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

Nice, down-the-line waves in well-defined, head-high sets. Gusting into the 40s here and there, with water blowing over the jetties. I got one amazing ride all the way to the pier, some ok rides here and there, but for probably half the runs I was too overpowered to take full advantage, especially with my smallest sail still broken. Still well worth the trip. This was also my first time in a couple years wearing a functional wetsuit! I'd been wearing a triathlon wetsuit full of holes. My new O'Neill is so much warmer and easier to get on. It felt like cozy pajamas. Also first time in my booties (Roxy size 8, so I can look this up years later when I need to replace them.) Those also felt great without the holes I'm used to. 

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP, '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE, '19 EZZY 4.7 ELITE

069 - Nice to get out twice dropping in size for the surprise peak. Out to the IWC and back with light chop, well powered both times out. After the first few runs, shortened it to stay outside in waist deep water.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

068 - OK at first staying outside between the bridge and spoil island. Started at the peak but it was slowly dropping.  

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125, Slingshot Wizard 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek, 6.2 Avanti Echo

Good planing wind from 1-3p. Gusty with big holes. Foiled from 3-5p. The foil extended a good afternoon session to the evening.

Board: JP radical wave 65L         Sail: 3.8 S2 Dragon '17, 4.2 S2 Dragon '18

Really fun to get wind during a time I could take a day off, so I had time to wait for the wind to settle in and even to rerig when I went through my sail. It was sloppier than I would have liked, but so warm for this time of year (high 60s) and bigger waves than we have had lately, so that was great. It was so strong...after breaking my first sail I debated the wisdom of rigging my bigger 4.2 and going back out, especially since Mike was on a 4.0. But I was having so much fun and had probably only sailed a half hour by then. So I rigged bigger and did not regret it. The 4.2 actually rode better for me and the wind backed off a hair, and I got my best rides.Good crowd there including the New Mexicans.

Board: Goya Quad 84         Sail: 4.0 S1 Pro

I haven't sailed much lately. Weekend wind seems to have been scarce. Today made up for all that. I forgot how much fun windsurfing can be. First session on my 4.0 and it was sweet. So light and flicky but with good drive. Had tons of fun jumping and hitting the occasional lip. It was tough to ride today, I think the tide was low so there was no juice on the inside waves but got enough decent rides on the outside to be satisfied. Got off the water after 3 hours when it dropped to 4.7 weather. Almost re-rigged and went back out but I'm getting too old to destroy my body like I used to. :)

Windsurfing rocks!!

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

067 - Out to the IWC and back was fairly steady at first but the low end slowly dropped too much. Outside was most power, some weeds in the middle and waist deep at the ends.  Couldn't see the bridge and barely the houses in the heavy air.

Board:         Sail:

066 - Better outside today with more south and a few inside holes. Lots of long round trips to the bridge and back.  

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

065 - Not quite as high as forecast but sunny and warm just rigged a bit small. Consistent for first half, out to the spoil and toward the bridge. Last two returns were not on plane.

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

The stats weren't looking great, but I gambled on dawn patrol, and conditions were excellent. Down the line all the way from the jetty to the pier. I have not had that long a ride since last year! I sailed til my arms gave out. Woohoo. Great morale boost after all these NW disappointments.

My wetsuit is swiss cheese. I thought I'd patched it well, but apparently not. It wasn't THAT cold out (50 degrees), but I got super chilled. Like white extremities and still shivering an hour after the drive back. I guess I might have to bite the bullet and get a new suit. The Monday front is looking actually cold. I have gotten stung by jellyfish every single time in the Gulf this Oct/Nov. What is going on?! I was remarking earlier in the year how I'd never seen so few. Like zero in the bay all spring or summer. Maybe they became gelatinous winter Texans?

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

Why does every single front turn NW? Ughhhh. Glad I at least got in a magical steamy water session while it lasted. We get so few of those days. Waves averaging waist high but flattened out overnight and turned even more offshore, so my twilight insurance session turned out to be the only sesh I got. Wind was really variable compared to our usual. Anywhere from 18 to 28. These sails are awesome and smoothed things out nicely.

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

About as good as Lake Travis gets. I jumped off a piece of chop and got more air than I thought. I went with it and really landed hard. I later had my lower back go into muscle spasm waterstarting, so I had to cut the session short. I was bummed, as the conditions were excellent and it has been a really long time since I last sailed.

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: Combat Fly HD 3.2

A beautiful, warmish, sunny West wind!! Absolutely fun!! Very nice swell!

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

064 - More than expected but with low end holes. First out was across the end of the boat ramp channel staying at the north end. Second out was best going up and into the north basin and much more consistent. Very high water allowed sailing across the sunken spoil and the sandbar anywhere.  

Board: Goya Quad 84         Sail: 4.8 S1 Pro

Really nice conditions but I rigged a tad too small. It was 5.2 or 5.6 weather. Still had fun. It has been forever since I sailed. 
I went for a back loop on one of the outside kickers and went really high. It got all funky and I let go of the sail and found myself falling face first still in the straps with enough time to wonder why I get myself into these situations. Made it to work by 1:30pm. I look like I slept on a bench after drinking a couple of bottles of cheap vodka.

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

Dawn patrol. I decided I have too many sails and I waste too much time debating what to rig when it's really just nuances. My sails are still pretty new, and I love them, so I'm not going to change anything immediately, but next time I update the quiver I think it will be just 3 sizes: windy, medium, and light. Sails have so much more range than they used to. 

There was a fun wave by the pier, then the wind lightened just enough that I couldn't keep riding that one. The middle had a nice wave that I chased but never caught quite right. Despite not sailing all that well, I was really happy to get out. Still bath water, but this will probably be the last warm sesh. I am ready for the time change so we get more light to start earlier. 

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: Combat Fly HD 3.2

Overpowered on 3.2!! Wow, October 19th in the Gorge!!

