Last 169 WindLogs

05/29/2023 (23rd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@28mph

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: 2019 Ezzy Elite 2.7

WINDY!! Surfed a massive, smooth, lovely swell. Felt like the biggest I've ever been on, although I tend to exagerate. A barge came through mid session and then kapow!! the wind reallllyyyy picked up - nukin!!

05/28/2023 (35th this year)
Mark @ BIB
SE@14mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Solid lightwind foiling. Glad I went.

05/28/2023 (22nd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@26mph

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

Second day of "Dawn Patrol"!! Big, beautiful swell!

05/27/2023 (21st this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@28mph

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: 2019 Ezzy Elite 2.7

"Dawn patrol" (okay, it was 8 am) for the win!! Big wind and big swell with only a few people on the water :) Got lully after about an hour, so I called it good!

05/23/2023 (20th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@20mph

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Flew back from 100 degree Phoenix weather to 65 degree Gorge weather, so I donned the hood and booties and got a nice hour at the Hatch. Not many people, some nice swell, but quite choppy I guess due to the strong current.

05/20/2023 (34th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
NNW@15mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

The forecast was rain in the morning and NE winds @10mph. NE is not a great direction, especially if it goes more East. My elbow was really sore from yesterday, but when I saw the wind clocked North from NE, even though the wind was only 7mph, I thought it was worth at least checking out since my gear was still in my car. I looked down over the point and even brought my wind meter. 10 mph with rare gusts to 12. It was still North in direction. Then I saw Josh and Damien launch and quickly get on foil. Game on. When I launched, I caught a gust and was on foil quickly too and I passed Josh who was shlogging back toward the launch site. I made my jibe at the other end of the lake, but I was reluctant to switch feet fearing I would come off foil. Eventually, I did come off foil but I ended up way downwind trying to stay powered on toeside. The wind was now barely foilable, and I struggled to make it back upwind to the launch. The wind finally came in nicely around noon, and so did the sun. It was really nice despite the motorboat traffic, but did not last that long. I was close to not even checking things out. I am glad I did.

05/19/2023 (33rd this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
SSE@8mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Super light. Too light, except brief wind spike @5:30p. Better than nothing for the weekend.

05/12/2023 (32nd this year)
Mark @ BIB
ESE@17mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

05/07/2023 (31st this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
SSE@18mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

The wind came a little earlier than I expected, so I rushed to get there. It looked a nice 15mph  when I arrived. I would have considered going 5.5m2 if I thought the wind was going to stay or build, but after yesterday, I was going big. As soon as I hit the water, the wind started to build and get gusty. I was very overpowered at times. My elbow has been sore for a few weeks (presumed tennis elbow) and usually adrenaline takes over. It was worse from yesterday, but something new and bad happened coming out of a jibe. I felt an intense sharp bone pain, and I made myself go in. I am home, icing it and hoping I don't have to get seen and imaged. I got the best of the wind today, hopefully it did not get the best of me. Fingers crossed for now.

05/06/2023 (30th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
SSE@9mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

A few nice flights, but a little bummed knowing it was going off in Corpus today. Nice dinner after with two of my almost grown up kids.

05/01/2023 (29th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
ESE@8mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Bare minimum wind to get on foil. Once on foil foot pumping and jibes were a must. I did a lot of switchstance to stay on foil, but also had to foot switch to stay upwind as much as possible. I barely made it back to the boat ramp on time before the park closed.

04/29/2023 (14th this year)
Mike C @ The Levi
NW@25mph

Board: Skate 92         Sail: 4.4 S1 Pro

Fun sesh with the kids. I came in super happy but my flip flops had disappeared which kinda made me disappointed and cranky.

04/29/2023 (28th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
N@25mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 4.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Sunny, 70F, 25mph gusting to 40mph. Epic!!

04/28/2023 (27th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@22mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

oh yes.

04/24/2023 (19th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Wall, WA
W@29mph

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

I was lured out to the Wall with the guarantee that I would not be too cold and the promise of a homemade cookie. I was not disappointed!! It was sunny and windy!! I got a good gust that propelled me past the island into the river and was greeted by a nice back loop. Hurray for Gorge windsurfing!! Lovely swell, fun ramps, just 4 windsurfers and plenty warm!

04/23/2023 (26th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
ENE@13mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

Too much East in the wind. I also was not excited about wearing a wetsuit again, but I was toasty in the 50 degrees air with warm water. I rigged up my Unit 5.5 since the 6.5 Slick SLS has a leak. I thought I should also try my HA front wing again for grins. The HA front wing felt faster (watch confirmed almost 2 knots faster), but at first, I was unable to jibe or sail switch well with it. After a while, I got the hang of it and made most my jibes and footswitches. Then the wind started to die. Fortunately I made it back, but not without effort since the lauch site was upwind had a big wind shadow.

04/22/2023 (25th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
ESE@14mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

I was just hoping to get on foil, and it was much better than that, I got to try my new HM carbon mast today. It felt great. Made all my jibes and footswitches. I need to start to try more tacks soon.

04/22/2023 (13th this year)
Mike C @ Quintana
ESE@22mph

Board: Skate 92         Sail: 5.2 S1

Languishing in bed, Mark texted and asked if I was sailing coz it was goin off. Thanks for the heads up Mark! Mostly BAFing with a few forwards thrown in.

04/18/2023 (5th this year)
Alissa @ North Packery, TX
SE@22mph

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.2 S2 Dragon '18, 5.2 S2 Dragon '20

This day did not work. The gulf cooled off a bunch, unusually late in the season, and it messed up the wind. I fought it 45 minutes and it was a miracle I did not have a walk of shame. 

04/16/2023 (4th this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
W@0mph

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.2 S2 Dragon '18, 5.2 S2 Dragon '20

Really erratic compared with what we are used to, but I also really enjoyed and appreciated this day. Nice sized group of nice people. Sandfest did not get in the way at all. 

04/16/2023 (12th this year)
Mike C @ Port Aransas
NNE@21mph

Board: Pyramid Pro 82         Sail: 5.2 S1

First Port A session of the season! Life is getting in the way, but I ain't complaining, just saying. Fun!

