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Posted: November 20th, 2009, 10:32am CET
Most of you guys are all packed up and starting to think about wintertime fun! Here on Maui you can see how spoiled we are by Kev’s great blog shots- Warm wind, sandy beaches, and perfect aqua blue waters with whitecaps as far as you can see! I know,...
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Posted: November 19th, 2009, 10:25pm CET
Maui..
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Posted: November 18th, 2009, 7:08pm CET
A lone sailor heads out.
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Posted: November 17th, 2009, 1:12pm CET
7657057
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Posted: November 16th, 2009, 8:28pm CET
THe beautiful sights we get to see. The swell has dropped off and so has the wind and in comes the rain!! But good to get things going and get stuff done that I love to put off!!
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Posted: November 7th, 2009, 12:30pm CET
It is still good here. Fall has set it and it is firing. Looks like it is not going to stop.. I had to check the forecast cause I was starting to get tired and see if it was going to die or what but nope, doesn't look like...
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Posted: November 6th, 2009, 1:06am CET
What a week it has been!! Wow.. If you planned your trip to Maui this week.. oh how lucky you are!! Wind and waves for everyone. Hookipa was not even crowded today.. maybe everyone is just too tired. I had a bit of a fun day. Had some...
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Posted: November 5th, 2009, 12:03am CET
Man this is why you live on Maui.. Wind, waves and fun.. The only small problem, well not really a problem, is Remi from Starboard is up here to test out the 2011 boards.. So when it is firing, I have to go down and test out the new slalom...
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Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 2:22am CET
This is a video filmed exclusively with the Canon 7d. For all of the action I used my 500mm 4.0 lens and an 85mm for all of the other stuff. All of it was filmed in with manual focus so sorry for the blurry stuff. this is my first try...
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Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 11:36am CET
So I am trying to get more traffic to my site to try an sell more stuff... Although I am pretty sure Pritchard windsurfing sold more Starboard Isonics than any other shop in the US, I am still wondering why the shop doesnt sell more. Do you think it is...
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Posted: October 27th, 2009, 12:27pm CET
Check out my new MFC KOne freeride. We have had so much success with the K one wave fin, with everyone from Victor Fernandez, to Kauili, to Ricardo all using it in there single fin boards, that we went for the same concept in a freeride fin! I love it!...
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Time to Check out our new site. Head over to www.pritchardwindsurfing.com and check it out for my latest blogging...
www.pritchardwindsurfing.com
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Well that is it for me and Cabo Verde. Sailed a good heat agains Thomas Treversa and Brazino but they just sailed a bit better. Brazino made a sick air taka on the wave and Thomas had the good wave selection going for him. I had some good waves I thought, nothing special but solid enough I though. I guess those new school moves I need to learn a bit better.
Just going through New York at the moment. Had time to smell the roses...so to speak..
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First day of the 2008 Cabo Verde World Cup went off today with great conditions. The wind was a bit light for me. I struggled a bit in the heats catching the waves. I was on my 5.7 in all the heats. I went out on my 6.2 but with the ligth offshore winds it made it too big. I think it is a bit of a disadvantage to be heavier but you just have to make do with what got. I ended up making it to the top eight and just lost out to Swifty and Kauli to make it into the final. I had some ok waves, sailed pretty good but they just sailed a bit better and caught better waves. Looks like they will go into the double elimination tomorrow.
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Today we got all signed up. In the morning there was not a sign of waves and by the evening, the waves were starting to roll in.. looks like we could get some action right off the get go.. They are calling for some more waves tomorrow but boy is that wind light.. light light light. I went out today on 5.7 but it was so offshore and so light it made it really hard to catch any waves at all. I got one but it wasnt that great and it was right on the rocks. Hopefully tommorrow will be bigger and a bit more wind!
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Made it to Cabo Verde. This place is pretty desolate and out in the middle of no where. I had some nice connections which made it fairly easy trip. Went Maui to LA, LA to Newark, Newark to Lisbon, Lisbon to Sal. None of my clothes made it but got my fins so that is a good thing. Still in the same clothes for the trip. Ok time to get some sleep!
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Well what a weekend.. I have been trying to shed a couple pounds to get a bit lighter for Cabo Verde but it just doesnt seem to work for me. I have been cycling like a maniac to get some pounds off but no luck. Today weighed I in at the airport 194, Robby Swift was 182 and Jason was 179. Pretty interesting..
Anyhow been on the bike all weekend. Yesterday did a 32 mile ride and today rich and I made it all the way out to Hana. Haiku to Hana and back was around 62 miles, took us 4 hours 25 minutes, burned 3689 calories, and now I am nackered.. Ready for bed..
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The wind is back here on Maui with some nice sailing today. Got out on some new sails, boards, fins, testing to get everything ready for Cabo Verde. Sailed on a 5.3 and an Acid 80 today. Rode the twin fin vrs the single fin and the single fin felt pretty good in the bigger stuff. Little more stable and drivy through the bottom turns, but not quite as good as the twin off the top. I am definately going to take my single fin out there to CV. We will see what we are going to use when it gets going.
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Had a three sport day without windsurfing.. that is impossible?? I went towing in the morning, stand up paddle in midday and a bike ride in the afternoon.. Boy Maui is beautiful!!!
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This ocean has been amazing!! It draws you into it..
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Well Josh has come over to get the new 2009 Maui Sails and they look pretty good. Well it is hard for a sail not to look good when they have someone as good as Josh out there ripping on it. That guy is amazing. He was out yesterday in such light wind and had so much power and explosions off the lip.I envy all the talent that Josh has, and his style is pretty amazing as well.
Anyhow, Sailing has been pretty good.. Also been out towing in a bit with Jason Prior and that has been fun. I have to say that I am a bit rusty on the old surfing but it sure has been fun trying to get a bit better at it..
Now it looks like we are in for a Beautiful Winter week here on Maui. We haven't had one of these yet and this is what some of my favorite times when Maui goes windless and gets beautiful!! Yes.. Sorry to all the tourists that are here but yest this is the best part of Maui living. It doesnt happen often but when it does.. it is amazing. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
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The last couple days on the water have been great. Nice wind and waves. Sailed on the Manic 5.0 and tried out some new Starboard Twin fins which were working pretty good. I think it is pretty funny to watch everyone riding these new twin fins, myself included... you can just see that no one is really pushing the bottom turn as hard as on the single fin. Everyone seems to be really hesitant on the bottom and then just killing it off the top with huge cutback and sprays.
Today started out with a long bike ride, went from Haiku to Maalaea and back. Ended up taking a solid two and half hours on the old cycling seat. From then went out at lower lower Kanaha and had some super fun waves. It wasnt the "Showtime" of Hookipa but it sure was fun. I was out with my brother and we had a couple fun waves. On one wave he made a backside 360 and then I bottom turned around him and spun a sick taka on the wave. It was pretty cool.
After that went home for some nice home cooked Hamburgers at Mom's place. Was a super busy day filled up the way I like it.
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had a fun day out on the water today. Got out at hookipa and it was light but still some waves left a best of all there was no one out. I had the place all to myself. I shared it for a while with a surfer friend of mine and that was it. Was on the 5.3 Manic and was having a great time. In the end Kauli came out for a bit and just as he came out the wind died... oh well.. Was fun.
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So what do you think of the new header? Anyhow.. .got to get out and enjoy the day. Check out how beautiful it is here on Maui after 3 weeks of rain... I guess sometimes you have to pay a bit more to enjoy a bit more!!
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It was Christmas time when I got home.. Wow.. my new Gaastra Sail order has arrived. All the masts and sails one could dream of. I got a bunch of Manic's, some Poison's to test out and all of the brand new 08 Vapors. Cant wait to get them out on the water.
From what I can gather Maui has been a raining mess. My driveway where people park on the grass is completely mud bogged out. My deck and entire house just feels like a mold magnet all moist and oversaturated!
Anyhow it is nice to be back. The trip that I just had was actually really fun. I wasn't looking forward to it too much but looking back on it now it was definitely fun times as well as great slalom training.
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Wow Vietnam is a great place for windsurfing.. We got there and I was instantly impressed with the place after the long long drive. We have been graciously hosted by Pascal who owns the best windsurfing store around here called Jibes. It is a must to at least stop in and say hello and get all the useful info on what is going on around this place. Yesterday we were able to test 8 boards, 101, 96, and 86 all Isonics and a couple of new concept boards. I think we came up with some great test results and these boards will fit nicely into the next range of boards for 2009. It seems hard to believe that we have to test the boards for the next season before we even start this season.. I guess it is all good! Anyhow, we are on our way back to Thailand tonight. I am a bit nervous about the bus ride back to Saigon so wish us luck. I guess hold our breath and close our eyes.. this is the best way to get there safely!
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Shewww.... Next time I go there I am taking a sleep aid or two for the bus ride.. I can not believe how they drive there. It is like a video game. Everyone who drives there is driving like the way you would drive without any rules, like a race to get to the next spot.. and I mean everybody. It is so crazy. But don't take my word for it, go down there and check it out. Once you arrive to the sailing location it is nice, once you make it to the airport it is nice to know you are coming out alive!!
Now in Bangkok, went to the Starboard HQ dropped off the slalom boards and picked up two new wave Proto's. Stoked. Can wait to get back to Maui and start training to take that world title this year. My mom said that all my new Gaastra gear is ready and waiting, over 16 boxes of brand new Vapor's, Manic's, Poisons, and all the new latest and greatest Gaastra Masts. I dont know if you have seen any of the Gaastra masts, but you really should if at all possible. The masts that I have been using from my brother are amazing. They are super light and seem to be strong, as havent had any problems with them yet. I had one mast in my car using it everyday for a month and no problems so that is pretty good.
Hope you enjoy the shots and there are not too many of them!! You have time to check them out while I am sitting on the plane from Bangkok to Tokyo, Tokyo to Honolulu and then to Maui.. Whoo hooo!!!
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Been traveling around alot over here. Was in Bangkok for a day, went out to Pattaya... boy what a crazy town that is.. Really too much to take all in. Got some great Starboard testing in. Managed to sail both days that I was there in great weather. Now in Viet Nam and boy that was one of the craziest drives I have ever been on. Five hours of just pure adrinaline of fingure nails in the dashboard kind of driving. If my mom was in the car, I dont think she could have handled it!! I have been around the world, and NEVER seen anything like it. Not Brazil, Not China, Not Indonesia... this place took the bacon for the craziest driving ever.. Anyhow, cant seem to log on to post some picts for you guys but will do that as soon as I can..
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Man this internet is really such an amazing thing. You can be anywhere in the world and have this mail box in the sky that is just waiting for you to log in and get all your mail ready and waiting.
Today I made it to Bangkok and had a nice mailbox full of birthday wishes, skype messages lined up with all of my friends around the world.. Pretty cool that so many people can be in touch around the world. What a small world it really is.. Here I am on the other side of the earth chatting it up with friends and family.. pretty cool really..
Anyhow here is to another year.. Thanks for all your guys support and continued reading of the daily blog.
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Well I am back on the road again. I am off to Thailand to test some Starboards. Not really my favorite thing to do but sometimes you gotta work. It should be fun because I am going to Viet Nam for some sailing as well. I have never been there so it will be cool to check out a new place. I hope it is fun. We will see. I just hate the sitting on the plane for two days. To top it off it will be on my birthday all day on a plane. Not the best way to spend your birthday.. Oh well. I am sure it is not the worst thing either.
Trying to get back onto getting you guys some good photos that you would enjoy looking at. I will try and make it interesting with some Starboard Factory picts and stuff from Thailand so check back in for some photos..
Here are a couple that I have taken around town.. Trying to get some photo stuff going on again!! I thought the signal light photo was cool. I like it because it is opposite of my "Which Way" photo from before.. here it is telling you were to go. The path is there the direction is there.. all you got to do is follow it!
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Well after a couple weeks of debating what was going to be the best move for me, I went with Gaastra Sails. I am super stoked on the sails, they are working really good, and everyone at Gaastra is very supportive and ready to take the brand to the top. I am happy to be working with Matt again and feel like there is some real positive energy pushing us forward. Dan Kaseler is keen on designing some new fast gear, along with a great group of team riders, it will be fun to see where it can take us.
I always like a new challenge along with opportunity and the entire Gaastra program seems like the right spot for me to go.
There are a couple cool forums out there with some comments on me..
http://forums.windsurfingmag.com/showthread.php?t=309 and
http://forums.iWindsurf.com/viewtopic.php?t=13930It is pretty fun to sit back and watch what everyone has to say about it all. You can also post a comment here as well, nice ones are always perfered!
Thanks to everyone for supporting me along the way! Check back in for some cool stuff later on and enjoy the ride!
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Wow, we have just had some really fun windsurfing over here. I love it when it is good out there. Today went for a great cycle ride out almost to Kahakaloa. If you dont know where that is check out Google Maps and have a look at how beautiful it really is out there. After that went to Hookipa for a super great sail, and boy did I have a good time out there. Made some frontside 360's backside 360's, in fact I have to brag, but yesterday I had my "dream wave" .. for me my dream wave is when you do a fronside 360 and then after that you unwind yourself with a backside 360 all on the same wave. Definitely a good time.
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Today was a great day for me.. Got up and went for an hour and a half cycle from Sprecks to Maalea and back at 8 and then straight to some slalom sailing, then a quick bite to eat and some sailing at Hookipa which kept getting more and more fun the later it got. The waves were small but the wind came in, the clouds dissapeared and it was good fun at Hookipa. Kauli was out and was riiping and did a super cool taka off the lip right in my face which was very cool, and Rich Foster was thorwing in some sick moves out there too. I saw two super sick waves of his and I was like man.. i got to step it up a bit...
Anyhow, isn't this world wide web so cool.. It had changed things so much these days. Then entire media has changed. Things get out so fast it is crazy... I wanted to give a shout out to some super cool sites and the people behind them. First one is Jeff at
www.mauiwindsurfing.net/, this guy is a super cool guy who is always out to get some cool action on the water and onto the web. Sometimes I wonder how he can turn down good sailing to get good footage but I think most of the web crazy windsurfers eat his site up! It is cool and is great to see what Maui is up to every now and then.. When I am on the road I always check out this site to see if I missed anything..
The other cool site is Giampaolo's blog
http://mauisurfreport.blogspot.com/ .. This guy is so stoked on windsurfing it is crazy.. I just actually got to talk to him a bit more than my usual wave on my way out to the water.. and man this guy is stoked on being in the water.. It is good to see someone so stoked on the sport you love!
Finnaly, my friend from Italy, Silvana, her site is
www.surferworld.it/ and she is just starting out with a cool kiting and windsurfing site. Silvana has been here on Maui for the past two weeks and she has to be one of the best reporters on the planet. Her site is only in Italian but it is soon to go in english and it will be one to bookmark in the future.
There is more good stuff out on the web.. it is just finding it!!!
Enough of this computer stuff.. Time to get out on the water!!
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Woke up this morning with some wind in the trees.. Went for a bike ride and anxious to get out on the water but once I went down there the rain had messed it all up. Dont know what happened just wasnt that good out there. Came home and had a wonderful massage for 2 hours.. yeah it is tough.. ate some dinner and just took it easy.. Lovin it!!
Looks like my new sail sponsor is right around the corner. I have tested all the sails out and know which one seems to be working the best for me. Now it is just up to the details!! Check back in for some new info later on in the week!
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Anybody ever feel like the weekend is over before it starts.. I cant believe it is sunday already.. And now it is on to Monday. Not that I really anything too much different from happening but I like the weekends.. Anyhow, Maui has been a bit windy. Went out sailing yesterday, today felt a bit under the weather so took a day off and sat around and relaxed. Watched the San Diego Chargers loose in football today. Other than that just relaxed. Not too bad!
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I am wondering if there is any web site builders out there looking for a project to work on with me. I am looking for someone who is possibly looking for a project to work on that can be used in their portfolio or a school intern that is interested in building a web database type site. Send me an email by clicking on the boards for sale and let me know if any of you are interested in helping out!
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I have been doing a little bit of internet surfing on training.. Found some really cool stuff from the Moto X guys. I guess maybe I just think it is cool cause I like moto x but check out
www.racerxvt.com/Here is one thing I thought everone could use..
Life Events Shape Your Attitude?
If you tend to be a negative person, you must first identify your poor habits and remove them from your life. Pay close attention to how you interpret events that surround you. Your attitude is formed by how you interpret different situations in life. By paying close attention to how you process the information around you, you will be able to identify whether you are a positive person or a negative one. When a difficult situation presents itself, do you look at the situation as a pessimist or an optimist? Do you see the opportunity as a chance to fail or to succeed? Your attitude is shaped by the way you perceive reality and ultimately your attitude is made up of your thoughts and feelings. Since your thoughts ultimately control your actions, the thoughts that you fill your head with are very important. Usually in life the quick easy way will give you instant gratification that fades quickly, while hard work and dedication have no immediate gratification but will lead to lasting success in the future. If you think negatively towards training and give into instant gratification, you are letting your negative thoughts control your actions. Instant gratification is a sign of a week attitude. If you condition your mind to remain positive, your actions will lead you down the path towards success.
A positive attitude is not simply developed by waking up one day and saying, "today I am going to be positive." Although your brain is not a muscle it acts like one in the sense that it must be conditioned over time to accept positive thoughts over negative ones. Developing positive thoughts requires a great deal of energy and time and will require you to live the lifestyle an athlete. Training, diet, riding and all of the other ingredients necessary to become a successful rider (or person for that matter) must be part of your daily life. You have to live the life of a champion to become a champion. I believe this applies to the guy fighting for a factory ride, right down to the weekend warrior. If you condition your mind on a daily basis like you do the rest of your body, eventually the positive thought process will become natural. A strong, positive attitude will replace the weak, negative one. But in order for this to happen, you have to be willing to make the commitment and work every day on your attitude.
So off to work I go! See you on the water!
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Check out some retro footage from Matt and I in Sylt, Germany back in 2002. Not the best footage and not the best conditions but thought you guys would like to have a look at some good ole footage! Looks pretty cold to me.. Good to check it out and see how far we have come. Hope you enjoy!