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

OP'd short sess. L took my 3.2 cuz it looked a bit light, but then it wasn't. 

Water is getting a bit too chilly for my tastes. End of the season? Time to wake up Buck McShreddyShred? Lots of snow dumped on the volcano today.

Relive 'Wall'

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

Short sesh with Matt and Barry prior to city appreciation night at Nueces brewing. I could finally somewhat understand the packery magic, but I still greatly prefer port a.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '09 NP Firefly 4.1

Flying maybe 50% of the time. The rest of the time allowed me to enjoy the ridiculousness beauty of autumnalness on living display up on the steepness of the cliffs surrounding me and my me-ness.

Just me and my me-ness at the point. All alone. All by myself. Well, except for Laura and Bailey and Brady hangin' out in Leisjx.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

063 - Very nice between the spoil and bridge staying outside except for half dozen runs back to the launch. Normally knee deep was chest deep with light weeds and chop. Record high 95 F and it ramped up another notch after stopping. 

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 3.8 S2 Dragon '17

Really fun day for north west! I was supposed to be blown out and unsailable, but there were fun waist to chest high waves. My first time on the dragon 3.8 and also my first time on my 340 mast. So basically the lightest rig I've ever used. I've had the mast for months now; it just took me this long to get it to work and plus get the right conditions. Also my first time riding my new smaller makani wave fin. It definitely jibes in the outside better and cuts back better while not seeming to lose pointing ability. But I still wasn't bottom turning the way I wanted. I'm starting to see the appeal of the quads. Although I'm still not reaching the point of wanting one. Still very happy with what I've got.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

062 - Great set-up both ways on the sandbar in very deep water but not much of a test of sore back  Stayed on the water with only a few short runs otherwise mostly much needed exercise.

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

Was this the last Hatch of the year?

Relive 'HatchFoil'

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Broke out the beanie, but still didn't need booties. A fun day!!

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

Worked on the usual: jumping, tightening the turns, hooking in and committing. For foiling, it helps to move the harness lines more forward on the boom than you would for non-foiling.

Relive 'Foiling at the Hatchery'

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

I didn't actually sail. The wind died after rigging and suiting up, as west winds are wont to do in the Gorge in October. But here is the Relive, which reflects the sum total of me moving 2 feet from behind the seat to sitting in the front seat with my wetsuit on and my phone packed against my chest in the waterproof pouch inside of it, staring out the window at the dying wind:

Relive 'J'

0 miles

0 minutes

0 elevation gain/loss

Board: Rodeo 98         Sail: 5.9 Freek

Great weekend. The wind didn’t pan out as forecast and I missed the dawn wave session - I was too lazy and it was too onshore. But the boys sailed and seemed to have a really good time which is awesome. 

Board: Slingshot Wizard 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

I just saw the wind graph. Wow. The foil saved my bacon. It is never good if Mike is only doing LWF.

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

Got a text from UK Girl just as I was preparing to head out saying she was WB. This means "Wall Bound" for those not in the know. Checked iW and it had just started blasting!

Didn't want to risk waiting for L to get off work so I bolted out there at top speed. Hunger pangs struck by the time I hit The Dalles. Should I take the time to stop for 2 for 1 Sausage McMuff w/Egg at the east The Dalles McD? Unequiv YES!!! $3 for 2 of these bad boys. Gotta fuel the fire that fuels the windsurf! (Note to self: Don't ever stop at this McD again. The lineup at the exit ramp stop sign was too long and slow. Wait for Biggs instead.)

It was good that I didn't wait for L because I hit the peak of the day.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.0

The Wall is my happy place. I love it so much! I love the people, the swell, the road, the orchard, the launch. I almost cried watching Leisj in front of me on the way home (I was in the Prius since I came later after work) and I hadn't even had a beer.

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

(This is going to be the most parenthetical dlog ever.)

Pulled up to an EMPTY parking lot. Not just empty at the point, but as far as my (good) eye can see down Spring Creek Hatchery Road. No cars. No Sprinters. Not one Subaru. Not even a pickup. Ghost town.

Did the ritual of taking Bailey down to the point allowing him to explore and do what dogs do, and allowing me to assess the wind (not like a total geek with an anonometer, mind you, but with my beer gut.) I decided 4.1 and foil. Made my way back to Leijsz and assembled the board. Felt some aweful strong gusts during board building, and so decided to go 3.7 instead. Rigged that, and by the time I got suited up, the water looked rather glassy. Deceptive as can be though. An inexperienced eye might think it's still windy because of a combination of the leftover swell and the low afternoon sun (as we descend into darkness here in the PNW). But my keen, experienced (good) eye knew the wind was now light and 3.7 was too small. Roxanne had warned earlier (via text) that the wind would fade quickly. Was this the fade?

Discouraged, I stood in the water in the "exit cove" (to coin a phrase), with board and rig unattached (afraid of commitment I am,) a tear falling from my (bad) eye. I even climbed out of the exit cove to look at the wind from a higher vantage point, leaving my board and rig floating freely in the wild Columbia. Oh well, gotta rack up those windlog session numbers, so WTF, let's drag my pasty white sack out there.

Shlogged 1/2 way across the channel, then...

It was AWESOME!!!!! BEST FOIL SESSION EVER!!!!!!!

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

Lots of practice jumping and overpowered jibing on a gorgeous Autumn day.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '09 NP Firefly 4.1

100!

I had planned on trying my first back loop on the foil as a celebration of 100 sesses. But, I think I've got the footstraps too wide and tall for that on this board. So I didn't try any for fear of my feet coming out of the straps. 

As an alternative, I found myself getting forcefully bucked (like strong bull) off the board occasionally when I was getting a little too playful in the swell for my current skill level, resulting in me doing involutary back flips off the board and landing either head-first or neck-first.

The key to getting in the back strap while flying is to place the back foot in front of the back strap, with the front of the back strap touching the back side of the back foot. Then it's a quick and easy blind slide into the strap. Don't try to do it from having the back foot on the center line of the board.