04/15/2023 (24th this year)
Mark @ Barton's, Waves NC
SSE@18mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Air 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Nice late day breeze before we hit the road in the morning. Great week in NC again.

04/14/2023 (23rd this year)
Mark @ Salvo, NC
SSE@9mph

Board: Fanatic AllWave 9'2"         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Paddle with Jill and then sail and explore on the 9'2" Fanatic All Wave before the thunderstorms hit. So meditative and peaceful.

04/13/2023 (22nd this year)
Mark @ Canadian Hole
SW@14mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Air 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Someone approched me in the parking lot that I might hold off rigging up as the wind was a little light. I told him that I am not going to waste wind. It was more than enough to foil, and it only got better over the next few hours. 

04/12/2023 (21st this year)
Mark @ Salvo, NC
SW@15mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Air 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Slow and way too shallow for the foil. A long walk out and then I had to keep it flying until I was half way across the Pimlico sound. Once out there it was OK, but lonely as heck. I eventually got bored. I then had to fly all the way back to keep my walk in to a bare minimum.

04/12/2023 (20th this year)
Mark @ Canadian Hole
WSW@15mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Air 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

It has been almost a year sinice I have rode my inflatable wing board. It feels like a dog. I can't get my foil forward enough to get in my front foot straps well. Things felt better after a while, but just slow. My watch confirmed I was twice as fast on my freestyle board a couple of days ago. A grumpy kiter got on my a$$ for sailing in their area. I was hand gesturing "what?" and he pointed for me to hang out closer to the windsurfing launch area. We were both way upwind of both launch sites, and his skills sucked. Just saying. I just kept foiling ignoring him until I felt the wind back off a little.

04/10/2023 (19th this year)
Mark @ Salvo, NC
NNE@22mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.2 Severne S-1 Pro, 5.6 Severne Freek

Perfect 5.2m2 morning followed by a perfect 5.6 afternoon. Not much more to say. Steamed shrimp and a beautiful sunset to close it down. Playing beats working any day of the week.

04/06/2023 (3rd this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
NNW@21mph

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

The wave today was gorgeous, long, and clean, but tricky to get to. I got lucky and made it though a big shadowy shore break to the windy outside and just stayed on the outside. But something felt ominously too quiet, and the odd feeling kept increasing, I cut the session about 15 minutes short. Lightning flashed just as I stepped off the board. Maybe that was it. 

04/04/2023 (2nd this year)
Alissa @ North Packery, TX
W@21mph

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

Mostly messy but I had one crazy drop in that was incredibly fun. Also one minor beat down. I'm behind on logging a few sessions! Catching up.

04/02/2023 (18th this year)
Mark @ BIB
SSE@24mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.6 Severne Freek

I had decided last night to just wing locally. The Corpus forecast was only 1-2mph better and looked only good late in the afternoon. iW 7am update did not change, but weather.com and wunderground had 20mph all day. Then, I saw possble thunderstorms in the local afternoon forecast. I decided then to load up for Corpus ASAP. Score! Sunny and super windy. Awesome day.

03/31/2023 (17th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@18mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Crazy. I woke up early this morning and got online to see my forecast crumble. I booked it to the lake as fast as I could to get what was left. Then the wind  slowly got punchier and punchier. At one point @ 11:00 it was 15 gusting to 35. The big gusts were brief, but a few just ripped my wing out of my hands and sent me flying off the board into the water downwind. I would pick up the pieces and it would be fine. This happened a few times more. Ultimately, the wind started to back off and I called it a day. I love the physical exhaustion I am feeling right now after being on the water for 3 straight hours. I miss this.

03/28/2023 (16th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
NNE@18mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

Nice hour on the water. Too short. Work ruins it.

03/24/2023 (15th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
W@12mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Better than nothing for the weekend.

03/22/2023 (14th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
SE@13mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Afterwork session with Damien. Fun, but way too short. I surprisingly ran into a patch of submerged trees coming out of a jibe late into the session. The lake is super low. I hope it is only just a few new scratches on my front foil. I did not get time to carefully check my board. Thankfully, my wing is OK and I did not poke a hole in it.

03/15/2023 (13th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@12mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Afterwork session taking advantage of the time change. It seemed much better than the wind graph. Damien came to join in the fun and I saw him make a sweet flaka. I tried a few tacks and failed.

03/11/2023 (12th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@14mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Big holes, good gusts. I would be happy for more.

03/05/2023 (11th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@10mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Beautiful weather to be outside. Miraculously, my gear made it work.

03/03/2023 (10th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
NNW@18mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

I was not sure the frontal wind would happen, but I am super glad it did. My back was acting up, but I ignored it. Sessions are too valuable. Icing it now, praying it won't seize up.

02/26/2023 (9th this year)
Mark @ BIB
SSE@22mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.6 Severne Freek

Near perfect day, and I needed it. I definitely did not need a wetsuit today, although it probably saved my skin from my new non-skid.

02/21/2023 (8th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
W@14mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Desperate dash from work to get a little time on the water before the park closed.

02/10/2023 (7th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
NNW@20mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Chilly but sunny. I decided to try vulcans again until a hook-in crash ended that idea after a few attempts. 360s after that.

02/10/2023 (18th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Perfect session to end a magical 2 1/2 months in Baja Paradise! I'm going to miss the sunrises, walking Buddy on the beach (Buddy truly embraced being a beach dog!!), mountain biking right from the campground, sailing in my backyard and delicious margaritas!! 

02/09/2023 (17th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@22mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Woah! Not mellow 

02/08/2023 (16th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Too mellow man!

02/07/2023 (15th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

FUNky!!! Weird gusts and giant swell 

02/05/2023 (14th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Tried stuff 🙂 Pretty busy on the water  

02/04/2023 (13th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ Lighthouse, Baja
N@15mph

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

It sounded so cool - racing from the lighthouse to Baja Joe's. The reality was a light onshore wind through small, but persistent shore break. I was denied/tumbed twice and left disappointed. Thanks to Buck for the support and patience. 

02/03/2023 (12th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@22mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Best day for me here yet! Perfectly powered, fun swell and a good amount of 360 attempts - the first attempt being the best. I stopped using swell as an excuse to BAF and shredded!!

