It's about time. I waited forever to get my new beloved blue van. Yes, I'm now a van guy. I purchased a used Kia (it was either a Kia, Daewoo or Hyundai) van for about $1000US so that I could tour the island, and most importantly; haul my boards to the beach. Paul and Stephen and I headed down to Jungmun Saturday, hoping for some swell based on the wind data, but we were sorely disappointed. The day wasn't a total bust though, we ended up exploring a little more to the west and seeing stunning Sangbang-san with a possible break in front of it. (Picture of Sangbang-san included on this page) I even ventured down a random road (thanks Stephen) that was about 6 inches wider than my van. Everytime I was thinking about attempting a turnaround in a driveway, I kept being urged on. So I continued to drive, branches scraping the side of the van, tangerines within arms-reach. We finally poked out onto a major road, much to my relief. So after the adventure, we ended up at Gecko's for a burger and fries to make as feel a little better after being denied surf.
Today was a different story. We decided to give it another shot and drive down to Jungmun around 11am and pray for surf. Upon arriving, our hearts were collectively pounding. We'd seen white-water in the harbor, so we knew that there should be some chop building at the beach. Paul and Stephen jumped out of the van and sprinted to the overlook. As I parked and got out of the car, I could see them hi-fiving and jumping up and down. It could only mean one thing; it was time to surf. They ran back up to the Beast, and we got the boards out, put the fins on, waxed up and climbed into the cold weather gear. Paul is from Australia, and Stephen has been living in Hawai'i for the past 10 years, so they're both a little spoiled. The water was a realtively nice 59-60 degrees. I wore my fullsuit with no booties or gloves and was comfortable the whole time. Paul definitely got a little chilly towards the end of the session and Stephen didn't stop complaining about it. I have to give Paul props; it was probably the coldest water he's ever surfed in, and he was only wearing a spring suit. Stephen on the otherhand is orginially from New York, so he should have known what was going to be coming.
Anyway, the surf was running about shoulder high with occasionally larger sets. The winds were howling offshore, and even in our semi-protected cove, the spray coming off the lip could be blinding. At Jungmun, the waves break in pretty deep water. It's super clear here, and I definitely couldn't make out any semblance or resemblance of the bottom. It was a ridiculously long paddle (Assateague like...) and I actually had to get out, and go closer to the rock point and use the rip to get me out to where I could paddle back into the bowl where the waves were actually hitting. It was a pretty decent day, although I'm so far from paddle-shape it's embarassing. We all looked a little rusty out there, but held our own. The first time I stood up, was like my first time all over again. I was nervous, I was over-thinking where I was planting my feet, which way I should go on the wave, if I was popping up to early or late, and if I was going to make it. I made it, and road it for a little bit till it just died on me and I basically walked into the water off my board. I only got about 5 waves all day because every time a huge set came in, it seemed to be forming further and further out. It was also pretty draining to paddle for 20 minutes to get out there, and I had little energy to actually paddle for a wave.
All-in-all it was a good day. Today was actually the first time I've even touched water in the Pacific (even though this is the where the Yellow Sea and the East Sea meet, it's still part of the Pacific). It felt so good to get in there, to stand up on a few waves, make a couple turns on the slow waves, and look at the beauty of the basalt cliffs we were facing. It was probably the most gorgeous surf spot I've ever been in, especially when the little waterfall started flowing from near the Hyatt. There's another smaller more secluded cove about 400m West of where we surf, but I don't think it breaks as well as our beach. It is stunning though. I sit here now, typing, and my heart is racing all over again thinking about surfing. I know I'll be sore tomorrow, but right now, I'm just ecstatic.
Today was finally another one of those days that make me so happy to be on Jeju, even though I'd like to have the GOG out here for the surf sessions.
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I'm sure the title of this post will baffle most at first, and intrigue many. Before I begin, I'd like to evoke an immortal series of lines from Seinfeld: (Or Steinfeldt as my Grandmother Mary refers to it) After sitting in all day on Saturday, talking on the phone, watching movies and reading, I ended up making a quick appearance for the first time at the Darts Bar, or Club Feliz. I don't know why I hadn't been there before, but I'm pretty glad that I finally made the quick 4 block walk. It's a pretty chill little bar with a couple of couch/booths, some seats at the bar, a Foosball table, pool table, and electronic darts. I pretty much go for the darts. My dart 'obsession' began in Belize, when it was the only thing to keep my interested in the bars while all the students were getting blackout drunk and acting a fool. I can't say I'm great at darts. I think it would probably be a stretch to say I'm really even that good throwing, but I can definitely beat most people that have never played before. The electronic dart board at the bar is a little odd, throwing with plastic-tip darts and not having to do any mind-blowing math. (Basic subtraction) But it's really fun. There are dozens of games you can play, without necessarily having to know what they are ahead of time, and you can even get a card for 5,000won to keep track of you scores and rank you in the bar. Yep, I bought one Sunday night when I went for what was totally intended to be a quick night of darts, and maybe one beer. But the road to hell is paved with good intentions... I ended up staying a little later than I planned, but had a really good time. Finally had a 'guys night' with Paul which was refreshing, and Ken showed up to make things a little more interesting on the dart board. The bartenders JC and Tensy at Club Felize are super friendly and incredibly accomodating. They are a lot of what draws me back to the bar. Even though they have troubles pronouncing my name, they still make every attempt to keep me interested, entertained or drunk at their bar. First of all, thanks Niall for the postcard all the way from Ghana. Very impressive. |
MuggsJust a little journal about my life. Click 'Comments' or the Titles if you'd like to add anything. The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences.
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