A nice thing about foiling is that you are 2.9 feet taller so you can easily see if there is better swell lining up behind the most visible swell. So that makes me like 8 foot 9 inches tall...almost as tall as Mark.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Mellow and fun. Carving 360s 0/10. 

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125, Slingshot Wizard 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

B! NOT C! - So much better. Made all my hellitacks, failed all my jibes. One jibe I launched and the end of the foil poked me in the side of my butt. Oww.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard, '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

Started with the foil because it's fun. Then there was a sustained 34mph gust that just wouldn't go away, so I switched to the 66L, at which point the 34mph gust ceased. 

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '10 Naish Session 3.7

Really exciting type of wind with some crazy gusts and some bigish swell rolling through. Saw Buck get a hugish foil jump!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '09 NP Firefly 4.1

A+ on the jumping. I was a jumping maniac on the swell. It's an odd sensation on a foil because you're already flying in the air prior to jumping. Getting the wing out of the water doesn't really feel all that different than when it's in the water.

A- on the getting the back foot in the strap while flying. I suspected there would come a time when I would think "what was so difficult about that?"

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Awesome fun until not as much fun overpowered.

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

Windier than normal and more sideshore than normal. I think this was due to random tropical storm Imelda hitting north of here? Or some abnormal weather pattern I don't understand. I had a really clumsy day in general for some reason, and it carried over into sailing. I did have a few awesome rides. Got closed out and worked pretty epically a few times also. Given a couple of the falls I took, I feel lucky to have not come out injured. That didn't stop me from "just one more run" about 6 times, and I was rewarded with a pink sunset. There was a big surf lineup and a tailgate atmosphere on the beach with people watching them. Fun to see the stoke. 

Board: Mistral Wave Score 78L         Sail: 5.3 Gaastra Manic

156 So I didn't exactly dominate the field in my racing debut. In fact, I DNF'd it, hauling my gear out of a canal and walking so far back to my car that I got dehydrated. The Score and I did our best, but the fact that it was blowing 3 and gusting to 8 didn't help. If it blows 15+ I will return next year to prove that you dont' need a longboard to finish this race.

Board: Goya Quad 84         Sail: 4.8 S1 Pro

Side on jumping. Lashing rain. Nicely powered 4.8. Then it wasn’t. Then it was. Then it wasn’t. Then it was. Then it wasn’t. Then it was. Then it wasn’t. Then it wasn’t.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

After a week away in Yellowstone, which was amazing and I loved it, I am happy to return home to a place that continually takes my breath away and fills me with joy. A fun session with DW360s (still trying to get in the straps, but it is soo fun to make them on the swell out of the straps), lots of swell ducks and the such. It was fun to watch Buck fly jibe around me and I even saw him try a foil jump! Just 3 of us launched from the rocks, so lots of room on the water.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

Back from a very successful bear hunting safari in Yellowstone.

Tried: 

• Delilberately jumping off a ramp. Failed miserably. F-
• Getting in the back strap while already flying after a jibe. Failed miserably. F-
• Hooking in everywhere with a proper hung out stance. Breached after a bit and got catapulted while all my bits were still hooked in everywhere. C+
• Linking together turns on the swell. B-

Afraid to try:

• Flying Duck Jibe

Didn't even think of trying:

• Downwind 360

Gorgeous, up and down, very autumn feeling day with only me, Laura, and North Wave Steve on the point.

PSB: Pfreim IPA from le kegerateur

Board: Starboard Trance 94         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

Surfing yesterday and LWF sesh today. A storm came, and I was suddenly planing. The girls tried the kids kayak. Snoopy's after.

The number of windlogs displayed in the home page just keeps growing...

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

061 - More wind and East today made it much better. Some out between the spoils at first but mostly on the drop-off both ways. The North end was very flat.  

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '10 Naish Session 3.7

After work sesh is always a bonus! Thanks to B and B for helping me carry my gear!

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 5.8 ZETA

060 - Seemed windier than it was and not very consistent. Out between the spoils in small chop, not much on the drop-off and variable holes in/outside. Next couple probably similar. 

Board: Slingshot Wizard 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

It has been hot as @#CK, and windless, and the forecast shows no wind for over a week. I was desperate. Wind today @4pm was forecasted 14mph on all sites, except iW which had 17mph. I spent yesterday trying to get the foil ready on my Falcon 138. I still can't decide if I made the wrong decision going with the Wizard 125 instead of the 150. I need to waterstart the 125, but can uphaul it in a pinch. When I arrived, I decided the gusts were good enough to go for it with the Wizard 125. Up and down, I had to wait for the gusts to waterstart, and luckily, I did not fall much. I mostly heli-tacked and jibed when off the foil. I wish I could rent a 150 to see if foiling in lighter wind with a bigger sail would be worth the extra volume. I still have not had a good session on position C with the i84. Perhaps it may require the mast base moved more forward. My best session to date was with the i84 and position B the first time I tried the i84 wing, but that also may have been a fluke.

Board: Angulo Triumph 81, Starboard Trance 94         Sail: 5.2 S2 Dragon '18

Fun to get to bird! Even though I sailed pretty poorly. I did get some upwind 360s in the straps and worked on some basic skills on my opposite sides to practice for north wind. The fins on these boards both felt enormous, or maybe I'm just that out of practice on flat water, and I realized my freestyle fin that I love so much doesn't fit either board I brought. It only fits the board I dislike that I'm selling. Also realized my mast base screw looks very worn, and when I compared backups at the store, the chinkook carbon bases are so much heavier. It makes me not inspired to spend that money for a smaller and heavier product. I also want a smaller wave board fin. Randy said they can order stuff but don't stock it. Looks like I have some research to do. I sailed poorly but loved getting this session in and also catching up with Mike, Vanessa and Chris, Randy, Trina, and Chad. Oh and I stepped on a stinger or something random in the parking lot and my heel is now swollen and I can't put any weight in it. So that's fun.