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Ahh.. I love three sport days. Woke up to a nice good morning wake up call from Jason Prior saying the waves are up lets go surfing.. so got the jetski together and out we went tow in surfing. Was kinda fun, nothing too amazing but some fun ones here and there. Jason was really ripping it up as he was hungry to get out on the water after spending New Years in Canada.
After a couple hour tow session, went back home and loaded up the slalom boards and went down to Kanaha to test out the Pryde sails as well as some of the new 08 Starboards. I went out on the 8.4 RS Racing with my 133 Starboard with the Sl2 Debiochet 44cm fin. The new 133 has really improved alot this year. After that I had the same fin in the 122 Isonic and was surprised that there was not too much difference in speed between the two. Last year I found a bigger difference but this year it seems like I could use either one. So we will have to test it out a bit more but it seems like if you are a bigger guy then you will be fine with the 133 without any compromise to the smaller narrower 122.
After sailing Swift and I went for a nice bike ride from Sprecks to Maalea and back and that was a nice easy flat ride on the bikes. All this was finished off with a nice meal from my Italian friends who came all the way from Italy to make us an excellent meal. What a great day!
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Got out today on the new Gaastra Vapors and they are really nice. Had a nice soft feel to them and the speed was really good as well. My brother was cool enough to go out to Kehie with me and sail around on some new Starboards and test them out. I think we had a pretty good time out there and being on the water together. It has been a while since me and him were out testing slalom stuff together.. After that went for a hamburger at Carls junior and back home. Not too bad of a day considering there was no wind on the north shore. Tomorrow I should be out on the Pryde Racing sails so that will be cool to try them out and get a feel for them. I will let you know what I find out on the racing sail side of things.
It is pretty funny to be testing out all these sails. I think the guys at Windsurfing Mag should hire me to do some of there testing.... While being a free agent I guess I could make some money somehow..
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I got up, checked the swell and bang straight over the the west side where Steve and Dave were nice enough to clue me in to the good conditions. Got there and was the only one out for a while just having a great ole time out there by myself. Was on the Gaastra Manic today and boy is that a nice sail. To me it seemed to be a balance of the NP Zone and the Maui Sails Legend. For me the Maui Sails is a powerhouse. It has all the grunt you need to get through the bottom turn but more difficult off the top. The Zone is light in the hands on the bottom turn and really amazing off the top with very easy control off the top. The Gaastra Manic seems to have a little more power through the bottom turn than the Zone but still manages to smack the lip really hard off the top without so much power due to it's nice and soft luff curve.
After a nice 2 hour sail went for a nice bike ride from Maalea to La Perus, so nothing like making the full day out of what could have been a lazy day.
Here are some shots of me on the Zone NP the other day.. Looks pretty different to see me on a NP after all these years.
Photos are from Darrell Wong. Please do not use without written permission from Darrell. Actually Darrell just launched a new version of his web site and you can check it out at
www.darrellwong.com
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Wow.. what a day on Maui.. Just love it.. the wind was gone all day long.. so amazing.. the views were incredible.. the surf was firing.. ahhh this is Maui.. I love it..
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I love Maui in January.. So amazing.. so much fun. what more can you ask for. Today I sailed with 4 people out mast high side offshore winds.. I think the best session I have had all year.. So much fun. It was me JP, and Robby Naish the only guys out there for a little bit.. Super fun. Super glassy and clean waves.. Gotta love it..
Anyhow, today I went down to Hitech and bought a Maui Sails boom.. Yep you heard it here.. I paid cash money to buy a boom that I developed myself, pretty much paid for myself and had to go down and buy a boom from HiTech.. Felt kinda wierd to be buying windsurfing gear but I only bought it because it is pretty much the best boom out there that I have sailed on and so I thought it was worth it. Kevin Ozze at NP Maui hooked me up with a Zone 5.2 and a mast which was super cool of him to do and I was on my new Starboard custom twin fin which was amazing and just had a super sick session. It is funny how one company will give me free stuff to use and one company takes the gear away..
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Well it is time to start working again... No rest for the strong.. Check out my new wave fin line up. Best of all you can buy them right here on my blog!
Here is whats up with this
MFC and Kevin Pritchard, wave world champion, developed this new fin concept also in G-10 construction. The straight outline allows for very early planning and radical upwind ability, but the fin is incredibly manoeuvrable due to its narrow outline and cord. The profile is the fastest, generated by our SL model and adapted to this wave model. Ideal for all around wave conditions can be use also for freewave conditions.
So that is a bunch of jargon for this fin rips!! Gotta go out and get one. We put this together using some slalom foils on a wave shape. Our mission was to get more speed out of the fin than any other wave fin with out sacrificing the turning and looseness!
Check out some photos! or visit the
MFC website by clicking here!
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Well, I guess it is officially and end of an era. After 15 years of working together with Barry and Phil it is time to take on new challenges and take the other side of the road. Disappointing to say the least but it is time to move on and go into the brave unknown. As for now, I dont have a new sail sponsor and I am currently looking at all other brands. I have some offers from other brands but at the moment I have not committed to any. I am going to go out and test all the brands that will loan me some sails and we will see what happens. I think it will be fun to get out on the Prydes, Gaastras, Norths, maybe some Goya's, Severn also look to have a good range this year so it is all kinda up in the air. I just hope to get some gear soon as it looks like the wind is going to come back and the boys at Maui Sails came and grabbed all the gear that I have been riding, so I have nothing to sail on at the moment. I guess I better go down to HiTech and get out the credit card..
Here is what they had to say about it...
MauiSails and Kevin Pritchard End Alliance
8th January 2008
(Maui, Hawaii, USA - January, 2008)
MauiSails announced today the departure of Kevin Pritchard, who left the brand to pursue new opportunities.
Phil McGain, President of the company, commented on the new direction for his sailing partner of the past fifteen years; “We wish Kevin the best of luck. We have all enjoyed working with him over the years. It’s always challenging to end long partnerships, but sometimes change is invaluable and must be accepted with gratitude and appreciation.”
Designer, Barry Spanier commented, “Working with Kevin and helping him to become a World Champion has been very satisfying and personally rewarding. His participation will be missed. But sometimes it’s like Yogi Berra once said, ‘If there’s a fork in the road, you have to take it.’ I certainly wish him the best in his new circumstances.”
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Boy Maui has been Beautiful!!! After two weeks of storm and rain, now it is amazing and all the green is just jumping out of it's skin! Went for a stand up paddle and a bike ride and had a nice and busy day. Just how I like them.
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Today was a tough day for me. Went down to Hookipa and there was no one out. Kinda strange really as the wind was blowing the waves were up and still not too many surfers out. I had a day off from sailing today but it looked pretty good out there. I actually got out on the water on a Stand Up Paddle board and did a down winder from Maliko Gulch to Sprecks. I am not a huge fan of the stand up thing but maybe with a little practice it might go a bit better. I think it is really good for the core muscles and that is what I am trying to some strength in.
Supercross was on tonight which was fun to watch.. no not windsurfing supercross but the indoor motocross racing. It was really fun to watch those guys and to know what goes into wining a championship and all that it takes for those guys. It really shows some dedication to go out there and succeed with so many other guys out there and pushing the limits. Chad Reed from Australia ended up wining against James Stewart who came from dead last to come second. Looks like it is going to be an interesting season.
Anyhow it is all good when you wake up and look out from your living room window and see this....
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I just threw this together.. I know I shouldn't really post something this bad but what the heck.. I am sure you guys will get a kick out of seeing something new up on the web. Also check out Keith Tebule on his new Goya Sails! Haven't seen a press release on this yet so maybe I am the first to get it out of the bag..
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Well I got out the ole video camera today and took some clips for you guys. I put them all in one very poorly edited video but I hope you guys will enjoy watching some hookipa footage. The wind today was not that great, but it was sunny which was really nice for a change. I had some fun waves and was out on the Twin fin and the 5.3 so it was great to be out there. I will post the video hopefully tomorrow, so check back in!
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Well I figure that I should get back to it and start the focus of being the champ again in 2008. That is the goal is to win that dang slalom title and take it away from the mighty frenchman. It will not be an easy task as Antoine has had some very good speed over the last few years but I think with a little bit more tuning and practice this season I can give him a better run for his money.
We will have to wait and see.. Today went out on the water and did some sailing with my bro which we were the only two guys out there which made it fun. Other than that all is good!
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What do you do when you get to this point in the road?? Well the time is now to take one of them!! Happy New Year!
Since Maui is the last to celebrate the new year i guess it is time to wish all my European Friends Happy New Year. Here's to a super successful and happy 2008!
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Well we made it another year. One more day left and it is over. Was a great year, had tons of fun, good results and now it is time for something new. Cant wait to bring it on.. The wind finally calmed down over here. We had some super windy days but the sailing still wasnt very good even though all of Maui was feeling the wind. It was too east for the island here and made it super gusty and offshore and not that great for sailing. I had a couple days at Sprecks that was fun but other than that was a waist of all the wind!
Anyhow Happy New Years everyone! Be safe and Have fun! Just remember you only live once!!
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Had a struggle of a day today.. went to go slalom sailing and got all rigged up to test out some new boards but my testing partner's batten was broken.. So canceled that mission and went for a wave sail. Went up to Uppers was bad, went down to Lower Kanaha, was terrible and then sailed all the way back up to Camp one where it was kinda fun. Was powered up on the twinzer and the 4.7 and in the end had a pretty fun time. Waves were small and blown out but still had a frontside and backside 360. So in the end that made my session a bit better!
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Well just like everything else around here it is time to get rid of some boards. I have tons of Isonic's I need to unload. I just got all of my new 2008 ISonic Racing boards and I need to make some room!! I have 87 94 101 122... all prices to go.. Send me an email and lets get you one of the best boards on the Planet. All the boards are solid and race ready. All in great shape... I also have 2 93 stype's left and a bunch of red hot custom wave boards for sale!!
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Happy holidays! Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas. Maui is setting up to be some great sailing.. Lets see if it comes in.
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Been Sailing a little bit but has not been very good. Today had a fun session at Sprecks with some jumps and some fun little smacks ripping around. Friday I had all of Hookipa to myself with some fun little smacks on the new twin fin. Was fun to throw that thing around a bit. This week looks like it is going to be a good week on wind guru so we will have to wait and see what comes up.
Hope everyone is ready for Christmas as it is nearly upon us...
Happy holidays everyone.
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Today went on a two hour bike ride through Maui's Winery in Kula. Went up at 7:30 in the morning and it was amazing. Was so beautiful. The ride was great on the way down with nice hills all the way down. Went for 40 minutes down and had a nice long ride back up. Was different for me but fun none the less. Looks like there might be another swell coming tomorrow so we will have to wait and see. I would love to get a nice day in at the Hookipa soon.
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So beautiful here in the wintertime. I am doing a wedding shoot today and really excited about that. I will share some photos with you tomorrow.
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After an internet free vacation in Brazil I am back on line! I just got back to Maui and it looks like a fun and windy day. Cant wait to get back on the water. I will be back updating you with some new fun blogging..
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Yeah I know it, I have been slacking on the blog... I dont really know why..I think i was getting oer the top on the blog thing and just needed a break from it. While I was away from it I still haebeen thinking about how to make it different. I have been doing it for about a year now and I think it is time for some sort of change to it.. Well with a new year on the way, maybe I will stop being lazy and start getting on it..
I am back on the road now and finding my way to Forteleza Brazil. I am going there for a road trip with some friends to discover some new sailing locations. Time will tell as to how good we can score it. It is pretty hard to leave Maui during this time as the conditions have been on fire lately.
That is all for now. I am about half way into my 21 hours of travel. I have 4 hours just sitting in Miami.. then another 8 hours to Sau Paulo and another 4 hours back up north to Forteleza... Ahh the joys of travel.
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Back back back... on the way back to Maui. Been in Bangkok for a day and now in Japan to Kona then to Maui. Should be fun. Just in time for Turkey dinner!!That is all.. Just flying and watching the time tick away...
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Man, first it is my blog that gets me into trouble now it is my photos.. check out this email we got from the Maui Sails France importer.. pretty crazy dont you think??
"I was informed today by Fabrice that the June issue of Wind Magazine carried a small article that Kevin had performed the Photo Shoot for Gaastra and Tabou to the angst of the Pro Photographers in the market and the general media community was intending from that point forward to ‘boycott’ images of Kevin. By being a pro windsurfer AND a photographer, Kevin upsets all the pro photographers, and they respond by not taking any photos of him or not publishing any shots of him.
There was an article in “WIND” magazine about that called “Boycott”."
Well maybe in France but it seems like my coverage this year is pretty good. I actually just saw some shots of mine in Wind Magazine, one of Robby Swift and one of Robby Naish.. So that is pretty cool.
Anyhow just sitting around in Aus now waiting for the wind. We had some sick days down in Margrets with Mast high plus waves. Was pretty big and knarly and scary, especially on the opposite side waveriding than I am normally used to.. Thats all for now..
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Been Sailing Margret River and had some big days.. Now heading up the coast and driving around Aus.. Pretty fun. All for now.. conection not the best... but all is good.
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Wow, that was a long flight plan. Maui to Oahu, Oahu to Tokyo is 9 hours on the plane, 6 hours in Tokyo, Tokyo to Bankock which was around 7 hours, Bangkok for 8 hours, Bangkok to some place I have never heard of called Bandar which looked like it could be a nice place with some tropicalness to it 3 hours sitting around in a transit hall, and then another 5 hours on the plane to Perth.. Needless to say a bit nackered but all is well. Down here with Scotty Mckercher and he is going to show us a bit of Western Aus. Should be fun!
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Well not really.. But I do love it when I go to an airport that has a free internet connection and an Admirals Club.. I guess it does pay to fly around the world with American Airlines. I dont think they have the best planes or service sometimes but when you get an admirals club in Tokyo you are pretty stoked. Nice shower, a nice view, nice connection.. what more could I want...except to be on Maui!
The shots are from the last day on Maui.. I am just reminising about it..
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I am back on the road again. Heading down to Thailand then to Australia. Looks like there is going to be a nice swell in Western Aus with nothing too big on the horizon here so I am going to blast down there and have some waveriding in. Man, it is like summertime here in Hawaii... Too flat.. I heard something like this winter isn't going to be too big?? We will see. Anyhow, should be without connection for a while... So bear with me on the posting!! See yah!
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Been out there slaloming away. Here is a couple sneak shots to check out the newTr 4.. They are getting really fast! The red one is tr 3 and the white one is the TR 4.
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Looks like it is going to be a good week here in Maui. I cant wait to get back out on the water. Went today on 8.4 and was fun to go fast! Tomorrow looks to be some waves coming with some stronger wind so hopefully can have some fun at Hookipa!!
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Well yesterday was a stoker day, got to go Tow in surfing, then paddle surfing, then wavesailing, all in one day, A "three sport day", that is what I tell my mom.. we go on rating of days by how many possible sports you can do in one day.. So Monday was good. I love being so busy that I dont have time to take pictures or write on my blog. It gets scary when I look back and have these long rambling posts on my blog because I know that there has been no wind or I have not used up enough energy to be in bed instead of being on the computer.
Today was pretty good as well. Got up at 6 to go for a surf. My initial idea was to get up early and go look for some good picts because I have been slacking on getting some good clicks lately but then when I saw the surf I couldn't hang on the beach any longer. I went over to the south side for some small but fun rippable waves. It was one of the biggest south swell's of the season and in NOVEMBER>>> geeze.. oh well I wasn't complaining. I had some great uncrowded waves and had a great time out there. It stoked me out because as of lately I have not been too into surfing because I was kinda over it. I would rather take pictures than go surfing so that was fun to go out and enjoy the water and the surfboard.
Looks like there is some good windsurfing on the forecast. Lets hope!!
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How do you think this would work for windsurfing?
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Well I dont mind it when it is no wind or when it is flat... but when the combination of the two get together it really pisses me off. So today that is what it was.. flat and no wind. IO still had to get out in the water and go for a swim and these are the best shots I could get for you today. Will try and spice it up a bit more tomorrow.
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Well traveling with windsurf gear isn't that fun I can tell you that. The best part about it besides getting to your destination and getting unreal conditions is the comments that you hear from other people at the airport. "WOW what is inside of those bags?" "Are those hang gliders?" "Kayaks?"
The worst part about it is the stress of checking in.. It can go either way... one time you can get a super nice check in person, the other time you can just get reamed. And in reality it just comes down to pure good ole fashion luck. I used to try and find young gay guys because they were usually the nicest to me especially when I was younger. As I got older, I tried to look for the older women, like just out of there prime, not too old to be old and grumpy, not too young to think that you were trying to hit on them. Nowadays, I just go for it and hope for the best. Try to be super friendly and talk to them as much as you can. Try to make them feel like they are amazing, and I usually try to talk the most when they are trying to find out how much it is going to cost me. My favorite one is "how is has the weather been here?" or "you guys been busy here" and when all is going wrong I go with the "you guys are amazing how you know all these codes in your computer, why cant they just make the system with windows on it.." My brothers favorite line is "man I took up the wrong sport, I wish I was a tennis player! all I would have is a racket bag!" I would really like to learn all the codes on their system so I could bring up the PNR or the itinerary when they cant.
To make matters even harder, I just heard that British Airways wont be taking any more surfboards or windsurfing equipment on their flights which is a real bummer. American Airlines is charging $330 per two windsurfing bags to Europe, so if you go with one wave quiver to Europe, you are going to get stung for $660 bucks with just four bags. Iberea Airlines is not really the best airline to travel with as they love to charge alot, especially out of Gran Canaria. There is a guy that works there that will not budge on the gear. He knows the rates and charges the charge, by the book. That is usually the spot were we have the most gear out of all the places so that can get expensive. Asia is one of the most difficult places. Singapore Airlines charges $12 per kilo or something like that, which can add up fast. JAL can be ok, but can also be expensive if you are not traveling to the USA. Quantas has been ok with me but I know that you can't have too heavy of bags as they are really strict about that.
