Imitating Pinnipeds

[Doc]

I grew up bodysurfing…
In fact, I got 4th place…
At the 1979 World Bodysurfing Championships…
In Oceanside, California (I still have the faded ribbon)….
An acquaintance recently related to me…
Their recent bodysurfing jaunt on OR’s north coast…
But my immediate thought was the wisdom of…
Bobbing about in a seal/sea lion based costume…
In waters not disassociated with large, mindless, predatory fish…
What say you denizens of the OSP deep…?
Foolhardy? Fun? Risky? Safe? OK as long as they stay outta the way…?
I never even hardly ride shortboards anymore…
Just based on the risky outline as seen from below….
And because my skills have deteriorated so much…
But let’s not dwell upon that.
Doc

[smithgrind]

Funny you mentioned this...
I saw some bodysurfers in the line up at the sands...
Was it last week?...
Dunno, my memory is failing...
It was the last time I surfed...
I don't think I would be comfortable...
Imitating a pinniped in these waters...
But the idea sounds like fun...
While I sit on the rocks...
drinking a cold beer...

[Major Lazer]

Seems like you'd want a pretty wampy shorey where you could sit on an inside bar, so thinking central coast-ish. The spot I am thinking of that might be optimum has a nickname of Geteatin Risk any greater than bobbing on a surfboard? Guess you have some added protection of foam and fiberglass.

Several years ago on a classic sunny warm and glassy Labor Day one of the gromitas and I suited and booted and swam out at PC around boat ramps and did just that, bodysurfed. After we got out, like honestly 20 to 30 mins later, a shark came through Chambers and cleared a fairly crowded line-up A frantic scene reminiscent of Jaws. Creepy. Haven't done such a thing since other than jumping off the rocks in the Cove at Otter Poops. I've been seeing more free diving and spearfishing footy in OR waters recently. Seems kinda risky especially from about now through October when the Whiteys start to patrol the shorelines.

[Howly Wolf]

Been sliding a few paipo sessions into the mix lately. Sharks haven't been at the top of my mind, even at Get Eatin, although summer comfort might have something to do with that. More immediate concerns have been currents, shorepound, and, at popular spots, the dark hearts of our fellow surfers.

Stoked on it-- more waves than can shake a stick, ample (mini) tube time, and refreshing change of perspective. A bit more erotically charged than surfing what with all that dick dragging, but that may be for another thread....