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

We arrived to an almost empty parking lot with about 3 other cars. Rigged up and after about 30 minutes of niceness things started going crazy! People started pouring in and the wind ramped way up. I became quite overpowered, so I watched the rest of the action. Kind of regret not taking the 2.7 out, but it just seemed nuts out there with so many people and so much wind!! Fun spectating though.

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5, '19 Ezzy Elite 2.7

1st sess 3.5. The wind kept building...and building...and building.

Between sesss watched the entertainment from the rocks. It was like being with a 4th of July crowd watching fireworks, with the collective consciousness of ooohs and aaaaahs.

2nd sess mellow 2.7. Tried a backie. Slashed up the bigly swell as best as I could.

Headed to Yellowstone for a week starting Monday to stare at wildlife and things that spew eruptionally.

Will he reach 100?! Stay tuned...

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '10 Naish Session 3.7

I have to adjust to wearing my brace again while sailing and I was probably a bit over-powered, but it was a fun session. I do love 3.7 81liter combo!

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7, '14 The Fly 3.2

1st sess I wasn't convinced non-foiling would be fun because it looked like lake chop in the channel and the inside wasn't so buttery. So I tried the 3.2 with the small wing. It was a good excercise in sailing and jibing over-powered. Made all the gybes.

2nd sess freestyle board and 3.7. Made the first 4 manual switch-over planing ducks, then couldn't make any more to save my life. One attempt in the swell had the board get airy elle born. But not in a switch kono sort of way. Some other sort of way.

Brass Monkey, Trunkin Monkey

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Suprisingly good session and then so pleasant to hang out on the point watching the sun set colors with Bailey and Brady, visiting dog.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

Beautiful evening sess with only 4 or 5 people at the point. Tried my first flying duck jibe...EVER! Failed miserably.

Loving the 57cm wing once it's up and going. It's definitely more difficult to get it up and going, and it requires using a bigger sail. Wondering if I should replace the 84cm with a 76cm.

Funkin Trunkin It

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

Still fun but...ouch. I switched gloves yesterday and developed a blister on each palm, and today those multiplied into 5 total blisters. A hard grip was painful. Waves a little more down the line than yesterday, shoulder high, still NE. Awesome to be sailing north conditions this early, in bath water. Finished the sesh with a rainbow overhead. Thank you, TS Ferdinand. 

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 5.8 ZETA

059 - A little tropical wave as TS Fernand forms and heads way south to Mexico.  Out to the North Cabins and spoil across the boat ramp channel. Had a couple of issues with weeds, otherwise plenty of power rigged at max with just three others on the water. 

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

SO FREAKING FUN. North season opener. I am not used to the ENE setup and often didn't pick the greatest lines, but I improved as it went on and did get some of my best rides in ages. Apart from some missed ride opportunities, my transitions felt rock solid and I got through some crazy situations and unplanned nose tacks remaining upright. So exhilarating emerging unscathed. I tried two back loops - first was a late decision debacle, second was 3/4 around and felt like my best attempt to date. Lawrence and Josh joined mid sesh. More tomorrow?

Uhhh, Mike? Sounds like you need a shovel and some rope in your trunky junky.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7, Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

I did two runs on the 3.8, came in and got the 4.8. I rarely switch sails, but it just wasn't going to work. Then the wind "really" kicked in, so I took the 3.7 out which Brian had previously rigged. I think a 4.2 is in our future...

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

First sess on the Slingshot with the 57 Time Code, 2nd sess on the freestyle, same sail.

Interestingly, the 57cm TC wing ends up being easier to jibe. Ethan concurs. I think the extra speed gives more ultimate stability. There's more micro-wiggly that can occur, but the extra speed seems to provide a solid, almost inpenetrable base layer of stability. 

Happy Locals Day! as they say

PSM: Igor & the Red Elvises at the Ruins!

PSB: Pfreim IPA. Blew the kegerator.

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

Huge 4.8!!! Flying 95% of the time. Had to pump it skillfully though to get going.

Started trying DW360s for the first time EVER! The light winds, and me being the only one on the water reduced the fear of trying them to a squashable level. Sometimes there wasn't enough power though so jibing was the only option.

Interesting how sensitive jibing is such that if you need more downwind rail pressure to prevent the board from turning back upwind, all you have to do is press a little (but not too much!) with just the big toe on the back foot. Seriously.

Trunkard

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

BIG gusts!

Junk in the Trunk

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

What an incredible way to get some exercise after spending the day at work helping other people enjoy the beautiful Gorge. Yes, I did miss the "real wind", but I was happy and surrounded by sexy foilers :)

Board: 82L         Sail: 4.5

I’m in Perth with werk. Didn’t bring any windsurfing stuff coz it’s winter down-under. Not even suncream.

So I was twerkin pretty hard in the orifice and made the mistake of checking the weekend wind. 30 mph!! Uh-oh. Inner Mike started crowding my thoughts. I couldn’t concentrate. I called a Windsurf shop to see if they rented kit. They suggested I try Jez. Jez only did full week rentals he suggested Dave. I texted Dave. He fixed me up and recommended I sail Back Beach at Lancelin. Back Beach is immediately south of Lancelin Bay.

Dave’s suggestion was to park at the Lancelin car park and sail downwind a few reaches to the spot. When I arrived I saw a sign to Back Beach and decided to ignore the instructions and check it out. I reached a car park that had a sign “4WD only past this point”. I was in a front wheel drive compact but decided I would check it out anyway. It was rough but not terrible and after a while I drove over the crest of a hill to a beautiful sight. Bright blue water and white sand with spray whipping off the tops of the waves. Not a soul in sight for miles. “OMG!! It’s heaven” I thought. The sand was hard packed so I decided to drive further up wind. As I cruised up the beach the hard pack started to turn a bit soft, then softer still, then even softer. I was scared to stop so I pressed on, flooring the accelerator until I finally plowed into a patch of really deep stuff. My heart in my mouth I tried to reverse, digging the car deeper. Oh Mike. What have you done.

