Journey to a Surfer Girl Update: June 1, 2014
Just got back to Missouri! I am happy to be home, but miss Florida. We went to Ponce Inlet and the water was surprisingly pretty clear, and the waves were perfect! We only saw a few fins out in the distance splashing around, but it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be. It may have been because there was a group of surfers there, so I felt a little safer knowing I wasn't alone in the water. Speaking of which, my dad talked to one of the surfers, and he mentioned his board—a Quiet Flight shortboard. He said they're great for beginners who want to transition from a longboard to a shortboard or fun shape, and that, unlike other shortboards, this one is more buoyant in the water, and rides great! He also mentioned that the waves were really good at New Smyrna Beach, which is a few miles away, located on the opposite side of the inlet.
So, we took his advice, and drove to New Smyrna Beach. The waves were even better! However, one thing I struggle with is getting past the breaking waves, or "whitewater." I was trying to paddle out to the lineup and catch an unbroken wave the entire time, but couldn't. Every time that I came close to catching an unbroken one, I wouldn't paddle fast or strong enough, and would end up being too late and fall off the back of the wave. I will definitely try to work on this, as I improve.
My older brother, on the other hand, did very well for a beginner and kept up with the other advanced surfers! He was angling on the wave toward the unbroken section. I was really jealous, honestly! But, that's what brothers are for! They push you to do even better.
So, we took his advice, and drove to New Smyrna Beach. The waves were even better! However, one thing I struggle with is getting past the breaking waves, or "whitewater." I was trying to paddle out to the lineup and catch an unbroken wave the entire time, but couldn't. Every time that I came close to catching an unbroken one, I wouldn't paddle fast or strong enough, and would end up being too late and fall off the back of the wave. I will definitely try to work on this, as I improve.
My older brother, on the other hand, did very well for a beginner and kept up with the other advanced surfers! He was angling on the wave toward the unbroken section. I was really jealous, honestly! But, that's what brothers are for! They push you to do even better.
Rip Curl Surfer Girl Bikini Idea
One of the great things about New Smyrna Beach is that it's a nice beachy town, and there's lots of shops you can visit. I was super excited when we drove by a Rip Curl shop, right next to the beach! When I walked in, I was immediately drawn to Alana's My Bikini collection in the corner! Here's the two pieces I bought. I mixed and matched, because the bandeau itself was $50, so I decided to buy a different pair of bottoms (that I like even more) for $30, rather than another $50.
As you can see, I bought the Rip Curl Gypsy Queen Bandeau. (Click the link to be directed to the Surf Shop, where you can view more info about it. The page will open in a new window.) Along with that, I mixed it with a cheaper pair of black, full-coverage hipster bottoms--Rip Curl Love N Surf Classic Bottom. I really like the bikini bottoms because they resemble Alana's usual black hipster bottoms that she wears (only mine are full-coverage). They also look nice with a dark tan, like I got in Florida!
As you can see, I bought the Rip Curl Gypsy Queen Bandeau. (Click the link to be directed to the Surf Shop, where you can view more info about it. The page will open in a new window.) Along with that, I mixed it with a cheaper pair of black, full-coverage hipster bottoms--Rip Curl Love N Surf Classic Bottom. I really like the bikini bottoms because they resemble Alana's usual black hipster bottoms that she wears (only mine are full-coverage). They also look nice with a dark tan, like I got in Florida!