Dawsey's column: Braden Kopec, I accept your surfing invite—I think

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

While I don’t necessarily believe all stereotypes, I choose not to ignore some of them, based on my isms and those I know and often hear about. One in particular is that black people don’t like water; I will second that emotion, especially when other stipulations are added.

Yes, there may be outliers, but African-Americans participate very little in water sports. So, when Braeden Kopec asked me to join him one day at a beach to surf, I immediately rejected, and here’s why: 1. I can’t swim; 2. There are sharks in the water; 3. I can’t surf. 4. I don’t like to get wet unless I’m showering; and 5. Did I mention that I couldn’t swim, can’t surf, there are sharks out there, and I don’t like to get wet?

But, for the first time in my life, as I watched little kids ride the waves at the beach in Ormond, and I thought about the Memorial Surf Classic in Flagler Beach, I actually considered taking Braeden up on his offer.

One of the biggest reasons I was bold enough to join the military—although I had never experienced anything like the drills, yelling and all that it entails—is because I knew there were weaker and smaller boys who eventually became solders. And, if there are young kids brave enough to challenge ocean waves with a longboard, why shouldn’t I, since I will also have a life jacket and arm floats (don’t judge me) and maybe a whistle?

Surfing looks like a lot of fun, and I really want to give it a shot. With the competitive nature I possess, I keep telling myself I will one day conquer that fear and even develop at it, but I also assumed I would go out to a golf course and become the next Tiger Woods. That was in 2009, and I haven’t converted a par yet or shot under an 75—in nine holes.

I know it’s going to take a lot more of me trying to convince myself, but I look forward to an afternoon with Braeden and anyone interested in laughing at me until their stomach hurts. I also want to delve into a new world that's filled with a bunch of people I probably wouldn’t otherwise meet. So, when that day comes—hopefully soon—I will be delighted to share my experience with you. Keep your fingers crossed!