Lifestyle

Saturday, July 19, 2025

It started with a dream—move to California, learn how to surf. So when a group of new neighbors invited me to try it for the first time, I said yes without actually thinking about how this would realistically pan out.

It was a warm summer evening, and I had the equivalent of road rash on my knuckles from spending half a day trying on at least 14 wetsuits at four different stores. The waves looked small from the cliff. "This should be chill," I thought to myself. That was my first critial error—thinking waves are chill.

Owen, my neighbor, looked back at me as we were walking out to the ocean and reminded me for the tenth time that he would NOT be helping me. Second critical error: thinking I could figure out surfing on my own.

Then they told me to paddle way out, and it was in that moment that I realized I had just used all my energy to get to what felt like the middle of the ocean.

Before I could complete that thought, a giant wave (the same tiny one from the cliff) took me out. Inhaling a bunch of sea water was now the only thing on the agenda as one wave after another kept testing my patience—and survival rate.

I knew that if I didn't flee the scene immediately, this wasn't gonna end well. The only words I could get out were "Bye guys!" and the rest of the energy I used to get back to shore came straight from my fight or flight response— I don't even remember how I got back on the beach but I can only imagine that it did not look graceful.

While sitting on the shore, still in a state of shock, a man in a wetsuit holding a surfboard comes up to me asking if the waves are good. "Good? You mean deadly?" I managed to get out in between coughs. He looked confused. "I almost died, bro." I said it in a way that sounded like a warning, but it didn't seem to phase him. He replied, "Wanna go back out there with me?" I just stared in disbelief. The audacity to invalidate my trauma was too much for me to handle. Who is this man that spawned out of nowhere asking me to essentially put my life on the line again?

I knew that if I didn't flee the scene immediately, this wasn't gonna end well.

Pacific Beach is a paradise full of palm trees, cotton candy sunsets, and bubbles...so long as you stay out of the water and on the sand, which is where I intend to be for the rest of the summer—maybe even forever. In the event that I did try surfing again, here's what I would do differently:

Get therapy. To recover from the first time and prep for the second time.
Start a long-term relationship with the treadmill. No one told me you need to have the lungs of a track star to get on a surfboard but now I know.
Stay near the shore. I don't care what people say about paddling past where the waves break, I will be surfing in knee-high water.
Get an instructor. Must be a man and must also be sexy.

And that was my first time.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Is Pilates Worth the Hype?

Every girl in San Diego is on the Pilates wave right now, raising the question—is it worth the hype? As someone who has tried almost all of the pilates studios in the 92109 (thank you ClassPass free trials), I feel qualified to speak on this topic. The origin of pilates dates back to the early 20th century. Joseph Pilates initially named this method of exercise “contrology”, emphasizing the mind’s control over the body. Pilates encompasses a mind and body connection with slow and controlled movements combined with moves that require balance and coordination. I think it has gained so much popularity recently because the movements can look very “aesthetically pleasing” and “graceful” by nature. Pilates studios also provide a very feminine atmosphere for girls to feel comfortable as opposed to regular gyms, which are male-dominated spaces. In short, yes, I think it is worth the hype, but I will list some pros and cons so you can decide for yourself (based on my experience with reformer-based pilates classes).

Pros

It's fun!! using the straps and equipment changes things up and keeps things exciting.
It’s low impact and allows for gentle stretching.
It’s usually accompanied by fun hype-up music to keep you motivated.
The instructors help correct your form and encourage you along the way.

Cons

You might be judged by the girl in the matching Alo set next to you.
Some of the poses the instructors put you in will have you questioning your life choices (genuinely how did someone come up with these).
You might fall/lose your balance and embarrass yourself in front of everyone.
The intensity of the workout is fully dependent on the mood of the instructor that day.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Summer Playlist

Day

Night

If you hate yourself:

Party Girls—Grant Ellis (The Bachelor)

Friday, June 27, 2025

Summer Sports: Our Ratings

If you're wondering which sport to pick up this summer, we can help. And if there's anything we know a lot about, it's balls. Kickball, volleyball, spikeball, and picklball—which one is our fave?

Pickleball

Fun: 2/5
Pain: 1/5
Crowd: 3/5

An arguably NOT better version of tennis. The crowd can be questionable sometimes, but a simple vibe check before a match goes a long way. Since the court is smaller for pickleball than for tennis, the physical exertion is kept at an acceptable level. PSA: You may want to watch out for thirsty men with this sport.

Kickball

Fun: 3/5
Pain: 1/5
Crowd: 4/5

The fun to pain ratio is pretty good for kickball, making it a solid choice this summer. Sometimes running a lot can hurt, but making it through all the bases in one go makes it all worth it. We recommend joining a team with a group of friends to make it even more fun.

Volleyball

Fun: 4/5
Pain: 5/5
Crowd: 5/5

This might be the most painful summer sport but the crowd and level of fun make up for it. Be prepared for wrist bruises, sand and sun burn, neck pain, and getting stabbed in the foot with pieces of shell. You get to be on the beach, though!

Spikeball

Fun: 2/5
Pain: 1/5
Crowd: 4/5

Another beach sport but this one tends to attract a certain type of man. I don't know how to describe who they are as individuals but they are oddly competitive when given a tiny ball and a mini trampoline. Please proceed at your own risk.

Babes on Beryl Magazine

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