Surfers. The rubric.

You know how we love our rubrics here at BA31. 

Over the years we've seen our share of surfers of various ability. 

Of course that means we've come up with a system of categorizing them.  We pretty much know by the time they walk down the beach and hit the sign for BA30 how long it will take them to surf back up to our watch.

The true novice:  This is the guy (or girl) who walks down the beach and is spun around in circles by the ocean breeze  hitting his rented surf board at the wrong angle.  He's also pretty pale (not as pale as the pales of course), or slightly sunburned and is wearing a bathing suit that may not make it past the first wave, and has no tattoos or piercings. BA31ETA:  never.

Beginner:  The surf board is still rented, but the walk is far more confident.  He's got a fairly good tan, a sensible bathing suit and he may be walking with a friend who is spinning around.  BA31ETA: about 90 minutes.

Moderate Intermediate:  This guy has his own surf board, and he's not bothered by the sea breeze, even when the gusts get a little rough. His bathing suit is sensible, but faded from lots of sun. BA31ETA: About one hour.

Intermediate:  Great tan, faded bathing suit, personal surf board with a few stickers on it.  He's walking so confidently he can spend time checking out the women staring at him as he walks by (not us of course) and he has one small tattoo someplace very obvious.  BA31ETA: Less than an hour

Moderate Advanced:  Same characteristics as above, but his tattoos are bigger and more obvious.  Maybe even a sleeve.  BA31ETA: 30 minutes most.

Advanced:  You know the drill, same as a moderately advanced surfer, but this guy has a totally tattooed back and the beginnings of dread locks. BA31ETA: 20 minutes tops

Totally Advanced DUDE:  This guy is the whole package.  His dreads are so mature they have mildew growing in them.  BA31ETA:  who knows.... he's so good he'll be too far out for us to keep track of.