02/03/2023 (11th this year)
Mike C @ Sunset Beach
S@22mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.6

Skipped yesterday's Paternoster session due to Cape Towns version of Delhi Belly 💩💩💩🤢🤢🤮

I helped a lady get back to the beach after her sail broke quite a ways on the outside. I sailed around her and finally swam in with her through the break as she was kinda freaking out. After that I was too tired to do much. Only one pushie attempt. No wind tomorrow so that's a wrap. Super duper happy with the trip, the coaching and the gang, my sailing and getting to hang out with my hottie for 2 weeks. Yay. I wonder when I will get to try another push loop again. Maybe the Gorge on a super windy day? Port A winds are usually too offshore for back loops and pushies. 
 

02/02/2023 (11th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Stayed on the outside. Kinda lonely. Swell playing kept me happy though!

02/01/2023 (10th this year)
Mike C @ Paternoster
SSW@28mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.0

No wind in Cape Town so headed back up to Eland Bay. Cranking wind but totally flat. 

Last week at Sunset, we had a session that wasn't so flat with occasional mast high sets coming in. I was sailing out nicely powered, hit a nice inside kicker and managed to waterstart out of a push loop. Whoop! Same run I went for and crashed a back loop on one of the big outside waves. The gear landed awkwardly with the sail quite deep so I spent a good while faffing around trying to get back up. 

I was a long way out so wasn't thinking about the waves. Just as I managed to pull the sail into the waterstart position, one hand on the boom, the other on the back strap I looked backwards to see a huge set wave jacking up behind me. "Oh crikey" I thought. I held on to the gear hoping it would pass over me but I really got it wrong. It was one of those sucking top to bottom waves and before I knew what was happening I was sucked over the falls of a mast high wave holding onto my gear. 

I tried to push my gear away but somehow I got my arm trapped between the board and mast. The gear bounced and freed my arm just before the pressure broke it. Next the fins were between my legs threatening to slice off my manhood. I tumbled free of the fins and then the bottom of the board hit me in the face. "Thwack". I was sure I heard a crack. 

Finally the kit left me behind and after a few more spins the wave let me out of it's grasp. I came up gasping for air, convinced I would see blood. I wiggled my nose, it didn't hurt but it felt wobbly. After a bit of a swim I sailed back to the beach and Ben was giving me the fist bump having seen the push loop attempt.

"I think I broke my nose!". Ben thought it looked OK. Colin (Dixon) saw it and said it looked pretty bad. Terrified that I would be scarred for life, we found a doctor in the car park. His verdict was that there was nothing wrong with it. Panic over, I headed back out  :-)         

01/30/2023 (9th this year)
Mike C @ Witsands
S@20mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.5

Q: How do kiters introduce themselves? 
A: Sorry dude

it was a bit light, a bit busy and a bit messy. One can get spoilt quite quickly. If it's not full power push loop condies it's not worth it. :)

PS - I made send it Sunday again! It's a really fun watch. 15 mins of pure carnage. I'm the guy sailing a blue or orange naish sail.

01/29/2023 (8th this year)
Mike C @ Sunset Beach
SSW@22mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.5

Easy day at Sunset. Probably needed it.

After booking my flight with United I checked their baggage policy and effective August 2022 they no longer took Windsurf's. Nooooo!!!! They do still take surfboards though. Try to blag it? Pretend my kit is just a surfboard? I imagined being stranded at the airport with my gear unable to get on the flight. Unable to take it back home in time. So I decided not to risk it. Looked into renting but no one is renting sails in Cape Town. I asked the clinic group for help and Geoff sent me a fb link. Shortly after I was the proud owner of a quiver of 2022 Naish Force 4s and a used boom. Dunno what I will do at the end of the trip with them, but at least I could sail!! They are pretty nice sails. Light and strong. would happily own them. Wait...I do!!!

01/28/2023 (6th this year)
Mark @ BIB
S@10mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

So bummed. I expected to windsurf, barely able to wing.

01/28/2023 (7th this year)
Mike C @ Sunset Beach
S@30mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.0

Ultra windy day. Sunset then Big Bay. Working on push loops. Have yet to land a dry one but they feel pretty good. Water started out of quite a few. Last day of clinic but hopefully I will have plenty of opportunities to practice next week. 🤞

01/27/2023 (6th this year)
Mike C @ Paternoster
S@24mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.0

The definition of gusty. Water was cold too. 
In the mornings video analysis we were comparing aerials and my take away was to lift or suck up the back foot. First 2 waves of the day I followed the instructions and did a couple of nice little aerials. I'm continuously astounded at how much there is to learn in this sport, and how massive a difference just relatively small changes make. 
My goal for the week was to work on my push loops. I have tried them historically but don't think I ever landed one clean. The first day was perfect for trying them. I tried maybe 10 using Bens one handed technique from YouTube. After watching my attempts and crashes Ben recommended I try them with both hands! I over rotated a couple of attempts after that. Since then it has been epic for wave riding but not so great for jumping. Today is the last day of the clinic. It's supposed to very windy and side shore so perfect for trying them. Will see!!! :)

01/26/2023 (5th this year)
Mike C @ Paternoster
S@20mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.5

Fun sesh on day 4 of the clinic.
So I get home and don't have the energy to type but oh my gosh. What a week so far!

01/26/2023 (10th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@22mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Big, beautiful swell and big, beefy gusts

01/25/2023 (9th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Magical morning!! ❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️

01/25/2023 (4th this year)
Mike C @ Sunset Beach
S@23mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.5

At this rate I could qualify for the Olympics. Breaststroke.

I almost hit a couple of penguins on the outside 🐧. Little shits. 

01/24/2023 (3rd this year)
Mike C @ Paternoster
SSW@20mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.8 S1 Pro

Not easy! I swam some. Amazed I didn't break my mast.

01/24/2023 (8th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
W@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Yay! I'm back in Baja paradise ❤️ Such a fun early session- I even saw a turtle!

01/22/2023 (2nd this year)
Mike C @ Paternoster
SW@30mph

Board: KT83         Sail: 4.0

First day of the Send it Academy up at Elands Bay. There was smoke on the water. Absolutely epic. Broken I am.

