Rhythm & Stoke, from the Rogue's notebook.

"Once you you have ridden those waves, they are gone. All that remains is a trace of salt on your skin, a feeling of contentment in your soul, and a story or two." -Shaun Tomson
Zoning into polished combers...smooth thigh-hi that would stay in my head. 47th Street Break, 7/15/2021.

      Warm, breezy night. Consequently, a crowded beachfront. Water around 69F-ish. Clean front-sides. About a half dozen, on and off, in the lineup. Finally, a surf session to get me into a rhythm. One that I could reap the stoke from. Surfed the 47th street break. Right handed peelers where the rocks of the old jetty disappeared into the sand years ago. They still played their magic. Knee. Thigh. A waisty here and there. Little tear-assin' lines all evening. Squeezin' juice outta every other set. Getting wet always puts a smile on my face. To hold it for the entire session, releasing the week's stress, sittin' in the lineup, watching others catch rides, lettin' the ocean wash away life's worries...even for the short term...pure salt intoxication. Carved until the purples and dark blues overcame the orange and reddish-pinks of a vanishing sunset. Surf buzz at it's best. And I didn't need chest to head high waves to get it. Just the rhythm and stoke of the ride.

   Oberon, Bell's Brewery's classic summer Wheat Ale. Amp it up with mango, guava, and passionfruit, and ya got the epic ride called Tropical Oberon. Yeah, ok, a little dramatic. But the hazy, opaque orange pour was blowing up with aromas of mango, papaya, and tart oranges. 2-finger, foamy, off-white head. Taste was loaded with more of the tropical fruits, accompanied by creamy oats and black pepper in the background. At 25 IBUs, there was also a surprising level of dankness in the bitter, but refreshing finish. Very silky smooth going down and the 5.8% alcohol level made it sessionable enough to have a couple or three. Like snagging those juicy waves. Rated an A.