I sat for quite some time contemplating my stupidity when I saw a truck in the distance. I jumped out of the car and flagged them down. Thankfully they stopped. It was a young couple originally from Ireland. They didn’t have a tow rope but they did have some of those plastic things you put under the tires. We tried them but the car was too deep. “You have to dig it out” they said. “We will help you.” 

“Thank god” I thought!

So we started digging out the sand from under the car. With our bare hands. We tried to get the car out a couple of times but it was still too deep. I was worried they were going to give up. They mentioned a local tow truck that would come out for $400. After 30 mins they said this was the last attempt. I imagine if you have read this far you are thinking what remarkably nice and helpful people these were. I know I was! But you are probably imagining sun, sand and blue skies. Am I right? What I didn’t mention was that the cold front hit hard whilst I was stranded wondering what to do. The wind was blowing 30+ and the rain was lashing down in sheets. These strangers were covered from head to toe in wet sand, soaked to the skin and shivering. I could not believe how committed they were to helping me out. So when they said last attempt, they meant it.

I stuck it in reverse, hit the accelerator and finally with a rush of relief, the car lifted up and out. I floored it and sped down the beach in reverse until the sand got nice and hard. I thanked the random strangers profusely. Offered them money which they refused to take then finally, I went windsurfing!

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

Yep

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Sailing makes me happy :)

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7, '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

A very relaxing day of sailing after a LOOOONNNNNGGGG windless stretch. 4 DAYS WITHOUT WIND!!!!! Longest wind drought ever anywhere...probably. SAD! (Well, there WAS strong east wind 2 of the 4 days, but only desperates and tourists engage the east winds.)

First sess 3.7. Second sess 3.8. Was going to foil 2nd sess with L's 3.4, but it looked too windy so I rigged the 3.8 and stayed on the freestyle board. Made a few planing duck tacks on the outside after switching my feet manually (the definitively uneasy way to get switch) and that felt super nice.

Who likes to Rock the Trunky Junky (on the second session)? I like to Rock the Trunky Wunky (on the 2nd sess.)

Will he reach 100 sesss?!!! Stay tuned!!!!

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

A bit up and down, but pretty fun. Mostly people we know on the water again. A bit disorganized swell, but some rides were possible. My leg did fantastic with two sessions!

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 4.7 ELITE

058 - Long solo session out the to IWC bridge and back. Very consistent power peaking close to overpowered when finished. Lots of weeds, dodging the big clumps and only light chop.

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

One of my best days ever here. The waves were the same size as usual, but so smooth and gentle. Plus no surfers for the first half of the sesh. I love them and all that, but it's not as relaxed and free when you're looking out for people with the sun getting low. So you could basically try anything you wanted anywhere you wanted with no worry about getting worked, no big shore break, and very little consequence to falling. I feel like I was making everything I tried, cocky things I would not normally try there. I sailed out to the the blue water once and dove in backwards. Fun sesh!! 

I like how this shows the last 100 logs now. Thanks Brian!

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

First session perfectly powered on the 3.2. Nice swell. Not crowded. Took a nap then put up a 3.7, then gave it to Laura when she arrived.

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

Nice until the barge came and of course killed the wind.

Board:         Sail:

Huge turn out for King of the Hook. Fun time!! 

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

oh dougs.

Board:         Sail:

King of the Hook! Large turnout! We entered as a duo (riding on one board) and scored some free Andrew's movie tickets for best costumes.

PSM: Beastie Boys at the Ruins on the Hill. There's no possible encore past Sabotage. Period.

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

Sick

But not THAT sick

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

Back on the 84 wing.

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

I timed my 30 minutes perfectly :) Leg felt good :) Happy on the porch with pups :)

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

Windsurfed.

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: Combat Fly HD 3.2

Short session to test out the knee and it performed great!! I was careful not to jump, which opened up more swell riding opportunities!

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '17 EZZY 6.4 ZETA

057 - Great set-up on the sandbar between the shop and north end. The wind was only a tease but needed the exercise.  

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 5.8 ZETA

056 - Mostly solo on the water going BAF on the sandbar. Flat with only small lulls and moderate power.

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 4.7 ELITE

055 - Higher wind and chop today going out to SI#2 and back with moderate power. Maybe a couple more to follow.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 6.2 Avanti Echo

Wind was a little better and I also rigged a little bigger. It was getting really nice @4p (when Mike was able to sail), but I noticed my europin on my Streamlined mast base was about to fail. I was using it instead of my Severne mast base because yesterday afternoon I noticed the tendon on it was cracking and about to fail. Time to order some parts. Thank goodness no breakdowns this weekend. 

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '13 Combat HD 3.7, '14 The Fly 3.2

Leisjzerly day at the Hatch. Took a nap between sesss. 1st sess 3.7 freestyle, 2nd sess 3.2 foil. Tried the 57 wing, but it was:

difficult to fly

once flying, wanted to fly at full attention, always

willing to go upwind

I ending up at weezer cove and had to walk back my shit. Wyatt says move the mast track forward.

On the plus side, I did make 100% of the true flying jybes (1 out of 1 attempt) on the l'il tiny wing.

Also too:

Punk Trunk the 2nd sess

Didn't sail yesterday but Laura did. After 82 sesss on the season it's not unexpected to take a day off on an up and down kinda day on the day after a 2.7er.

