Early bird

Snuck out for the early bird this morning, and could only make one call to spread the news of good conditions. Andy (pictured above) the newest conscript to team Excel was my only choice, due to his never failing commitment to sail. Not sure if he reciprocated by phoning the others (and I doubt it), but if not, then this is in part an apology. Swell was really comfortable head high, and the wind was just on a force five making it a really nice cross-shore session. Off to Cornwall to see if they really do have as good a wave as Devon.

Wind swept

As I took this picture I was actually studying the horizon for the lone sail of Ed. The afore mentioned had the look of distance in his stare, and despite an invite to the heinous out back, my little body was reeling in pain from too many flat landings. It was great to see so many sails, and at times we outnumbered the kiters. Sadly it didn't blow crazy crazy, but the choice of the day seemed to be around 5m. Great to see the guys from Bristol too, and if you are looking for anywhere to sail further North, always check Mark's site - www.blowclub.co.uk (dedicated to wind, not extreme adult networking : )

Soul Session

No forecasts, no camera, no phonecalls, no expectations, I hadn't really given windsurfing a second thought today. It was only after taking the children to the beach, that I spotted two sails in the rivermouth. They looked like they were quite big so I wasn't really sure if my 5.2 would work.
I must admit after that sighting the sand castles did become a little hurried and at the first sign of boredom we turned and headed for home.
About 30 minutes later, I was rigged and heading out and the unexpected turned into a great little session. The small swell seemed to pick up as I headed out, and I really understand why some of the locals don't go out on big days in winter.
If a big swell is running it can actually be too big. Even with just a 1-2 ft swell, some of waves out back, in the channel were almost mast high. The wind was at bare minimum for a decent sail, so rather than get all crazy in the shorebreak, I just kept my speed and went on some massive reaches over to Saunton. Its been so long that I can recall such a sail, and whilst it's always preferrable to sail with friends, sole sessions are good for the soul.