Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

That first plunge into the cold lake water gave me a brief ice cream headache (next time wear the beanie). It ended up being a nice after work session.

Board: JP radical wave 65L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Dragon '17

First session of the year! I was looking forward to waves for over a month, but it turned offshore when it was not supposed to. Temp dropped to 43 while I was at the beach. I wore my heavy suit and was toasty and warm inside. I think the new gloves worked well, but my session was too short as I was overpowered and way too offshore. Had to know my limits and called it off very quickly. I stayed until Matt finished to make sure he got in ok. Big messy waves and I regret not trying earlier in the day when the direction might have worked better.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Warm air and cold water. Big front wing day.

Board: Starboard Trance 94         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '20

Back in a shorty suit in December, because I was overdressed yesterday and regretting the full suit. This has been an oddly warm and oddly NW wind winter so far. (Thanks to La Niña?) I wanted to practice skills from my lesson but never got settled in and comfortable. It was all gusts and holes. Borrowed Andy's fanatic freeskate 85 to try, and apparently I had the mast track in the wrong position and it needed to be all the way forward. I didn't work at all for me. I got to try his larger version of that board yesterday and last month, and I can't seem to get used to how squirrelly they feel. That's probably how freestyle boards are now and I'm just that far behind the times.

Board: Starboard Trance 94         Sail: 4.6 S2 Dragon '20

I did a lesson with Andy and worked on shakas on port, vulcans on starboard. I'm not very close to either but it was fun to have some fresh advice. I'll keep trying. 

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125, Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.6 Severne S-1 Pro

Started with light wind @15mph. I was happy since I wanted to try my new shorter Starboard aluminum foil mast at Bird. The foil still dragged bottom. The shorter mast was expensive too! Bummed, AB came to my rescue and pulled out his Wizard 150 with an i84 and 61 cm mast and short fuse. Finally able to foil (easily). He strongly suggests rig flip early before feet switch on the jibe. I am sure he is right, but that is not how I normally jibe. I did have a successful one with his advice. Wind fortunately came up, so I just windsurfed with the 5.6 m2 S-1 Pro that I was using foiling. I needed to add a cm of outhaul and move the harness lines back. What an improvement little adjustments make. I was able to practice rig flip first jibes, and they seemed OK. I tried many Donkey Jibes today and could not make one. Strange. The duck jibe part was easy but I had trouble with the sail/body 360 part. The wave sail's longer boom? It definitely turned into a beautiful day. I think that is it for me this year. I would have loved to stay for tomorrow, but trying to be safe.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 6.2 Avanti Echo

Initially shocked by the wind that was an hour early and blowing a solid 20 mph, I put on my wet chilly wetsuit and rigged up the freestyle board. Two nice runs later it was a shlog fest, and I was fortunate to make it back to the boat ramp. The wind dropped to @15 mph and sunny, but I did not trust it to last long enough for me change to the foil board and a smaller sail. I was lazy. The wind responded to my leaving by stabilizing out @15 which would have been fine for foiling. Bird was above forecast today. Hard to know what to trust.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Really solid windfoil day. I was flying most of the time with my smaller 1700 wing. The end was a bit of a bummer when a sailboat would not yeild and made me tack into the shallow area by the island. I thought I could slog it upwind enough to avoid hitting the bottom, but I was wrong. I scratched up the bottom port tip of my front wing. I also had one scary overfoil. I dont know why I still head upwind sometimes when overpowered. Overall, thrilled to get this session in today.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Got a handful of flights. Probably the lowest wind threshold yet.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.6 Severne S-1 Pro

Not enough wind to windsurf, not enough water to foil. A long day of driving for an hour of scraping the floor at BIB. It was nice to see Peter, Nina, and AB who was generously giving foil tips. Too bad I could not get on foil.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.2 Severne S-1 Pro, 5.9 Severne S-1

Wow, Lake Travis was firing this afternoon. When I arrived @2pm, there were 2-3 kites, and Rob wing foiling. Forecast was 20-30mph @ 3pm, but with a lot of West. I rigged for what I thought the forecast would be. By the time I hit the water, it was gusting over 40mph. I got spanked after 2 runs with the 5.9m2, and ended up downwind of the island. I had to get back sailing in the lee of Windy Point. People were showing up by now. I could barely carry my gear up the boat ramp. I rigged down to my smallest sail 5.2m2 ( was really 4.7 wind for me) and fortunately the gusts were only in the 30s by then. I sailed until 5pm. I had a lot of failed Dw360s in the inside today, but I did make a few. I had a few good floaty jumps, but they were all on the outside where it was less crowded and unsettled. I was overpowered most of the time, and I cannot remember the last time that happened to me at Lake Travis. I heard Rob ended up at Mansfield Dam at the end of his wing foil session. I am glad he is OK. I have to admit, the kiters surprised me how well they handled the conditions today.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.8 WAVE

041 - Out to the IWC bridge then between Pita island and IWC. Only slough was final return. Very low water made the outside smooth.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.6 Severne S-1 Pro

Sunny, 60 degrees, 10-13mph with occasional gusts to 18mph. First session with the 2400 S-Type front wing. I am pleased so far. It definitely confirms to me the best one front wing solution would be the S-type 2000, but the Supercruiser comes with the 1700. Mast base and stab were fine with no adjustments. My board and foil are now much lighter and easier to carry. I really like this, especially since the big carry to the water due to the lake being low. I was able to rocket upwind when powered, and stayed on foil through some major holes. Still not able to get flying as easily as Brian on the kite foil and Damien on the wing foil. I would not have bothered to go to the lake today based on the wind forecast. This is why I wanted a foil board.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Oh yea, the unexpected foil session overdelivered. I only brought one sail, not expecting much, and I was thinking it was big wing day. I was super powered on my smaller wing and wishing for the 5.6m2. I can't believe anyone would want to foil in strong winds. Hopefully, one day I will be that comfortable on the foil. Rob C. is really progressing quickly on the wingding.

