M y biggest day ever

Today was the biggest day I have ever been out in comfortably, and the biggest day I've ever actually surfed. It was solidly chest high, with some bombs that looked bigger. At no point was I ever scared or hesitant. I just went out, timing it carefully or turtle diving. I'm done with that cowering in the shorebreak.

Since this was the biggest day in months, bigger and better than the "Big Wave Day" I wrote about, the lineup was packed. Three o'clock Monday afternoon, and 25 people out.

The first wave I caught, I took off well, go my feet on the board, but couldn't stand up. On the second wave, I managed to get up and ride it all the way in. Takeoff was good and I had a solid platform, it was just a matter of getting my balance. On another wave, I took off too late and totally went over the falls, eliciting a respectful "Did you get killed? That was a big wave," from the next guy in the lineup.

However, on what proved to be my last wave, I took off at the same time as, and collided with, a shortboarder. Up to this day I have said that in four years I have never yet destroyed a board. As in, "Can I please borrow your board? I've never destroyed one yet." Now I can't quite say that. No, her board was not destroyed, but a fin was gone; and my board has a huge chunk out of the rail where the fin hit it.

No one was hurt, but she was pissed as hell and stormed out of the water. Can you storm out of water? I guess you can.

I honestly don't know whose fault it was, if anyone's. Yes, we took off on the same wave, but that happens on practically every wave at this break; usually only one person makes it, or if they both make it they stay out of each other's way. If they are friends no one ever thinks it's a big deal.

I cannot say that she had priority, because it seemed we had equal priority. This is not a point where waves break in only one spot. Our waves, in fact, usually break in two spots at once and the waves meet in the middle.

What should I do? What is proper surf etiquette? Should I find out who she is and offer to pay for her board (as well as my own, which is going to cost over $75?)

I don't like that we had a collision, but even with that, an exhilarating day. I was sorry to have to get out of the water, but there was no way to ride the board with that gash in it.