Surf's Up

There's a serious surfing vibe around here this summer. (Does being a mom of surfers mean I get to hang at the beach everyday? I'm in.) While the boys are still a few parental-induced swimming requirements away from really and truly surfing on their own (yeah, that doggie paddle isn't going to get you far when you're upside down in your boat, guys. sorry.), they're doing their best to prepare for the role of 'surfer' (which they define as both the traditional surfboard, as well as whitewater kayak in the surf - Papa's gig). They've had enough of Papa and his paddler friends around in their lives to think they fully get the role of the 'boater/surfer', uh...character.

As always, the costume is key. Last week, after some mild grumpiness about me not buying him a new wetsuit, he marched to his room to sew his own. How much do I love that he did this in defiance ("Fine! I'll make my own!")? A lot. He was disappointed to discover no capilene or lycra in my stash, but like any good tailor, he made do with what he had - cotton knit. I showed him how to trace his pants (he used his long johns to get the fit he wanted), gave him a little help on the elastic casing, and then he was off. Wetsuit pants complete. They fit, they cling when wet, they're black. All requirements are met and he's happy.

(Um, love that photo). The next day Calvin wanted a wetsuit top. He caught me in a moment when I had absolutely zip, zero, nada energy to 'help' him sew. "No problem, Mama, I can do it all on my own", he says. The result was this top (which is adorable, though I'm afraid it won't survive it's first washing) for his Little Dude (yes, that's what he calls him and Ezra sarcastically calls him 'Captain'). Truth be told, Calvin tried to make it for himself, but it didn't fit, so he 'gifted' it to Ezra, who was thrilled to be the recipient of Calvin's sewing. Heck - I'll take sibling kindness however it comes.

Next on their surf sewing plan is a gear bag for their wetsuits and other surf 'accessories' - my babes looooove their accessories. Sometimes I'm afraid I'm raising a bunch of gear-heads - but thankfully it doesn't look like they're headed for the 'expensive, brand new gear I only use once a year" kind of gearhead, but more towards the "duct -taped, ripped shorts, everyday use, DIY" kind of gearhead. I'm cool with that.

Comments

[Katharine]

I have to show my little brother this post - he's a kite-surfer with a LOT of gear! His gear is expensive, but it's also mostly the "use it every day there's a remote chance of wind, fill it full of sand and then bring it all back to my sister's flat" kind of gear! Your boys are amazing Amanda!

[lia]

Uaahh! They're really talented and funny! I love the garments! Nice pictures too, of course, as usual! ;) Congratulations!!

[Plumtickled]

The memories these kids are going to be able to conjur up as adults are going to be hilarious! There's going to be so many....... "Do you remember when Mom let me......"

Awesome..... just awesome!

[Mama Urchin]

Such great surfer dudes!

[heather]

this is so hysterical! little dude and captain, you are quite a team... together you will have to decide, "to be, or not to be gear heads...". big decisions ahead for your surf duo. it all seems so justified as you start collecting the gear, doesn't it? convincing yourself that your cook ware needs to be titanium, your headlamp can't possibly weigh more than an ounce, do we keep the tent we have or spring for the mutha hubba, it's a full pound less than what we already have! sorry to make this about me, jeeeez. what i'm trying to say boys is i feel your pain, one has to have the right gear, even this simple girl gets that much. oh, and i'd like to place an order for quick dry swim shorts please. ;)

[erin]

that photo is so fabulous - i can see why you love it! it makes me smile thinking about your boys and their new surfer duds.

[earthchick]

Oh, I love that he makes his own stuff. I hope to be raising a tailor or two myself (though this would require a second sewing machine as I'm not so sure I'm up for sharing).

Fantastic photo.

[jess]

i love that we can surf in maine! my boy is at sand eating phase but heres hoping he enjoy the sand and surf much as your boys : )

[Lisa Clarke]

How cool is it that your boys can sew?? Once I finish teaching myself, I should get my boys into it too. I bet they'd get a kick out of making some of their own things!

[Molly]

What a sweet story! I'm impressed that making his own is defiance. :)

[annette]

Man, this is So Coooooool, Captain and Little Dude! Hey, what about Dudette?

[Jen]

How cool!

[Stefani]

Oh my gosh, I'm clutching my sides and my cheeks hurt from all the grinning. So adorable. Especially love the photo of Ez in his new shirt! And yes, it's so fun that he wants to SEW in defiance! :-)

[hannah]

calvin. i love you.

[Madeline R]

Oh how I love this post! My guys bought a boogie board at the Goodwill in May and they surf in our pool as well (above ground pool - not big). Gillen (9 yo) is really working on his surfing hair and attitude as well. He is teaching himself to sew. I can't wait to show him Calvin's wet suit.

[terri mac]

Amanda-
Just wanted to send a thank you for the smiles that this post elicited on this end.

[m]

I love this so much.

[Kim]

Oh that is just hilarious!!! Your boys just make me laugh! :)

[Lori]

Amanda, how far from the beach are you?

I also have a 12 year old daughter that watches the surfers in awe. Alas, we do not have any family surfers local to us...my younger brother is a kite surfer when he isnt river guiding or crabbing in Alaska but he isnt here for her to catch the flame from. :o)

We live on the Washington coast but the beach is about 30 minutes each direction for us.
I would love to go more often but the gas bill allows about once a week. LOL!

Your boys are great!

[lle'dassil]

Hey Soulemama,
You've inspired us to travel up the Maine coast, up to Eastport for our summer vacation! We're running our diesel car on veggie oil for the first time so it will be quite an adventure. Anyway, I thought you and your hubby might like this movie: "Aaron Russo's entire movie can be viewed online. It's free. If you haven't seen it, please do so now. Don't be put off by the rather long section about the IRS--it's only PART of the picture. See the entire 1 hr. and 51 min. You may henceforth see the machinations of government in a much different light!!" Enjoy.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1656880303867390173

[Amber]

What great 'make do' energy there is there! I love that shirt! And the clingy pants---a must!

[Veronica TM]

how i love to read this snippets of family life with your babes! you go 'captain' and 'little dude'!

[Heather]

So... do you think they know about duck tape and paddlers yet? If so, I expect that some day you'll see some magnificent projects made completely out of duck tape. I'm a complete convert... duck tape can solve anything... hands down.

[Grace]

extra cool post. :)

[Gwyn]

In Australia a surfer is not complete without a leggie tan which can quite conveniently be arranged by rubbing dirt all over your legs except the bit where a leg rope would be tied. Fake tan works too -not that I'd know!

[galadriel]

Ezra looks so much like you in that shot! Your kids are so lovely.

[mary]

such good stuff. Thanks for the smile.

[sarah]

Calvin's sewing is Impressive!! Gosh your children are so wonderful!! LOVE that picture of "little dude" LOL

[charlotte]

surfer dudes and duds...awesome, eternal summer!

[Beth]

Your kids are fabulous! I love that they have creative juices like this at such a young age. Kudos for being so supportive and encouraging.

[Lora]

I love how your boys just say heck with it and just sew something up!! I think it's great that they are that creative. My son just thinks I can KNIT him anything. A sly cooper toy, a rachet and clank toy. "Come on mom you can knit it" he says!! I love that he has so much faith in me LMAO!

[Heather]

I love seeing the creative juices flowing... I love the "make-do" attitude! That's how I learned to sew!

[mom and dad]

THATS MY BOYS!!!!!!!Way to cool... those clothes great job calvin...I am so proud of you that you ..you are going to be as good as mom in your creations..and wow it fit ezra ,it is so nice ezra could wear it..don't forget what your making Grammie..
Kisses to my favorite Boys
love you...