Surfing in Sayulita
Let me start by saying that I love board sports. I skateboarded as a teenager and continue to snowboard as an adult (snow is much more forgiving than concrete). Because of this, a part of me feels that I should also love surfing.
One of the reasons we chose to visit Sayulita was because of its surf culture. The break is right on the main beach, within steps of the town center, which is ideal for newbie surfers that need to rent a surfboard or take a lesson. It also makes it super easy to roll out of bed and be in the water within minutes.
I came to Sayulita with good intentions to pick up surfing again. I’ve surfed many times before, but it’s been five years since that last session in Byron Bay, Australia.
A lot has changed since then.
We’ve had two boys in two years, which not only demands our focus and attention, it’s also added an extra layer of unwanted softness around my belly. Well, to be fair, it’s not having kids that’s making me soft, it’s my love of all things beer.
When I published our Photo of the Week of a Surfer in Sayulita, I received several comments from friends back home.
One read, “Nice one, I’m so jealous you get to hit those waves”.
Another one said, “You must be loving the surf down there”.
The implication that I was spending my time surfing is what sparked my desire to write this post.
Once upon a time, that would have been me surfing, but this trip to Sayulita has solidified the fact that I will never be a surfer.
As much as I want to get out and ride some waves, my life (err… excuses) always seem to get in the way. Now, that’s not to say I won’t go surfing again, but the likelihood of me taking surfing up as a hobby has officially passed me by.
Let me explain why…
First of all, I suck at surfing. I always have. I can’t get the timing right and I always end up drinking my body weight in salt water.
Secondly, I don’t particularly like the ocean unless I’m snorkeling or scuba diving. I sunburn easily and I hate the sticky, salty film that sticks to my body after getting out of the water. I know, what a princess… right? (this is Cam writing, in case you hadn’t figure that out yet).
Thirdly, I don’t particularly like doing things by myself. I love to snowboard and have a former Olympic venue 20 minutes from my house, yet I refuse to go for an evening session by myself, even if the snow is fantastic. I don’t know why, it’s just who I am.
Finally, parenthood has not been kind to my waistline and fitness level, so I’m not in the best of shape right now (cough, cough… insert more excuses here).
And, let’s be honest, I ain’t getting any younger…
With each passing year, certain doors are closing. I know that sounds a little dramatic, I’m only 36 years old after all, but there are a lot of things I want to see and do that don’t involve drinking copious amounts of ocean water.
In order to become a good surfer, I need to commit to the learning process and practice patience. Those that know me, know this is easier said than done.
That, and I actually need to rent a surfboard and go surfing!
But I’d much rather eat fish tacos and drink cold cervezas on the beach… who’s with me?!
Why do I even care?
I’ve been asking myself that question for a few days now.
There’s something about surfers and the surfing culture that’s just cool. What’s not to like about beach bumming all day and partying all night? That’s what the cool kids do, right?
But here’s the kicker – I still think I’m cool.
Yes, I know, I’m a 36 year old father of two who has a hard time staying awake past 9:00. But, I still rock my snow and skate gear and my Reef flip flops have a cool beer bottle opener on the bottom of the sole; which, by the way, blew the minds of two drunk dudes on the Las Vegas Strip when we were there a few weeks ago. So there’s proof that at least two drunk dudes think I’m still rad, right?
Okay, I’m reaching.
A funny thing happened the other day when we were walking into town. A pair of thin, bronzed surfers with long hair and full sleeve tattoos gave me the ‘Sup nod and smiled, like I was one of them, a fellow brother of coolness.
Nope, that wasn’t it at all. They were checking out my double stroller and giving me props for how functional it was. Booyah! Still got it.
Sayulita has been a great teacher. She’s taught me that I’m no longer a youthful dude and that surfing just isn’t my thing. I want to like surfing, I really do, but I just don’t…
~~~~~~~~
Here are a few more posts from Sayulita
- 21 photos from our trip to Sayulita, Mexico
- Our time in Sayulita reminds us why we love to travel
- Photo of the Week: Surfing in Sayulita
- Buenos días from Sayulita, Mexico!
- To Surf and Sand in Sayulita, Mexico
What about you? Do you like to surf?
Is there a sport you want to like, but just don’t?
And you are still cool, Cam! I’m glad I clicked on this, even though I’m from Hawaii and have only surfed once, despite having surf friends. This post was a good laugh for the day b/c surfing has never been my thing- so I’ll take snorkeling or scuba diving or anything else. Find something else that helps your waistline. When you get to 40, it’ll be even harder to pull that thing back! 😉
Thanks Christine! I’m glad you found the humor in this post, that’s ultimately what I was going for. So, shall I assume that beer drinking is not the best recreational activity for my belly? That would be a shame… 🙂
I think sometimes we put pressure on ourselves to do things because we want people to think we’re cool or brave or whatever. Or we want a good story to tell. Sometimes it’s good to try new things but other times it’s good just to be true to what we want to really do.. And this includes relaxing with a cool cervesa and yummy fish tacos. Btw, I honestly thought this post was written by a mother until you pointed it out! Never knew fathers went soft around the middle as a result of having kids, lol.
Thanks for the feedback Wendy. Yes, the softness has certainly increased since the boys were born. Bad sleeping and “quick meals” are the culprits… and beer. So it’s a very different kind of softness… 🙂
Good observations. You have the family waistline for now. I had that in my mid 30s and now in my low 50s I’m as fit as when I was in my 20s. Maybe not quite as strong or fast but it all came back…if you want it to. Funny too, I was a skateboarder and when I took up snow boarding I felt like you might as well strap a two-by-four to my feet and beat me up. It did not go well. Surfing? No problem. Odd how that works.
Naah! Nevermind the age. My principle in life is no one will ever hinder me to pursue the things I love to do, even if it means defying my age. LOL (as if I can). But hey, you’ve got a good spot for some wave riding huh.
At least you tried! I never have because I can already tell it’ll be something I’m bad at… But that’s just silly! You’ve inspired me to embrace my own ineptitude – waves, here I come. I promise I will also write a detailed post about my surfing adventures on my blog, once they happen! 🙂
Hilarious! I’m not a surfer either even though I kind of wish I were one. I’m totally with you on the fish tacos and cold beers though!
As we age, so many things just becomes “once upon a time.” Don’t worry, there’s always some kind of hobby for every ages.
Haha I love it! I was in Sayulita a looooong time ago when I was a kid and remember loving it.
Im from California and living in Malaysia, once everyone finds out the former they immediately ask if I surf…I don’t. And its gotten me thinking about trying, but in all honesty, Im more of a mountain person. (My excuse is always, “I mountain bike instead.”)
I’m not a visitor either even though I type of wish I were one. I’m completely with you on the seafood tacos and cool drinks though!
Gah! That is where I tried surfing for the first time. 3 jelly fish stings and a sea urchin later I finally got up…for about 10 seconds.
Great corner of the world though!
Shaun
Cam …I just want to say that surfing is lifelong passion its not what i do, its who i am it takes years to get good at surfing but most importantly being comfortable in the ocean and being a strong swimmer are a must in pursuit of a surfing life …… I thank you for your honesty and nice job with the family ,,, aloha
Kris Wolfe