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

Almost carbon copy of yesterday but a little stiffer chop, and this time I was rigged right. Brian's question got me thinking more about sails. I love Ezzys. They have been the most consistent, solid, well-made and dependable wave sail I've ridden since I started sailing. I owned a few secondhand ones early on, and I got to rent the then-latest models when visiting punta San Carlos. I almost could not have a better opinion of a sail. Yet I have come to appreciate that the S2 dragons are my favorite sail I've ridden. It took me a while to get used to riding and tuning them. I even hurt both my wrists the first day. But now that I have gotten tuned in, they ride with this airy lightness. They have more power then any other sail I've ridden, yet they also depower so smoothly that on days like yesterday, when I was riding a full meter too big, I kept questioning whether I was even overpowered because I felt so steady and controlled. I only got my Dragons because the right deal came around just when my old sails were cratering. I had pretty moderate expectations and was going to use these for a until I figured out what I really wanted to aspire to. I fell in love along the way. 

Board: Rodeo 98         Sail: 5.2 S1 Pro

Mark crashed in front of me. So I sprayed him. Psssfffttt! :-)

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

A bit over powered and had a big jump right off the bat and when I landed my leg gave out on me a bit. It felt funny, so I asked Brian on shore to get my knee support thingy (not full on brace) and continued sailing. Seemed fine at the time, but now (the next day) my leg is swollen and no bueno. This seems like it happens around this time of year every year. 

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

The parking lot was as abandoned as a winter day. Not a soul around, and I played music and sang aloud while rigging just like during a solitary cold front morning. The wind meters suck right now, and they were reading in the teens and 20. It looked windy, but I didn't trust my gut, and I rigged big. I paid by being severely overpowered. Almost time I tried something I got it handed to me, although I made one pirhouette jibe and one crazy monkey duck that started out intended as a regular duck and I followed the 360 around when it went out of control. Every time I tried a lay down 360, my fin spun out. I can't find my trictionary - I know I moved it here recently in a box. Need to get organized.

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

053 - Got it at peak time today, out between the spoils and back. Not real choppy and only a few holes, plenty of power rigged at max.

Board: Rodeo 98         Sail: 5.2 S1 Pro

Really nice day with the family. The kids seemed to have fun. Benjamin planed for the first time on the new 4.0 S1-Pro which is perfect for him, being ridiculously light. 

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

TImed it well. I am not sure if I rigged right. I saw a lot of folks on 5.2's, so I guess I should have gone with the 6.2m2. The 5.9m2 felt pretty good especially in the gusts, but wind was lighter near Worldwinds and ruined many fully powered transitions. Zero vulcan attempts today. I still had a lot of fun. I hope tomorrow is even better.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '17 EZZY 6.4 ZETA

052 - Gentle rides on the drop-off both ways and not much at the ends. Good therapy for awhile and warm up for a breezy week-end.  

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '19 Ezzy Elite 2.7

Windy! Feelin' spray in the parking lot which i don't remember ever feeling before so 2.7 seemed appropriate. And it mostly was.

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: Combat Fly HD 3.2

A gorgeous day! Had a blast!

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

Good day. All manner of everything on the water: wingnuts, efoilers pulling foilers, outriggers, old-school sups, foil sups, and a guy who seemed to be just bathing, or perhaps soaking.

Today I ate 2 1/2 pound burgers. One pre. One post.

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

I love where I live!!! 

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85, '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

August style winds, frequently best suited for foiling. Switched boards from freestyle to foil and had a lurvely time of it.

Came home to a new 2019 Ezzy Elite 2.7 and Ezzy 315cm mast. Big Wednesday made us do it!

Trunkity Wunk? Yes please thank you

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '09 NP Firefly 4.5

Was flyable for a bit then not so much.

Trunkity Junkity

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

Couldn't make anything. Probably because Mike C was stealing all the mojo.

Board: Rodeo 98         Sail: 5.9 Freek

Was going out the back on my Spock attempts. Then whilst sailing along I had a vision, it cast me back to when I was learning to Vulcan 10 yrs ago. In the vision I was on an orange JP freestyle wave and when I went for the Vulcan I gazed downwards with my head directly over the mast foot during the whole move and suddenly starting making them.

After experiencing the vision I reproduced the feeling in my next attempt and slid backwards forever, but it was so unexpected I hadn’t pulled the sail across enough. Next go I did the same but reminded myself to pull the sail and schlack! Perfect Spock 540. I tried again. Kapow!! Another. Third go. Crack!! Almost planned out if it. 

Then I lost it...

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

052 - Late and tired so it was a bit shorter than normal. Mostly out to SI#2 and also some along the drop-off both ways. Just over a handful sailing today.

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

Busted out the moves/falls for about 30 minutes then a barge was coming then the wind started getting very rangy and basically dropped.

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

Fully powered on the 3.7. Ultra fun!

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 5.8 ZETA

051 - Split between going out to SI#2 and along the drop-off both ways. Relaxing sail with minimal holes and chop. 

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125, Slingshot Wizard 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek, 6.2 Avanti Echo

I just saw the wind graph. Apparently, it was fairly steady. I got there early @ 11 when there were few people on the water. I started on the foil. Last week, I switched the fuse so I could try position C for the 84 Fatboy. It was suggested in a online video by Wyatt. I found it was very easy to get going and ride high. The problem, was when the gusts hit 20mph, since you are already riding high, it was exhausting throwing the rig forward to try keep from over foiling. I will likely put it back on position B. An hour on the foil felt like 3 hours of windsurfing. I took a short lunch break and switched back to freestyle. The wind was just enough for me to plane. The Severne mast also works well in my Echo. I was feeling pretty good about my planing threshold until Mike arrived. The wind was too light for me on the inside near Worldwinds to stay there, especially staying upwind. I was doing much better on the outside. I felt there might have been a slight 30 minute bump in the wind @3:30p, but I guess not.

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

OP'd on my 3.2 and the 84 wing. It's likely high time I learned to fly the 50-something wing again. Oh look, it's 57cm...I can see it right there in the Fin selection box.

Board: Rodeo 98         Sail: 5.2 S1 Pro

Feels like a long time since I sailed Bird. Wish I had someway of looking back on my sessions. That would be brilliant.

It was good to see Mark tearing it up. His new sail looks nice. 

