Shout “taxis, rats, opportunity, and fashion” continuously and you will find yourself characterizing New York City in the easiest way you know. Yet, if you choose to think outside the plastic Ziploc bag you will see that Manhattan is an island surrounded by water. It is not odd that I have to put emphasis on New York’s location on the coast because today I spent 6 hours explaining to aspiring members of my surf club that it is indeed possible to surf this crazy town.
Despite the continuous NYC surf confusion, there is still viable evidence that something special is lurking between the concrete and under the rain. I was frolicking down Broadway and was happy to see a guy driving his white mini van with about 15 surfboards stacked inside! A similar delight stole my eyes in the following days when I found a couple of pro surfers looking back at me with aloha spirit in their eyes.
This Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting Taj Burrow and Joel Parkinson! I just spent the past week goggling over these two gliding across the meanest waves at Teahupo’o, and now they were sitting right in front of me!
I have acquired my friend’s belief that if you shake the hand of a hard worker, some of their drive and passion will be passed on to you. I took this advice and am hoping to see some progression during my next surfing lesson! At the same time, I asked pro surfer Rob Kelly what is the best advice he has for beginning surfers. He responded that it is so important for us to start with the right board, and progress from there. Rob Kelly knows Kelly Slater’s super non secret surf secret. Do you?
Until next time, (… you better go to the beach!)
Mia
This guest post was written by the indefatigable Miss Mia Legg, surf Queen of Manhatten. Tune in next Wednesday for the latest from ‘Realm of the Kooks.’
Joel Parkinson, Quiksilver Pro New York, Rob Kelly, Taj Burrow
