Gifts from strangers

Your mom told you not to accept them, and that advice is even more relevant today. But once you're an adult, anything goes, right? Well, maybe. 

I've been listening to Radio Paradise on iTunes Radio for a few years now and it's a really good, eclectic (hate that overused word) mix of fun stuff. I kept hearing a song by Seconds Flat called 'Dance On My Grave' and I liked it more and more each time. But it's not available anywhere; not on iTunes, not in music stores, and not even on unnamed p2p databases. I posted a comment on RP's website that I wanted to find it. 

Fast forward 6 months (and several emails) and here it is in my po box, a 9 song CD including 'Dance On My Grave'. Some random cool person in South Carolina—who knows some of the band members—tracked down a copy for me and just mailed it. For free. Thanks to Ed Price of Greenville, SC. Thanks to music lovers everywhere. Thanks Universe. 

Jay Race kicks my butt

  

Lack of proper training? Check.

Fondness of beer and other adult beverages? Check.

Questionable diet, 20 pounds overweight? Check, check.

Ok then, how about a 12 mile paddleboard race against a pack of fit surfer/athletes? Okay.

Such are my circumstances... but I'd completed the 'Jay' twice before and despite my mediocre result on Saturday—49th of about 90 competitors—I'm always stoked to cross the finish line, feel exhausted, and ache all over. The Surftech Jay Moriarity Memorial is not just a race; it's a celebration of an amazing young waterman who left the lineup too soon, but left behind a legacy of enthusiasm, fitness, and stoke. He charged Mavericks as a 16 year old and survived horrendous wipeouts. He paddled from Santa Cruz to Monterey, 26 long miles over deep, deep water. And he inspired everyone who knew him by being in the ocean all the time, and being stoked all the time. The mantra of the race is an inspiration to all of us who love the Ocean: Live Like Jay.

  

The Jay Race, the Jay LIFE

Jay Moriarity was a gifted young Santa Cruz surfer and waterman on his way to legend status in his early twenties, when he tragically passed away in a diving accident. This Saturday is the 8th annual 'Jay Race' ... a 12 mile paddleboard race that honors Jay, and draws competitors from as far away as Australia. 

For me—and for many of the racers, I suspect—it's not about winning, but rather it's about remembering Jay (if you were lucky enough to know him) or about embracing the Jay spirit. That is... sharing the stoke, sharing some waves, and above all, loving being in the Ocean. The spectating is not great, but the scene is good overall. From New Brighton Beach you get to see the start of the race (8:30am) and a little under two hours later see the fastest paddlers return to the same beach. And about 40 minutes after that, I hope to be crossing the line. I also hope there will be cold Pacificos. 

The Wagon

Last night at around 9:30 I drank my last frosty margarita in celebration of another season in Mexico completed. And as of today, I am officially on the wagon until around 10:45am on June 13th, when I hope to be crossing the finish line at the annual Jay Moriarity Paddleboard Race in Santa Cruz. The Jay is not too punishing, but is not exactly pleasant either. It's 12 miles of mostly glassy water, but often comes with side orders of thick fog, thick kelp, and thick marine life. I have done virtually no training, but I've got 2 weeks and a brand new 19' board to pull it together. That is going to be one delicious, ice cold Pacifico. I can almost taste it.

Round, green and perfect

I had a dream where I was trying to convince someone of the great value of something by declaring that it was "round, green and perfect." I was certain of these attributes, but I can't remember what it was. Here are some possibilities...