On the good side, Ryan Air is pretty good on excess, I think it is $30 Eu per sport equipment, they cant be over 32kg.. they pretty much cant be over this anywhere in Europe. On American you can have it up to 100 pounds, but this doesn't do you very good when you are coming back and you only have four bags but they all are overweight and they wont take them on the check in at the other end. I think Berlin Air is really good for bags, and $20 for a windsurfing set, Turkish Airlines have been really good as well. Usually the Charter Airlines are great for taking gear to the Canaries, but in reality it is just a gamble and you got to be ready to pay to play.
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Some interesting comments from yesterday I have to say. I have to agree with most of them. I dont really like conflict and I dont really like politics. I like the comment about stopping with all the picts of nothing but it is hard to have picts of windsurfing all the time because, when it is windy, I like to be out windsurfing, not taking pics. So when there is no wind and I do have time, I like to take pictures. Hopefully that is ok with you guys.
This blog is actually been getting me in some trouble lately.. I have reported about some people with too much honesty and not enough politically correct statements that it pisses people off. It baffles me sometimes to hear that people get uptight about things that I write on here because I dont really read anybody else's blog from windsurfing except Tatiana's now and then, and people are like how could you write that about me... I am like wow.. your reading my blog.. that's pretty cool.. And have any of you guys seen the latest Surfer's Journal. Can you believe that my little old blog made into Surfer's Journal.. Well the only way it did is that the did an article on Josh Angulo and they took my comment right off my blog from our run in that we had in Cabo Verde.. That was pretty cool I guess, but it surprised me once again that so many people look at this blog. And get uptight or whatever about it.. I am just writing my thoughts down, trying to bring some background, some insight into what I am up to and how I see what is going on in my world. I think that is one of the problems that makes windsurfing magazines so boring, is that they can never write the truth about what is happening sometimes because someone might get pissed off or is not "PC" enough.
So lets bring it back this discussion back to what we all can agree on and that is windsurfing. Having the wind in the sail, the power in your hands, being whisked across the water... how about when you are so excited to rig up cause it is going off, and people are trying to talk to you and you can barely answer there question because you are in such a hurry to get out there that you can only think about rigging and getting out on the water.. .This is the sport that I love.. Every time I get like this and get all excited to get out there on the water, it really blows me away to think after all these years of doing the same thing over and over again, that I still get excited to go out and get on the water.
Anyhow, here is a shot of my friend from Japan out ripping it up.. though you might enjoy a shot of how good Hookipa has been lately...
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Today Maui was firing... not like in LA, but was really good conditions. Sailed on 4.7 and was pretty good. I am just starting to get my rhythm back a little bit but was for sure still a bit rusty.. Hopefully will continue getting great conditions.
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Well the wind and waves came back with a vengance today.. It was firing.. Wind, waves, and good fun. Felt wierd to get on the water and definately felt rusty and a bit out of shape. Haven't saild waves like that since probably April. I guess that is what you get when most of the tour is port tack or sitting.. Pretty fun though being out there on those waves.. Good to be back on the water and having fun!
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Well yesterday I had it all together, the board, the sail, the wetsuit, harness, everything and the swell was pumping.. I was in the right spot, just the wrong time.. not enough wind today. Went to the spot and there wasnt enough wind.. just as I pull up I see a guy that I met a couple years back and he told me how great it was... YESTERDAY... Should have been there yesterday.. oh well. To make things a bit worse, I kept getting calls from all my buddies on Maui... "Lets GO!!! It's firing!! or the last message I got was "Where were you out there today... it was SICK!"
Well all I got to do is hope that there will be more wind and waves coming this winter. I guess this just builds up the hunger to get home and get on the water. It is probably good for me to have a break from windsurfing after a year of it on the road focusing, training, testing, and traveling... but man it is hard to be off the water for so long.. like a caged animal or something.... Cant wait to hit that lip at Hookipa..
Anyhow, here are some more photos.. the only thing that has been keeping me sane with all this non windsurfing.... Getting any better??
Check out the series here Just to let you know I dont think the comments on the web gallery work so dont write anything in there.. or at least I dont know how to make them work.. Sorry the shots are so small. All a learning expirience...
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California bound... I arrive to such a beautiful day, a nice breeze in the air, the fall evening temperatures, the people full of life and energy.. I guess I have just been on a Island in solotude of Scotland, but there is something about this place here in Santa Barbara that I love.. I could feel the jitters I once had as a young boy when I arrived to a blustery evening. I can remeber what it was like to be so excited to wake up in the morning with a forcast for wind and swell, the feeling of fall coming in, Christmas just around the corner... it was good.. it makes me want to windsurf being here. I guess it is just in my mind but it definately was a strange feeing being here after all these years..
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Well we are moving.. had an early check in today at 4 am in Glasgow.. Man the people there sure were really friendly. Super nice. I actually really like Scotland. The people seem to be really friendly and helpful and the country side is amazing. I wish I new some better places to take photos in Glasgow but for most of the free day that we had there it was raining and didnt work too good for taking too many shots. Next flight is London to La.. Nice and long!!
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Well that 2007 PWA year has come to an end. Not a bad season for me.. not the best, but definitely not the worst. My Maui Sails Starboard combination was working great for me all year long and I was happy with the performance that they gave me. I would say that I gave it my best as well, moving up in the racing but down in the waves. It is pretty hard to really make huge gains when you are at the top of your game. This year was the longest season so far to date since I have been on the tour.. Cabo Verde which was the best wavesailing I have ever had, to Korea, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Scotland, which were all pretty fun events. The 2007 Aloha Classic is not happening this year which is a real bummer, no one had the sponsorship to step it up and make it happen. This is a bummer but what can you do. As for me I am back on the road home. I am in Glasgow at the moment and then to London, Los Angeles where I will do some wedding photography up in San Francisco. I am super stoked to go up there and get some more wedding shots in a different location than Maui. Cant wait. I will be heading up the Cali coastline looking for some good shots along the way. I am wondering if there is going to be any wind or waves this week, if so I might bring my gear as I have been sitting on my butt all week waiting for wind here in Scotland. Sorry for the lack of posting this last week. I had the worst internet connection and was just too hard to sit through it all. Plus there was nothing really to report. Sitting around waiting for wind.. The story of every windsurfers life.. Man I cant wait to get back to Maui and go sailing.. Whoo hoo.. almost there..
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Well we have been sitting around in Scotland with no internet, no wind, no waves, but beautiful weather. I got a couple of nice shots around here but not too many. Hopefully we will get some more nice weather to try and get a couple more good shots.
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The connection here is so bad, it just gets frustrating to even try and go on the net. It seems to me like the people with the mac's seem to get connected but for me it just is on and off and not really working. I can find the signal but then it goes to limited or no connectivity.. pisses me off. I have tried to make it go manual but it just doesn't seem to work for me. SO that is why you don't find any updates. So far it has been not too much wind. Today finally there is some wind but there is no waves. Kinda a bummer..The place here is pretty nice for some solitude but other than that I am ready to get this contest on with. Get some sailing in and get back to Maui.. Forecast is looking ok on Thursday and Friday but we will have to wait and see.
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Well we made it to Scotland and it is absolutely beautiful. Rolling green hills, beautiful mountains, beaches, and sea! We flew from London Stansted to Glasgow Prestwick, got in our rental car, drove to Glasgow main airport where we met up with the event organizer to get some insite as to how we can get to where we were going and we were on our way. Drove for 3 hours to the ferry port where a couple other windsurfers were at and they waiting for the ferrry. We did however come accross a delima, all the windsurfers were up for camping in their car, we were in our rental car with a sweatshirt and the seats rolled back or pay $150 for 5 hours sleep and get up at 4:30 get on the ferry.. Of course if any of you know me, I opted for the cheap and hard way of sleeping in the car. It was actually brutal. We slept in the front seat of the car, it got freezing in the middle of the night, then got up at 5am to get the ferry, 5 hour ferry ride, had to sleep on the ferry as well, and was just a long trip. But we made it, got here, got an amazing place to stay, organized our equipment, and then went for a sail. We went to a place called the Maze which was pretty fun. It definately had it's moments and it was really nice to have wave sail which I havent really had since Brazil... and you guys thought that us Pro's just got to sail all the time. It has been almost three weeks since I had a proper wave ride, so it definaletly felt nice. We are all sorted out now, we have a great place to live maybe the best place on the island. I will post some picts of the place when I get some of the place and the location. As for now i am just checking out the internet and if I can actually post anything.. So we will see.
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Welll we have started our journey to Tiree. First a train for 5 hours, then a taxi, then a plane, and now in the UK for 2 more days before we get another train then car then boat to Tiree. Should be fun. We are staying with Robby Swift which is nice to get some time to get the laundry done and have some time to relax. You dont really know it but throughout that entire contest there is stress going on in your body. You are thinking or worring about the next race or wave heat, no matter what, even if there is no wind, you still need to be on hold and on your mind. So a couple days off is not all that bad.
Ok all for now. Not sure how the connection will be in Tiree so if you dont hear from me in a couple days you will know why.. I am on a small island off the coast of Scotland.
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Pict by JC/PWA
Just finished with a pretty hectic day. I had probably one of the best races of the year with Bjorn and he just edged me out for the 3rd place. I had an amazing start right at the boat but just wasnt fast enough to out run the big boys from down low. I came into the mark in 3rd but Bernd Flessner rammed me at the gybe but we were both able to stay up and on it... But Bjorn snuck infront of me.. then off to the next gybe where I went inside of Bjorn and would have had an amazing pass but my foot got caught in the footstrap again.. I managed to get it out without crashing but couldn't make the pass stick. Going into the last mark I made another amazing gybe but it just wasnt enough to get around him. SO he beat me in the event by .3 of a point. Pretty close racing that is for sure.
In the end I finished 2nd overall in the racing for the year. Pretty stoked about that. Antoine did an amazing job this year and much respect for his season.
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Picts by Carter/PWA
Well they were supposed to start with the freestylers but it was too cold for them. They tried to start but no one would go out for their heat. Thats what I am talking about.. Let the sailors make the decision.. ha ha.. good for the freestylers.. they didnt want to compete in the shaky conditions so they didn't.. So we went racing.
And we didnt mess around. We started at 1030 on the button and didn't stop until three. Back to back for four rounds in a row. Was tough but was nice that we didnt have to stop and start in the chilly conditions. It was offshore from the right and was 22 to 28 knots of cold Sylt winds. I was on 7.6 and was powered, with my 101. I had good first round finishing in 3rd. The next one I went into the semi final and I was in qualifing position and my front foot got stuck in the front foostrap and just could not get it out. I had to crash to get my foot out. It was really annoying and pissed me off. So I didnt make it into the final. In the next round I went into the semi final and crashed again on a gybe but got up quickly enough to make it into the final again to finish third. In the last round of the day, it was blowing pretty good and they went for a half fleet race. So it was a semi final and a final and that was it. I made it through to the final and had a great start and finished in 2nd between Antoine. So all in all a good day for me.
You guys wanted to know about what it is like to prepare for this sort of racing. Well the night before the racing, I started thinking about what I needed to do. I made a mental note of where my gear was, where my race watch was, what sails I thougth that I needed to rig up, and what fins would go where. So once the morning hits, it is check the conditions to see what is going to happen, and start focusing on what the job at hand is. Today was a bit hectic for me cause I still dont have my bag with my fins or footstraps so I was running around trying to borrow stuff for my small board. I would have done it earlier but it is a pain to ask for everything unless you need it and I thought that we would be doing freestyle in the windy stuff.
Once you are out on the race course, you have to try to get your focus. Mentally today was tough for me because it was cold, choppy, windy, I was a bit in a rush, and it was hard conditions. I needed to get into the racing and focus on going fast. I needed to focus on the start and the gybes instead of thinking about what was happening with the weather or whatnot. So many things goes through my mind when I am out on the racing course, I really need to get it together and focus. It is also super choppy and cold and you are racing around and you forget to breathe. I had to remind myself, Breathe, Relax, Focus....
Not too bad of a day for me and currently in second place with 2 days left of the event. Looks like it should be lighter tomorrow. We will see.
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Well today kicked off at 7 in the morning with a nice fresh walk down to the beach.. Next announcement at 10am. Then from 10 till 6 on the beach on the edge waiting for the racing to happen. They tried at 5 to send out the racers, then they called it off, and then they did one race and it was the looser final of the first round. The wind was so bad that the guys were pumping for quite some time around the corners and just didn't make it look too exciting from the beach. They called it off after that.
Tomorrow is meant to be a dreadful day of freezing cold rain and wind. We will see. Maybe only the tough will survive?
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Wow, what a beautiful day here in Germany. Nice fall weather at it's finest. Today, I guess the highlight of my day was an autograph signing session at the NDR radio booth. Other than that, not too much to report. Had an amazing sunset here on Sylt.
Tomorrow's an early skippers meeting with a 7am meeting time. I hope I can get out of bed that early. Still no bag happening and I am in need of my racing fins. Chances are high that we will be doing some racing tomorow so it would be good to get them soon. I am loosing faith!
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Just wondering if anyone out there is looking for one of my racing boards in Europe. I have a 101 and a 122 for sale after the event. If you have any friends or anyone looking for the best Isonics you can get let me know. I might have some possible way of getting them to you somewere in Europe.
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Shots by JC/PWA
Well we had one round of really bad condition racing. I was super underpowered on my 9.2, the lightest wind race of the year this year. I stopped at the mark for a good 10 or 15 pumps but we got a result in. I guess that is what they were going for. The wind was super light, hard to get clean air, I had clean air in one of the races and was going good, in the other ones I was in dirty wind and was not going too fast. It was light and tricky out on the course today.
Still not using my own fins, and still in the same wardrobe. Missing both my gear bag with all my fins in it as well as my clothing bag!! Bummer... If you see a Dakine bag or a Camaro bag between here and Miami be sure to let me know.
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Still No bag!A bit over my same clothes about now but CHECK out my cover shot!!! Yewhooo!!!! Stoked... A cover and inside poster shot in a German Mag!! Stoked.. I dont know if I am more excited when I get a shot of me in a mag or a shot from me?? I think at the moment I am more excited when people use a shot from me. I mean COVER SHOT?? How many photographers get one of those????? Whooohoo!!!
No wind today. But nice and sunny!! Here is a shot of the crowds, our room, and a shot of my cover!!
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Well today we had the registration day and opening ceremony. I think it was a bit of a mess, we had a hour and a half wait in the opening ceremony, and they wanted to start 30 minutes after a mandatory opening, and there was no official ladder up for the waves or anything, to top it off the conditions were TERRIBLE.. Anyhow that is enough winge-ing from me... but I did think that it was pretty lame of them to start on registration day, we have 10 official days of competition, we just came from brazil where a lot of other people dont have all of there equipment and then to top it off the conditions were less than favorable. I could see if it was going off but...
Anyhow, I didnt have to go so.. So we will wait to do some wavesailing. Forcast still looks promising.. so we will see..
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So I made it to Miami and then to London, all good. London to Hamburg.. perfect.. walk off the plane.. Perfect all the gear was there... waited around for the clothing and FIN bag... not there.. not to worry, German technology will have it there shortly.. Well not that short but ok, I think they have found it but I am still sitting in the same clothes since Brazil.. Lucky I packed some jeans and a sweatshirt otherwise I would be really cold. So this is where the story begins.
I haul all my bags to a truck that is taking the big bags from Hamburg to Sylt. 4 hour drive. I was hanging with Josh Angulo (my wave riding friend)ha ha.. anyhow, what goes on the water stays on the water.. maybe.. anyhow, hanging with Josh and his family and he was going to rent a car and drive up. Me, being the chepo that I am, not renting the car was like, hey, if you are driving up can I catch a ride.. Sure all good, something went wrong with the car and he ended up not renting it so we are now traveling together to catch the train. 5 hour train ride. We were going to stay the night in Hamburg but after searching around found nothing available under 300 eu... So we are like, lets see if there is a train running now and we will catch the train up and look for a hotel in Sylt, not the cheapest either but you never know what you are going to find.. Anyhow Josh has this one contact that he had the phone number for and calls him up and he is on Sylt and asked him if knew of any place to stay on Sylt for the night because what we had booked didn't start until today.. So Tim, is like sure you can stay at my place, and you and wife can take the spare room and your buddy, me, can sleep on the couch.. STOKED.. that just saved us 300 euros most likely and a lot of headache trying to find something when we arrived at the train station at midnight. So we get there and everything is great, except Tim has his girlfriend who was 9 months pregnant.. I guess she was all fine with everyone staying there and waking her up and all but around 2:30 I hear her starting to breath and I am like oh boy.. so tim comes into the room and says, her water just broke and we are going to have the baby hear because they wanted it to be a natural birth.. We are like.. cool but now you guys got to get out of hear.. And just as our luck would have it, Tim's girlfriends mom has a hotel 5 minutes down the road.... and there are two rooms left and she would be happy to put you up for the night!! So here we are barging in on this super nice guy and then we have to wake up the mother to get the most awesome room and let us sleep for the night. We must have had something working in our favor this night that is for sure...So got an amazing night's sleep with a nice bed and everything worked out perfectly. They had a healthy baby boy at 9:30 this morning!
Now got the apartment, and all is kla.. meaning all is good in German. Matt and Lindsay are coming in tonight and so I am happy to see them both.
Contest could possibly start tomorrow with the waves so lets hope the bags all make it this time. I have everything except my gear and clothing bag so I will be ok.. Just would make life a little more comfortable if it does come in!!
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In Miami now on my way to London. I have 6 hours in London, not too much fun.. Then to Hamburg.. Looks like the wind is going to be there.. Should be fun!! For now sitting on the plane!
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Well I got pleanty of time to work on the prodject and now some great feedback on it as well, so I am off to Germany. Heres the flight plan, Florianopolis to Curitiba to Sau Paulo to Miami, 18 hours in Miami, to London, to Hamburg, get in Hamburg 6pm and then 5 hour train ride to the beautiful Isle of Sylt which is in Northern Germany. The weather looks like it will be nice and cold, but windy too so that is a good sign.
Anyhow now the only stres is the excess baggage fees.. I hope we get a great deal. We will see.
Here is a couple of the last shots from Brazil!!
