Musings of the senile

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 3:42 pm

Turned 60 a couple weeks back. Surfed 12 @ 15 this morning and got a barrel. So what. Coulda' been a bowler instead of a surfer and rolled a 200. ( once rolled a 249 on orange sunshine at the Showboat Lanes and Casino in Las Vegas 40 or so years ago ) But I digress... I'm just here to tell you, turning 60 ( the new 59 ? ) ain't half bad. I've been blessed, health wise. Other than the broken bones and various abrasions that come with surfing a boulder strewn beach the past 35 years, really none the worse for wear. And with those 35 years came a moniker worth it's weight in gold : "Local". I feel almost guilty. All the waves I've wanted. Not saying it's right. But that's the way it is. A perfect wave to myself and my friends. How many surfers can say that ? Not boasting. I'll never take what I had for granted. But I'll be moving on soon. Air and water seem colder, rocks seem harder.A Tropical lifestyle is beckoning and there is time for one last adventure. No more work ! Six months to go and I'm stoked beyond belief. This may very well be of no interest to anyone. But that's another benefit of senior-hood. One can wax about things impertinent on and on ad-nauseam without fear of ridicule. But in all seriousness, after 48 years since riding my first wave, may I offer this advice to young and old alike, in hopes that you may be as lucky as I : Stay fit ! Many years ago I had to make the choice. There were things other than surfing in my life that brought me pleasure and gratification. But when confronted with the realization that it was time to choose, there was no question which activity afforded me the brightest and happiest of futures. I think I chose wisely. Cause' this morning I got a barrel

Mike Fernandez · Post by **Mike Fernandez** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 4:20 pm

Well said Jerry. Now, if I can cut down on the choco chip cookies...

eqKneelo · Post by **eqKneelo** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 6:01 pm

WayneK · Post by **WayneK** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 7:24 pm

"Right/Ride On" my good ol' man!

Just turned 57 myself

No retirement in the near future, though

Good on ya, Jerry

Headwax. · Post by **Headwax.** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 11:09 pm

Congrats Jerry

I reckon sixty is the new twenty

Bill E. · Post by **Bill E.** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:18 pm

Good one on you Jerry, congrats on the move up!!

With you going away.. I wonder where the next closest kneeboarder will be. I know I am a whole state further north, but my point is pretty good also. I hope that I dont start boasting and selling pics, just to try getting another one around.

Do you have any takers for your spot in the lineup there? Is what I should do is get myself down there while I still have a host.

womble · Post by **womble** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:45 pm

Mike Fernandez wrote:Well said Jerry. Now, if I can cut down on the choco chip cookies...

and the pies ... and the coffee ... and the hooch ... did we mention the beer ... no ... the beer then ...

Nice story Jerry ... all you have to do now is change your last name to Atric ...

Fossil Man · Post by **Fossil Man** » Mon Dec 24, 2012 12:33 am

so Jerry ,...what's your tropical destination ?

Hoppo · Post by **Hoppo** » Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:12 am

Good for you Jerry. I'm 59 in April and just retired from 28.5 years with CA. State Parks. And I'm thinking plan B is pensianado Panama. I love the Central Coast, but a cold snap last week has got me thinking again. Congrats to you and lots of odobo in the future.

southpeakbrad · Post by **southpeakbrad** » Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:23 am

Well-spoken Jerry. Happy belated birthday and c o n g r a t s on a cool milestone, and for sure, what lies ahead of you. So cool to have met you. 18 @ 18 was a bit much I guess

All the best to you and your wife.

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Wed Dec 26, 2012 2:46 pm

Now I'm embarrassed

Didn't expect such feedback. But it was nice. And funny. Jerry-atric indeed

I was just a little overcome with memories that come from looking back at anything you have loved for so many years. A wave I've surfed literally thousands of times. And no two days exactly the same. And hopefully still some good waves and good times to come in the Philippines. And the older I get, the easier I am to please. Surfing's like sex when you get older : can't do it as often or for as long, but still just as enjoyable

And one more thing. If any of you ever venture to the Philippines, you are more than welcome to stay with my wife Esterlina and I, in Gen. Luna, Surigao island. ( home of Cloud 9 and many, many other, less crowded breaks.) Room and board provided. And all the San Miguel you can drink. ( this beer offer void to my Australian friends, who will have a limit, yet to be determined

)

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 7:48 pm

Jerry, how are you holding up under supertyphoon Usagi? Looks like a monster! Nothing quite like that ever showed up in cold Seaside...

OceanTrends17 · Post by **OceanTrends17** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 11:31 pm

Jerry wrote: And with those 35 years came a moniker worth it's weight in gold : "Local". I feel almost guilty. All the waves I've wanted. Not saying it's right. But that's the way it is.

You lost me right here.

I grew up in DogTown. I never thought much of localism. Moreover, as I've matured, I find myself increasingly appalled by borders, no trespassing, and the overall entitlement of "locals". I think about how many people have had the pleasure of surfing malibu or topanga on an epic day- and how few of those folks lived there, or even in the vicinity.

analbirth · Post by **analbirth** » Sun Sep 22, 2013 5:30 am

Good read Jerry atric, sounds like a plan about visiting you in Surigao & btw i'm from oz and don't drink shite loads of beer, thats an unjustified stereotype and if i could be offended i would be

although i still do drink just so you don't think i'm wierd or anything, just don't ask around for references.

Tropical Jerry · Post by **Tropical Jerry** » Sun Sep 22, 2013 7:36 pm

A.B. Stereotypes are almost always wrong. Just kidding,mate. Aussies outnumber Seppos about 25 to 1 here so I'm trying to learn the language.
Scott, that typhoon was way north of here. All we got was strong offshores and six foot swell.
And lastly,I will make no apology for being proud of my Seaside Local status. As I stated, what that meant to me was surfing a great wave with great friends. I am certainly nolocal here, having just moved here and more importantly being non Filipino. But I'm getting some waves.

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Musings of the senile

Musings of the senile

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