http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoTVHLiIVXw
By: Morgan Sliff
“SJ, what was the best part about Christmas?” “Getting a surfboard!”. Mermaid companion SJ Bacallao had the stoke this morning when she arrived down to the beach with her brand new toy.
I remember when Santa got me my very first surfboard for Christmas. I had been begging my mom for a board for what seemed like ages, having not even tried the sport. She was reluctant and weary, thinking that it might turn into a quick phase, but I kept persisting and telling her and my dad that surfing would be my favorite thing in the whole world.
Santa provided, and I have never been more right. The ocean consumed me, and yearly summertime surf camps at Chevron (now Hermosa) surf camp had no rival. The best memories of my childhood were the weeks spent at camp – the kids that became good friends, the instructors, Aloha Friday food buffets, and of course – the ocean and the thrill of riding waves for hours every day.
With pink surf wax, we gave her pretty green board some sticky coverage and made some festive New Years artwork. SJ and I hit the sea, and she caught a few waves that took her all the way to shore. Jose, her dad and my awesome friend, went out on his SUP and caught some peelers while I held the board steady in the water for the little ripper and she practiced pop-ups in between me pushing her into waves. I brought my board out for a bit, caught a few knee high sets, and then it was off to breakfast and warming up at Brother’s Burritos.
I adore my little mermaid friend, and can’t wait to continue shredding with her and watching her grow.