Board:         Sail:

I took a foil lesson with Andy, and it was really amazing to work with him. It was blowing about 11-15 at the time I went, but that plus his coaching was enough to get riding. I did get pretty tired with all the pumping and his harness lines being too long for me to settle my weight into. By the last run I dared to try a jibe. I foiled through the first half and non-foiled through the second half. He gave advice for next time to keep my arms out farther away from me - recording that here for when/if there's a next time. I no longer have foiling gear other than my wing. Still not sure if I want to buy any. A good used deal would make it an easier choice but I imagine that would be hard to come by, and I haven't looked. I just love the opportunity to learn wind sports and don't pass that up when offered. Same reason I've taken about five kite lessons over the years but have never pulled the trigger on buying gear. Being satisfied but learning more is a good problem to have.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.6 Severne S-1 Pro

I feel I am starting to gel with my new foil. I like how fast and quiet it is. It takes a different stance and technique than my previous HG set-up. More upright and further back on the board. I am tempted to take my back footstraps off, but the straps give me an idea where my back foot is. If they were gone, I am worried my back foot might slide off the tail of the board at an inopportune time. I really like foiling with the 5.6 S1 Pro, always have. It is my favorite foil rig, but it needs good wind. I will be interested to try my new 2400 wing next marginal day. Maybe I can get away with just the 5.6m2?

Board: JP radical wave 65L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Dragon '17

Epic! Overhead well-formed waves with multiple turns in either direction. I was perfectly powered on my gear. The water is still warm and air was in the mid to high 60s. Just me and Matt out, and it felt criminal being the only windsurfer enjoying these conditions. There was torrential rain on the drive out and I'm sure that kept people away.

I sailed really well for me. I do see a lot of room for improvement in my strength and endurance, so maybe I can get motivated to work on that. I think I sprained my wrist a couple of weeks ago, but luckily windsurfing wasn't a motion that aggravated it. This was one of my favorite sessions of the year.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.2 Severne S-1 Pro, 5.9 Severne Freek

Really nice day with lots of people out. The wind was much better on the outside. I initially rigged the 5.2m2, but that did not last long at all. The 5.9m2 was the right call. I felt very rusty. Too much foiling? Nah, too much C19 access loss and poor timing with wind and work.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '20

Here I am back in a bathing suit in the Gulf in late November. The gulf didn't work, as I suspected and as others had reported, but I just had to try. Well I guess it could have worked but I wanted to be more planing and I was only planing on a wave. Went to Bird and hung out a bit but didn't end up rigging.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '20

Little session with Gordon. I finally got to debut my new Dragon sail! It's amazing. 

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.2 S2 Dragon '18

I feel like time is standing still or going backwards. We did this two months ago - the tropical weather season, the "cold" front that's not at all cold, the sailing in a shorty wetsuit and feeling overdressed. I'm still on my summer fin because I feel like we have one foot in each season.

It felt so good to be back doing a sport where I feel confident and capable. Barry, Kathi, and Gordon were there. A lot of the local crew came. The waves were barely there and that left me hungry, but overall a gorgeous day I was very grateful to have.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

I went to Mansfield Dam Park for the first time @ 9:00am. The kiters were there. I looked at the boat ramp launch (which they do not use), and I concluded it was not that much better of slog out of that cove to the windline compared to WP, and definitely not worth the equipment carry. So, I drove to Windy Point. I decided to launch from the boat ramp since I was only going to foil. The wind was squirrelly as hell and east until in the channel where it was NE and steady with whitecaps. So, once I made it past the island at the point, the windline was blowing 20+. I guess this was good practice for me, as I hate being overpowered on the foil. I focused on just standing more upright and concentrating on riding the power in the foil while killing the power in the sail in the big gusts. It just feels bizarre to ignore sail power in the gusts.  At one point, I thought my mast base was sliding out of the track after I felt some play at the base during a helitack. I carefully sailed to the island and checked it out, and it appeared fine. I think the play is coming from the quick release connection at the Chinook 2 bolt base. I may need to investigate this later. Overall, I am stoked to get a second day in a row on the water.

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

Finally, some wind again. I drove to Sunset Lake on the advice of PKS because I guess that's where their wingfoilers go. It just looked...yucky. Even if I'd learn faster in flat water (which I'm not even convinced of), it's well worth the learning curve to not be in a stagnant mud hole. So I went to North Beach. A group of kite foilers had come from Wildcat, and I started out doing just awfully - falling a bunch and barely getting on the foil at all. A huge step backward from last time. I just kept going farther away in embarrassment, but they purposely rode to me later and every one of them came close and shouted encouragement. I appreciate that gesture.
 

And I don't know what was wrong with me for a little while, but I did end up getting it together and progressing.. I had just glued more deck padding to the board and it worked. Much more controlled feeling. By my last run I was up on the foil a good amount. The new foot placement is much better but maybe just took some getting used to.

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.2 WAVE

041 - Fairly high water bumpy inside but not outside where it was consistent and had no weeds. Out to the bridge and worked upwind between Pita Island and the IWC with just RB.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125, Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 6.2 Avanti Echo

Tried to windsurf, but not enough wind. I got a nasty ding on the bottom of my MUFFin hitting a rock 20 feet from shore shlogging out. I came back in after 30 minutes and traded it out for the foil board. That was pretty nice. I am very slowly getting better. I was still unable to keep it from overfoiling in one very strong (25mph) gust. I put the mast base 0.5cm forward after today's session, I hope that will help. The damn boat ramp dock is tearing up my gear. I got a small dime sized hole in the mast sleeve today from the nasty slime/mussle crud that adheres to the EPS floatation. I am hoping for a little session tomorrow with the  cold front.

