alright so i know there's enough of these forums talking about how bad we need waves over here on the east coast but we really need waves. I'm dying to surf as much as the next guy but i think these flat spells are what makes surfing so special. any other sport/hobby ,what ever you want to call it, can be done any and evry day. these flat spells make us forth extra hard on good days and piss us off on the bad days. its almost a love hate relationship, anyone agree?
Studies show depression is heavier in the winter. Not for me. This summer there has been no waves, so I have not surfed due to lack of motivation to surf after work when I am tired. This leads me to lose my major relief of the severe depression I deal with constantly. When I do surf, there are many others in the water, and actually makes my depression worse. On top of it all I've tried to kick a dope habit this summer. I've actually considered suicide as my best option quite a few times over the last month. I really can not wait for the cold weather. If i paddle out on a good day in winter and there is even 6 people out, it is just a different attitude. There is no right place to be, there is just chill. If there is 6 people, and there is 3 wave sets, you will wait your turn and get a wave ATLEAST once every couple of sets. In the summer set after set goes by with paddle battles going on and everybody paddling back and forth. I'll leave that to them. I'd rather wave others on and be waved on then fight for the peak.
You're right. This topic's been beat to death. On the east coast, you take what you can get and very much appreciate the good days. Certainly, having waves is more fun and is why we do this, but it can be nice just to be out on a flat, calm, glassy morning. Maybe a bit of fog in the air. Depending on one's outlook or attitude, this is all part of it too. Just being able to get out on the water is something one can be grateful for. Of course, I'm older, and my perspective on things is different than when I was younger. I was out late yesterday afternoon off VB. It was like a washing machine. It was windy and raining (not that rain matters), and I was the only one in the water. What handful of rides I had were short ones, often running into the wave ahead of the one I was one. The waves were choppy, jumbled, and breaking here, there, everywhere at varying directions. Kind of like when you dump pick-up sticks on the floor. I'm two days into transitioning from a high volume beginner's, boxcar of a board to a much lighter, lower volume board. The first time out, it was almost like starting all over again. I think that the choppy session yesterday was good in accelerating my transition to the new board - paddling, ducking under the waves, and even catching a few short rides in marginally surf-able conditions. In that sense it was a good session. Good workout too. Thankfully, the water was warm. It's got to be almost 80 now. But as has been repeatedly said, on the east coast one needs to have other healthy activities or hobbies and not depend on surfing alone as one's sole/soul source of enjoyment.
Get some additional help for that dope/drug habit and depression. Medical and counseling, whatever it takes. There are many resources out there. Throw pride aside, and don't try to go it alone. I'm not kidding. You've admitted that there's a problem. Some people never reach that point. The fact that thoughts of suicide have been entering the picture make this very serious. Just surfing won't help this. I'm no therapist, counselor or medical expert, but I do have some experience with respect to alcohol. Your mind will play games with you; that's why it's important to get outside help.
Man, everything DosXX said, no kidding. Summon the strength, what's left, and pick 'em up & put 'em down with one goal in mind: get help.
I was a heroin addict for over ten years Got clean through Nacotics Anouymous nineteen years ago and trust me bro I thought there was no way out but suicide Never thought I would ever get clean PM me if u want to talk I give u my #
Hey thatslyB, depression is an insidious disease that is painful. Go see a therapist and ask your family doc for Meds. First thing Monday morning. We are all connected to one another in this mysterious place we call life. People here want you to get help. Death is never the answer.
Sly B - Don't give up, there is help -reach out for it. I have 20+ years clean/sober - Don't give up. Hey DosXX we'll be at the break by your office tomorrow, south end probably (Sun) around 9-10 if you want to meet up. Jim
Keep the faith brother.Life is full of ups and downs.It's kinda like a mountain with peaks and Valleys.You can do anything if you put your mind too it.Keep charging Sly.
