Surfing in the English Garden- Hanging 10 in Munich, Germany

I genuinely believe if you polled a thousand tourists of sights they'd witness in the landlocked southern German city of Munich, the resurrection of Hitler would, from a perceived statistical likelihood, be deemed 1000 times likelier than "surfing."
"I guess maybe if you had DNA and some crazy Google computer, but surrfffinng?"

That's why y'all shouldn't gamble! Betting on Hitler's resurrection, really?? Lo and behold, in the English Garden, due to a fast moving current of the local river and some water hazards placed below the surface by some intrepid (defined as "stupid") souls, two areas have been created where German "surfers" are able to ply their craft.


There they are lined-up, waiting for their turn to practice. Given that Munich might be the greatest distance from a coast in Europe, it's an affront to German efficiency and practicality, but I admire the fact they have dreams, and are willing to go against convention.


Here is the second location where surfers do their best to Hang 10.


If you would have told me before I saw it with my own eyes that I'd witness people surfing in the middle of Munich without some indoor wave pool, I'd have tried to sell the Brooklyn Bridge or referred you to some cult for ultra-gullible people (UFO's, Christianity, etc.) but now that I've been proven 100% wrong, yes, I do see Jesus in the spaceship ready to take us away to heaven.

Video: surfing in Munich, Germany

Rip Tide- Surfing off Phuket, (Patong Beach)

Phuket

Phuket, a gorgeous island off the coast of Thailand. I had never stayed in the Patong Beach area, and in retrospect I wish I had gone to back to Krabi, which is one of the most stunning place on the planet, but lacking in waves, and after my success surfing the Balinese waters I thought Phuket would be a breeze.
Of course what I didn’t realize is that the waves are bigger off Phuket, and a lot less predictable. Frankly, I found myself to be unprepared for the “medium time,” the first day I had problems making it out past the break.

falling off the board

I woke early the next morning, with a sense of sheer determination, and paddled so hard during a minor lull in the waves, that yes, indeed I did “beat the break.”
Resting on my board I took a deep relaxing breath, knowing that I could afford to wait for the perfect wave. I paddled back in a few feet, and quickly realized that the distance to shore was actually greater than it was before. I rested on my board for a few valuable seconds, like an idiot needing confirmation that the guy with the knife and a crazed look on his face is in fact rapidly approaching him. Sure enough, I was getting mugged by a rip tide. If I did nada, I’d be sucked out to sea.
I paddled as hard as I could, and after maybe ten minutes, made it back to shore. Learning new things ain’t without its risks. I reported the rip tide to the Thai police, but they just laughed and did nothing. Typical.
I do however believe my Thai surf adventure to a success … if you define success as “not being eaten by a shark.”
If you haven’t been, I highly recommend you travel to Thailand. It’s cheap, a lot of fun, and if you go to the right places (Krabi) beautiful beyond belief. Peace.

hilarious web sitcom Flawed

Surfing Bali- Kuta Beach Wipeout!

Surfing
Ever surfed before? Want to try? Ever try to actually stand up while riding the wave in? You fell right?

surfing wipe out

You got frustrated, and after only one more fall, you kicked your board, and decided to head for shore before the shark, which you could have sworn you saw circling you, decided it was lunch time.
Look, just because you aren’t a natural athlete (cough cough- like me) is no reason to give up. When did giving up get you anywhere? Did it ever benefit you? Come on! Let me give you a little inspiration!

Ride that wave Rich! OOOHHH

I’m going to share with you a simple, but utterly profound wisdom, that is not only applicable to surfing but, when ever you are proverbially trying to stand-up in your life. The simple key to standing-up is …. “Don’t fall down.”

surfing is cool

I actually really enjoyed surfing. Next year- Pipeline.




Funny web sitcom