Board: Fanatic AllWave 9'2"         Sail:

I had hoped to at least LWF, but it was glassy, so a quick SUP, and I cut my losses.

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

The tide is low in the bay again, so that's a pain. My learning curve has slowed a lot, so I'm picking up a little more skill each time but not the huge jumps of the beginning. My arms get tired quickly. I'm getting on the foil for maybe 20-second rides now. The more I do it the more I'm convinced foils don't belong anywhere near other people. I feel like there should be rules about this - not legislation, but the same general understanding and self-policing we have with right-of-way rules in other sports. I even feel a bit like I'm a danger to myself, so I'm thinking of cutting and running. Yet I still want to feel I've learned it decently and given it a full chance, and I'm not at that point yet. Luckily nothing is forcing my hand. I'll probably keep trying it in short doses.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 6.7 Severne Blade

I made myself stay out longer, just because. A few flights, one where I could not keep it from overfoiling in a gust. I guess I need to move the mast base forward a little.

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Loved every minute!! Underpowered means ducking, perfectly powered means shredding, overpowered means really feeling WIND!! Ok, I did come in when I got just ridiculously overpowered.

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Timed my (almost) one hour session just a little too early at 2:30. Starting a half hour later would have avoided the extended lull. Lots of extended lulls prior to that.

4 west wind days in a row in late October is nice.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

This time of year it always feels like you're having an early evening sess no matter the time of day. Tall shadows at high noon.

Or maybe it feels like a total solar eclipse sess with the subdued lighting.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Gorgeous! Plenty warm and plenty fun!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.2

Toasty on October 28!

Board: Angulo Triumph 81, JP radical wave 65L         Sail: 4.6 S2 Dragon '18

Went to SPI with the kiters Matt and Jake to catch the Hurricane Zeta swell. We parked at the north dead end of the island. There was a pretty fun overhead wave there for a couple quick turns, then the whole thing would completely close out on you. Still fun to play around with. And quite spicy getting out through the shorebreak. Then in kiter fashion they wanted to do a downwinder. Ok. That started out fun. The problem for a downwinder is you have to rig not only for here and now, but for conditions 8 miles away and an hour or two later. The wind died. It turned into the last few miles of standing still balancing as I aimed south and waited for the parking lot to come into view. Luckily with the current and the occasional open ocean swell helping me along. I don't regret trying and think that if the wind held it could have been much more fun. We ended the day with the loss of a kite in the surf, but luckily everyone ok. Hopefully it turns up. 

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Sailed until sunset...started about 40 minutes before sunset. Stayed plenty warm and had a very nice short session. 

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Sick! And Sweaty! In all the rubber! Too much rubber!

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

I reached my 1,000th session! This says 1001, but technically one of my sessions is a joke so this is it. 

Foiling is happening more. Now that I'm flying more I'm discovering that much of steering happens with the hands. This brought me full circle, back to high school and collegiate sailing where the coach would take our rudders and we'd have to learn to steer with the sails. I'm still treading a weird line of being uneasy with this whole sport and thinking it's a recipe for disaster, vs being intrigued and grateful for this chance to really learn it and develop better-informed opinions. As of now the perfect wind range seems to max out just below where I'd plane windsurfing, so it's hitting that base I'd hoped for.

I'm finding it easier as a beginner to learn with a little more wind because it's so easy to pop up that way. I've tried the waist leash and foot leash for the board, and I think I like the waist better. I am at a point where I think the slick board and no straps is hindering me but I don't want to buy a board for this.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 6.7 Severne Blade

Slogfest on the foil. A few flights, but I had to wait a long time for any. Still wishing I had more front wing area. I feel am not getting as early and easy of take offs as I did with the i84. A new carbon mast and quiet flights instead of whistling due to it not being a dinged demo. I put the stab at neutral again, not good. I need to put it slightly back.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Windsurfing rules! F. foiling or any other wind/water sport. I watched the live wind map all afternoon. When was the front going to hit? I got there early, I rigged up waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Should I just cut my losses and foil? I stared due north waiting to launch. The people fishing were probably wondering why I was just constantly staring upwind. Then the wind came. Damn, it felt so good to be powered up and bump and jumping. My first vulcan attempt was a violent yard sale. Who the f. cares. It felt great. 360s. It all felt great.

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Sweatin' in my rubber. Bootie season is on!!!! Funny how the air/water combo feels so much colder coming off of Summer vs coming into Spring. I'd be basking in these conditions in Spring. But here I am, covering almost all parts of my body in rubber. It's all relative. Relatives. In-laws. Good times.

But I don't do easterlies, so probably just one more session on Wednesday then that's it. Temira says anywhere from 0 to 7.5 inches of SNOW AT RIVER LEVEL Friday night/Saturday!!! Whoah.

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

I feel pretty in my comfort zone cruising now. I've figured out pointing, and now pumping is also making sense. I've balanced out my hand positions much more by getting further back, although there's still plenty of room for improvement. I also figured out a way to carry everything at once! That's huge for morale. And luckily Juan took a picture as I picked it up, because otherwise I would have forgotten how I did it. I'm loving the bay for learning.

