A new board

At last the wind blew, and we scored a little summer action. Swell was pretty chunky considering it was mid summer and thanks to Luke and the gang for all your support. On that note, this is Carl heading out on his 2010 RRD Wave Cult, just before the wind died and his long eventful swim. With a bit of luck, wind will be with us for a bit longer, and great to see the rain again. I can't wait for Autumn !

Hardy

I don't really consider myself particularly hardy, especially when you see things like 'Deadliest catch ' and 'Ice road truckers'. In fact watching such treacherous conditions really makes me think whats wrong with windsurfing in sub zero temps and why isn't everyone else out. With that said, there was still a good core of us sailing vs. those with the excuses. Matt is charging on his New Ezzy Wave Panther and I managed to crease my new Ezzy with an enourmous catapult, and am now nursing some really sore shoulders.

Cold and Windy

North Westerly was in full swing and a great session for an hour or so. Here's a shot of MTC who was suffering from some serious numb hands.

North Westerly - Brrrrrr

6/5 suit with a hood was very nice today. Really fun bump and jump session in the mess, and Andy B kindly took a rare photo of me on the water. Great to see yet more new faces, and confirming we have over 30 sailors regularly sailing here (just never together).

First in flight

More of the same, and I couldn't bear sitting indoors any longer. Its been over 6 days of sickness now and I just felt I had to take the chance and see if I was up for a sail. A further group of 'work shy' (see previous comments) friends lead the charge and it was somewhere around a Force 6 with some big tidal surges due to the spring tides. Really great to get out and sail in blue skies, and see so many smiling faces. Feel so much better now.

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 : )

2010 RRD

The new kit has arrived and a seriously big thank you to Seasprite for hooking me up for 2010. Opening the boards was pretty exciting and Andy B. and I gently opened the boxes to see what the Italians had in store for the new season. On quick glance, the Wave Cult 80 now has flat pads, with shock absorbers introduced into the deck. This seems to be how a lot of boards have gone, and I am pretty excited to see if the 'best UK conditions board' has actually changed. I hope not ! I also got the new Freestyle wave 111 as a light wind option for getting out in even lighter air, but big waves. I have opted to surf on such days during the year, but am hoping for a return to form, and being powered up with a 5m sail when its barely blowing a Force 4.

West by North West

Have resorted to naming my posts by the wind direction. Its become a bit monotonous of late, but the windsurfing this morning was great. Andy and I were the only ones out, as the rest of the crew chose to wait for the tidal push. It was a chilled session in the mixed up swell, and no cameras. Looks like the wind is holding and will be heading out again after dinner, enjoy the shot of Matt G in the mush.

Five Six from the West

Wind just doesn't seem to be backing off, and scored another solid day of windsurfing. Dan pushing a shove-it or perhaps just going for a goiter (many thanks Carl L for photo duty). What a great day; blue skies, solid Five/Six and some full-on onshore riding. Perhaps return for evening session at the mouth. Excellent forecast for tomorrow.
Picture below is yours truly - trying out my new 30inch lines and lovely boom. Ohh the joy. Aeron make lovely booms !

Under-powered Howard

Snuck out for a dusk session, and Andy came down to shoot some photos. Sadly I chose the wrong sail and just thought it best to soldier on. I should have been on 5.2 but went for 4.5, as a result, only powered up for 50% of the time. It was a tough call, but as the light faded, I just persisted rather than mess around with changing sails. Superstition would have me believe that because I didn't take advantage of yesterdays conditions, I didn't deserve to get the best of today.

Wind returns

tomorrow, and I can't wait. Hands not yet fully repaired but, will be sailing anyway. 2010 kit arrives in just over two weeks !