what I call beginners beach. It’s the most picturesque, has the most activity, and by far the littlest waves.

While I was watching those surfers today I was observing how much fun most seem to be having. I could feel their glee when they stood up, caught the wave, knees bent, arms extended. In spite of some wobbling to keep their balance, most succeeded to ride these two and three- foot waves. They were stoked!

While I have no desire to don a wetsuit and paddle out in the 67-degree water, I am learning to surf the waves of uncertainty of this time of Covid.

I am finally developing a little muscle memory, resilience, and acceptance for the ways things are.

I’ve stopped wondering “when is this going to end,” and started to just be with the not knowing and then tuning into the excitement of how to make the best of what is.

I don’t know when the next big wave is coming.

I don’t know if it’s a wave I can ride or if I will “wipe out,” but I do know that right now, in this moment, I have everything that I need.

Wishing you love, laughter and magical kisses,

Arielle