I actually felt more inept on the foil today than last time. Last time I was low flying a lot and then practicing short elevations a bit higher and bringing it down. Today I was barely getting up and then losing control of the plane when I did. I know it's because it was marginal wind, so finesse mattered more and I don't have that yet. Another development - I'm blowing a lot of my tacks. I was better as a complete beginner than now. I think this is because I'm further back in a power position on the sail now, then I'm not properly doing the handwork to cross over. Plus I'm riding longer stretches and it's tiring me out, which makes me sloppy.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

The most sailors on the water (wingers, kiters, windsurfers) at Windy Point that I have seen in a long time. Kids windsurfing too! Wind was very up and down, but it was warm and beautiful. Brian Shepard was tearing it up. Foil boarding with a foil kite is obviously the most efficent form of light wind sailing that I have seen. There was a wing foiler getting flying before me too which was a bit crushing. I feel it has been a big set back trying to get the SC foil dailed in on my board, but I know I am close to getting it right. Hopefully, I will be flying through jibes again soon. I was close to a few flying exits today on several jibes. At least I am not falling in. The big drama was a trimaran sailboat flipped and turtled. The mast got stuck on the bottom. I missed seeing it happen because I had just got flying on that gust and passed them. It was not that windy, so they had to have really made a big series of mistakes for that to happen. There were lots of boats there quickly to help them. The trimaran was still upside down when I left.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Perfect conditions.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Board: JP radical wave 65L         Sail: 4.2 S2 Dragon '18

Back in my happy place! I exercised restraint and let it blow alllll day and waited until the forecast best time. It paid off and I got chest-high or higher sets, whereas earlier had very little waves. I hadn't ridden this board since working more on my wave technique, and I appreciated this board's slashy turns. Highlight was sharing a wave with Matt and Gordon. 

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 6.7 Severne Blade

Horrible wind direction. Straight offshore from the boat ramp. I met a new to me guy named Steve, who was dropping names from HI. Kind of like Josh, only older guys, sailing Kanaha instead of Hookipa. He had a 100 liter Phil McGain slalom board and 90s NX race sail. He wanted to talk shop while I was rigging, and I wanted to get on the water and social distance. I finally told him to get out on the water, life is short. I was impressed he could get planing in the light winds. I had a few nice flights. Holes were the real deal. Beautiful 70s temperature and sunny. I will try again tomorrow, it will just suck that there will be more boat wake and humanity because of the weekend.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.2 WAVE

040 - Near normal water level out to the bridge. Worked up near the IWC and Pita Island. Light weeds, barely chop but needed a bit more power at the last.

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

Suddenly I'm riding mostly on the foil. The learning process is much faster than I'd expected, yet I still haven't decided how much I like the sport for myself. I'm intrigued enough and enjoying the learning process enough that I'm keeping at it to see where it leads. I'm not sure if my hesitation is that this board is slippery with nowhere to put footstraps, and I don't want to spend actual money on an appropriate one, or that it's just all so clunky. Supposedly the sport is freeing, yet it takes just as long or longer to set up than windsurfing, plus I feel so leashed. I'm tethered to the sail and the board. I feel like leashes are all over the place when I'm climbing on and standing up, yet they're necessary because the stuff truly does fly away on its own. The foil is huge and it's very hard to carry everything at once, especially getting out of the water. Ugh.

I feel like this is getting negative, so I'll also focus on some positive. This was full-on bay conditions with swell and a shorebreak, and the foil was very smooth riding out through breaking swells. I didn't feel them. I also feel like if you've foiled at all (I had windsurf foiled exactly once prior), it's really exactly the same feeling of popping up and leveling out so you don't shoot up too high. Not that I'm at all good at it, but it felt familiar and I knew what to do. I also feel like the learning curve is very fast. This was my 4th try with the foil and all have all been very short sessions - today was only about 30 minutes - yet it's a million times easier each time. For someone who has actual time to put into it, I think you could get riding in one day with good conditions and rest breaks, or at least within a couple days. Especially with guidance. It took me two sessions just to figure out I needed to stop keeping my front hand on the leading edge handle. 

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.8 WAVE

039 - Nice surprise on another record high air. One tack to stay between the spoils and bridge. Worked upwind on the outside more than usual. Water level closer to normal kept it fairly smooth.

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

I got up a little on the foil but was uncomfortable with the setup at Bird and my gear, so I cut things very short...probably just 25-30 minutes on the water. It was shallow over the ledge, too deep to touch bottom past the ledge, and wind blowing away down the laguna. Plus sailor traffic on the water. I don't have a board leash and it all just felt like an invitation for me or my gear to blow away. 
 

I got some more tacks and got up on the foil a few times, very low and short durations. And met Tereseña, the first wing sailor I've gotten to talk with. She clarified for me where to hold the wing. She also lost her gear and a boat brought it back, which conformed my fears of not great conditions for this right now. It's funny that Oleander is turning out to have better beginner conditions than Bird, at least as long as this ultra high tide lasts.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

Not enough wind from Hurricane Delta reached us to enjoy the beautiful waves, so...wing day 2, first time with the foil.

I made every possible rookie preparation mistake and went up and down the hill 3x thinking I was ready to start, but hopefully I learned from that experience. The foil was much easier to point than the fin, so I could get back at least to where I started or even upwind. Wore the knee pads and it was dreamy comfortable compared with yesterday. 10/10. I feel comfortable standing and made all my tacks, some shaky, some feeling decently controlled. I felt the foil start to want to take over at times, but I didn't have the power to pop up, and I know that's due to inefficiency rather than wind speed. I felt comfortable pumping but wasn't loading the sail or foil efficiently. I'm still playing around with where to hold the wing and put my feet, and one issue is that some of the spots I want to pump with my feet are super slick. I need to figure out attaching some deck padding.  I only sailed about 40 minutes and was getting pretty tired, which is usually a sign I'm fighting instead of being efficient, so I decided to quit before getting hurt. I'll watch some videos and maybe they will make sense now that I've tried it. 