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So I think this is my final version.. What do you guys think.. I took the comments of putting some normal picts on there that people could actually do, the only thing I didnt put on the back was the pricing for helecoptor work and things like that. I figure if they are to go for it they will call up and I can give them all of there options. So what you think? The only thing I am not ver sure about is the green color, Maybe it should be black on the stripes to match the front more??
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So I am working on some flyer for getting some photography business around the county of Maui for vacationers. I know I have told you guys about the idea but now I want to put a flyer in the windsurfing shops and schools and in some of the vacation rental properties around Maui. I am just wondering if you could give me some feedback on if this looks good for the front of the card or not. here is the two options.. Let me know if I am way off and should hire a designer or getting closer. I still have some ideas but they take time. I was thinking for the first one that I should put a film like background for all of the shots like alot of people others do. I dont know.. I am sure there are some great graphic designers out there that would love to put in there two cents.. Let me know what you think.
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Today was another good day for windsurfing. The boys were out trying to learn a new backloop with a duck gybe mid air. It looked like some of the guys were out learning them pretty good. Just another trick that I will need to learn to keep up wiht the new school! Looks like tomorrow is supposed to finally die off. So we will see.
I tried Levi's new twin fin today and it was feeling pretty good. It felt loose but still had some drive to it. I guess I might have to order one up. We will see.
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Well it has been fantastic weather here in Brazil. Pretty impresed and the locals even say,, it is a bit unusual to have wind everyday like this. Today sailed on 5.0 just out freesailing around. The waves were not so big but super fun and nice down the line sailing. Today I had a nice wave face 360 and that was fun to make.. wish i would have made it in the heat the other day. It was pretty good cause I didn't really set up for it or think about it, it just came and bang made it! Stoked.
Well I am still in my delima of leaving or not. There is one space on the plane to leave on Sat to go to Miami and check out the trade show in Orlando. Could be cool but will cost quite a bit of money. If I stay here will be cheap but the wind is going to die off and it is going to start raining..
So we will see...
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Here are wsome shots of my friend Arthurs place. I am pretty stoked to get to stay here and relax after the event..
The last two are JC/PWA
So I sailed my way into 4th place.. stoked on that one.. Went through Traversa which he is really ripping, then took out Klaas Voget who was also sailing very good as he took out Jason Polokow and then I lost to Levi Siver who finished second.
Wind was a bit windier today so that made it a little easier. They were doing 16 minute heats and that was nice. It was funy cause the heats seemed so short. There was a lot of time waiting for waves.
I had another run in with Josh Angulo and it almost cost me the heat. I taked on a wave and then he tacked after me and we ended up both falling in on the wave. I was pissed cause it was my wave again and he was just trying to get off it so he said. Anyhow at least he was nicer about it but it sure threw off my game for a bit. I had to dig deep and find my rythm again. I was on a wave and all i was thinking about was him pissing me off again and I fell in. Had to regroup and find the rythm just enough to score a nice wave right at the end of the heat to take the win onto the next round.
Stoked to get as far as I did. Made it worth all the hassle of getting here. Still no bag but I hear that it is in San Paulo.. So maybe tomorrow..
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Well I was the last heat of the day today and I advanced.. Stoked.. I get so nervous ever time I go out there. I want to win so badly that it makes me nervous. I need to get in the rythm and go hard. I have a very tough next heat with Thomas Treversa who is really sailing very good and I really really want to get through that one! Presure is on and I really want to rise to the occasion.
Sailed on 5.3 Legend.. Waves were head high and very playful. This place is really nice. I think it is my most favorite spot that I have been to in Brazil...Still didn't get my bag yet... still waiting...I hope it comes soon...
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Well I made it to Brazil. Wasnt too bad of flights either.. Had a good sleep from LA.. The check in LAX was pretty expensive but it all made it except my bag of fins that I just got back. Same bag and same problem.
So tomorrrow the contest starts and I hope to get my bag in time for the heats. it looks like there are quite a few of the others missing some bags so at least I am not the only one.
My friend Arthur picked me up at the airport and I am staying with him. He has an amazing summer house right up from the event site. Very cool to be staying with a local who knows the place a bit and can show around the sites. Tomorrow I will try and get some shots if I have some time!
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Well that had to be one of the most roller coaster days I have had in quite some time. So here is the scoop... I sent my passport back to the mainland to have an adgency work on it. I called them up, AFTER, I sent it to them, because I wanted to get the process started so I thought I was doing the right thing getting right on it and sending it off to them, but when I talked to them they said they couldn't do it. So I called the Brazilian Embassy and they said.. we dont do one day processing visa's. If you dont believe me check out there web site.. So I was like ok I am not going.. Then Lindsay gets on the phone and calls them, and talks to someone else who says maybe they can do it, and then gets the NOPE. So then I call the Embassy back and keep the persistance up.. telling them my story, of how I sent it to them, I went there already once, blah blah.. she says hang on a sec.. She comes back and says if you can make it here by 11 we will do it for you. So that was one step down, I call Nancy at the Travel Company and ask her to book me on the flight out that night.. No worries she says and I am off packing for a month and a half to leave in 5 hours. Lucky I am pretty good at packing these days. I dont know what I forgot but hopefully I got everything... The next step was now that the Counsolate said they would do it, I still didn't have my passport, it was on it's way to the Passport services adgency.. in the post.. so I take the red eye out and get into LAX at 4:45 in the morning. Get a car and go start hunting down my passport in the mail system. I go to Santa Monica... there are a lot of Post Offices in Santa Monica. I talk to some very nice people alont the way.. and find one telling me to go to this post office over here, then from that post office I went to the next Post office where I got to talk to the lady in the Postal Annex where all the Santa Monica mail gets sorted and sent out.. I get there and they say "nope dont have the package, that will come here on Friday"... Nooooooo I let out a gasp... It cant.. I sent the package overnight and it should be here today.. She said well, it ait here sir, you can fill out this Mail Recall slip and we will call you if it comes in. But it looks like it is still in Honolulu.. So I leave, demoralized.. my last chance of going to Brazil looks like it was up in smoke. So I start making some phone calls and try and figure out what to do with a week in LA before Sylt and the phone rings and it is the post office. Yes sir we have your package here sir.. Wooooo hoooo... In the car back to the post office get the package then drive across LA to the Larry Flint building where the consolate is at up the elevator, to the consolate and get there, the guy says to me, are you that surfer dude that called yesterday bugging everyone.. Yep I sure am.... Ok lets see what we can do.. come back in a hour. I go eat breakfast and come back in an hour, everything ready and I am on my way to Brazil!!
Talk about stress.. It was killing me. Too much really. It was an emotional nightmare. I felt like a woman in pms.. well i dont know what that feels like but I could guess.
Anyhow that is my story.. now got to find my bags in LAX and go check them in tomorrow. That is my next mission..
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I almost cant handle it... I got my passport and then sent it back off to the mainland because they didnt end up issuing me a visa to Brazil and it needed to go through an adgency.. So we will see. It is a rush against time to see if we can get this thing organized and ready before the contest starts.
You never know.. maybe this will be the fire that gets me back into the wave title race! We will have to wait and see.
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Just had an amazing holiday weekend. One of the best Labor day weekends I have ever had. Was tons of fun. I went with Lindsay and her family over to Molokai and had a local style weekend of hanging out with the family. Was super relaxing and took some nice shots that I will share with you guys soon.
But now the stress begins.. I am leaving on Thursday and still dont have my passport with my visa for Brazil.. I am stressing out.. Lets hope it comes in soon. It says that it taked 10 days to process and it has been longer than that.. So we will see. Maybe I wont be leaving but lets keep our fingers crossed. If any of you guys know how to get the visa thing up and making it quick or are in LA and know someone at the Consulate or have any ideas of how to get it a bit faster.. please feel free to drop me a line!!
Picts will be up tomorrow hopefully.
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Well after a little bit of stress starting to set in as it has been two weeks since I have seen my faithful gear bag with those precious Debiochet custom fins looming around in there, it has finally arrived. But that was not because of the faithful folks at AA's work. I had just been to the airport to look for my bag here in Kahului and they were like, nope, can't find it. They sent messages to LAX, Chicago, and HNL but no luck.. But as luck would have it Matt is on his way down to Baja to teach one of his wave sailing clinics.. I was in Costco and I called him up with the idea for him to have a little sniff around when he gets in to LAX and see if he could find my bag. I had a sneaky suspicion that it would be there. Actually I kinda new it was there because I saw it on the belt when I was there and I didn't pick it up.. NOTE TO SELF.. Dont do that again especially with those fins in it.... Anyhow I was missing one of the bags so I didn't think that leaving it there would make too much difference and they would just send it on.. little did I know I would be stressing about it for this long... Anyhow, Matt took a look around the LAX bag room and FOUND my bag!!! He called to leave a message on my phone at 3 am but my phone was on and right next to me so I woke up and took the call but was so excited that I couldn't get back to sleep. So it is supposed to get delivered today so we will have to wait and see but they said it was on the way!!
Been sailing quite a bit.. today was super flat so mowed the lawn, trimmed the trees, worked on the Maui Sails rigging guide picts for 08 and now going for another photoshoot session with a couple that just wants some cool sunset picts. My buddy Charles Oreve hooked me up with this one. I was stoked because for Charles who has been killing it with some great shots in all the windsurfing mags to mention me for some shots.. that is pretty good. Charles was one of the pro photog's that has helped me along with giving me some very critical criticism which sometimes hurt the ego a bit but always made me strive to get better and better with my shots!
Here is a shot from a while ago.. just working on my presentation a bit..
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Fetched: August 30th, 2007, 11:21pm CEST by us3kp
Well how did I do? A couple modeling shots from yesterday. It is pretty funny because I am kinda a looker when I see a nice looking girl.. My girlfriend doesn't really appreciate it too much and lately I haven't really been looking too much for some reason.. but anyhow that is another subject.. but the funny thing is when you are taking these shots with nice looking girls, I am so caught up in the shot and the framing and the lighting, trying to get them to do some hot looking pose that I am actually not checking out the girl at all. It is almost like I am so focussed on other things that I don't even notice the beautiful girl in front of me.
I have to say that I am pretty lucky to have a girlfriend that lets me take shots like this. For me I really enjoy it and I am learning all the time. When I go on to Fred Miranda, which is my favorite time killer on the web, I see all the cool shots and dream of doing some of the shots. So for me to go out to the beach and have a girl that is willing to sit around and get her pict taken is pretty funny. I guess Lindsay is just sick of me asking her to take shots and sick of me practicing my lighting on her and 2 million shots that I have of her that she just wants someone else to get stuck in the modeling shots..
Anyhow let me know what you think.
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Fetched: August 30th, 2007, 6:38am CEST by us3kp
Had a nice sail today at Camp one.. But that was only after paying our dues.. drove out to La perus to try and get some of the south swell only to get a little skunked. Went out not enough waves out there, went to dumps and the wind turned onshore.. so went all the way back to the place we started at and finally got out for a sail. Waves were actually pretty fun. Had a couple backside 360's and was fun.
A friend of mine was teaching me how to do some shooting this morning and that was really fun. She organized a model and everything and was teaching me some tips and tricks and the shots came out pretty cool. I will maybe post some later on..
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Fetched: August 29th, 2007, 3:26pm CEST by us3kp
So I took the suggestions of cleaning off the desktop and I think that seemed to make the most difference. I also reset safari and all that seemed to do was clear away all my passwords and now I have to remember them all. It seems to be running a bit better now. Lets hope. How do I check my ram settings? Last night I wanted to throw this thing out the window when I had a couple photoshop files out; not saved that I was working on and the dreaded grey tint started rolling down the screen telling me to hold down the power button and restart the machine.. I thought these Mac's were the Sh)@#.. Whenever you talk to a Mac guy about the new Intel photoshop they all say how fast it is and all that but I am still not so sure. Anyhow, still not sure on the Mac revolution. I will see if cleaning off the desktop speeds things up and keeps the system a bit more stable.
The wind is on its way back. Was a beautiful afternoon of sailing and having fun yesterday. We have a friend over from Italy that is staying with us and he hired Lindsay to take some shots for him. I have to say that she did a pretty dang good job. I t pisses me off a bit when I try and try and try and then Lindsay grabs the camera and comes up with some beauty's !! Lindsay is actually going to start taking windsurfing shots for anyone out there who wants there shots taken. We are going to put some flyers in Hi-Tech and Neil Pryde Maui about getting your vacation photographed. So when someone comes to Maui and wants to get some quality photos with the big lens and nice camera, they call her up and book her for an hour and then they get the CD of the shots.. Cool idea or what? If you guys came to Maui would you think about it?? Wouldn't you want to see some of shots of you looking like this?? Well maybe not just like this but be able to put a nice size photo on your wall at your office?? Well I think it is a pretty good idea. If you want to book her up now go to
www.islandstylevacations.com and fire her an email.
Oh and what about that moon!! Beauty!
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Fetched: August 29th, 2007, 3:26pm CEST by us3kp
Man it seems like my computer is running slow.. Guess I better go for a restart or something. I thought these new Mac's were supposed to be the cats meow?? Maybe it is because I have around 10000 photos on the thing ?? I doubt that would slow it down too much.. Anyhow.. here is my first panoramic attempt that came out pretty cool. There is a new photo merge in CS 3 that is pretty sweet.
This is from Ulapalakula.. I am pretty sure I didn't spell that one right but maybe.. anyhow its upcountry. What a sunset!!
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Fetched: August 25th, 2007, 11:38pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: August 25th, 2007, 9:00pm CEST by us3kp
Got to shoot another wedding today and I think it went pretty good. I just got back from it and haven't checked out the shots but I think that it went pretty good.
No wind here on Maui. Yesterday was pretty light and today was even a bit lighter so if you just got in on vacation here on Maui then you picked the wrong week!
I will post some shots tomorrow from the wedding!
Kevin
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Fetched: August 24th, 2007, 4:22pm CEST by us3kp
That I forgot about you guys... Well not really.. it is just by the time that I get to about 7pm.. I loose the energy.. Man I have been struggling with the jet lag.. So today we went up to Haleakala and had a fun photo time up there.. I did some posing.. ha ha.. such a poser.. and we took some shots. Nothing too great but was fun. Woke up at 4 am so I was like lets go for it..
Sailing here has been great. Looks like it will be a little less wind but the last two days have been pretty nice.
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Fetched: August 21st, 2007, 7:12pm CEST by us3kp
Well made it back safe and sound. Had some nice long sleeps on the plane and ready to hit the water!! Cant wait! I will let you know how it goes!
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Fetched: August 21st, 2007, 7:12pm CEST by us3kp
I am trying to figure out if I can email my blog in so maybe I can spell check it for you guys.. Sitting in LAX waiting for my next plane!
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Fetched: August 21st, 2007, 7:12pm CEST by us3kp
Wow.. that was a tough night. Had to get on the bus to the plane at 2 am.. flight left Izmir at 5:10 to Istanbule, now in Frankfurt on my way back to Maui.. Hopefully will sleep good on the plane...
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Fetched: August 18th, 2007, 5:58pm CEST by us3kp
Well I didnt make it into the fianl today but I finished 1st in the looser final. The worst thing was that Bjorn went out in the second round but with the way the discards works he had a less discard and ended up passing me for 2nd in the event. Ended up costing me $1500 in prize money.. oh well.. Dissapointed but third is not too bad...I just hurts a bit..
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Fetched: August 18th, 2007, 12:44pm CEST by us3kp
PWA/Carter
Well today I we did one race and I finished 4th. I wasn't too stoked with it because I thought that I could do better. I thought that I should have won it. I hesitated a split second at the start but still had a good start and I hesitated at the first mark and that sent me into 4th.. I should have jammed it into the inside and squeaked my way through the gap... but you hesitate and that gets you no where.. I guess it gets you consistantcy butit doesn't give you the victory sometimes..
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Fetched: August 17th, 2007, 6:25am CEST by us3kp
We did two rounds today, one I did really good...I won it! and one I did bad.. finished 10th... Wind was a little bit lighter today, but I was the 7.6 most of the day. In the first one I went with the 8.4 and it was smoke. That together with my 122 Starboard it was amazing. I wish I would have been on the 8.4 in my semi... Oh well you win some you loose some. More tomorrow I am sure...
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Fetched: August 15th, 2007, 11:01pm CEST by us3kp
Today we kicked off with some windy races. When we got to the beach it was really blowing. Rigged up the small ones and that was pretty amazing for Turkey. I was impressed with the wind but it got really gusty and really hard to race. Finnaly by the end of the day we had some nice races.
I was fighting hard but I was missing my 8.4.. I was on 7.6 and 6.6 but I really like that 8.4 with my 122.. It is either that or I am just not big and strong enough to fight it out with the big boys when the wind gets cranking.
In the first race of the day I had bad start and then just didnt get to make up too much. In the second round I had ok start but just not enough speed to the first mark but had some phenominal gybes and made my way to 4th. I was pretty happy with that.
In the last race of the day it was a hard fight. The wind was cranking, I was on my 7.6 and was full power. I was in third the entire time fighting with Peter Volwater and it came down to the last gybe and he spun out and ran right into me and crashed. I was very lucky that he didnt take us both out but it made me go into second position and that was good.
Three more days left and the tops spots are pretty much wide open!
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Fetched: August 14th, 2007, 9:19pm CEST by us3kp
Today we had three rounds of racing. In the first one I got second and had some pretty good speed.The next one I finished first and was super stoked with some great speed. In the last one I had an ok start and was in third and going into the second mark Finian had a bad gbye I bobbled and Antoine came inside and tapped my mast as I tried to pump out of it and my mast snapped right there. I think Antoine's boom just hit my mast enough to make it snap. I was pretty bummed.. Anyhow more racing tomorrow. Seems like my speed is pretty good. Was using the 8.4 Tr 3 and was really going good with my 122 Isonic and my 42 fin!! In the last one I probably should have been on my 7.6 but I was going so quick on the 8,4 I didn't want to change anything. Oh well.. Tomorrow is another day!
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Fetched: August 14th, 2007, 3:50pm CEST by us3kp
Today was registration day and a little sailing around to get in tune. Had a nice day out on the water. Boy it is really flat water here. So easy to sail, meaning that it is going to be some tough racing. ALl the boys are here and ready to go. Looks like Finian will be fast as well as the usual suspects!