01/15/2023 (1st this year)
Mike C @ Bird Island
S@28mph

Board: Skate 92         Sail: 3.6 S1 Pro

The kids sailed a bunch which was super. The windlog ain't lyin. No siree. Threeeeee sixxx.

Tried really hard to make packery work afterwards but it wasn't sticking. Alisa you didn't miss anything.

01/15/2023 (5th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@22mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Free TE 5'5", Flikka Custom Freestyle 1         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek, 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

I went for it. Small wing board, smallish HA front wing (ART 1099). Decided to go with big wing just in case the wind backed down. I would have loved to go with the big wing board, same foil, and smaller wing. My big wing board is under a warranty claim. I did surprisingly well at first. Nailed my first jibe and footswitch, but slowly, as the wind got more erratic, falls started to happen. Starts got tougher. Fatigue started to set in. After 2 hours, I decided I needed to head in and hydrate. I was overpowered on the big wing and I was going to switch to my smaller wing, but I worried the wind might back off and I might get into trouble on the small wing board with the small wing. I looked at the iW sensor at WP, and it was 24. So to play it safe, I rigged up my windsurfing gear. The wind backed off, A few planing rides, but nothing great. I am for the most part done trying to windsurf at Lake Travis. Maybe on a big cold front I might rig it up.

01/11/2023 (7th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

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

Went out a little too early but had fun afterwards at the hot springs with my visiting family 

01/11/2023 (4th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@14mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Barely able to sqeeze an after work session in since WP closes at 5:30p currently. Was happy to have it, but bummed I discovered a crack in the rail of my board.

01/08/2023 (6th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Loving this lifestyle 

01/08/2023 (1st this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
N@17mph

Board: North Seek 77L wing board 2021         Sail: 4.5 Armstrong V1 wing '21

Surprise mini front and my first time in the waves with the wing, other than once testing a board for just a few minutes. Just waist high waves but smooth and long. I have not figured out wave riding or jibing, but I remembered how to foil and my hands stayed warm. I started learning how to use the wave to get up on the foil. Even though I'm not skilled with my gear, I feel very familiar and comfortable at this launch, so I appreciated that the comfort allowed me to be in a learning mode instead of worrying. The wind shut down sooner than I was ready to stop! Pizza buffet with the family afterward.

01/07/2023 (5th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Nice! Fun to be out there with Buck, Kim, Spencer, Roz and Dan!

01/06/2023 (3rd this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@17mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

It started out very light, but finished strong.

01/06/2023 (4th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Nice, mellow session 

01/05/2023 (3rd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Snuck in a quick session after our trip to La Paz for supplies. Thankfully the wind stayed strong and the swell was fun. 

01/04/2023 (2nd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

A bit underpowered and my foot is off - I stepped on coral and pulled a bit out but probably didn't get it all and now it hurts when I walk 😬

01/02/2023 (1st this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

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

🤩 Came pretty close to making an in straps DW360 - water started out still in straps 

01/02/2023 (2nd this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@19mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

It was short but very sweet while it lasted. 

01/01/2023 (1st this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@8mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

I got suckered out by the forecast and beautiful weather. I had to work pretty hard for the flights I got today. It is going to be tough to go back to work, so I am just trying to make the most of my little time off.

12/31/2022 (54th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Fantastic way to spend the last day of 2022! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

12/31/2022 (62nd this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
SE@17mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

I almost packed up after dropping off my board at the water's edge. My back was telling me not to do it. But I had to. Brian S. walked by, and I asked him for a tip on foot switching. He told me he learned a great tip from this young kiter who I have seen out on the water before. Then, she walked by Brian and he asked her to tell me the tip. When I first tried it, I thought there is no way this is going to work. It was almost exactly the opposite of all the advice I had seen online. It worked. Then it worked again. And again, and again, and again. Every time I thought I was going to touch down and crash, and every time it worked. What a way to end the season. Usually these verbal pearls take time to sink in and work for me. I think this is the first time it worked right away. I made it through the session without my back locking down too. I am so grateful for that as well. Ice and ibuprofen. Happy New Year!

12/29/2022 (61st this year)
Mark @ BIB
S@15mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

Slow start for the wind. Wing for the win.

12/28/2022 (60th this year)
Mark @ BIB
S@18mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.9 Severne Freek

Grateful that I made it out on the water. My lower back was in severe pain all of last week, and today was the first time doing an activity other than walking. Sunny and warm air temperature (69 F), but water was surprisingly cold (50 F).

12/27/2022 (53rd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Fun!

12/26/2022 (52nd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@21mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Magical ❤️

12/25/2022 (51st this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Downwinder with even bigger swell 😍 Merry Christmas!!

12/24/2022 (50th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Downwinder with Buck and Kim from the campground to La Playa 🤩 Super fun to ride the swell!!! I appreciate our campground even more since it was so busy by La Playa. 

12/23/2022 (49th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

😊 

12/22/2022 (48th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Another gorgeous day! 

12/21/2022 (47th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Windy and sunny! Played on the sweet swell 🙂

12/20/2022 (46th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@21mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Amazing adventure crossing over and back to Isla Ceralvo! I went with a group of kiters, two wingers and two windsurfers (me and Kim). There was a support boat too. Perfect wind, big swell, a gorgeous big ray flipping, lots of little flying fish! So cool and fun!!

12/19/2022 (45th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

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

Perfect 4.8 wind. Fun but a bit crowded close to the beach. 

12/18/2022 (51st this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
NNE@22mph

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

Messy and smaller than yesterday but I still excitedly rigged for a rare weekend Port A sesh...then I got a headache and was just clumsy and struggling. Maybe a delayed reaction of too much Christmas partying? I rallied for an epic rest of the day, though.