Messed around, tried to remember how to Spock. There were some pretty ugly attempts and then randomly I pulled out a one hander and then I sweet 540. Who da thought it. Splendid day. Hoping for a bit more tomorrow.

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

I forgot to log this one - soft beach, lots of people stuck. Good wind. Wave setup ok. Grateful to get out.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Freeking good after work session. My new mast is perfect.

080919 from Mark 1426 on Vimeo.

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

Awesome 3.0 day!! Felt very comfortable and had a happy session, except for one exploding catapult.

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

Much more mellow and relaxing than yesterday. A nice, mellow, relaxing 3.2 day. Unreal that these words go with this sail size.

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

Thankfully I got out early before the really gnarly wind kicked in, but I was still lit to the max and in survival mode.

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '11 Naish Force 3.0, '14 The Fly 3.2

Mongo lit! Monster swell. Incredible. It looked like this but with sunny skies:

via GIPHY

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 4.7 ELITE

050 - More than expected out between the spoils and back. Some lulls inside but OK outside, just a few ohn the water.

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

LIT on the 3.4, but after being cramped up in a car for 3 days driving back from Michigan, I was super stoked to score an awesome late afternoon session upon my arrival back to paradise!!

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

Lit!

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

Very steady very good day with few people out. Tried luffing the sail with the back hand while riding swell.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

Those who weren't here missed nothing. It wouldn't have even been a good day anywhere else in the world. The sensor was pushing fake news. Up and down and all around. BUT, any day of windsurfing is a great day of windsurfing.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

Rigged the 4.1 for the light wind and empty parking lot. Wanted to rig the 4.5 but apparently we've lost a 400 mast. Oh well whatev. Had a poo in the RV and by the time that had all worked itself out, the wind starting standing at attention. Thinking quickly, I gently placed the 4.1 into the Underbelly de Leisjz. Yea then I rigged the 3.5 and foiled and stuff. God these wind logs are stupid!

Board: 2014 Starboard Quad 82         Sail: 4.2 Manic

Went for the morning session to get lighter wind but it was still cranking. Totally overpowered for 30 mins and sailed into the only rock on the beach. Popped a fin. Gave up. Not the best last day.

Back at villa after fixing the fins my sixth sense somehow told me the wind had dropped. Aka obsessive desperation. Rushed back to the beach and had 2 hrs of 4.2 perfection with nice chest high waves. Scored!!!

Dropped my kit back at the shop and he kindly bought it back for a price I was happy with. Talking to the guy, turns out there are spots 40 mins north or south that are perfect 4.2 on the 3.3 Guincho days. Next time.

Guincho webcam courtesy of McBuff:

https://youtu.be/RDY8lewStyc

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

River nose is effing with balance and coordination. Time to invest in a nose plug.

The one bad wymaroo attempt where I landed hard on my neck may have also contributed to my crappy sailing. No need to try another one of those in my lifetime.

Board: 2014 Starboard Quad 82         Sail: 4.2 Manic

Maybe it was 40+. Definitely on the windier side. Sailed back and forth trying not to die and called it a day. 

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

Got bored very quickly doing my usual thing. So, I decided to try to get back the skills I once had at Girl Island and try all sorts and manner of things. Good times.

Also tried one flat water lupe.

Top Tip: Always buy the "Pro" edition of a board, not the "Bro" edition. Solid.

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

049 - Out between the spoils and back, a few to the end. Rigged at max was steady power and small chop. Still looking for more east maybe tomorrow.

Board: 2014 Starboard Quad 82         Sail: 4.2 Manic

Family vacation in Portugal. Didn’t make any specific windsurfing plans because I came here about 10 yrs ago and you could rent on the beach and I wasn’t sure if I would sail because of my shoulder issue. So got here. Looked for kit to rent. And there was nothing! The guy in the shop said the last rental outfit had done a huge insurance claim and now no-one could afford to offer rental kit. What a disaster!! After some negotiating (begging). The shop sold me some used kit $600 later I was sorted! One sail and one board. Old stuff. And it rips! 

Today was sick. Full on wind and logo high side on-shore set waves. I had some good wave rides, some good jumps and some serious workings! Bigger tomorrow apparently. Gulp.

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 4.7 ELITE

048 - Bigger than forecast with lots of chop, boat wakes and tumble weeds. Mostly out between the spoils and back. Its been years but did a run below the  South Cabins, to SI#3, back in the IWC to the cabins and upwind of SI#3 to the PINS shore. Tough with very downwind return with too much south to avoid the shoreline points. 

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '09 NP Firefly 4.1

Rigged big for the light wind. Perfectly powered. My feet are now automatically moving themselves to the correct spot if things start to go wrong during a jeyeb. Smart feet those. Keeps my brain from having to get involved and all overheated.

Trunked

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

Doug's Delivered!

Trunky Wunky!

Rode the big Swelly Welly!

Lit with my Kit!

Tried a backy on a way too high jump. Man that was scary. No need to try that ever again in this lifetime.

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

Very up and down day, but the foil smoooooothes it all out.

Trunky Junky.

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

1st session meh. I seriously hate that word (meh) but yet here i am using it. 

2nd sess flippin amaze. For July anyway. 

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

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

Rigged too small. Choppy. Trunkin it with the junk.

July is the new August, and June is the new July. Seriously, June has been sooooo much better than July the past 2 seasons. Seriously.

Board: '16 JP Freestyle 85         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

Up and down. Made a gecko flaka and an in-the-straps planing (initially) duck tack. Had the place to myself. Junky Trunky.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

047 -  A little less today and smaller rig worked good. Just out between the spoils and returns along the bank, a few to the end. Not all that many on the water for such a good week-end.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125, Slingshot Wizard 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

BIB 7/20/19 from Mark 1426 on Vimeo.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Lots of people out enjoying a gorgeous day. I feel comfortable on the 4.8 instead of it feeling like Goliath. Got a post sesh lesson from Roxanne on in-the-straps upwind and downwind 360s.