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Fetched: August 13th, 2007, 4:33pm CEST by us3kp
After some nice traveling I made it to Turkey. Bags made it, I made it, just a little tired but oh well. Had some serious sleep time on those plane's but none as good as the old bed at home.
Forcast looks good and I am ready to rock and roll. Cant wait to get out there on that starting line and give it to em!
Looks like I will have some ok internet connection so check back in for some updates on how the racing is going. I will be making some postings and some insight to the racing!!
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Fetched: August 12th, 2007, 10:43pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: August 12th, 2007, 2:48am CEST by us3kp
Maui, LA, Dallas, Frankfurt, Istanbule, Izmir... fly fly fly.... Glad my trip to Maui was worth it.. Lots of flying now. Hope my bags made it. Lucky for me I have all my gear in Turkey already so I didnt have to check anything in except my fins and harness. That makes life easier!! Ok gotta catch my next flight!
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Fetched: August 11th, 2007, 5:56pm CEST by us3kp
Well that is it of my nice relaxing trip to Maui. So great to be back on Maui to see friends and family and just recharge the batteries. Did some road bike cycling yesterday and that was fun, I borrowed my friends 4k road bike and it was interesting. The only thing is you still have to peddle the thing. I would think for that much money it would have an egine on it or something.
Anyhow got to pack and get down the road!
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Fetched: August 9th, 2007, 6:13pm CEST by us3kp
Today I went for my first stand up paddle downwinder. I am still uncertain about it. Everytime I thought about it I was like man I wish I had my sail on to glide myself downwind. But it was a good workout. Uses your core muscles quite a bit and is good for yoru balancing.. Something different is always good to put in the training!
Had a nice sunset today as well!
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Fetched: August 8th, 2007, 3:57pm CEST by us3kp
Today went out on the wave board again and had some fun. Went to Hookipa and sailed on 5.3 Legend and there was some small waves still rolling in. I wasn't on fire out on the water but I did managed to make a taka today. A taka is a down the line off the lip sideways 360. It is really cool when you get them and such a nice feeling.
Today I also tested out my new MFC wave fins. They are called the K ONE. They are coming to a shop near you soon. I cant wait for you to get your hands on some of these. They are really sweet wave fins that is for sure. I will get some picts of them soon.
A couple people were asking me about training. How long do you train for and what sort of things do I do on the water. Well, for me I sail nearly everyday. Windsurfing is my life. I try to take days off but it is still kinda hard for me to do it. I feel if there is wind then I need to be out there. MY brother is more easy going. He can sail 3 days and take threee days off. For me, I like to sail because that means I dont have to do something else that I probably dont like doing. So it is a good excuse to be out on the water. I think if you are training for something, the key is to train like you are going to do it in the competition. Back in the day of "The Team" we would get ou there and set bouys, we would have 4 of us going full on for starts, gybes, at the marks, we were all fire hungry to get out there and win. We would simulate the races. In, out, in out, full on. Same for waves, We would practice the wave heats. Set our watches for 10 minutes and get your mindset into being in a competition all the time.
The shot of the day was me driving past Hookipa looking out the window of my van.. Looks like fun eh?
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Fetched: August 7th, 2007, 5:21pm CEST by us3kp
Thanks for all your guys support and cool comments! It is great to read what you guys think and how I can improve on making things interesting for all the reader. I will try and mix it up a bit, put in some tech, stuff but more and more just keep it real. I will keep trying to keep it unbiased and unsensored as possible.
So anyhow, about my day.. I went down to Kanaha with my friend Rueben and took some shots of him out sailing. Some of them turned out pretty good. It was fun because he had to catch a plane at 1:30 so we were trying to get down there early for an early session... turns out the stuff he had to do in the morning took longer than we thought but we were still determined to get the session in and make the plane. So that is what we did.. I didn't manage to get him to the airport until 12:45 but turns out that was pleanty of time. Good times.
After that I went back to Kanaha for a nice sail at Camp One with some small waves. It was the biggest waves since I have been here and for August they were pretty good size. After a 1 hour training session I went in and had to do a lesson. The lessons have been going pretty good and I think my client has learned alot over the past week.
Now it is off to bed.
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Fetched: August 6th, 2007, 6:52pm CEST by us3kp
So I need some new inspiration on what to talk about here. What are you guys most interested in hearing about? More tech stuff? People seemed to like the harness line thing? Do want to hear about gear? Or just my same old boring stories about my day?? Thanks for reading the blog and hope you are enjoying following my adventures!
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Fetched: August 4th, 2007, 9:55am CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: August 2nd, 2007, 11:36pm CEST by us3kp
Had a great day! Got to enjoy the sunset and relax after a nice day of freeride sailing. Ahh now this is the life!
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Fetched: August 1st, 2007, 5:14pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: July 30th, 2007, 6:57pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: July 30th, 2007, 5:10pm CEST by us3kp
Today just took another day off. It was Sunday and all so just enjoyed it all. I did some photos, none turned out too good but I tried. Tomorrow I have a wedding shoot so that will be fun. Hopefully it goes well. I will share some of the results when I prossess them.
Still working on the jet lag. I had a 4 am get up today, which is kinda fun because you get all your work done and out of the way. But by the time 8pm comes around you are more than ready to hit the bed. Speaking of bed.. I am off to it!
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Fetched: July 30th, 2007, 5:10pm CEST by us3kp
Not my best video ever but thought I would post it up for you guys to check out. I should have got more into takeing some better clips but was tired from the traveling.
If anyone ever wants to learn how to slalom race, this is the series for you. It is fun, fast, lots of racing and some of the best slalom conditions you will ever get.
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Fetched: July 30th, 2007, 5:10pm CEST by us3kp
Ahh.. it sure is nice to be back. Today got all my stuff organized and yep.. you guessed it.. down to the beach.. Only thing is just went to watch. Today was the Hawaii State Championships and my brother and Phil went down to battle it out for the title. It was fun to watch them match race it out but in the end it was Matt that took the win. Phil gave a good fight but Matt took the victory. Tomorrrow is Matt's Bday so you kinda figure that Phil let him have it.. I dont really think so.. but anyhow. Well I am struggling with my jet lag so might be up early.. We will see!
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Fetched: July 27th, 2007, 1:21pm CEST by us3kp
Just in London now! Ready to get on the plane and have a nice long trip to LA! Oh what fun!!
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Fetched: July 26th, 2007, 6:30pm CEST by us3kp
Had a nice awards ceremony, nothing too special but was nice to have a bit of a party and relax a little bit after a hard months work. I was pretty satisfied with my performace! Now it is on the road to home. Traveling and traveling. Today went from Fuerteventura to Madrid to Frankfurt, overnighting there until we go to London, then Los Angeles and then Maui.. I cant wait!
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Fetched: July 26th, 2007, 6:37am CEST by us3kp
End of the summer events for me. I am off to Maui for 2 weeks!! I cant wait. Finished second today. Was pretty stoked. Came down to the last race of the last day and pulled it out. Was super stoked to get both Micah and Bjorn on the pressure cooker day!! Stoked.
Off to the awards!!
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Fetched: July 26th, 2007, 6:37am CEST by us3kp
This is the last day. Pressure is on. Need to go for it. I want to get good starts and have some good speed. The time is now!!
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Fetched: July 26th, 2007, 6:37am CEST by us3kp
Today I went out in the first round. No crashes, no nothing, just a bad start with bad wind and went out the back door. Really frustrating. The next two were much better for me as I came in third and fourth. So that was a good recovery. It got windy in the afternoon which maes it much easier for me. Antoine is pulling away with this one and we have two more days left. I need to keep it together!
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Fetched: July 23rd, 2007, 7:05am CEST by us3kp
Today was a hard one. Started out pretty light wind and then started to blast. I had a pretty bad day but then finished it up with a first. So I guess that made it feel a little better. We had one race in the final were everyone was over except three people. That really made me mad to get sucked over the line early.. Especially when Bjorn and Antoine had not made it to the final. That was my time to capitalize but I blew it. The next round I didnt make it to the final and the last one I won.. The results are all over the show. Bjorn had two first round get out's and a first. Antoine had a crash and last in one final and a looser's final win. So it is still anyone's game!
Long day with 4 rounds.. Off the the feeding trough!
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Fetched: July 23rd, 2007, 7:05am CEST by us3kp
Today was a good day for me. I started off with a First place. What a way to start it off. I was stoked but I had a good start and it was pretty easy. In the second one, that was a bit more work!! I started ok, then the entire pack speeded over the top of me and I came to the gybe in nearly last place. I had to get on the gas.. the wind picked up and I was on my 6.3 and my small board and it was as choppy as it gets. People were going down left right and center and I was just picking them off one by one.. By the last mark I was in 4th and I knew that I needed to make a killer gybe.. And that I did right inside of Peter Volwater and Bjorn Dunkerbeck!! I flipped the sail and bang I went right into second!! I couldnt believe it!! From last to 2nd!! Whoohoo.. I am sure they wont all be like that. I need to bet more on it!!
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Fetched: July 21st, 2007, 3:45am CEST by us3kp
Today was registration day.. This means signing up, checking in your 4 sails and 2 boards, getting all your stuff ready to go.. I signed up my 7.6 6.6 6.3 and 5.8... Hope it is windy. Everything else is good..
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Fetched: July 19th, 2007, 9:13pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: July 18th, 2007, 9:47pm CEST by us3kp
Good day for me.. I am super stoked...Today I had a second and finally had a 1st in the last round of the day. It was a nail biter... it all came down to today. I was in fourth going into the last day with Bjorn, Matt and Antoine all fighting for position. In the first round of the day, I nearly lost it when I crashed at the first gybe in the semi final. I got up and I was in Last and knew that I had to put it down. I started flying through the gybes with reckless abandon picking off people left and right. I managed to pass two guys right at the last mark to squeak my way into the final. In the final of the first round I really wanted to win it.. I had a weak start and still was pushing hard in the gybes. At the second mark I went hard and inside squeezing in to a small gap and making Antoine crash. Ooops, but it put me into third and then at the last mark I sneeked inside of Matt to claim second. I knew all I had to do was just keep in front of Matt and I would be good. Bjorn tanked the race and I knew with that finish I had secured 3rd place and 2nd place was right within my reach.
There was a slim chance to go into first but Antoine would really have to make a mistake finishing 9th or worse. Matt was still in 2nd and I knew that I had to make my move. I wanted a victory. Equiped with my 5,1 TR-3 and my Starboard Isonic 87 I blasted down the first leg just shouting at myself.. "go kev.. go! You cand do it.. Hold it on!!" and that is exactly what I did.. I rounded in first and I claimed my first race win of the event. I was stoked. Antione finished in 2nd and Matt in third making me move into 2nd for the event. I was pretty stoked. I sailed a great event. Made it to every final, ended up througing out a 5th place... Pretty consistant, just need to be in first everytime consistant. We have one day off and then to Fuerte for some more racing. Big congrats to Antoine and Matt for a great race. With 14 rounds of racing, consistantcy is the name of the game!!
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Fetched: July 18th, 2007, 9:47pm CEST by us3kp
Let me know what you think.
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Fetched: July 18th, 2007, 9:47pm CEST by us3kp
Well it is coming down to the last few races. I really want to win both of the final rounds. Tomorrow they are wanting to do 2 more races. SO the pressure is on.. I really want to make it happen. Bjorn sneaked up in front of me today and put me in fourth. I have sailed a pretty solid event so far, I just need to turn it up a bit on the last day.
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Fetched: July 18th, 2007, 9:47pm CEST by us3kp
If you have ever wanted to learn to wave sail.. this might just be the best thing you possibly sign up for.
Here is what is going on...
Opportunity knocks on your door every so often -
Are you stuck in a rut with your sailing?
Ready to turn it up a notch?
Thinking about riding your first wave?
How about getting some airtime?
Punta San Carlos is one of the best windsurfing spots on the planet. Known for its consistent winds and mellow waves, Punta San Carlos is calling your name - and so am I.
I will be hosting the SoloSports wave camp from September 1-8 2007 and will be conducting daily windsurfing instruction. The camp is geared up for action - surfing in the morning, sailing all afternoon and mountain biking the groomed trails in the early evening. Watching the sun set as your catered meals are being specially prepared make it the perfect ending to a fun-packed day.
Punta San Carlos is unquestionably the best place to learn or perfect your wavesailing! I have a structured daily agenda guaranteed to take you to your next level. I will also be showcasing the Tabou boards for you to try www.tabou-boards.com at the camp so get signed up today for the most insane week of your summer!!!!!!!!!!
One on one sessions, group training, land talks, technique evaluation with video as well as still photography make this a fun and educational experience! I've also invited fellow pro sailor Kevin MacGillivary of Santa Barbara to assist me in your instruction. Kevin is also very at home at all the Punta San Carlos breaks.
“Whatever your level of sailing, We can make it better!” But it starts with you. We hope to see you there but don't wait too long as space is limited!
Matt Pritchard
.... How many other sports do you get to learn how to do it by a 3x World Champ.
Check it out here!
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Fetched: July 17th, 2007, 5:22am CEST by us3kp
Well another day at the office. I had two good races and then fell apart in the 3rd elimination of the day. Went into the first mark and BANG.. it happened like a car accident.. it was loud and hard crash, I didnt even know what hit me. All the sudden out of no where I was flying head over heals in the air around the gybe mark. I was amazed that no one was hurt. Peter Bjiel came flying through the gybe and I didnt even see him before the crash. So I was out after that one but then started catching up.. and fell again. Not the best race for me. To top it off Matt won the race making him slide back into second. Two more days left. Need to put the pedal to the medal.
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Fetched: July 16th, 2007, 7:28am CEST by us3kp
It has been racing.. We have finally got in a couple rounds... And me I am doing good.. not great.. not bad.. just good. Consistantly good. I hope to start moving up into consistantly 1st but it is just a dog fight out there. The big boys just love the run.. and the small guys love the gusty light gybes. I am just right in the middle. I dont usually come to a dead stop in the gybes but I dont usually get that top end speed down the first leg. I am still on my 34 and my 5.9. I love my fin but I think it is a bit big. Anyhow, Matt and Ross both had a good day.. I am consitant.. it looks like it is going to come down to the end!!
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Fetched: July 14th, 2007, 4:41pm CEST by us3kp
Today was a nice and easy day. We had one race today and I finished third. Other than not too much else to report. Tomorrow the forcast looks so so and then back to real Pozo conditions. Only 5 more days so I am sure we will get some good racing in.
One thing that is nice is that they are keeping the races really high quality. It will be interesting to see if they keep that standard throughout the week.
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Fetched: July 13th, 2007, 10:53am CEST by us3kp
Today was the first day of racing and we had conditions all over the place. In my first heat I was on 5.1 and just as we got the heat under way the wind died. We made it around the course and I even finished in second and everone else finished but after some moaning on the beach they called it off and we went back out with 6.6 and finished the heat off. By the time they got to the final I was back on the 5.9 fully wound up. It was windy. I had some great speed out there. I was running my 5.9 TR 3 with the Isonic 87 and my secret weapon 34 Debiochet fin. I definately had some speed just need to get a better start..The story of my life. In the first final I had a good start just got a little bit worse start than Antoine and Bjorn and they beat me to the first mark. IN the second final I got a TERRIBLE start, no excuses I was just 3 seconds late.. pissed me off... but with traffic and crashes I managed to squeak my way into 4th. Good finish for the first two races. We went in for lunch and when we came back out the wind had gone. Yep gone for the day.. So it was a nice early day.. Pozo is actually really nice when the wind backs off a bit!
Anyhow here is a short clip of the wave sailing. I have some more clips but these are the highlights of it.. and the guy on the green sail that is ripping up so hard... that is Victor Fernandez.. He rips. The guy is amazing!!! A big congrats to him for his second straight victory this year and Pozo two years in a row. That is pretty big!!
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Fetched: July 11th, 2007, 9:17pm CEST by us3kp
Well after a out first round loss in Portugal and an out first round here in GC.. I was starting to doubt myself. Anyhow I managed to win 4 heats before getting knocked out to Nik Baker. Not the best comeback ever but better than nothing. I was happy to get through one heat and that started to get the confidence rolling a bit. I had a close heat with Nik in a 2/1 decision and just lacked a little bit in the wave riding department. Nik is always a great competitor and a tough one to beat. That is all for today. Had an early day so maybe I will work on the video a bit!
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Fetched: July 11th, 2007, 1:09pm CEST by us3kp
picts by JC/PWA
Had a tough day at the office today. Not only did I have a really tough heat with local by Dario Ojeda, I went out there and my mast broke after a huge back loop. To top it off, my brother of all people was suposed to organize me a caddy..I know trust no one but yourself but I was just on my way to ask someone and he said I will organize someone... he was in contest mode himself so I guess the thought left his mind.. and I was out there for a couple minutes just letting the heat go by.. Pretty dissapointed in the old bro.. but it is just a contest right.. just one that your livelyhood depends on.. Anyhow.. SO I didnt advance and now I have a long long road to the winners circle. Sailed one more heat in the loosers round and made it through that, so that was a positive note.
Now to the winners. I can't wait to show you guys the video.. I am not going to work on it tonight but... WOW!! Those guys are ripping. I got some of the sickest video ever. Victor Fernandez and Kauli Saudi were head and tails above everyone else.. Leaving most of the beach speachless after the final. I was sitting there myself and going like.. WOW>> these guys are ripping.
Ok I am off to bed.. hopefully have a super long day with a lot of heats tomorrow.
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Fetched: July 10th, 2007, 7:55pm CEST by us3kp
Today is registration day and it is suuuuupppperrrrr windy.. 48 KNOTS tegistered at the airport today and it is usually even windier here in Pozo.. We are getting ready, rigging and getting everything ready for the week. Looks like we will be going straight into the waves.
Off to get organized.