12/18/2022 (57th this year)
Mike C @ Port Aransas
NE@22mph

Board: Pyramid Pro 82         Sail: 5.2 S1

As Alissa is alluding to me sailing well yesterday, for the record she was also ripping. Saw one wave with 6+ turns and a couple of lip hits. It was really fun skatepark stuff. Today was a little onshore so I got to try some backies. Watched the end of the footy match, then hit up Bird where the boys had fun. 
Super good weekend for windsurfing. Crazy that Alissa was the only other sailor we saw all weekend. 🤯

Oh! I love the new sail. Worked perfect straight out the bag. Funny how it hasn't been 5.2 weather all year until I got a new one (I broke my 5.2 S1 Pro ages ago but have an old spare 5.2). The only complaint is they have this little bar on the top of the downhaul cleet. I don't know the intent of it but seems like it's only purpose is to make it virtually impossible to thread the downhaul. I got legitimately cranky trying to fit my frayed downhaul through it. It is removable, just need to find the tiny alum key that I seem to have lost. Last sesh of the year most likely. Happy New Year!!

PS - Update!!! Just checked and my last logged 5.2 session was Feb 2021. Almost 2 years ago. 😂😂😂

12/17/2022 (50th this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
N@22mph

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

A playground on the water, with rides rivaling my arm strength. Plus I got to watch tour-quality moves going down right in front of me, and see the beginning of B's first wave sesh. Perfection.

12/17/2022 (56th this year)
Mike C @ Port Aransas
N@23mph

Board: Pyramid Pro 82         Sail: 5.2 S1

So much to say about this session that I don't know where to start

12/16/2022 (44th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

The Mexican windsurf foiling team were cruising around the vicinity- they are very fast and sure can easily go up and downwind! 

12/15/2022 (43rd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

A little underpowered but pretty swell  to turn on. 

12/13/2022 (42nd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@15mph

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

Mellow, not quite enough for steady planing but enough for some fun!

12/10/2022 (41st this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@21mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Another solid El Norte wind and swell 🙂

12/10/2022 (59th this year)
Mark @ BIB
SE@15mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Wing 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

The gamble paid off. Super beautiful weather shared with just a few people. I needed it.

12/09/2022 (40th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@21mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Gorgeous!! Nice steady wind and fun swell! Yay!

12/08/2022 (39th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@17mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: Maui Sails 3.8

Supposed to be a big El Norte day, but it never got that windy at our beach. There was some beautiful swell coming through far out. So different than the Gorge - big and very smooth, not ramping up. 

12/07/2022 (38th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Choppy water. There are a zillion kiters and one fell sooo close - I flashbacked to when a kite fell on Mike at PSC. 

12/05/2022 (37th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Made a sweet backwind jibe 

12/04/2022 (36th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

12/03/2022 (35th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

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

12/02/2022 (34th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

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

12/02/2022 (58th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@8mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Free TE 5'5"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

The wind did not arrive as forecasted. I went out on my new board anyways. I got up on my feet a few times, but with no gusts to get going, it was a struggle.

11/30/2022 (33rd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

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

Made a nice monkey 🦆. I have to back off of ducking though since my shoulder was sore after this session. 

11/30/2022 (55th this year)
Mike C @ Port Aransas
NNE@21mph

Board: Pyramid Pro 82         Sail: 5.6 S1 Pro

Waves were quite small but still super fun session with Ania in town. Was good to see Alissa on the water. Picked up my new sails, they look so purty.

11/29/2022 (57th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
SSW@16mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Free TE 5'5"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick SLS

First time on a sinker board and it ultimately went well. I first tried the various stinkbug methods I saw on YT, and after multiple fails, I just went back to my normal knee start  using the wing for stability. Once up, I was fine and getting up on foil was easy. Foiling was easy too and I made my first jibe and sailed switch with relative ease. I only got a little time on the water as I had to go back to work. I can't wait for next time.

11/26/2022 (32nd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@18mph

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

So nice! To think it's snowing at home!! I'm so lucky! I wish I had brought my 81 liter quad instead of the freestyle board. This one is difficult to turn on the swell. Hopefully I'll get used to it!

11/26/2022 (56th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
W@20mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Air 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

Probably should have windsurfed, but I was not ready to trust a West wind and I need to gain high wind experience on the wing. I also tried footstraps for the first time and I am not sure this was the best day for it. I had my foot placement and foil placement more or less down on the Quatro, but I am not as confident on the Sky Air. I hate when the nose touches on the inflatable as it is such a momentum brake. I will be on the hunt for a used '22 Sky Wing 5'8" for light air for the future. Until then, I will just have to get used to the inflatable.

11/25/2022 (31st this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@19mph

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

Windy all night which meant big swell. So fun!

11/24/2022 (30th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ El Sargento, Baja
N@20mph

Board: '09 RRD TwinTip 90         Sail: 2019 Goya Bonzai X Pro 4.2

Gorgeous!!!! Such beautiful shades of blue water   So happy to be here❤️ 

11/12/2022 (55th this year)
Mark @ BIB
N@20mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.6 Severne S-1 Pro

Was not as cold as I thought, but wind declined pretty quick. I should have got there earlier. Cool meeting Ryan from MN and Bob from CA.

11/12/2022 (54th this year)
Mike C @ Packery
NNW@23mph

Board: Pyramid Pro 82         Sail: 4.8 S1 Pro

I destroyed my 4.4 in the waves the last time I sailed Packery after swimming in with a broken boom. Luckily I have a spare which Bob rebuilt a few years back. I pulled it out the bag and it was all shiny but unfortunately it sailed shitty. I catapulted like 10 times. Switched up to 4.8 and it was better but still a mediocre session.

The kids sailed Bird and both had a really good time. Whoop!

Olivier ordered me a new 4.4. Double whoop!!

 

11/11/2022 (54th this year)
Mark @ BIB
SSE@12mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Air 5'8"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Slick

Andy saved the day by letting me use a wing. I just sold my 6.5, and my 5.5 was leaking air at the leading edge. Warm before the storm.

11/06/2022 (53rd this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
SSW@14mph

Board: Fanatic Sky Air 5'8"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick

Looked no good on arrival, but wasn't terrible at all. I am glad Damien encourged me to go.

11/05/2022 (53rd this year)
Mike C @ Kanaha
E@23mph

Board: Grip 82         Sail: 4.6

Got a couple of turns at Hookipa.

winds have been Easterly most of the week which means offshore and very gusty. One word of wisdom given to me at the beach was that East winds get worse as the day goes on. From my N=4 sample, I did observe this to be true. So when they kick in, don't wait around. I also overheard that the pros go to a 'secret' spot when the winds are East somewhere on the SE of Maui. Not La Perouse but over that way I suppose.

