"On September 25, 2005, I caught my first wave. My friend Lora Anderson had invited me to join these super-sporty women (from left, Laura Dunn, Jennifer Lynch, me, Julianne Burke, Lora Anderson, Leah Friedman, Kathy Klotszche, and Terese Roesler) for a surf weekend up in Ventura, California, about an hour and a half north of Los Angeles. I spent the first day making all the mistakes. On the second day, a promising wave came, and someone said, "Party wave!" Most of the group took it, but Terese and I held back for the next one, which turned out to be even better. It was fun to see my buddies celebrating when we caught it. I am totally hooked."

Laura Teusink
Assistant Managing Editor
 
Do-It-Yourself: "I rented a 9.6 soft-top long board from Ventura Surf Shop, on Thompson Street, and borrowed a wet suit. Faria Beach at Emma Wood State Park has a break called Mondos that is good to learn on but is also fun for experienced surfers."

Photograph courtesy of Harry Friedman

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"Life's an Adventure" Reader Photo Submission Guidelines: 
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Via e-mail:
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adventure@ngs.org, subject line: "Life's an Adventure" Reader Photo Album

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