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Fetched: July 8th, 2007, 12:09am CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: July 8th, 2007, 12:09am CEST by us3kp
What a day for me.. Finally a good one.. I am super stoked with winning 2 out of the three races we did today. I had good starts and good speed all day today. Went out with my 8.4 TR 3 and my Starboard 122 Isonic and a new Debiochet fin that was rocketing. It was a 42cm fin and was feeling really nice. It almost felt like I didnt have a fin on the board the way it just went forward without too much lift. I was loving it! Good starts and good speed. Just need another day like that tomorrow and I will be really stoked! One more day left here. Wish me luck!
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Fetched: July 5th, 2007, 11:27pm CEST by us3kp
Well when you get a day off in the Canary's you enjoy it. Today was set for Freestyle so I went back to the hotel and took a nice day of rest! Felt pretty good although I am hungry to get back on the race course and make up some well needed points. I put together some more clips for you guys and hope that you enjoy!
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Fetched: July 5th, 2007, 11:27pm CEST by us3kp
Picts by John "shooter" Carter
Man, I always feel like I am having bad days lately. Today was another tough day for me. In the first round, I was fighting to get into the final and just didnt have a good enough start. I managed to make up quite a bit of places but I just couldn't do it. I was pretty bummed out so I went back to the drawing board. I knew it was my starts so I just had to start really pushing it more. Everytime I thought that someone was overearly they weren't so I started to push the line more and more. The first race of the second round was a sucess with a good start and a win in the first heat. The next heat I got sucked over the line early and put me into the loosers final once again. Man I was bummed.
The next round started at 6:30 in the evening and went until 7:30 and that made for a hungry stomach. I went and was straight back in it.. Needed a good start. In the semi final I had a terrible start!! I mean terrible.. there was no wind in my sail, it felt like I was sailing under a helicoptor the wind was so bad.. It seemed as I was in last place and then the wind hit everyone that was in front of me right at the gybe. I come in dead last and come out in 4th, as we charge to the outstide the wind keeps getting stronger and stronger as we hunker down, I manage to pass Bjorn on the way out and went into 2nd! I was stoked! I just put in a new Debiochet 34cm fin and it was feeling great on the way out. All I needed was a good start and maybe just maybe I could get some sort of good result. SO for the Final there was no more messing around. I finally stepped up to the plate and went for a good start. I went for it but the only problem was so did Bjorn and he had a great start. He went flying over the top of me but still I was in good position and managed to get to the mark in third behind him and Albeau. I was stoked. Finally an OK finish to finish in third. I am still sitting in sixth but hopefully can pull something together!!
I am still fighting for it and hope to move up a couple of positions!
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Fetched: July 3rd, 2007, 9:33pm CEST by us3kp
Well it started off about the same as yesterday! With chaos and bouys floating away.. Didnt get started until around 1 and then busted through 4 rounds of pretty hard racing. Antoine Albeau was the man today by only registering 7.8 as his smallest sail and it was a solid open ocean 25 knots. Pretty impressive that he can hold down a sail that big. I was on my 6.6 and was pretty dang powered up that is for sure. I had some bad starts and just couldnt get it together going fast enough. I dont know what it is but I was really trying hard. Taty Frans was on Maui Sails and was going really fast. He went over the top of me like I was standing still. Oh well. I just need to get it together, get better starts, and get more aggressive. I will be back tomorrow!
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Fetched: July 3rd, 2007, 9:33pm CEST by us3kp
Day 2 and still no racing. Was a great for it but they could not get the boats anchored and all sorts of other stuff. It was going to be one of those classic surf slalom days but it just didnt materialize. Too bad. We havent had surf slalom for years and this would have been one of those days.. Hopefully tomorrow. In the end they had a good day for Freestyle and that was pretty cool to watch. There are some pretty good kids out there doing tricks that I could only dream of doing! Anyhow that is all for now!!
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Fetched: July 3rd, 2007, 9:33pm CEST by us3kp
Well since I have been lacking in the photo department I figured I would put up a training video for you guys to check out. Not my best production but.. Good for a watch anyhow!!
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Fetched: June 30th, 2007, 8:26pm CEST by us3kp
Today was the first day of Lanzarote and was used for registration. Everyone had to make the decision for what to register today for the event. It was a bit of a lottery on what to register as it can be any conditions here. I registered my big stuff with 9.2, 8.4, 7.6 and 6.6 with a 122 and 101. I hope it is not too big but we will see.. Hopefully it will be the right thing to do!
Tomorow is the big day. When the flag drops the .... stops!
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Fetched: June 29th, 2007, 6:32am CEST by us3kp
We are on the move. Off to Lanzarote for some slalom racing. I am happy to get started back into the swing of things and get onto what we came here to do. From this day on it is pretty much back to back racing and wave events so that is great. Lets hope for the best.
Gran Canaria has been pretty good with lots of wind. The waves are supposed to pick up tomorrow so maybe we will get some action in Lanzarote with a nice little swell.
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Fetched: June 27th, 2007, 11:01am CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: June 26th, 2007, 9:44am CEST by us3kp
Well we had another good day at Pozo. Some waves still left over and some good wind too. Today sailed on 4.5 and was fun. The waves were alot smaller but still fun and good to get around and get the sore body out and about. These past 4 days of training are taking a toll that is for sure! Oh well..you play hard you pay hard!
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Fetched: June 26th, 2007, 9:44am CEST by us3kp
Today had some of the best waves I have ever seen in Pozo!! It was some logo high sets with some closeout waves. I even got worked a couple of times and that is pretty rare for Pozo! Sailed on 4.2 Legend and that sail felt really nice. The new Maui Sails are really working great. It is always nice to have a 4.2 sail that is working great. Feels like a big sail but small. It breaths it opens up it isn't super twitchy.. all the things necessary for a good time in windy conditions!
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Fetched: June 26th, 2007, 9:44am CEST by us3kp
Yesterday was super fun with some wind and waves. Was one of the most fun days I have had sailing Pozo for a couple years I think. The waves were up, it was nearly sideshore.. I am on my way to get a couple more waves before they dissapear!!
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Fetched: June 23rd, 2007, 1:45am CEST by us3kp
Today was the first day out on the water in Gran Canaria. Pretty windy and sailed on 4.5. Looks like it is setting up for a turbo nuclear day tomorrow.. We will see. I will try and get some shots for you tomorrow. Been getting everything ready and organized and trying to get on the water as well.
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Fetched: June 21st, 2007, 7:40pm CEST by us3kp
Well we made it to GC and all is good. Check out our great great appartment here in Gran Canaria. We found it through Hollywind which is a great place to go and find out some great european vacations. Check out http://www.hollywind.com/if you are interested in going to the Canary Islands. The wind is kicking in and we are getting organized to get some good sailing in! I had to put up two shots because one has the moon in it. This is our view from our veranda!
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Fetched: June 21st, 2007, 7:40pm CEST by us3kp
Had a nice day in Barcelona filled with walking walking and walking. On the plane to Gran Canaria with a nice hour delay sitting on the runway! All good though. Made it here safe and have some great accomadations and ready for a week of wind and training. Forcast looks great so we will be on our way!
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Fetched: June 18th, 2007, 9:23am CEST by us3kp
Whoo.... well that was a pretty good day for me. I managed to make up from 26th place to 6th place along with winning a round. I was pretty stoked to come back after a terrible start to go ahead and win a round. It was super hard conditions. Gusty shifty winds, making it hard to pick the right sail. In the end I was on my 7.6 Tr 3 with my Starboard 101 with Deb SL 2 38cm fin. I think that I could have switched down a size in the fins but in the heat of the battle I thought that the 38 with the 7.6 was the best call. I am stoked to make a strong comeback. I hope to continue on it for the next race in Lazarote on the 29th. We are off to Barcelona to try and take some photos of Barcelona so it will be interesting to see what we can come up with. Then off to Gran Canaria for a week of training and then to Lanzarote.
Photos by Carter/PWA
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Fetched: June 17th, 2007, 2:56pm CEST by us3kp
Well it is cloudy and a little bit of rain here in the Bay of Roses. The outlook is well.. there is none. But there is a glimmer of hope left for the last day tomorrow. We will have to wait and see!
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Fetched: June 15th, 2007, 3:58pm CEST by us3kp
By the way I am still looking for for some last minute bookings for summertime bookings in Maui. If you know anyone that is going to Maui and needs a place to stay send them my way. Check it out at www.islandstylevacations.com!
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Fetched: June 15th, 2007, 3:58pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: June 15th, 2007, 3:58pm CEST by us3kp
Well I was ready to come out swinging but not enough wind. We did one race down to the last mark when they abandanded the race but other than that it was a long day.. You might say.. oh how could it be a long day hanging out on the beach?? Well, We were on 15 minute announcements waiting for wind. The wind was up, the wind was down. We went out for a race, we came back in. You have to be up on your game all day long. When we finally did a race it was 6:45 in the evening. To be in tip top shape at a professional level ready to go for 8 hours.. maybe.. isnt all that easy.. but that is windsurfing.. waiting and being ready to blow. We will see what tomorrow brings. I need some wind!
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Fetched: June 13th, 2007, 7:20pm CEST by us3kp
Well, that wasnt exactly how I wanted to start off Costa Brava... I dont know what is going on here.. Last year I won Guincho and Costa Brava, this year, out first round in Guincho and out first round in Costa Brava. Lucky for me I think that we will have some more racing here tomorrow but you never know. I got unlucky with a broken mast in the first round and was out.. This is always a mystery when you travel with the carbon masts these days. One wrong hit to your mast bag and it can send you swimming in... Oh well. I am going to get out of this bad luck streak and come out swinging tomorrow.. Hoepfully we get some wind!!
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Fetched: June 12th, 2007, 2:51pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: June 12th, 2007, 2:51pm CEST by us3kp
Arrived in Costa Brava last night and woke up to some nice thermal winds kicking in by the afternoon. Looks like we will have some nice slalom racing conditions with lots of competitors. Looks like a healthy list of old and new names ready to do battle on the race course.
We are staying in a tiny bungalow but at the moment we have an nice internet connection which makes it ok. Will try and keep you updated as best as possible.
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Fetched: June 10th, 2007, 3:57pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: June 10th, 2007, 6:09am CEST by us3kp
Well no wind for a double elimination and so the results will stand like this. I am very dissapointed and hope to pull it together for the next event. I am off to Costa Brava tomorrow for some slalom racing so hopefully I will get everything back in order.
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Fetched: June 8th, 2007, 12:12am CEST by us3kp
Well I am trying to make some excitement on my blog for you guys but cant seem to find the right words. We are sitting here on Guincho beach with nice waves and no wind. Thougths go through my head... why didnt you do this or that in your heat. You know you can do better...why.. why.. why... you cant go back and change anything and I know I shouldn't think about it too much.. but I will be doing fine.. just going around.. and then a burst of pain goes through my body of like.. dang it... why... oh well. I just wish we could get on with it and start focusing on something else..
Anyhow.. Guincho is an amazing place. The city of Caiscais is amazing. The weather here is so beautiful with near perfect temperatures. Here is a shot of the city..
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Fetched: June 8th, 2007, 12:12am CEST by us3kp
No wind all day today. Not even a tease.. nothing.. No glimpse of hope which made for a great day of catching up on emails and realaxing. Forcast is not looking great either but we will have to wait and see.
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Fetched: June 8th, 2007, 12:12am CEST by us3kp
Long day here of waiting. They managed to get the end of the single eliminatin done with Victor Fernandez winning. He sailed really good and is ripping really hard. Kauli Saudi was second with another stunning performance. These kids are really ripping and it looks great for our sport to see some new life and some new moves going on the water.
As for me it was a long day watching. Sitting at the beach from 12 until 8pm at night waitng for wind. I am now in the first heat so it is necessary to be there waiting and ready. Today went out on 6.2 and blasted around. Sail felt nice and had some fun slashes.
The winds here in Guincho remind me alot of a place called Jalama. Jalama means changing winds and this place is one of those places. Ok all for now! Wish me luck and for some wind as well. Forcast looks marginal to say the least. All we can do is hope!!
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Fetched: June 5th, 2007, 10:50pm CEST by us3kp
Well my first day in Portugal didnt really go as planned. I went out and sailed the best I could but I guess I didn't get big enough waves to make it through. I felt like I ripped up the waves that I did have but it wasnt enough to get me through the heat. Heartbreaking loss. You try and get ready for everything, training, testing, focusing, and then you go out and loose and it just all comes crashing down. You want to swear and curse and jump up and down in disgust with your performance but in the end you have to just suck it up and take it like a man. At least I think that is what you are supposed to do.
Anyhow sorry for the lack of postings, just had no internet connection for a while and trying to get caught back up on it all.
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Fetched: June 3rd, 2007, 11:30pm CEST by us3kp
Man this traveling stuff takes it out of you. I have to say that I did take the long route as my brother started at the same time as I did and and got there at 6am while I am getting there at 9pm. I did get to go and visit my grandparents in California and that was good to see them. I managed to rent a car for 15 bucks for the day which is so cheap it is incredible. Brand new PT cruiser, not really my style but good enough and for 15 bucks who can beat that. I managed to get a nap at my graps house before hitting the road which was nice, then drove back to LAX and took a 12 hour flight to London where I had 6 hours to wait there. Lucky for me there was a nice couch in the admirals club and bang I was out cold. I kept jumping up looking at the time and wondering if I had slept past my flight but I hadnt so all was good. Got some good shut and thank goodness for those frequent flier clubs. One more flight to go to Lisbon!
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Fetched: June 1st, 2007, 1:31am CEST by us3kp
Woke up this morning and made the dreaded phone call to the US Passport services... was it sent out yesterday?? NOPE... Can they send it out today??? Nope... "you need to change your travel plans SIR" the lady told me... Gulp... as I quickly check the Guincho forcast.. looks like it could be windy.. I need to be there, it looks like it could start on the first day... I get transfered over to the appointments section of the automated services, book a plane ticket and jump in the car on down to the airport. Over to Oahu and get a cab, get to the Passport office, and the lady there was really helpful, I told her my story and she said no problem, just come back in two hours.. So I do and there it is the brand new passport in my hot little hands. Now why couldn't they have done that hour long task three weeks ago when I sent it in. Would have saved me alot of money that I needlessly had to spend.. Oh well. so the day goes on and I am nearly ready to go tomorrow to Portugal. I got my passport and I am ready. Maybe this whole passport drama is good luck. Last year it happened to me and this year for Korea I almost didnt go so maybe I am in for another good summer. Lets hope so.
Well instead of getting too uptight about all this travel, I decided to take my camera and document the trip.. I didnt do a very good job but here are some shots of my day.
Oh yah, I got back and Hookipa was going off. Went home grabbed my stuff, and went for a super fun sail on 5.0 Maui Sails Legend and my Starboard. Was pretty good end to a stressfull day.
Off to bed.
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Fetched: May 30th, 2007, 3:15am CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: May 28th, 2007, 8:45pm CEST by us3kp
Well today wasn't the best of days for me but in reality it wasnt too bad. I made some ok shots with Robby Swift and Danielle the Sunrise Shell but my waterproof trigger wasnt too waterproof and after three days of abuse it finally went out on me. We tried to fix it but after a while it just started clicking away again so if you know of any super waterproof switches feel free to let me know. I am also trying to sell these shots, so if any of you mag editors are out there and reading this, EDDY, or others and like the shots send me an email and I can send you off the hi res shots!
After that I came home to a email saying that a board I shipped out got damaged in shipping. Thats never good news. I sent it over with Matt's wife and I guess the airlines just took a good chunk out of it. So that is some money lost that is for sure. Anyhow onwards and upwards. I finished off the day by rigging and putting all my numbers and sponsors stickers on my sails. That is always a positive note that at least you have stickers to put on your sails meaning that you are still sponsored.
My last little worry is about my passport. Passport you say.. well to all those whoever read about me and my passport woes, here comes another one.. my passport was only good for a year and so the last three months I knew that I needed to renew it but I kept traveling where I needed it. I went to Cabo Verde and was home for two weeks, then to Barcelona, and home for three weeks before leaving for Korea and now back for two weeks and it is time to go again. So it is not like I have been neglecting getting my new passport there just really hasn't been a good time for it to send it away. So anyhow I am leaving on Wednesday, still no passport, Monday is a holiday... and so the passport stess continues...Wish me luck..
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Fetched: May 28th, 2007, 8:45pm CEST by us3kp
So today Lindsay was off at a tennis tournament, that she won her match in, so I had to look for some new subjects. Who better than my big brother and his wife. I am sure it is just what she wanted to be doing with her Saterday morning but oh well that is what she got!! Definately some fun shots came out of this one!! Have a look and post some comments. These shots are pretty fun!
I also did a leech cam set up. It was new and different but still not as good as the basic mast mount. What do you guys think? Better, Worse? or just different?
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Fetched: May 28th, 2007, 8:45pm CEST by us3kp
So I managed to talk Lindsay into getting out there to add to the action. I figured you guys would like it alot more if you saw her out on the windsurf board than me so I put her to work... I think the shots came out really fun.. Hope you enjoy!!
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Fetched: May 25th, 2007, 2:47pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: May 24th, 2007, 8:26pm CEST by us3kp
Well I got some new wave boards all done and ready to try! That should be exciting and I am hopeing to get on them this weekend. Looks like there is going to be a late north swell so we will see what we come up with. Also all of the 2008 prototype Maui Sails are in and they are looking pretty sweet. Cant wait to try them out.
Just made it on to two new covers, one in the US, not really my idea of a great cover, but still making some ink, and one in Italy with a great shot from Cabo Verde.
Went on a photo walk with Lindsay in the late evening and could only come up with a couple shots. Hope you enjoy.
kp
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Fetched: May 22nd, 2007, 9:33pm CEST by us3kp
Well I have been into cleaning up and getting things done this week. It has been relatively no wind lately so it is a good time to get things cleaned up. Check out some of my other bargains
here. I hope to get some good money for some of these things. The harness is in great condition the Starboard footstraps are a great deal as well. Nice and light perfect for taking a load off of your heavy old board.. Check it out!
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Fetched: May 20th, 2007, 8:09pm CEST by us3kp
Had a good night last night and took a shot.. A bit hot on the flash I know but not too bad of sunset straight off the deck.. Wind has shut off here for a day or two and it is nice to relax a bit! Getting ready to let er rip this summer.
