The New Black

The Run In
Originally uploaded by wootang71.

During a conversation with a friend many moons ago, I remember that we'd come to the conclusion that I think about surf/snow more than I think about girls. This is true. I didn't know why until recently. Being a surfer/snowboarder is a lot like being in a relationship. There's rough times, great times, and you can get hurt really bad really easily. You can only really control yourself, and how you surf/snowboard. You can't control the surfing/snowboarding itself. You can't control the weather, the crowds, the conditions. When surf/snow happens, you'd better be ready to get on it. When a wave pitches you over some sharp reef, well, that's part of the game. When you get frostbite, can't blame the cold. Surf/snow conditions are constantly changing, and you gotta be aware of this. When you feel like you're on top of the world and getting cocky, that's when the ocean sends a clean up set. Tricks further the relationship metaphor. To pull off any trick, you have to commit. There's no "trying" a trick. You either pull it or eat chowder. This is why I think most everyone likes seeing freestyle snowboarding. There's a primal attraction to commitment with consequence. Which brings the topic back around to surf/snow vs. girls. Surf/snow has never lied to me. It never deceives me. It never hurts me for the sake of it. It doesn't make me feel like a loser. It never leaves me to give all of itself to someone else. Surf/snow is always there for me, and I love it for that. Even during seasons when everyone thinks there's not gonna be snow. And it did suck early on this season, but now it's been snowing for over 2 straight weeks. On those flat days when none of my friends wanna paddle out, sometimes I'm having the best sessions ever. Granted I weigh like half the weight of my friends, but the point is that I try to make the best of situations, and not take it for granted. Everything can be taken away in an instant. And even though I know there's a day when I won't be able to snowboard anymore, I've already made my long term plans with surfing. I'm gonna grow old with surfing. Surf/snow is never evil. Difficult at times, yes. But evil it is not. And even though I believe that all anyone ever wants is to be loved, I sometimes have a tough time justifying the crappy things people do to each other. Honesty: it's the new black.