You’re Not So Crazy… Winter Surf(er)

I took this photo after braving the first winter storm to walk down to the ocean and watch the waves crash in. My parents do this often during the Maine winters, but I’m not sure I’ve ever trudged through snow to get to the beach before now. (For obvious reasons, I mean, hello frostbite.)

It was pretty windy. It was pretty cold. It got so cold that my iphone shut off because of the low temperature just after I took this selfie.

I felt pretty crazy. Crazy in a good way!

Until today, when my mother spotted a surfer out catching waves in what I hope is THE BEST WETSUIT EVER because it was 20 degrees out.

The air temperature was so cold that the crashing waves sent a misty vapor up into the air… the clash of water and air temperatures hanging visibly on the horizon.

See the surfer over on the right? He’s about to catch that wave.

Amazing.

I know that as winter hits, there are many legitimate reasons not to go do something outdoors that we love. I’m the first one to avoid icy sidewalks; no sense spraining an ankle on a winter run if you can access a treadmill or do an indoor class instead.

But…

Seeing this surfer reminds me that with the right winter gear, we can probably all get outside more than we do once the snow comes.

When I get outside in the cold, it makes me feel alive. And crazy in a good way. Once I get moving, I’m always (ok, usually) surprised by how warm I feel despite the brisk temperatures.

So exercise due caution… but get out there. Do what you love.

If this guy can surf in Maine when it’s 22 degrees out, I can throw my non-skid boots on and go for a brisk walk, or for a 3 mile run on the nicely paved sidewalks. I can cozy up in my hand-knit winter gear and help the kids make that snow man.

So crazy.