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Fetched: May 19th, 2007, 11:43am CEST by us3kp
This board is a bargain. Super fast and built to last. Sailed 5 times and paid $1400 bucks for it. Will sell for $900 shipped
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Fetched: May 19th, 2007, 11:43am CEST by us3kp
You better hurry on this one. Rumor has it they are not making the Stype next year. Get this one while you can!! Will sell for $900 including shipping. Make sure you catch this one before it goes!javascript:void(0)
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Fetched: May 19th, 2007, 11:43am CEST by us3kp
Formula Board 158 Never been Sailed Will sell with board bag for $500 Bucks.
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Fetched: May 19th, 2007, 11:43am CEST by us3kp
Ok Your guys got me and I want to get rid of these boards sitting under my house. Make me an offer, there great boards and they all rip really hard. Send me an email and pick up one of these great boards. Shipping costs me $150 bucks but I will only add on $100 for the shipping!
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Fetched: May 18th, 2007, 12:22pm CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: May 17th, 2007, 12:51pm CEST by us3kp
Man it is great here.. I just love it. Been too busy just getting caught up on things that i havent been on the computer too much. I managed to put together an amazing new desk that I am super stoked on. Other than that I have just been living Aloha. Been to Kanaha and today I actually did a wedding photography job which I really enjoy doing. It is really fun for me because it gets the creative jucies flowing and it is alot different than shooting windsurfing. The people actually want to get their photo taken rather than it being there job, so it makes it kinda fun. Today I wasn't the most creative of my wedding stuff but I think I got a couple shots. We will see.
Anyhow, if any of you guys out there are looking to come and stay on Maui for a couple of months this summer, I have a great little apartment that I am looking to rent out. It is the downstairs unit under my house and I will be gone for a couple of months so I need someone to enjoy my paradise for me. Send me an email if you are interested. Here is a recent shot of the house from the other day. I was practicing up on my Real Estate Photography.. Maybe there are some realitors out there that need my services.
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Fetched: May 14th, 2007, 9:14pm CEST by us3kp
Made it back to Maui and ahhh!! Maui is so sweet. I woke up to the most amazing beautiful day! Wow.. Nice to be back and thanks for all the kind comments and support!
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Fetched: May 12th, 2007, 11:10pm CEST by us3kp
Yes!!! Super stoked.. I finally won a racing event.. I am super stoked. Last year started Guincho off wiht a wave victory and this year starting off the slalom with a victory!! I am super happy. It is a great feeling to win a major event like this and to have it be the first of the year is maybe even better. My sails boards and fins are working really good and this helps out alot in making it all possible. Special thanks to all my sponsors for making it happen.
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Fetched: May 11th, 2007, 9:49pm CEST by us3kp
We have had two days of no wind. One day left to go. Forecast looks to be windy tomorrow so we will have to wait and see.
Yesterday we went to one of the biggest temple's in Korea. Then to top off our trip we went to the Outback Steakhouse which was a familiar taste that tasted good. Our Host's Mr. Hann was really cool and showed us a very nice time.
One more day. Wish me luck!
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Fetched: May 9th, 2007, 6:01pm CEST by us3kp
Well today I had a bad start in the final... Well it wasnt as bad as Antoines start which was an overearly in the semi final but it still was bad. Ended up chasing down some guys and making it into third position. So not all was lost. Still on my 8.4 Maui Sails Tr-3 and my Starboard 122 with my Deb SL 2 42. Micah sailed a good race and won todays round.
We went in for lunch and came back out to find the wind totally 180 degrees blowing from the other direction. This place is kinda hard to predict the weather. Today it looked like it was going to be really windy in the morning and then in the end we didnt get to race too much. It looked so promising that I even rigged up my 6.6 but as it turns out it was one of the more quiet days of the event.
So who knows what tomorrow will bring.. We will wait and see!!
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Fetched: May 8th, 2007, 4:19pm CEST by us3kp
Well Today was a great day for me. I am super stoked with my results and I cant tell you how good it feels to win a couple races.
In the first final of the day it felt like I had weed on my fin. I am not sure but if I didnt, Antoine had some killer speed on me and took the win. In the next round I had a good start, got to the first mark in first and then connected the dots.
In the third round, I almost didnt make it to the finals with a bad start and just some great gybing and a bit of luck to get into the final transfer spot in 4th place. Just to make it in the final I was stoked and then I put the pedal down and had a clean start and from then on I was down the road. My Maui Sails 8.4 TR 3 was working great combined with my Starboard 122 just got back on the fin and let it ride!! Very happy, a great day for me!
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Fetched: May 8th, 2007, 9:30am CEST by us3kp
Well yesterday was a bit of a woops.. I made it to the final and woops went over early.. I was super pissed off at first cause I knew that I was over but releaved to hear that the rest of the entire fleet went over as well except Peter Volwater. He was stoked, his first PWA slalom round victory and he didnt even have to gybe one mark. That is the easy way to get it that is for sure!!
We got another round started but it didnt finish. We got to the finals and then the wind let out.
I used my 8.4 with my 122 and sl2 42 in all of the races.
Wind doesnt look too good today, looks like maybe some chance for a thermal late in the day.
Time will tell.
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Fetched: May 8th, 2007, 4:15am CEST by us3kp
First round of the racing season and bang! Round one with a bullet. I was so happy to come out with a win in the first round, it almost felt like I won the event.. Well not really but was pretty happy. Every year the first race of the year is pretty fun to see how everyone did in the off season. My Maui Sails 9.2 Tr 3 and Starboard 122 with the Deboichet 42 Sl 2 felt pretty dang good out there. It was definately a good start that helped me win but still a win is a win. Hope to keep it up tomorrow!
Antoine seemed pretty fast as well as Micah who pulled out some magic in the semi final to come from last up into qualifing position. Arnon Degan was also in his element with his tall frame loving those light conditions and flat water.
The weather here in Korea is freezing. I was in my warmest suit today and still couldn't keep warm. Had my jacket on and was just a rainy cold day. At least we got one race in the bag and the forcast looks promising so maybe we are in for a good week.
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Fetched: May 6th, 2007, 6:00am CEST by us3kp
Yesterday the wind in Korea was cranking. Started out on 7.6 which by the way felt really really nice out there, soft and controlable, and then had to switch down to 6.6. Did some runs with all the boys and seemed to be going ok. The conditions were pretty hard because it was super super gusty and the wind was from all over the place along with some pretty tight chop to mix things up.
Today there is no wind yet but mabye later. Good time to get tuned up and ready to race tomorrow.
Hope the wind kicks in..
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Fetched: May 6th, 2007, 6:00am CEST by us3kp
Yesterday the wind in Korea was cranking. Started out on 7.6 which by the way felt really really nice out there, soft and controlable, and then had to switch down to 6.6. Did some runs with all the boys and seemed to be going ok. The conditions were pretty hard because it was super super gusty and the wind was from all over the place along with some pretty tight chop to mix things up.
Today there is no wind yet but mabye later. Good time to get tuned up and ready to race tomorrow.
Hope the wind kicks in..
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Fetched: May 4th, 2007, 2:36am CEST by us3kp
So I have made it to Korea and what could make me smile better than an internet connection in the room!!! Yeah.. that will make the time go by faster that is for sure. Super stoked.
Well, I have to tell you about my drama about getting here to Korea... So I get down the airport and get to the check in and go to bust out my passport.. and it was Lindsay's passport... So I dont stress out too much and go searching through my bag to not find it.. then went out to the car, still no luck. Then racing back home to search the entire house for it to still not find it.. I didnt really think about it too much because where I normally keep my passport there was one there, I just never looked to see who's it was. SO after searching the entire hosue and basically giving up on going to Korea, which I was kinda ok with due to the wind and waves I saw at Hookipa on the way down, Ross comes running out with the passport as he found it in between the scanner as the last time I used it I scanned the passport to make a copy of it.. Man talk about a stress.. SO with my plane leaving at 9:15, and me in Haiku at 8:45, I drove down and checked in, lucky Micah who was going to Korea as well had gone ahead and checked in my windsurf bags, and so all I had was my clothing bag to take care of.. Shewww.. So made it Korea.. Had to go to Honolulu, then 9 hours to Seoul, then 30 min bus ride to domestic terminal, then 1 hour flight to Ulsan, then one hour bus ride to our hotel. Not too bad of travel time really.
Ok Well time to get unpacked and ready to rock and roll.
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Fetched: May 2nd, 2007, 5:24pm CEST by us3kp
So today I did my first Helicopter shoot. What a dream.. To top it off.. who is it with... Robby Naish.. US 1111.. the man, the myth, the Legend. This guy never ceases to amaze me. The guy is so busy, just flat out with his business, his promotions, he just had a baby girl, and the guy is out there ripping on a windsurf board still to this day. Pretty cool. Anyhow had a great time up there just photoshooting away. What a great opportunity and I had so much fun. The shots came out pretty good. I am pretty stoked.
I am off to Korea tomorrow. Should be a good first race. Might not be a good inernet connection so I might not be updating so often.
KP
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Fetched: April 29th, 2007, 10:15pm CEST by us3kp
Today for me just seemed like a Sunday for me. Taty left to go back to Bonaire, and I didnt sail today. That must have been a pretty long run of sailing everyday.. it should have felt good to not be out there and to take a day off, but I just felt guilty for not being out there really. I ha to take some deep breaths and get it together and fight it out. In the end I cleaned up and organized some things as well as put stickers on my sails for Korea, so all in all it was kinda productive.
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Fetched: April 29th, 2007, 2:11am CEST by us3kp
Started off early with some sailing at Kanaha and filming Taty doing some amazing freestyle action. Then went out for some slalom sailing and was a bit underpowered. Then went up to Sprecks to do some sunset shots and had some great luck in my opinion! I love this shot wih the sun coming out his head.. hope you like it too.
KP
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Fetched: April 29th, 2007, 2:11am CEST by us3kp
When you have a bad day, the next you just got to get back on the horse! I had an amazing day. Super stoked. Sailed on 4.7 and was super fun! Wind was perfect and had a great day!!
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Fetched: April 26th, 2007, 4:03pm CEST by us3kp
Today was not my best of days..bad photo day for me.. Seemed like too much going on or something.. Maybe I just used up my good shots yesterday... anyhow.. was a learning expirience that is for sure. Just goes to show what years of expirience can do for you. If you want to see some amazingly good shots check out one of my favorite photographers
Jerome Houyvet site . I would love to post one of his photos on here but not sure if it would be allowed so I will just keep it with a link. If you get to his site check out his posters which are simply amazing. He is one of the hardest working photographers out there and I hope someday to do some photoshooting with him. Today I was super bummed cause he was the only photogs out in the water late in the evening with some golden lighting and I just couldn't set up in the right place for him. It is hard to get the right set up with a water photog and you have to time hitting the lip right in front of the photog at the right place at the right time.. pretty tricky really.
Anyhow my shot of the day goes out to Jazz. He is one of the local Gaastra Maui team riders and is one of the most helpful guys out there. He is always running around helping someone out and it is cool to see a guy with such a good helpful attitude. Inspiring to say the least.
Another day down.. wow.. where did that go..
KP
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Fetched: April 26th, 2007, 3:13am CEST by us3kp
Too tired to type but boy was it windy. Went to baby beach in the morning and was super nice for shooting. I think I got some of my best shots ever so I am pretty happy. We will see if they are getting close to JC.. I dont really think so but getting better I think.. We will see.
Anyhow went to Thousand Peaks, not really a sailing spot but was blowing some smoke and Darrell Wong came out to take some shots and hopefully they went quite well.
Off to bed!
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Fetched: April 24th, 2007, 11:24am CEST by us3kp
Today I got to sit up on the cliff and take some shots of my bro.. I really needed it, just to sit on the hill and relax and chill out watching my bro rip it up at Hookipa. I got a couple of shots, nothing to write home about but I figure the more you work on it the better you will become..
Then managed to get out for a sail and it was super fun. There was only about 10 guys out and the waves were logo to mast high, sailed on 5.0 and had a great time. It was nice to not be filming or photoshooting or worring about where to be, just a soul session that put me right back in my place..
Here is a self portrait having fun in the evening~ kp
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Fetched: April 23rd, 2007, 5:20pm CEST by us3kp
Go windsurfing of course. Today was too good of a day to pass up. The wind was up, the waves were up.. but I still managed to sneak out for a bit and take some shots of my friends. It is fun to see all the new stuff ripping up the waves out there. You are probably not supposed to see these picts for a while but thought you might enjoy a sneak peak at all the new gear..
I am pretty snapped on my photos lately. I have just been seeing all the pro's and there shots and John Carter's shots are amazing this year. The only bad thing is it really makes me want to get out there and take some good shots.. but I just cant get anywhere clost to his.. Dont know what it is.. must be the 20 years of practice. I guess he cant hit the lip as hard as I can.. Anyhow here is my attempt at some of the pro photogs...
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Fetched: April 23rd, 2007, 5:20pm CEST by us3kp
Wow... what day.. started out 10:30 photoshooting at Sprecks. Then over to Camp One to get rigged up for the movie shoot, then up to Hookipa for some sick waveriding helicopter shooting, and man that was fun, then derig and back to Camp One to finish up the movie shooting.. Done by 5.. but with the times all meshing together and the stress levels of trying to make everyone happy just took it out of me...
The first shot is one of my favorite shots of the day. This is a guy who is usually behind the lens and the master creator of Heart and Soul and some other Emmys. Robert Masters shoots some of the most amazing filming I ever seen. He is a man with creative vision and a passion for the sport of windsurfing. If you dont believe me check out
Stable Road .com and you will see some of Rob's Masterminded visions.
The second shot is a guy who is one of the more under the radar Hookipa rippers, Nat Gill. He doesnt get too much of the ink in the mags but the guy flat out rips. I really like the new Simmer Sails green that they are coming out with and there new sails look pretty good on the water.
Anyhow, had an amazing day, got everything that needed to get done, done, and ready for another amazing day tomorrow.
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Fetched: April 21st, 2007, 6:46pm CEST by us3kp
Another day at the office and boy was it windy.. Good training on the old slalom board. I am happy that I did the movie thing because it has forced me on my slalom board for 3 days all day long.
Wind was up again today. We were totally wound on 5.9's and had some good mark roundingw with Micah and Robby. I went out for a sail on Micah's gear today and was fun to try out what someone else thinks is the fastest thing out there on the water. The gear was definately different to mine. I liked the way his was set up and both the board and sail felt really nice. I definately liked my set up better around the turns and out of the gybes, and the thing I hated the most is the nonskid on his board had been worn away and was slippery, but that is fixable for sure! Just goes to show that everyone is working hard on their equipment and will be some good racing going on this season.
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Fetched: April 21st, 2007, 7:47am CEST by us3kp
Had another Movie day today and was a bit better. Micah and Robby Swift were out and it was pretty fun to go burning around the course with them. Lots of Helicopter time being used up today.. Millions are going into this movie. It will definately have a good impact on the sport.
The wind today was sooo WINDY!! It was crazy. Nearly one of the windiest days I have seen on Maui.. Sure seemed like it to me anyhow. On the slalom board all day so that was good training for the upcoming events.
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Fetched: April 19th, 2007, 6:02pm CEST by us3kp
Today was filled with making a movie for a old windsurfer friend. In Japan they are making a full feature movie on Natsuki and it is going to be pretty cool. It was a long day trying to get all the shots that the wanted to get but in the end we got most of it. It aint easy being a moviestar!!
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Fetched: April 19th, 2007, 6:02pm CEST by us3kp
Well I am packing and moving and moving is not too much fun. Well in saying that I do like to keep everything fresh and a move always seems to streamline some things. Clean it up and if you havent used it since the last time you moved then throw it away, give it to the good will or put it up on Ebay... SO get ready guys, cause ebay is a calling my name.. I am getting ready to throw some stuff up on the bay.. I just dont have the time to get it up there.. Anyhow it will come..
Today was a windy one.. Hookipa was blasting around. I went out on my wave stuff to do a heli shoot and they couldn't get low enough due to the winds blasting around the Helicopter.. So that was a big time waister that is for sure. Anyhow went out and caught some fun waves and hit a couple lips so that made it worthwile. Then went back out on Slalom stuff with Antoine Albeau and boy that guy is fast. He is a big man and when it gets windy he just puts the hammer down.
All for now. Got to keep the packing going.
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Fetched: April 17th, 2007, 11:33pm CEST by us3kp
I just got to give it up to Tatiana Howard and her friends for putting on a very cool downwinder from Hookipa to Kanaha just for girls and just for fun! She organized the event with prizes and getting sponsors, Naish, Dakine, she even had Flatbread Pizza sponsor the event with them giving the girls some free pizza after there long journey.
The girls launched out of Hookipa and wisked there way down the coast in some very challenging conditions. I was photoshooting for Starboard and was pretty powered up down there. The wind was gusting up to 30 knots and still these girls made it happen!
Good job Tati for a very cool event.
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Fetched: April 17th, 2007, 11:33pm CEST by us3kp
Well if you are on Maui right about now, it is so windy that you are almost complaining about it being TOO Windy.. What a wacky season we have had. We went from no wind for almost two weeks wich is pretty much unheard of here on Maui, to super windy, needing a 4.2...
Today I went out and did the last of the Slalom Starboard shots, which was really windy, and then went to Weiahu for some onshore training. It was pretty fun out there to be sailing just for fun and not contained to a photographers perameters!
Here is a shot from the photographers position.. I dont know which part I like being more a part of.. the shooting or the shooter...
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Fetched: April 16th, 2007, 4:50am CEST by us3kp
Man, when the wind gets going,,, it just doesnt let up. Did the Starboard photoshoot again and this time it was with the Helicopter flying overhead. It is pretty cool to watch these pilots up there just manuvering around going backwards forwards... I like to see how close i can get to them ... Some of the jumps we do get pretty darn close and I think that gives the pilots a bit of fun to see how close they can get.. Anyhow the wind is up and I am out there!!
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Fetched: April 14th, 2007, 2:29am CEST by us3kp
So I have been working on some remote flash stuff. I will get it sometime soon but here is one of my first attempts!! Let me know what you think..
