Doug's Depiction: May 2011

The past week has been quite eventful. Beginning on Monday, I had a full day of classes, and a review for a test that was to take place on Wednesday. The review ended at around 11PM, and from there I had to drive up to San Clemente because the lowers contest was set to start at 8am Tuesday morning. On only a few hours of sleep, I woke up nice and early to get down to the contest only to find the pro jr. wasn't going to run. Back down to SDSU for a class that had required attendance for the day. A quick pit stop at the beach with a friend helped to relax my growing stress. After my class ended at 4:45, I jetted back to San Clemente. Rumor had it that the contest was going to start Wednesday. Another early drive down to the beach left me disappointed. The waves were firing, so the QS side of the comp was on all day. Back down to SD. I actually made it to my 11am class which was exciting because it was our last lecture before Summer! At 3:30, I had to take the Econ test I had prepared for on Monday; still awaiting results. That night, at around 5pm I had to attend the sports clubs banquet in place of my accounting class. I'd say it was worth it because I was awarded with the "Outstanding Athlete" award! A nice plaque and a $250 dollar scholarship were now in my possession. Unfortunately, I was probably the most under-dressed person there. A little embarrassing, but I was the only one to give a little speech, so it was worth it haha. Following the banquet, I had to drive back to San Clemente again because the contest was for sure going to run the next day (Thursday). Again, an early wake up call became the reality, but this time I went for a freesurf before the event started. I hadn't surfed in 3 days so it felt great to finally get wet. A lowers right that offered 5 backhand cracks and a stock air at the end renewed my confidence and allowed me to believe I belonged here. Then the waiting game began. I had to wait till the very last heat of the day to surf my heat. Luckily, my friend from school stopped by to show her support. Pretty cool when that happens. All the groms in the VIP part of the event tent were mentally preparing me for my heat. As I paddled out, I knew I was ready. I just wanted to go have fun, and that's what happened. I haven't had fun in a contest in so long, so to enjoy myself out in a heat felt great. I opened the heat up with a runner left that i knew would offer a decent score. After a few turns, I finished with a reverse and scored a 5.0. Not a bad way to start a heat. A few minuets later, I stroked into a right and went to work throwing up 3 backhand turns and 2 cutties. The judges rewarded my efforts with a 6.1 and that all she wrote. I was through to the next round which was to take place the following day. After a great nights sleep, I headed down to the contest a little later than normal for my heat was to be later in the day. I had one of the heats of the event. Jack Freestone, Kolohe, and Evan G. My work was cut out for me. In addition, that night I had a formal to attend which I was really looking forward to! After waiting all day to surf, I went out for my heat and really just took in all my surroundings. I had the 3 best jr's in the world in my heat. What an opportunity. I was star struck for sure, but knew I had what it takes to keep up. I opened with a 6.05 on a 3 turn right hander. I was having fun. Unfortunately, I couldn't find another solid wave and got eliminated. I was ok with it though, I had a great time. Now it was time to race down to SDSU for the Formal! I was already a little late, but I managed to make it to the pre-party to find my date looking absolutely marvelous. We almost matched, so I was happy. After meeting some new friends, we all jumped in a car and headed to the hotel where the event was taking place. A night filled with dancing, laughing, and great times followed. What a way to end one of the best weeks of my life.

On a side note, On my drive back to SC the morning after formal, I saw a car on fire on the side of the free way!

pictures and video coming soon?

~doug