Great week with my wahine. :)

11/04/2022 (52nd this year)
Mike C @ Kanaha
E@23mph

Board: Grip 82         Sail: 4.6

Talking to a guy on the beach about sharks. I commented that they can't be that hungry because there are so many turtles (the big ones pop up allover the place). He said "Yeah but when was the last time you saw a small one...". Awww. Shark bait 😳😬

11/04/2022 (52nd this year)
Mark @ BIB
SSE@25mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.6 Severne Freek

Hell to the yes

11/03/2022 (51st this year)
Mike C @ Kanaha
E@25mph

Board: Grip 82         Sail: 4.2

Squally, if that's even a word. 

11/02/2022 (50th this year)
Mike C @ Kanaha
NE@25mph

Board: Grip 82         Sail: 4.6

I added Ho'okipa as a location and then weird stuff happened. 
Well good day though. Felt like a loser at Hookipa, practically everyone there is a world champion. 

11/01/2022 (49th this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
NE@26mph

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.6 S2 Dragon '20

So big and sooo many fun turns! I had the best time, with the only drawback being that one ankle is sprained and I could not turn with the level of force I wanted to. I'm loving these surprise overhead sessions. 

Mike, the same thing happened to me when I added Ho'okipa. My windlog went into chaos. I had to retype all the locations. 

10/31/2022 (49th this year)
Mike C @ Kanaha
NE@21mph

Board: Grip 82         Sail: 4.7 Goya

Maui is nice. Flat. But nice. Happy Halloween 🎃 

10/29/2022 (51st this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
NNW@13mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

Warm water, cool air, fun foiling between the racing trimarans.

10/24/2022 (48th this year)
Mike C @ Packery
SSE@26mph

Board: Pyramid Pro 82         Sail: 4.8 S1 Pro

EPIC. 😎😎😎

10/24/2022 (48th this year)
Alissa @ North Packery, TX
SSE@27mph

Board: Angulo Triumph 81, JP radical wave 65L         Sail: 4.2 S2 Dragon '18

About as big as I have seen N Packery get without a storm. Fun waves and solid wind, plus that awesome dawn patrol side-on direction and warm bathing suit weather. What more can you ask for in late October?
 

I've officially outgrown the style of my 65L board. I'm looking for a replacement but it's hard to find.

10/23/2022 (47th this year)
Alissa @ North Packery, TX
SE@24mph

Board: Angulo Triumph 81         Sail: 4.2 S2 Dragon '18, 4.6 S2 Dragon '20

I really loved ans appreciated this session. Only thing was the waves were closing out super early. But amazing weather, nice people, and I felt great.

10/23/2022 (50th this year)
Mark @ BIB
SSE@24mph

Board: Flikka Custom Freestyle 125         Sail: 5.6 Severne Freek

Olivier fixed my board, but I lost a lot of skin. Near perfect day today at BIB.

10/22/2022 (46th this year)
Alissa @ Wildcat, TX
SE@16mph

Board: North Seek 77L wing board 2021         Sail: 4.5 Armstrong V1 wing '21

After the triathlon I was already in Portland and decided to wing wildcat since I usually go to closer launches. It was fun to try and I'm glad I went. Swantner is much more fun, though. I got exhausted because it was all pumping and I'd already done the tri and had a beer.

10/22/2022 (49th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@17mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

Nice day on the lake. I got to try my new Axis ART 1099 on the advanced crazy short fuselage at the end. Fast and stable, but needs wind to get on foil. Once on foil it glides through lulls well. Gybes seemed just as easy as my big foil.

10/21/2022 (48th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@14mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick

Last minute decision. Was fun, but had to rush back home to get dinner ready. I am looking forward to possible windsurfing this weekend.

10/18/2022 (47th this year)
Mike C @ Port Aransas
N@22mph

Board: Pyramid Pro 82         Sail: 4.4 S1 Pro

Fun. Too short as wind dropped and was a bit underpowered. Got one really nice wave. 

10/17/2022 (45th this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
N@0mph

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

This was unexpectedly SO FUN. The wind got really light and the waves looked tiny, so I waited an hour watching a lone winger, regretting taking my wing gear out of the car and also regretting taking vacation time from work. But then it picked back up, I rigged, a bunch of other riders showed up, and the small-looking waves turned out to be long and fun to ride. I was carving so hard I started to rub the skin off the top of my feet. I am still building on the skills from my wave clinic and can tell I'm sailing differently, in a way that's getting me to use more of the wave. My wave jibes have improved also. I'm appreciating being able to still learn and improve. I should have rigged down to the 4.6 partway through but was having too much fun to stop. 

10/15/2022 (44th this year)
Alissa @ Swantner Park, TX
SE@15mph

Board: North Seek 77L wing board 2021         Sail: 4.5 Armstrong V1 wing '21

Beautiful sunset sesh, probably the last south thermal day in bathing suit and rash guard weather. I had forgotten how to wing foil. It took me about 1/2 hour to assemble everything, then a few smackdowns of the board against the water. But once I got flying it came right back. I ended with my best winging ever and pumped all the way through the light approach to the beach. I hope I don't forget again over the winter. 

10/15/2022 (47th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
S@12mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick

Yeehaa! I got out on the water this month. I timed it perfectly. Two hours before the forecast model (as Josh aways says). Thankfully, it was just as predicted to be barely foiliable for two hours, and I nailed it. Brian L. and I were there, and later the others showed up as well. Yea. The hydrilla launch is gross. It was beauitiful beyond that. Sigh. Back to the grind on Monday.

10/10/2022 (29th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@20mph

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

Up and down fall conditions, except for the air temperature being close to 80!

09/28/2022 (43rd this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
N@19mph

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

Pretty much an exact copy of yesterday. 

09/28/2022 (28th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@24mph

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

Very nice half hour!

09/27/2022 (42nd this year)
Alissa @ Port Aransas, TX
N@19mph

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

Catching the Hurricane Ian swell. Really marginal, about 50% planing 50% not, and the waves weren't huge or anything. But also really fun to be back out here. 