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Afterwork happy (two) hour sunset session scored. It has been windy all week down here and the forecast looks to be shutting down, so I got here as soon as I could. Dallas foiler Bruce M. was there to sail with me. Lots of 360s, Donkeys, and a few vulcan attempts. I have some video, but nothing new. I got my right foot stuck in the straps after a blown duck. That was scary. It would have been a matching foot injury if I was in the waves. Thankfully, I got it to release. I am not sure how to prevent this stuff.

Board: '19 Slingshot 103 Wizard         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.8

Generally over-powered on the 3.8. Water starts were way too easy. Not sure how this new sail compares to the Pryde 3.7. Felt like I could have easily been on the 3.2. Definitely the 3.5. Still working on trying to tighten up the gibes and jybe on the swell.

Bitmap was WingShot foiling. Looked like it might have been his first session at it. He made great progress. His board was strapless, maybe strapful is easier.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 5.8 ZETA

046 - After dry run yesterday, rigged a bit too big and didn't change. Mostly out between the spoils and back, a few times to the north end. No lack of power, got stung inside baggies, luckily on the outside of leg. 

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

I love the wall on days like this. It is such a playground of swell with wide open space. My soul fills with happiness. 

Board: '? RRD WaveTwin 66         Sail: '15 Maui Sails Mutant 3.5

The sensor seemed to be lying. The 3.5 and 66L frequently wasn't enough, but occasionally was. I found myself wishing I was foiling instead. Occasionally pretty good swell that I rode all the way down to the next parking area.

New massively discounted Mutant. Very different outhaul rigging. Pretty much zero outhaul is required. Not quite negative outhaul.

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

Banner day at Cole Park! I was perfectly powered and appreciating how much I love these sails. I got some random things I have not tried in a while, maybe years, on the first try - pirhouette jibe and a monkey duck jibe. They were so smooth but obviously partly luck, because I did not repeat them on the second try. Haha. Got some really smooth wave face ducks, some epic crashes, and Lawrence was trying/making loops, so after a little group talk and self pep talk, I tried one. It resulted in a right hip slap. I'll have to reconstruct how far I got around, but I think not very. But at least Randy recognized it for a loop attempt, and maybe I've broken my 10-year inertia and will try again. Isn't looping before 40 a midlife crisis thing all windsurfers need to experience? We shall see...

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

045 - Out between the spoils, moderate chop and full power rigged at max. Only small holes along the drop-off. A couple more to go.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Nice session.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

044- No sooner ramping up it dropped big until the last half hour. Limited planing and lots of work. Looks like several more to follow.

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

Lovin' it.

Countless flyers today. Working on tightening the jybes and gibing on the swell. The latter causes me to eat it hard. 

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

Today was unusual in that the Hatch sensor was reading higher than the actual. Weird. Usually it's the opposite.

Shlogged quite a bit at first. First time I've experienced such a thing this season. It brought back memories of another time and place.

Made all kinds of TFJs (True Flying Gybes) on both tacks. A TFJ is one where the board doesn't touch l'eau, ever.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 5.8 ZETA

043 - More than expected out to SI#1 and midway between the spoils. Light chop, few holes and full power rigged at max. Smaller would have worked too.

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

Such a nice way to end the day even though I was primarily in schlog mode. 

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

Made somewhere between 3-5 flyer jibers in a row.

Junk in the Trunkin' it!

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

Nothing to see here. Keep moving.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Less suit more monofilm.

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

Feeling much more comfortable flying high in the air these days.

Trunkin' it

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: '10 Naish Session 3.7

Fun times!

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

2 words: Foi ulled.

Foi ulled until the wind and the swell picked up to the point where foi ulling seemed not the thing to do. Then, my lovely wife entered the water and made all the shit happen with the big move bustin'.

Sold L's 90L RRD Freestyle today.

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Neil Pryde Wizard 4.8

Every day on the water is a good day!

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

Making progress on the outside starboard flyin' jibes. My current theory is that there are no close landmarks out there, so you're in effect "flying blind", as it were, so to speak. There are no visual cues to help with timing. To test this hypothesis I just need to try a sampling of port jibes prior to the arrival at Rockville Station, as it were, so to speak. That is to say, time will tell.

Board: '14 JP 93 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 4.7 ELITE

042 - About like yesterday so rigged smaller at medium. Doable but a bit up/down inside, good power elsewhere. Very hot and tiring today. 

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

A nice 3.7 session. 

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

Foiled until it got a bit more windy. Successful starboard jibes are proving elusive. But they do occur occasionally.

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '18 EZZY 5.3 ELITE

041 -   A bit more than forecast out between the spoils and back on the sandbar. Several times to the north end and some to SI#2. Probably could have gone smaller with eveything, lots of power rigged at max.

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

2nd time the parking lot has been packed out this year already. Just like old times!

Decided I'd try some more spin loops, even though I didn't pack my ass and back with padded Amazon envelopes. After the first attempt, I felt a presence on the rocks which compelled a glance toward Rockland. There before my eyes appeared Brandt-sensei, pantomiming what I need to do differently. After a few rounds of this, he apparently was able to coach me all the way around into a position I could have water started out of if I had pumped the back hand a bit to refly the sail. This is what he tells me. But interestingly, that particular attempt didn't feel very much different than the others. Which is good! That means it's not scary.

Actually, it did feel different. It was a bit whiplashy, and it was a painful back slam. Nothing that lasted for long though. Note to self: check for bruised back.

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

A lesson in extremes. First session fully schlogging. Second session fully overpowered. I love the Wall!!

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

Patience eventually paid off, and there were only 3 vehicles left after everyone else tried to find the wind elsewhere. The real deal kicked in at 6pm.

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

Lit! Fun!

Board: '19 JP 113 FWP         Sail: '19 EZZY 5.8 ZETA

040 - OK start to finish out to SI#2 and back rigged at max. Chop and holes were minimal. Enough inside power to do the drop-off on returns.