Surfing, Hawaii-Style

On our last full day in Maui, Conservative Hubby only had one goal: To surf.


Fortunately, that was easy to do just down the beach from our hotel. So that morning he started out with a refresher lesson on the land.


Then, once he had the basics down again, it was time to hit the waves.


I don't know whether it was the fact that it was his second time out or that the waves were easier to surf, but for whatever reason Conservative Hubby did considerably better this time than he did on his first surfing outing in California.


He was able to get up on his board quickly and stay on it much longer than he did last time he surfed.


In fact, he looked like he knew what he was doing. (Especially compared to the two people he took a lesson with who were ... um ... struggling a bit to say the least.)


It was fun to sit and watch Conservative Hubby on the beach, but I have to admit after seeing him surf this time I even got a bit of an itch to try it myself.


So maybe next time I'll be out there too. We'll just have to see.


(Oh, one downfall to Maui surfing: Coral. This spill resulted in some massive bruises. But it looked good!)

Surfing Tales, Part 3

As I mentioned yesterday, about halfway through My Dad and Conservative Hubby's surfing adventure, My Dad decided to take a break.

And, because surfing instructor Peter had a van full of different-size surfboards and wetsuits, My Sister decided she'd take My Dad's place.


You see, she does a bit of surfing herself now that she lives so close to the beach. But because things were getting going so early and the water would be so darn cold, she decided she'd sit things out and keep My Mom and I company.

Only the water looked too inviting, so she had to give in to temptation.


Right away, she showed us how things are done.


Doesn't she make it look easy?

Then, while Conservative Hubby and My Sister waited for the perfect wave, I noticed there was something moving toward them in the water.


A fin! Ack! SHARK!

Only no, it was a dolphin. Two, actually. (They really are there in the photo above. You just have to use your imagination because I didn't have a long enough lens.)

So Conservative Hubby and My Sister hung out on their boards and watched the pair of dolphins swim past, then returned to surfing.

Meanwhile, on the beach, I snapped a photo of these fellows fishing. Apparently the older one is there quite often. My Sister said he fishes for little sharks, and often catches them.


At one point, we thought he had a big catch, but then the line snapped. I like to think he might have reeled in a shark had the line held, but then again since two of the most important people in my life were in the water at the same time, I'm going to go ahead and be thankful we didn't see any sharks.

There's not much more to say about the surfing adventure, so I leave you with one last photo of Conservative Hubby hanging ten while My Sister looks on.


I don't know if this is the proper use of "hanging ten," but it sounds really hip, like I'm all down with the surfing lingo.

So this chicken who didn't even get in the water is going to go ahead and use it, like she knows what she's talking about.

Surfing Tales, Part 2

Bright and early on Christmas Eve day the crew--My Mom, My Sister, and I the casual observers; My Dad and Conservative Hubby ready to hit the waves--headed down to the beach to meet Peter, the surf instructor.


Peter was, of course, exactly what you'd expect from a California surf instructor. Laidback. Lean and muscular. Shaggy blond hair. Willing to leave late for his Christmas Eve travels in order to squeeze in an extra surf lesson.

He met us in the parking lot by the beach and proceeded to pull surfboards and wetsuits out of the back of his white van.


My Dad and Conservative Hubby got geared up and we snapped the requisite pre-surfing photos. (Please note Conservative Hubby's loafers. Only Conservative Hubby would wear loafers while in a wet suit.)


Then we all headed for the beach.


And oh what a glorious surfing morning it was. Bright blue sky, sunshine, great beginner waves. It started out a bit chilly but got warmer as the morning progressed.


The boys began on land, of course, learning how to properly navigate the waves on their boards, how to stand, and what to do once they were standing.


My Mom and My Sister looked on.


Once the boys were good and practiced onshore, it was time to head for water.


And to promptly get knocked over by a wave.

My Dad came out of the chute ready to go.


He was on the board paddling.


He was breaking through waves.


He was making his move.


He was on his hands and knees.


He was almost up.


Almost.


There!


He was riding in


like a pro


thinking this was a piece of cake.


No problem.


And then he was off the board.


And then he was down.


Between Conservative Hubby and My Dad, we experienced more than a few glorious wipe outs. (This one was Conservative Hubby ... or at least his board.)


Conservative Hubby did not have the initial showy surfing skills My Dad exhibited--he was more careful, methodical, waiting for the right waves. But he may or may not be in slightly better shape than My Dad, so when they all came in for a break, My Dad decided he was sufficiently exhausted.


Conservative Hubby chilled for a minute,


reluctantly participated in my photo shoot, and then headed out again.


Only this time, the long-haired family member heading out with Conservative Hubby and Peter wasn't My Dad ... it was My Sister, who decided it was time to get in on the fun.

What happened next?

That, my friends, you'll have to wait and hear about tomorrow.