Surfing Port Aransas, Texas
It’s not a secret, but still not well understood, that we have some pretty fine waves on the 3rd Coast…we boast about the water temp….80 degrees usually May thru October, and sand bottom to walk on, no rocks or coral…I like it…. I like big waves to0, and we get them from the tropical storms, but most of the time, the spot you’ll be surfing with Tide Guide is just excellent beginners surf…You’ll be riding the 1st or 2nd sand bar, in water about waist deep.
Where:
Meet Tide Guide at the Port Aransas Magee Nueces County Park. Drive along the beach road, camp will be set up right across from the ranger station, look for our Tiki torch if you arrive after dark and you will also see the surf trailer and camp.
Camp is between the jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier. We are NOT at Bob Hall Pier
We will camp on the beach 2 nights and surf 2 days. Clean warm showers and bathrooms are within walking distance. Your private cot will be reserved for you.
Should you arrive late and we all are asleep “happens often”, please just go in and find your cot, the tent is illuminated from the park lights so you can see.
Come into camp anytime after 6:00 p.m. Friday night. Dinner is not cooked that night so you can have fun in town “2 minute drive”, finding a great restaurant.
Rates:
$225.00 per person
$115.00 Children welcome and half price up to the age of 12. They love it and I’ll help them ride a tiny wave
Bring:
A pillow, sleeping bag or blanket and sheets, you will have your own comfortable cot. Sleeping is great with the constant breeze and sound of the waves 75 yards away. Sun hat, beach cloths, shower kit etc.
Surfboards:
Traditional Long Boards 9’ to 12’. Hot contemporary Long Boards 9’ – 10’. Big Wave Guns 11’.
Food:
Saturday:
BREAKFAST – Strawberry/Oatmeal Stew, fresh papaya, honey dew melon, sliced oranges, strong coffee, surfer tea.
LUNCH – Lite eating during class. Jicama and lime, coconuts, pineapple, watermelon, tamarinds (surfer candy), oranges, apples, corn chips, roasted peanuts.
DINNER – Fresh vegetable soup (12 or more vegetables). Fresh grilled Italian sausage, crackers.
Sunday:
BREAKFAST – Strawberry/Oatmeal Stew, fresh papaya, honey dew melon, sliced oranges, strong coffee, surfer tea.
LUNCH – Hot Tamales and pinto beans, crackers.
Safety:
The bottom line.
#1 Learn to say no when your nervous or tired and then paddle in for a rest.
#2 Don’t ever try to impress anybody out there.
#3 Quit while your ahead.
#4 Never be embarrassed to use precaution. The Ocean does have a soul but it treats everybody the same. If you get arrogant and or too bold it will let you know it’s time to go recover on the beach.
I will issue personal flotation devices if you wish. These surfboards are equipped with a leash or strap which Velcro’s to your ankle, so you won’t get separated from your board which easily floats a 300 pound person.
We will use a buddy system, during session #1 Saturday morning, one board for 2 surfers. While you are out with the instructor your buddy will be on shore or helping you and alert for your safety. Session #2 you can choose from the quiver a board you want to try. You are partaking in an athletic event, treat yourself like a champ.
PREPARATION:
At home try laying prone on the floor. Do a push up then bring your knees up under your stomach. Then quickly rise to a surfing stance either goofy foot or regular foot. This means one foot in front of the other at a 90 degree angle to the length of the imaginary board. Bend you knees as soon as you get up, then arms out for balance – do as many as you can, do them quickly.
Hello Fellow Surfer,
A little bit about me your surf instructor. I leaned to surf in Hawaii where I was a harbormaster on the small outer island of Lanai. I’ve surfed in Costa Rica and now here in Texas. This is a terrific sport and I do it more than anything just to relax and soak in the warm Saltwater.
I have also been a World Champion Freestyle Mogol Skier and for years a ski instructor at Sun Valley, Idaho. I’ll be able to help you develop your own style.
This is really a fun little fantasy and don’t be surprised if you actually stand up and learn to control the board. I promise not to laugh too much while your getting used to things. I was a beginner once myself.
Respectfully,
Bill Minor
Tide Guide
Professional Surfer
P.S.
You’ll be surfing on the best long boards money can buy so give it a good try. Remember beauty is just skin deep, so put on a swim suit: skinny, short, weak, tough, young, old, baker or candlestick maker, housewife or model. Bring a friend and your family, meet new people and learn a new sport.