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.8 WAVE

038 - Out and back to Pita Island, slight chop, no weeds and high water. Never made it outside, RB found it very flat. Returns were best running with chop swell.

Board: Slingshot 98L frankenboard         Sail: 5.3 Naish Wing Surfer

I finally got time and conditions to try the wing surfer! Going to track some beginner impressions so I can look back and see how far I come...or just laugh at this.

I did a couple BAFs kneeling down, then one kneeling up, then tried putting one foot on the board and standing up. I didn't think standing would work, but it did and that got steadier after a couple standing BAFs. I made a tack kneeling and a shaky tack standing. All this was with a plain fin. There was a little shore break and chop, but I was able to stay upright through it. After 45 minutes I felt ready to put the foil in but had to leave for a tragically-timed dinner (these are the outer bands of Hurricane Delta, and Port A was just getting good). 

It's hard, but from comments I've heard, I expected the first day to be much harder.

I expected a "there's nothing to hold onto" feeling, but the sail feels pretty sturdy that it's actually a pretty solid feeling to brace against. Sail chi.

I was not staying entirely upwind. I had to a walk a little bit at the end of each BAF.

Kneeling on the non-skid wore the skin off my knees. I wished I'd brought my skating elbow sleeves to wear on my knees.

My mind is engaged in that learning feeling that I love.

Chop is not the easiest for learning, but also not insurmountable, and the depth and bottom at Oleander are great, plus the convenience.

I'm still nervous about the foil and getting hurt on it and will be paying a lot of attention to that.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

After 3 days mountain biking in Bend, I was happy to sneak in a short sesh to wash off the dirt :)

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.2

Tried the freeestyle, it didn't work. Gah. Foil.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.2

In the word of YouTube legend ChrisFix:

Good!

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4, '13 Combat HD 3.7

Gorgeous, warm day. First session the wind was holey, but really fun! Second session on 3.7 was nice as well, but I got cold. I need a new wetsuit!

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Nice

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 6.7 Severne Blade

I brought the SUP for LWF so I could just get on the water again (so bummed I missed Monday's wind), and I decided to go for it on the foil. I got a few nice long flights that I was not expecting at all. I must be getting closer on the foil/board settings. Technique-wise I still feel I need to get back much quicker to get the foil to lift the board out of the water, but once up feels good and balanced. 6.9m2 Blade felt good too. Extra power helped? Was getting almost as many flights as Rob C. half my weight on a 5.7m2 and SS Ghost Wisperer/FS 115. 

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.6 S2 Dragon '18

Season opener! It was like Christmas and my birthday. Literally, because I took a portion of my birthday work leave to sail in the afternoon, and the New Mexicans came bearing a lot of gifts. Conditions were not Christmas, but still rewarding. The wind always had some west in it flattening things. Waves were trying to start. I waited around. They went from nonexistent to waist high. Progress! Shrinking everything is a learning experience because you can go for it without much penalty, so I milked those little waves for everything they were worth.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.2 WAVE

037 - Good to be at back at bird. High water seemed to smooth out the south chop and almost submerge SI#1. Got a little more east late and able to stay on the sandbar and up to the parking lot.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.6 Severne S-1 Pro

Rob C. saved me. He had his first go on his wing today. I showed up and realized I forgot my masts at home. He lent me his 400cm Goya. Glad I brought the 5.6m2. The SC/Foil-X still needs tweeking. Probably the best I have felt in strong gusts, but early take off still needs help. I shlogged for almost an hour watching everybody else get up on foil (kite, wing). I would have stayed out longer, but I did not want to hog Rob's mast.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Rigged for the gusts and it was fine. Makes it much easier to turn down the swell.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Mostly non-planing - a good core workout!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

BAFing like the old guy that I am.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Much steadier wind...beautiful day....awwwwww!!

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Wind was all over the place. I did attempt and make 1 monkey duck which I hadn't done in a while. 

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

It's Autumn, and the winds in the corridor are acting appropriately. All over the place. OP'd on the foil, then UP'd on the freestyle except for the first few minutes. Glad to be able to breathe. The apocalypse will definitely involve not being able to breathe outside.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 3.8 S2 Dragon '17, 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

More swell from TS Beta. I drove and waited over an hour for the wind to come up. Almost left. Then it started to feel like enough. I thought awhile - worth carrying everything down the road for marginal conditions? (Beach parking was closed but I got a pretty close spot.) Ultimately decided yes. I rigged big. Suddenly the wind hit hard. After a few runs on the 5.2 I got frustrated being too overpowered to wave ride like I wanted. I rerigged to 3.8. Perfect! Fun waves head high or more with long rides. Strong current but luckily I just fell once and got up quickly. Rerigging on the beach with no shelter was nuts. Also crazy how the beach completely cleared out once the wind hit. From tourist Mecca yesterday to desolate off-season mode tonight. 

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Wanted to try the SC foil in no weeds. Big difference! Faster. Needs some tweeking. Mast base back 0.5cm helped a lot. I may mess with the rear stab angle after I get more time on it.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Single digit AQI!  Instead of the literally off the chart unbreathable 500+.

