Juniors learn importance of conditions and gear
Marietta Hitzemann, surfing wahine
June 10, 2009
We started the 2009 Junior Wahine June surf sessions (sponsored by the Pump House Surf Shop in Orleans) this past weekend and we started out right: with Jessi making the decision to postpone the first session until Sunday.
- Saturday morning at 8:00 am on June 6, it was gray, raining, just under 50 degrees, and windy. It was blowing North and had been for over a day.
- Sunday morning at 8:00 am on June 7, it was bright and sunny, right around 60 degrees, with no wind and decent waves.
What a difference a day makes!
And that was a good lesson for this group of new surfers to learn: whether or not you surf depends on the weather and the waves.
We had a manageable group of five juniors with four adults in the water to help out. Jessi, Daniel (my husband), and I provided one-on-one help for the three youngest while Carrie gave pointers to the two teenagers, who are really catching on and are almost ready to fly solo. (Note to wahines: if we had more helpers, we’d be able to take more kids into the water… I’m just saying…)
Even though we had lovely weather on Sunday, the water was still mighty cold for those body-fat-free kiddos. The right gear is essential for any sport and surfing is no exception. Everyone learned for themselves that booties and a well-fitting wet suit are key to the first hurdle: getting into the water!
Many of the parents decided to get their kids wetsuits and booties before the next session and a few went straight to the Pump House to gear up when we finished. We talked about how important it is to get kids wetsuits that fit – that you have to ignore the instinct to get them something they’ll grow into because that means it doesn’t fit now. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t keep them warm.
I know, I know.... that means that you don’t get more than a season out of a kid wetsuit, right? And it really starts adding up to some serious $$.
So in the spirit of getting the kids in the water without sending their parents to the poor house, I think we should start an annual kid wetsuit and gear swap. As the Junior and Tiny wahines grow out of their wetsuits, they could hand them down to someone else and get one from someone who has grown out of theirs in return.
It feels like the season is already underway and it might be too late for anyone to benefit from a swap this year. But maybe not? If it is too late, I think it would be great to have the first gear swap on Memorial Day weekend, 2010.
So, Wahines, what do you think? Please send me an email to let us know: what do you think about this idea in general? Would it be worth it to have one in the next couple of weeks? Would you be willing to help organize it in 2010?
See you at the bonfire!
P.S. Dear Sponsors: Don't worry... we love you guys and dolls and we will always need you for our grown-up-sized gear habits and to replace the kid wetsuits that just plain get worn out! xoxo