Grom

I brought my son out to go surfing for the first time on his new board. The winds were in the 30 knot range and the waves were coming from the southwest. A quick trip to the camp and a squeeze into the wetsuits had us ready to start a new beginning. To me, the waves were small nearly unridable. But a little change of persepective and I soon realized that they were very intimidating to a person that is just over four feet high. we paddled (I pushed him out while he was lying on his board) out into the larger surf. He caught a few, spilled on a few and it was a good introduction to his new passion (I hope). As I watched him lie on his board and ride the waves I noticed that the waves were chest to head high on him. I do have to give him credit, it was pouring rain, the sky was grey and the lake looked very menacing.

I soon started to think, what is a Grom? A young person starting out in surfing? If we think about this a little further we can agree that we are all groms. As we enter the surfing world we look out at those that are better and faster. Those that ride the larger and faster waves. We think to ourselves that one day that will be me. As we grow and our skills get honed, we look forward to larger faster waves. Always looking up to someone, in a magazine or a friend that rips. As we advance and ride those waves we start looking at surf trips. Try different surf spots different continents. All the while advancing and pushing our skills to the limit. Accepting a challenge no matter what. It shows us that in the bigger picture we are all learning, we are all in our own way groms, regardless of age and regadless of skills.

Watching my son enforced the paralells of surfing and life. When he took a wave over the back of his head, I reminded him to never turn his back on the waves. There will always be a bigger wave and when you least expect it the outside set will come crashing through. Always face what is coming at you and maybe one day you will catch that outside set and have the ride of your life. Just remember to keep looking forward and there will always be a new challenge.

Gearing up

As August approaches, it is time to start preparing for the waves. August is a good month for afternoon waves at the old cottage. It is time to get the boy out and practice paddling so he can get used to the small waves at the cottage before heading out on a surf trip with the old man. He is pumped to catch his first wave and has taken to his surfboard very well.

The maiden voyage

Some mysterious rock formations in Grand Marais.

Weekend Camping

Spent the rain soaked weedend in Grand Marais. Had a fantastic time exploring the bush, hiking to the lighthouses and teaching the kids how to climb the rocks. We decided to go to Lutsen and try the Alpine slide. We used to do the slide years ago and it was not very controllable then. I was a little reluctant to have the kids go down on their own. The sleds are new now and totally controlable. I took Aidan down with me a Ryley went on her own. It was a fantastic time. Check out the ride below.

Survival

Well with no surf in site, we are enjoying the summer. The kids are on a big survival kick. With so many shows on television right now, Survive This, Survivorman, Man Vs. Wild, the kids have a great interest in some survival techniques. So this summer has been all about exploring the bush and how to survive.

Out at camp we have been exploring islands nearby. On one such island, we started to construct an A Frame shelter. (well in this photo it is half of an A Frame) The kids helped to aquire logs and other material to construct said structure.

Also, on the adgenda is wild edibles and as many ways to start a fire as one can dream up. It is important to be able to start a fire without the usual use of matches or a lighter. We have been experimenting with flint sticks, magnifying glass, steel wool and batteries, fire bow to name a few. Here my daughter is starting a fire using only a spark from a flint stick and some steel wool. The beauty of a flint stick is that is will work when wet. I always keep one in my pocket.

One more in the lineup

Well after long last the board is done. Just finished the graphics today and picked up a new fin and leash. Scored the wetsuit and some booties. The boy is pumped and ready to catch some waves. The board is a scaled down version of one of my boards. Just doesnt seem right being only 15 inches wide. total length is 6' 4". Should do him him well. Now all we need is to get some waves.

Canada Day

We decided at the last minute to go out to the lakeshore camp and fire off some fireworks. Well when we arrived at the road, there were cars everywhere. In all my years down at the cottage, I have never seen that many people at one time. Looking up and down the beach showed crowds of people and spots of campfires as far as the beach is long. One camp had a live band playing on the deck. People were walking up and down the beach, I would have sworn it was Daytona. Every other camp had mounds of fireworks. We could see the fireworks from town, but it definately was not needed. With the arsenol of fire displays all night long it was absoulutely amazing. I think we will be doing the same thing next year.

Down the beach.
Up the beach.

Nature

I have been trying to get a closeup of a raven for a while now. This guy decided it was long enough and stood his ground to pose.