Didn't sail yesterday at Hatch because it was too overcast and that freaks me out.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

Good vibe on the beach. Everyone was just happy to be outside in breathable air. We rarely sail Dougs...choppy, disorganized swell, but I still had a nice session. I feel like my swell riding has improved this summer. I am cutting back more agressively and getting backwinded, which results in falling right now. I also am trying to lay the sail down more and my mind keeps going to McFox telling me to act like I am going to do a DW360, but then pull it back up. Hopefully I'll get a few more attemps in before winter.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125, Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 5.6 Severne S-1 Pro, 6.2 Avanti Echo

Weedy and dying wind. First real trial with the SB Supercruiser foil was a disaster. I am not sure what to blame. Weeds, settings, not enough front wing area? LWF for the rest of the afternoon. Not worth the drive despite a gorgeous day.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

Gorgeous big smooth waves today! Tropical Storm Beta surf arriving. Going outbound was mostly powered, but some holes that weren't even a problem because the waves felt gentle, despite being head high. Current didn't feel strong and pointing was easy. Big long wave rides inbound that you could ride either direction. Only drawback was the beach was a complete madhouse. I was shocked to see so many people traveling to the beach with a tropical storm offshore and a pandemic. The water was even a madhouse, which I'm not used to, although I am glad to see the stoke. Every surf sport was happening, including unfortunately surf casting - I got hooked. Luckily just a surface wound. When I first pulled on the hook I was worried it was deep.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

That felt so good! It was such a relief to be outside exercising after a week of doing youtube yoga. Although I do believe the yoga strengthened my body in beneficial ways. It was still smoky, but bearable.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

Not quite the triumphant season opener I envisioned, but at least it was a season opener. The wind dropped after I rigged. Clear, pretty water. Weird day because it felt pretty normal, waist high sets at best, yet the town declared a state of disaster on the radio as I was driving home due to the predicted tropical storm or hurricane Beta. There is a cold front fighting with it. Who will win? I predict beach access will lose.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Wind, swell, jumping ramps, sun, FUN!

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7, '14 The Fly 3.2

First sess on the big gear, 2nd on the lil gear. Sick fun goodness. 

Trunk

Last west wind of the season? Probably not, but soaking it all in just in case. Next four days are east wind, time to head to le coast.

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Really good sess until I got ran into. Patched up the damage with ding stick, had a lunch, and went back out for an under-powered 2nd sess.

Crochet wetsuit

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

First session was full on, absolutely fantastic fun! Except for the amount of people. Fueled up with Leisj made huckleberry pancakes. Second session the wind got up and down 50% planing, but was able to play more on the swell due to less people and not being too powered. Good day!

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Buck took the longer puppy sitting shift, so I got a nice session in. Perfect rig for the variable conditions. We have decided dog sitting is much preferred to puppy sitting.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Short sess

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

A gusty, choppy, shifty sesh. September conditions have arrived? Never a bad way to start the day though!! Headed up the mountain afterwards and was introduced to two new to me mountain bike trails on Hood!

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Short sess.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.6 S2 Dragon '18

Lower key than the past few days but still a fun head high to over head wave, longer than usual and smooth on the outside. I think I lucked into one of the only straight hours where the 4.6 would have worked. They plowed Zahn Road, finally! I was able to leave without putting my car through the beach Olympics. And.....I see the first strong cold front on iWindsurf! Looks like another year with an early start?!! What an awesome September so far.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Short sess.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Beautiful!

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.2 Severne S-1 Pro

Gusty goodness. Hands are toast now.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.2 S2 Dragon '18

Overhead waves and so fun! Every day has been a sail size smaller and a notch bigger waves, and all equally fun in their own way. I sailed with the clew view for the first time in a while. I did a duck jibe and hit my head on it...made the jibe, though! There was an offshore accident overnight, and the smell of gas was really strong on SPID on the island, but luckily not on the beach. I was ready to leave rather than breathe in whatever was going on.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Short sess. Washing machine chop.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

I was on the 3.5 and as silly as it sounds I should have been on the 3.4! But that said, the second half of my sesh when the wind got more managable and the swell cleaned up and the unknown people left the water was awesome!

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.6 S2 Dragon '18

A little over head and really fun!

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

Beautiful sunset sesh with the family. Our first beach day all together this year, due to the various closures for COVID and hurricanes. Perfect laid back, fun waves and a full moon rising. Juan says he can see spray flying on my cutbacks now. I've been focusing hard all year on improving my wave turns, and I can feel the difference, but it's neat to hear confirmation from someone who hasn't seen me in a while. Yet there's still so much to work on. Fun problems to have! 

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.2 WAVE

036 - Up a notch late out between the spoil and bridge all solo. Weedy, consistent and light chop except inside. Kiter got dragged into tail gate of truck two vehicles away. Harness hung in electrical wires and kite on roof of boat lifts. Several weeks ago RB got knocked out when a kite hit him on the head while on shore. Beware. 

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.0

Fully powered, at times OPed, on 3.0! Beautiful, big swell! Just the best!

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

All time classic The Wall day. Figured out (after how many flippin years...DUH!) how to dump the wind off the top of the sail when you're so OPd you just can't oversheet on the jibes. I'm pretty sure riding the swell on the foil allowed me to finally learn this. Maybe I'll come close to sailing like Lex Luther before I retire from windsurfing?

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

OP'd on the 3.7 in the jibes, so I came in and had a beer instead. Also to save my shoulder, which seems to be deteriorating. Is the end of windsurfing for me near?

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

OPed on 4.2. 

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 6.2 Avanti Echo

Finally, 2 months since I last windsurfed! My hands lost all their calluses and could not go more than 3 hours. They were blistering and about to open up, so I called it despite the wind having filled in nicely. I am hoping for another single day trip in a few more days. Fingers crossed.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.2 WAVE

035 - Out between the spoil and bridge, consistent with medium power. High water water, weeds all solo.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

I was so excited for the first strong wind in ages, plus the newly reopened beach. Then it was a complete cluster trying to access the "open" beach. After 2 failed access attempts and with time running short, I carried my gear 4/10 mile down the jetty (I know this because I mapped it later because it felt so effing far). All in one trip, walking into 25mph wind. I was tired before even rigging. More tired after the session, so it took me two trips to get back. Conditions were decent but overshadowed by the physical effort just to make it happen. I can still feel every inch of tendon in my arms.