09/17/2022 (46th this year)
Mark @ BIB
ESE@14mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick

This is what the wing can do. Take another $hit forecast and make something out of nothing. It had been 4 weeks off the water. That is too long. I needed to pick up my board from Olivier anyways so I went for it. I'm glad I did.

09/16/2022 (27th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@25mph

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Combat Fly HD 3.2

Beautiful swell!!! Some big gusts coming through, but I rode them out and was rewarded with uncrowded water with lots of opportunity for swell play. I wasn't overly disappointed about being on the big board (forgot the small one) - maybe I am becoming a one board girl.

09/09/2022 (26th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ Bob's Beach, Stevenson, WA
E@20mph

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

My first downwinder!!! East wind from Home Valley to Stevenson with Kim and Sean. Super fun to ride swell and not worry about getting back where I started - I loved it!!!

09/07/2022 (25th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@22mph

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

Lots of really fancy gear strewn along the launch path. Some fancy sailing on the water. It wasn't overly crowded though and I had a fun time!

09/04/2022 (24th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@20mph

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

I loved obstacle courses when I was growing up!

09/03/2022 (23rd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@23mph

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

I timed my 2 mini sessions to hit the lull of the day and the peak of the day. I rode a swell and couldn't get back to the point (lull session) and then crazy gusts were flipping my board around and I was too scared to stay out so I found refuge at the cove again. Lovely temperature though!

08/31/2022 (22nd this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@22mph

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

My first day without rubber!! Felt very nice! I had a sweeeeeeet fast tack! 

(Buck's been rubberless all of August. OMG he's so hot.) 

08/25/2022 (25th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@18mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Was super fun for a short while!  Really powered on 4.2. I was trying to figure out why i like 4.2 for freestyle so much. I think it is because the water is smoother since the wind is lighter, this way I can get more speed, not hitting big chop all the time.

I did so well with my cf spock attempts!  I am popping well onto the nose of the board and getting the downwind slides. I am so stoked!  I have been working on this for a long time. The only thing I am doing differently is ducking the sail and then going back upwind slightly to pop, so popping more upwind. When it goes well it feels dreamy smooth and fun.

Mani informed me he got a few cf spocks the other day, gotta catch up!

I got 1 really fun duck tack.

I saw McFancy getting her port duck jibes!  She looked so good I forgot that that is her hard side. Def go for the reverse duck jibes, McFancy, they are so easy & fun on the flat water on the inside. Good job!!!

08/23/2022 (24th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@20mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

Pretty fun freestyle.

Working on my cf spocks. Got the tail of the board to slide perfectly downwind. Yay!

I am trying to go less downwind to pop.

08/23/2022 (21st this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@22mph

Board: Fanatic Quad 81         Sail: Maui Sails 3.5

A little better swell to play on than yesterday and a very relaxed vibe with so few cars and people on the water. 

08/22/2022 (20th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@23mph

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

Up and down and all over the place wind. A few bits of organized swell, but primarily disorganized. I worked on completely relaxing and soaking in the beauty around me while waiting for the next round of wind. 

08/22/2022 (23rd this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@25mph

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

Those were tough conditions when I was on the water today, hopefully McFancy got a better sesh. I did see some smooth swell as I was driving out.

The water felt like a barg just went by, all washing machine like. The wind was pretty ratty too!  There was spray at time and big gusts, so I really don't think I would have enjoyed my 85L to get through the enormous lulls with. Really didn't get moves other than stock port jumps and a ton of carve 360s in the straps on the inside.  

08/21/2022 (22nd this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@20mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Man, I love sailing my 4/2/85L combo when I am just lit!  So fun!! I got 2 small ramp shov-its on starboard. It is the best feeling to get lots of boost from a small ramp. It is all board and sail that gets you in the air, not the ramp.  

I got the board all the way upwind for a cf spock. I think the best for the season. So hard to get good conditions to them, when u are just absolutely lit,  with smooth water and smooth wind. Not the ratty crappy wind and choppy water.  

Did a 6 AM Sycline ride!  I was at the top at 6:59, back to the van at 7:20 AM. It was so eary that the glare was really bad since the sun was just on the horizon. Glad I went!!!

08/20/2022 (21st this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@0mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 3.4 S2 Maui Dragon

Weird gusty day! Some big fun port shov-its. 1 waterstart cf puneta!

08/20/2022 (19th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@22mph

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

Early sesh to beat the crowds... such a gorgeous day on the river with plenty of opportunities for shredding! I think my board is getting a soft spot in the middle, fortunately Buck has the same board and says he doesn't like using it anymore so I may claim that one.

08/20/2022 (45th this year)
Mark @ BIB
SSE@15mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 5.5 Duotone Unit

Well, I guess I picked the wrong day of the weekend based on tomorrow's forecast. I still had fun. I made a toeside to heelside footswitch out a jibe on both tacks on the first try today. I feel I am gradually improving. I was missing the boom at first, but things got better with handles as the day went on. I can't take the heat after about 3 hours. I guess I am getting soft. I left my freestyle board with Olivier who feels he can fix my deck grip. Fingers crossed.

08/19/2022 (20th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@30mph

Board: Tabou Pocket Wave 69L         Sail: 2.7 S2 Maui Dragon

Well, nothing like getting to the hatch and going straight to the 2.7. Ah chihuahua!

Did some GoPro vid, that was fun.

Wanted to add downhaul, but didn't want to go in, so I ordered the Duotone XT 2.0 extension so that I can downhaul on the water, Yay!!

 

08/19/2022 (18th this year)
L Bell McFancyPants @ The Hatch, WA
W@25mph

Board: '? RRD Wavetwin 66         Sail: 2019 Ezzy Elite 2.7

So good to be back in paradise!! Super windy and fun!!

08/16/2022 (19th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@20mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

I had such a perfect early sesh!  It was just JF and me, we had it all to ourselfs!  Super lit on 3.8, fun shov-its, a table top or 2.

I finally rigged 3.4 cause it was so strong, and then it died. I had lunch and then rigged 3.8 again. I think i would have been happier on 4.2 overall.  

I had one SWEET pop on a swell kono on the 3.4. Oh man, it flet huge. Didn't sail out, but it was fun. I haven't got to try them lately, either not big enough swell or too windy. When I am overpowered the move seems scary, but everyone says that is when to to it.

