01/21/2025
The day started early.
I went back to work at the sewing shop. Having decided to work on some personal projects this year, I realized I’d need a steady source of income again. Luckily, the sewing position had been left open when I took off two years ago to build surfboards.
At the end of 2024, I told God I wanted to take a break from running my business. I wanted to work on some artistic ideas, surf more, travel, and maybe relax on a Sunday.
Tuesday morning starts at 6:30 am. I’ve already been up for about an hour and a half or two. NoGi training at Gracie Barra in Garden Grove. The lesson plan is currently about what to do when stuck in deep half on the bottom. Waiter Sweep, The Aligator Roll, Wrestle Up and the Leg Elevator. The different reactions depend on what the opponent gives you.
Gracie Barra Garden Grove, Dawn Patrol
The Dawn Patrol class has been going now for a little over two years. It started small and had a good core group of practitioners over that time, but it feels like it will be growing some this year. Two new gents started training in the last couple of months, Colin and Justin.
Elan, the gentleman in the middle of the all-black rashguard, just celebrated his 100th class. He trains consistently and is quick to pick up the game.
I did a quick cleaning of the school, and off I went. Before leaving, I had a ding repair to drop off for my Head Professor. We have an awesome and easy system. He messages and says he’s got a ding, drops it off at the night class, and I pick it up the next morning at the Dawn Patrol class.
Ding Repair pick and delivery at your service.
I was all pumped. This board was done in a good amount of time, even though it needed to be dried out. I felt good. However, that bubble burst when I was halfway through the door, and I saw this little white spot. I scratched it with my fingernail to see if it was wax.
It had that very distinct feel of a nail scratching something jagged and broken. It was NOT wax. Damn it. I quickly do a 180 and put the board back in the car.
It adds time to the repair, but I’d rather do it right and take more time. EPS foam is also very notorious for absorbing water like a sponge. It will be fixed.
I spent the rest of the day working on this board, shooting the shit with Enzo and Trooper, who came over later that morning to work on their board projects. Also, a girl who recently got a job at a glassing factory came over and got a bit of a taping demo.
All in all it was an awesome day that I’m very grateful for.
Aloha,
Rev. Ben