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66, Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Great day after a day off watching 2 big dogs. First session on 66liter, second more mellow sesh on 81liter. Both super fun! My brace works much better with wetsuit. Yah!

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Fun!

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Short sess. Choppy water. ew.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 6.4 ZETA

034 - Out between the spoil and bridge to stay. Teaser wind, long slough back. High water, weeds and solo.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Purt sweet.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Another gorgeous day at the Hatch. Nicely powered and nice swell.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.2

Purposely didn't bring the foil so I woudn't foil. Plus, the wind was kickin all morning and was only supposed to get better. It didn't. Short shit sess after Laura eventually let me use the 4.2.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2, Maui Sails 3.8

Spent all day at the Hatch. Lots of sittin' around socially distanced chatting and about an hour actually sailing with about half of it non-planing.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Ben B sailed up from the Event Site to see us. Nice!

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Highlight was Ben coming for a visit!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.2

Not gonna try any more tricks on the foil. Came too close to landing on the wing during a duck jibe attempt gone wrong. SAD!

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Late afternoon surprise. Made first backwind jibe, but none after that. 

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

Really fun!!

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

1.5 hours of pure bliss

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

A short anniversary sesh.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

 Fun

 Trunky

This picture from yesterday pretty much sums it up:

https://www.iwasphotographed.com/Wind/The-Hatchery/Foiling-Frenzy-The-Hatchery-Wednesday-81920-645-images/i-69mNG6H/buy

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Surprising number of people on the water - mostly fanatic wingers - but one super sexy foiler in rainbow crochet pants!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Yarn Crochet Pants

Check that one off my bucket list.

Interestingly, there was a 6 foot thread of turquiose yarn trailing behind me by the end of the sess. UNRAVELED!

Interestingly, the max size of my bucket list is 1. So the list is now empty.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

First session, 24mph on the freestyle.

Second sess, 27mph on the 66L.

Lit!

Trunk!

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.4

First session was mellow with a few gusts thrown in for excitement. Good opportunity to play on the swell. Second session was bring your A game sailing. Way powered, good swell riding and a bit of jumping and quite a few people. 

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Brass Trunky, Junky Trunky...Brass Trunky, Junky Trunky...Brass Trunky, Junky Trunky

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Could have been on the 4.2. I love sailing on these hot days where it is such a pleasure to fall in and no neoprene between me and the lovely river.

Board: Starboard Foil-X 145         Sail: 6.3 Severne S-1

It has been so long since I have been on the water, I can't even remember when it was. I just couldn't stand it any longer, so I just went. It was exactly as forecasted, but not enough to get up on the foil. I hate this launch site. It sucks having to carry a foil board up and down steep steps and rocks. I still don't know how to do it with any semblance of grace. My 4 year older new ride is sweet so far. I love it. I can't wait to take it to Corpus.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Legacy windsurf day! Lit! Junkster Trunkster! Clew first spocks! 

Junk in the Trunk

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

Fun to be on the small board. Swell was good at first, then got a bit choppy. There were quite a few people on the water. Finally got my new knee brace and it felt really good - light and comfortable.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

Remarkably good swell for such a low water level and moderate wind.

FPants looks awesome when she ducks on the big swell fully lit like she's about to explode on a Toad.

PSB: Pfriem Hazy IPA on the Hatch rocks

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Very fun session. Made a backwind jibe on a small bit of swell and it felt really good. The wind was up and down, but some nice swell and plenty of room to play on it.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.2 WAVE

033 - One tack out and stayed between the spoils and bridge. First half with moderate power then steady dropping for a long slough back. Only handful of kiters out.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '14 The Fly 3.2

It was almost nukin' when we arrived. Oops! I only brought the foil board cuz it was supposed to be "light" winds. Changed to the little wing and rigged the 3.2, flew for a tiny bit, then called it due to lack of the go-go. Good thing though, because I noticed 2 cracks on the board. On land, one of the cracks started bubbling, then I saw a 3rd crack oozing and bubbling like a puss-filled infection.

PSB: Picked up a half barrel of Hazy IPA from Pfreim on the way home. The guy who brought the keg out and helped load it into Leijsz asked if the keg was for the van and do we have a kegerator in there. He said something to the effect of "that would have rocked my world if it were so!"

All August Gorge sessions so far have been "trunkin it with the junk in it". Peoples still be wearing the suits. Why? WHY?!

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8, Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Cranking when we arrived, but quickly shut down. Rigged up and spent some more time on the water, but nothing to write home about. This river and town are the best though!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

Perfectly powered on the 3.7. Afterwards, with a PSB on the rocks, we witnessed Ethan "Send-It!" Passant complete his first flying upwind 360, followed immediately with a flying jibe out of it. NICE! I wasn't even sure it was possible, as I never had seen Mr Ballz do one on video.

Did I mention it's SOOOOOOOOOOOO good to be back?

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Great to sail for a bit with McFoxyFox! The wind picked up for a while, so a combo of planing and non-planing. Started trying backwind jibes again on the outside and came close on one. Mostly I was just planing while on the nose of the board backwinded until I remembered you have to start the turn first before jumping around to the other side of the board.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

Fun, laid back, and just perfect. Only my second past-Hanna sesh because we have been stuck in this tropical weather pattern with no wind. It seemed too light to plane but picked up just as we launched. I sailed with Vanessa, Chris, and Olivier. We split the Rebel Toad sour cherry growler afterward. It felt almost normal to be socializing in the park again, other than drinking from under masks and staying apart.

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

I was on the water @ 7:15!  Got 2 spocks and waterstarted out of one. Solo sesh.