Really worked on my swell funnels and cf punetas, getting some more slides. So fun to work on.

08/15/2022 (18th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@20mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

I was super lit for a while. 

I got 4 of my swell funnels, pretty carvy, not so slidy, but hey, they are fun. Alex thought they looked like starboard flakas, hey, that's ok!

I got one flaka on the inside that JF said looked great. JF is now my favorite person.  

I was talking to Royn about shov-it to vulcan. Scott can do them and I really should work on them. He said, do the shov-it, start pushing a bit to upright the sail and then let go w/ back hand and kick your back leg around for vulcan part. Also, don't go too far upwind for the shov-it.

08/14/2022 (17th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch
W@20mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Pretty fun day. I was crazy powered on the 4.2, Mani was on 4.0/93!

I got some nice lofty shov-its and 1 I did off of a small swell and got lots of lift. Maybe my best, small ramp shov-it yet.

Got a nice (i think) table top early on and a soso one later.

I got so close on a nice slidy CF puneta, I thought I had it. darn.

Bit too powered for my swell funnels.  

While I was having lunch the wind cranked up to strong 4.2 for the guys, just for an hour or so, and then back down again.

Tried a 2nd sesh on 3.8 later in day and it was crowded and very choppy. Didn't stay out long.

2 sport day!  Rode Syncline to rim and down lil' Maui @ 7 AM!

 

08/14/2022 (44th this year)
Mark @ Windy Point
ESE@12mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick

Rough start. I was not sure I would get flying, but eventually had several good flights and jibes.

08/13/2022 (16th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@20mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

Man, the glare on the water tricked me! It looked so windy. Mani was on 4.0/85L so it must be windy, right?  I rigged 3.4/69, nope, not even close.

There were big gusts, so i took out the 85L board, still not enough, so I rigged 3.8, then it got really strong. Hmmm.

I de-rigged everything and tried 4.2 after lunch and it was really up and down, not really sailable & wingers everywhere.

Def a soso day.

08/12/2022 (15th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch, of course
W@28mph

Board: Tabou Pocket Wave 69L         Sail: 2.7 S2 Maui Dragon

Tried 3.0 1st and was pretty powered, so rigged 2.7. Still not sure about the 2.7. I tried less downhaul and it still would just 'turn off' in an instant. Great for carving down swell, not so great for jumps and even carve 360s I have to do them a little differently or the sail just falls in the water.

Swell was OK, nothing epic, when I was out. It often isn't that great early in the am, takes a while to set up.

08/11/2022 (14th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch
W@17mph

Board: JP 85L Freestyle!         Sail: 4.2 S2 Maui Dragon

Finally a freestyle sesh!!!!

I was lit on the 4.2!  There were ramps and I thought this will be a spectacular sesh!  I got a couple of shov-its and a table top and a couple big stock air jumps, So fun.  

Then i tried a couple swell funnels and I got really close on one, so I thought I can get one. The next one i did!  I got a swell funnel!

You carve 180 on a swell, (this puts you in the same position as if you went switch and ducked the sail), same entry as the swell kono) and then you pop the board downwind instead of upwind like the swell switch kono,  and throw in a upwind 360 at the end.

 It wasn't as slidy and stylish as Alex Edholm's, but I did it!!!!  I was so STOKED!

The strong wind only lasted 1/2 hour or so, but I had tons of fun!!  Then the wingers got thick and I was schlogging, so I went in.

08/10/2022 (13th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch
W@25mph

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

Got to hatch early and there was spray off the swell tops. Crap. I rigged 3.0 and it was not fun, too windy. 

So, i rigged 2.7 and it just didn't feel good, there were some lulls and if i did a jump it felt like i would just fall out of the air. Maybe too much downhaul??

Anyhow, i though, screw it, I am going back to the 3.0, so I re-rigged to 3.0!!  Oh yeah, I was lit, didn't feel those holes anymore. I just was not getting any moves so I thought I would save my energy for some freestyle sailing another day, and quit. (Everytime I wanted to do a jump or ride a swell, someone was there.)  I went in and the parking lot was a zoo, of course. Gonna be a busy day!!

I went home and went for a super fun bike ride, yeah!  2 sport day.

Scott had a great time sailing, of course. .😆

I saw the photos on FB of the swell later in the day and it was spectacular.

08/08/2022 (12th this year)
Rox McFoxyFox @ The Hatch
W@20mph

Board:         Sail: 3.8 S2 Maui Dragon

Rigged too small. Got to hatch and Asma and Sofie were on 3.4 & 4.2 so I rigged 3.8 and it was too small. Grrr. Guess I need to rig the same as Sofie.

I was a bit bummed to be underpowered, then the wind KICKED IN! Spray on the wave tops. This was at 4 pm. Scott and I decided to stick around and sail some more, but the people were filing into the parking lot like crazy, so we waited a bit, hoping to go out when it was less busy. We finally rigged and i was crazy overpowered on 3.0. I went upwind 'cause it was absolutely frightening with all the wingers off the point. The water was rough upwind so I decided to go back downwind and i couldn't get downwind, it was so strong!!!  I had to go to the Oregon side to lose some ground to go downwind. Holy Cow!  Not the best day for me. Scott had a friggin' blast. It was crazy busy and windy until dark. Wow.

08/07/2022 (43rd this year)
Mark @ Wildcat
SE@16mph

Board: Quatro Wing Drifter Pro 6'0"         Sail: 6.5 Duotone Slick

I could write an entire blog on this day trip, but I will spare everyone. I visited Swantner, North Beach, Sunset Lake, and Wildcat. Wildcat for the win. I had it all to myself except a brief encounter with a kite foiler. Great launch, steady wind, fun chop. Some of the chop was pretty good sized despite the wind strength. I had my short mast on my foil since I had no locals to ask about the water depth. I may have to get a 75cm one cheap if I sail there more often. I am sure it can get crowded when the wind is up, but today, just me. Oh, and I made a tack today. I had to as I knew the water was getting shallow fast. Beginner's luck. I sailed a lot of toeside out of my jibes today. It is much harder for me on starboard than port. I need to start to try to switching my feet on foil.