Board: '09 RRD Twin Tip 90         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7

It's good to leave once in a while to fully appreciate once again the beauty and joy of this magical place that is home. 

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

Yah!! So good to be back! Loved every second!

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

Weird wind. Glad that McBuff and McFancy had a good late day sesh! Welcome home!!

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Took yesterday off. Was a big 40 mph day out East. Now I am rested! I perfect spock on 1st reach!  Worked on flakas.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 6.4 ZETA

032 - Didn't get the late pick-up so it was barely doable. The more easterly direction allowed for exploration among the spoils.  

Board: Starboard Flare 81L, Tabou Pocket Wave 69L         Sail: 3.0 S2 Maui Dragon, 3.4 S2 Maui Dragon

Close on SK on the swell. I ended up on top of the board, board flat in the water, twice, did not get fin out of the water tho. Then 1 I got the board out of the water, it overrotated straight downwind!  Feet still in the straps, but didn't land it. Soooo close!

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 4.6 S2 Maui Dragon

Very lite wind. Worked on Flakas. 1 duck tack.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard, L's Fanatic Wave Board         Sail: '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.2

OPd on the jibes with the foil. UPd on the wave board. 

Headed back to where we belong. 

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Worked on flakas.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard, L's Fanatic Wave Board         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5, '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.

Did a lot of rigging today. First rigged the 4.8. Brought it down to the water and instantly knew it was too big without even trying it. Rigged the 4.2 and went out and back overpowered on the Slingshot. Rigged the 3.5 and was pretty much still overpowered but toughed it out. After a while tried the 3.5 with L's big wave board, but it only worked in the gusts and couldn't stay upwind. Switched to the 4.2, which was already rigged. This was perfect. Tried a backie. Big swell. My skeletal-muscular is going to hurt tomorrow.

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

Did a lot of rigging today. Grrr. 3.8, 4.2 and back to 3.8. Exhausting. Very up and down!!  Worked on switch konos on the swell. Scott is giving me all of his tips, again, for the 100th time. One day it will 'click' in my brain.

Board: Tabou Pocket Wave 69L         Sail: 3.0 S2 Maui Dragon, 3.4 S2 Maui Dragon

Pretty fun. Cloudy, but windy. Rigged down to 3.0 and then it died. Did a 2 hour bike ride after sailing, wasn't sure if my legs would be too tired to ride, but surpisingly, they felt pretty good!

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 5.2 Worldsail surge '05

Weird weather but I just wanted to get out. I enjoy non-planing sailing, but with the post-hurrican debris I was nervous about falling on something, plus with COVID closures of other popular spots, there are always an uncomfortably high number of people just milling about. So those things put a little damper on things. I did fill my gear tub with Hanna driftwood and will figure out some sort of art to make with it, so that will be fun.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '09 Reverb 5.2

It's funny how I used to think getting into the back strap while flying was difficult. hahahahaha

Board: Tabou Pocket Wave 69L         Sail: 3.0 S2 Maui Dragon, 3.4 S2 Maui Dragon

Looked epic when i got to the beach. Got on the water and the wind was full of holes and no swell & few ramps, too southerly!! 

Went home and came back at 4 PM. Didn't rig for a while, 'cause it looked holey. Finally rigged @ 5 and went out and had a couple of perfect reaches. Strong wind & great swell, then holey and no swell.

I got one awesome swell ride on an Arly sized swell, out of no where, and got a couple of fun port shov-its.

Glad i went back. :)

Doug's was good most of the day.....

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon, 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Got a bunch of flaka spins, but popping before sail swing, so not right....

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '20 EZZY 5.2 WAVE

031 - Launch in good shape with a little more sand. Out between the bridge and spoil island. Water still up maybe two feet so it was choppy with a lot of weeds.

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon, 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Heat wave but windy! Could have been on 3.4 for a while. 1 duck tack. working on flakas.

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90, Slingshot Wizard 103         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Not a great first session - couldn't make a single thing, was in a funk I guess. Then I tried the foil board and at least got comfortable schlogging around on it. It lifted a few times but only for a second. Buck says I need to get more forward momentum before lifting to have better control. It was fun though and brought me out of my funk a bit!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '16 NP Wizard 4.8, '19 Goya Banzai X Pro 4.2

2 sesss. First sess on the 4.2 cuz L had the 4.8.

2nd sess on the 4.8 was sweet and dialed.

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

Fun freestyle day. 1 nice spock, 2 duck tacks, couple shov-its and 2 flaka spins. Probably didn't look like Edholm's flakas.

Had it all to myself! :)

Got a new Roxy 3/2 suit, McFancy. :) 

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '16 NP Wizard 4.8

Out and back once. Shlogged on the way out. Flew on the way in, with pumping. Lost the fly on the jibe and didn't feel like repeating, so jibed again and shlogged in. Not really digging the 5.2 Reverb, and we've been keeping the 4.8 rigged.

Board: Tabou Pocket Wave 69L         Sail: 3.0 S2 Maui Dragon

Windy early in the AM. Went out on 3.0 and was quickly overpowered!  Got some fun port shov-its. Finally came in cause i was so over-powered & then it died shortly after. It came up late in the day again, but I didn't stick around for that. 

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '16 NP Wizard 4.8

Sweet unexpected sess.

I just realized my board and my sail are homonymous. Sick.

Board: Starboard Flare 81L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

Drove out to Arly. It came up late in the day & there were only 3 of us on the water. Fun. Worked on switch konos on the swell & got some fun shov-its.

Camped out.

Board: Starboard Flare 81L, Tabou Pocket Wave 69L         Sail: 3.0 S2 Maui Dragon

Gusty at 1st so had big board. Very South, some nice Port shov-its.