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Fetched: April 14th, 2007, 2:29am CEST by us3kp
Yesterday was finally a good day of sailing. It wasnt the best but it was still was nice to get out in the sunny waves at hookipa! It was all new stuff that just came out to do the photos with and that is always a bit of fun but a little bit of a getting used to all the new stuff as well. I got to ride the Acid 74 which was really sweet along with some new Maui Sails Legend and Global. They seemed to be pretty good as well.
Today is another day of testing and sailing.. another day at the office.
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Fetched: April 10th, 2007, 10:16pm CEST by us3kp
Well It seems like I have been busy but maybe not.. Just grumpy!! The waves are here and the wind is here but it is junk conditions.. Kinda frustrating... We have had nice big waves and nice wind but for some reason it just didnt get good at Hookipa. I has some super fun sailing at Kanaha, but Kanaha you cant get any picts done and that is what our mission is these days. We have the starboard guys out here and we just cant seem to get it together for a great day of shooting.. Looks like today will be the day!!
Anyhow if you guy have time to check out my friends new site, it is going to be ramping up really soon. Right now it is just in Italian but it is getting set to go live in English really soon. It is www.surferworld.it and it has the latest and up to date windsurf news on the planet. One of my good longtime friends from Italy, Silvana, is working on the site and it is set to be one of the worlds best online extreme sites in years to come. Silvana could be one of the best news finders out there with a great detective eye for the latest and greatest news in the industry. So check it out!!
Check it out here here
kp
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Fetched: April 10th, 2007, 11:06am CEST by us3kp
Finally a nice day! Easter Sunday brought some nice wind and waves to Maui and it was really fun to be out in the water. Was a tough day to call as to where to go but I ended up going to Kanaha with my brother and we had some really fun waves. It was a bit crowded but that make it even better because there were so many waves with so many people that you just had to go and share. Sharing is caring. I had one wave with Tatiana Howard that was one of the funest waves of the day. The wave just seemed to go forever and we were crossing over and over and it was really fun. Too bad I didn't have a helmet video cam on.. That would have been cool.
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Fetched: April 9th, 2007, 6:21pm CEST by us3kp
Had a great evening yesterday sitting on the cliff at Hookipa. The sunset was unreal as the waves came in. Still no real wind today but looks like tomorrow could be the day! We will see.
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Fetched: April 6th, 2007, 7:13pm CEST by us3kp
Just trying to get on the cover of Windsurfing Mag... But I need your help. Need to get all your votes in by the 12th... Vote for number 3!!! Check out this site...
Click here Thanks for your help.. My sponsors will appreciate it!
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Fetched: April 6th, 2007, 11:39am CEST by us3kp
Boy Maui has been beautiful these past two days. I love it.. So nice and calm and just stunning sights.. I would love to be a tourist for this past week,,,,, just not a windsurfing tourist. All the photoshoots are happening right now and the conditions are just miserable for that.I guess they have enough lifestyle shooting this year! Anyhow, the Starboard shoot is just kicking off today and with the no wind we got to try out the SUP... Stand Up Paddle, and I am not sure if I am hooked. I only got out there for a half hour so I couldnt really comment too much but i would have gone faster if I was just regular surfing a board like that.. I might get to try it out a bit more so we will see what happens..
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Fetched: April 4th, 2007, 1:54am CEST by us3kp
So I didnt win the Laureus awards but what an expirience. This event was amazing. It would be cool if the organizers of this event was organizing the PWA World Cups. We managed to have an amazing time in Barcelona. We hung out with Robby quite a bit and it was cool to see how big up Robby really is. Everywhere we went somebody knew him.. From the German press to Valentino Rossi, Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen, to Tony Hawk.. Robby is pretty huge that is for sure and he definately gives the sport of windsurfing a good name and is a great ambassador for the sport of windsurfing.
Now we are on our long trip back home. It was nice to have a short little break from the windsurfing life and see how all the other sportsman of the world live it up. Now it is back to reality with the Starboard photoshoot kicking off and that goes on for 10 days of pretty much pure work..
One more plane to catch.. gotta run..
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Fetched: April 4th, 2007, 1:54am CEST by us3kp
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Fetched: April 2nd, 2007, 8:30am CEST by us3kp
Just finished up with a very sucsessful TR 3 Launch with everyone in Holland really excited about what they felt in there hands. The wind was really nice with some great sailing conditions along with some nice warm (well kinda warm) weather. I went out on 7.0 and a 122 and was blasting around for an hour or so. It was great to hear the feedback and all the positive buzz around the new sails.
Now off to Barcelona!!
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Fetched: March 29th, 2007, 10:10am CEST by us3kp
If you guys are going to be in Holland this Friday or Sat stop bye the shops and say high. I am there for 2 nights and then to Barcelona for the Laureus Sports awards. Should be a great time!! Lots of Flying but all good.
KP
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Fetched: March 26th, 2007, 6:13pm CEST by us3kp
Maui has kicked into summer mode with Super winds this weekend. Was flat and windy and time to get out the small sails. I have been sailing around on slalom gear getting ready for the upcoming races and having some fun at the same time. We went over to Little Beach on the south side for some nice sunset action with some cool fire dancing only to get busted for having a beer in our hands in the state park. Got a citation and have to go to COURT for having a beer.. Guess I need to read the rules before we go out to the state parks these days. What a bummer to have on a Sunday just going to have a nice sunset watch.. Kinda ruined the moment that is for sure. Oh well so you learn a new life lesson.
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Fetched: March 24th, 2007, 9:13pm CET by us3kp
Mauian nominated for 2007 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year
Haiku resident and world champion windsurfer Kevin Pritchard has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Action Sportsman of the Year Award in Barcelona, Spain.
The Laureus World Sports Awards is the annual celebration of achievement, where superior athletes from across the sporting spectrum are judged by the world’s media and legends of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
A glittering collection of the world’s greatest sports stars has been nominated for this year’s awards. The ballot closed on January 31, with a total of 1,068 members of the Laureus World Sports Awards Media Selection Panel from 128 countries casting their votes.
Pritchard faces some tough challengers in his category of World Action Sportsperson of the Year competing against Kelly Slater who has won 8 World Surfing Titles and Travis Pastrana who took home the Gold Medal at the Summer X Games. Pritchard can put up a good fight with his World Champion Wave World Title along with a 2nd in the Super X discipline and a 3rd in the Racing division for the Professional Windsurfing Association’s World Tour.
Pritchard and his guest are being flown to Barcelona to attend the event. Award winners will be announced during a televised Awards Ceremony in Barcelona, on the evening of Monday, April 2.
The full list of nominees for the 2007 Laureus World Sports Awards is:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
Fernando Alonso (Spain) – second straight winner of the Formula One World Championship
Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) – captain of Italy’s FIFA World Cup winning team
Roger Federer (Switzerland) – winner of three Grand Slam tennis events
Asafa Powell (Jamaica) – fastest sprinter in the world
Michael Schumacher (Germany) - retired after seven Formula One World Championships
Tiger Woods (US) – winner of Open Championship and US PGA golf majors
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
Justine Henin (Belgium) – winner of French Open Grand Slam tennis championship
Yelena Isinbayeva (Russia) – winner of European Championship pole vault gold medal
Carolina Kluft (Sweden) – winner of European Championship heptathlon gold medal
Laure Manaudou (France) – winner of four gold medals in European Swimming Championships
Amélie Mauresmo (France) – winner of Wimbledon Grand Slam tennis championship
Maria Sharapova (Russia) – winner of US Open Grand Slam tennis championship
Laureus World Team of the Year
All Blacks Rugby Team (New Zealand) – winners of record seventh Tri-Nations Championship
FC Barcelona (Spain) – winners of UEFA Champions League and Spanish League and Cup double
European Ryder Cup Team – record-equalling win over the United States at K Club, Dublin
Italy Men’s Football Team – winners of the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time
Renault Formula One Team (France) – Constructors World Champions for second straight time
Spanish Basketball Team – won the basketball World Cup for the first time
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year
Xavier Carter (US) – aged 20, ran second fastest 200 metres ever, and won four NCAA titles
Ghana Men’s Football Team – qualified for FIFA World Cup finals and reached last 16
Lewis Hamilton (UK) - aged 22, became first black driver to compete in Formula One
Amélie Mauresmo (France) – won her first Grand Slam tennis tournaments after limited success
Britta Steffen (Germany) – won four gold medals in European Swimming Championships
Mia Xiaoxu (China) – aged 18, won Golden Ball and Shoe in FIFA Under 20 World Championship
Laureus World Comeback of the Year
Drew Brees (US) – led New Orleans Saints to NFC Championship game after serious injury
Ben Curtis (US) – winner of first golf tournament since 2003 Open Championship
Roy Jones Jr (US) – came back to ring at 37 to win NABO light-heavyweight title
Miami Heat (US) – fought back to win NBA Finals after losing first two games
Serena Williams (US) – slipped out of top 100 through injury, but came back to win Australian Open
Zinedine Zidane (France) – returned from retirement to captain France to final of FIFA World Cup
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
Martin Braxenthaler (Germany) – won three golds in Alpine mono-skiing in Winter Paralympics
Kurt Fearnley (Australia) – won New York Marathon wheelchair race, breaking course record
Edith Hunkeler (Switzerland) – won three golds in wheelchair racing at World Championships
Javier Otxoa (Spain) – Tour de France star who returned to cycle racing after car crash
Kazem Rajabi Golojeh (Iran) – broke two powerlifting world records in 2006
Esther Vergeer (Netherlands) – wheelchair tennis player unbeaten in three years
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year
Aaron Hadlow (UK) – aged 17, won PKRA kiteboarding world tour for third time
Travis Pastrana (US) – motocross star, won three Summer X Games gold medals
Kevin Pritchard (US) – won windsurfing Wave World Championship
Gisela Pulido (Spain) – aged 12, won a PKRA kiteboarding event, beating the world champion
Kelly Slater (US) – won an unprecedented eighth world surfing championship at 34
Hannah Teter (US) – won ESPY award for Best Action Sports Female Athlete
Shaun White (US) – competed in and won 12 snowboarding events in 2006
The 2006 Awards Ceremony, held in the presence of His Majesty The King of Spain in Barcelona, was attended by global figures from sport, entertainment, business and fashion. Hollywood celebrities Teri Hatcher and Cuba Gooding Jr. hosted the Awards Ceremony. Guests from the world of entertainment included Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman. Among the winners present in Barcelona in 2006 to receive Laureus Awards were Roger Federer, Janica Kostelic, Renault’s Flavio Briatore, Rafael Nadal, Johan Cruyff, Valentino Rossi and Ernst van Dyk.
Laureus is a universal movement that celebrates the power of sport to bring people together as a force for good. Laureus is composed of three core elements - the Laureus World Sports Awards, the Laureus World Sports Academy and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation - which collectively celebrate sporting excellence and harness the power of sport to promote social change.
The Laureus World Sports Awards will be one of the first events to be staged in Barcelona during the ‘Year of Sport’ which begins in March 2007 and which celebrates the 15th anniversary of the highly successful Olympic Games which were held in Barcelona in 1992. The main aim is to promote sport as a tool to improve health and social integration and to demonstrate the ability of Barcelona to host major international sports events.
World tennis No.1 Roger Federer, seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher and the top golfer in the world, Tiger Woods - all two-time winners of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award - have been nominated again, and there will be hot rivalry to see if one of them can be the first to make it three. In a very competitive category, up against them are Fernando Alonso, the current Formula One World Champion, Asafa Powell, the fastest man on Earth, and Fabio Cannavaro, captain of the Italian FIFA World Cup winning team. For Schumacher, who retired at the end of the 2006 Formula One season, it is a record seventh Laureus nomination.
French tennis star Amélie Mauresmo has been nominated for both Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Awards after finally breaking her hoodoo and winning two Grand Slam titles. In the Sportswoman category, Mauresmo is competing with two other Grand Slam winners Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova.
Dutch wheelchair tennis champion Esther Vergeer, winner of the Laureus Disability Award in 2002, has been nominated for the fourth time after an unbeaten 2006. While Spain’s kiteboarder Gisela Pulido, who is short-listed for the Laureus Action Sports Award, becomes the youngest ever nominee at 12.
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Fetched: March 24th, 2007, 9:13pm CET by us3kp
Well this year has to be one of the flattest wave season's I have ever had. The surfing has been non existant and it seems like summer time is already here. Today it was like a day in August with it so flat. Pretty crazy. Looks like there is a small bump coming tomorrow but we will have to wait and see.
KP
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Fetched: March 21st, 2007, 2:37pm CET by us3kp
Had a nice day today. Was out on the water early taking some nice shots of my brother then went sailing at Hookipa and that was pretty fun as well. My friend Jazz took a couple nice shots of me and I was pretty stoked with them. I also managed to crank out a nice 360 which made my session oh so much fun!
So just to throw it out there I am looking for a road bike sponsor if any of you out there has a contact or knows someone or is someone in charge of the marketing of a nice bike company like Trek or something like that. Would be great to pop me an email if you are interested!
Ok all for now.
Kevin
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Fetched: March 21st, 2007, 2:37pm CET by us3kp
Just wanted to see if this worked. Here is a video from Lanes a couple weeks back.
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Fetched: March 21st, 2007, 2:37pm CET by us3kp
Well finally a day to play back in the water. It seems like it was so long that I felt kinda wierd out there. Anyhow, nice day today at Hookipa, and I scored the session of the day too. Everyone was jammin out there early and it was packed. I came down and since all my gear is in Cabo Verde still I had to wait for Bogo to come down and bring a mast around. So I sat around and took some picts of the zoo out on the water. I then went out for a session and was ok, kinda fun, and came back in to watch the circus. I took a couple more shots and then waited for the NP shoot to finish up and then headed out for a sweet little afternoon session. I was stoked. Got some good waves and had some fun. Still got some cough in me but hey, it feels great to be out on the water again!!
Check out JP's feet on this shot!
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Fetched: March 19th, 2007, 1:47pm CET by us3kp
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Fetched: March 19th, 2007, 1:47pm CET by us3kp
I thought my sickness was over but just when I got out on the water again I got back to bed. I was so sick that I had to go to the doctor and get some medicine. Usually for me that doesnt happen cause I like to just let it sort it self out but it wasn't working. I just couldn't over power it.
But now I am slowly getting back some energy, at least enough to take some picts and sit at my computer. I know I am really sick when I cant even sit at the computer!! Anyhow here is a shot from the other day. I think it looks pretty cool. Also if you want to check out a little web site that I made up
Click here
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Fetched: March 15th, 2007, 7:25pm CET by us3kp
I dont know if I have felt that bad for that long for quite a while. But I am back!! SHEEWWW... And what a nice day to be back!! The waves came up quite nice and I managed to get two nice barrels out on the water surfing. It was pretty fun. I went up and caught two waves at Jaws but was pretty crowded and I wasnt super into it, still had some sickness around in my lungs so figured it wouldnt have been the best time to go down out there!!
IF you want to check out some nice video for Cabo Verde you can check out http://mauisails.com/index.php?what=video&id=16&Q=high and there is some cool stuff.
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Fetched: March 13th, 2007, 2:49am CET by us3kp
Well I made it home and then I got one of the worst fevers I have felt in some time. Pretty much a bummer to get home and then not be able to enjoy the beautiful Isle.. Oh well. Feeling better now..
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Fetched: March 13th, 2007, 2:49am CET by us3kp
Made it home after a long trip back. It wasnt that it was so far, it just the amount of stops along the way. But back now and ready to get back in the groove. Slalom stuff and get ready for the season. I am still looking for someone to rent out my main house if you know of anyone looking to move to maui it is a pretty good deal.
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Fetched: March 7th, 2007, 11:00am CET by us3kp
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Fetched: March 3rd, 2007, 10:01pm CET by us3kp
The conection here is really slow. But I will try and upload some shots. Well I could only get one.. it is just too painful, but this is one of my favorites. I think I want to try and print it out for a picture on the wall type of photo..
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Fetched: March 3rd, 2007, 10:01pm CET by us3kp
Cabo Verde has proven once again to be epic. We just had some killer days with lots of wind. Man this place is windy. All the locals here are trying to tell us that it is not usually that windy here but man it hasn't stopped blowing in three weeks here. Pretty incredible!! Anyhow, I had some time to go through some of my photos and thought that I would share some of my captures with you guys. Hope you enjoy.
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Well the contest is over and had some time to rest and relax from the brutal competition. So we have been relaxing in the nice Riu Hotel. This is pretty much the only place to stay here in Cabo Verde. All inclusive and a nice freindly staff it is pretty great!
Anyhow the swell is looking good again for tomorrow so hopefully we will be game on! Today we had a small session at a place up the coast that was really heavy!
I am waiting around here for the prize giving and so hopefully we will get some more good sailing action!
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for sure without a doubt the best contest condtions I have ever seen or been part of. Fiji was close, Baja kinda, but this was one of the best sailing days of my life and to be in a contest was even better. I had the bigges areal of my life. I thought that my on on the west side was big but this one was amazing. Mast and a half high barreling sideoffshore hit the lip kind of areal.. Was insaine. I even had to claim it myself it was so big. I had some really tough heats along the way. In my second round heat it was Polokow, Siver and Mussolini. Just to get through that one was a tough one. I went on the rocks, had to run down and restart from the beach again. I was really really happy to make it through that one. The next heat for me was the one with the huge areal and I was in the rythm for that heat and it came easy when you get the sets and are on your A Game. The final was a huge letdown for me. For one I kept waiting for the outside sets and they never came. Then on the one set that I did have Josh Angulo fully snaked me, like fully snaked me and just ruined my only set wave of the heat. I was really bummed that he would do it like that but I guess since it is his contest that he thinks he had the right to do it. Just goes to show ones true character. I was really pisssed off becuase I know I could have sailed better and that wave might have had be get into the right rythm.. Oh well.. I guess there will be a double elimination tomorrow. Sailed on 5.7 and 5.3 on my big board. all for now.
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Well we had some amazing days over here. The wind and waves are unbelieveable. we had three days of incredible sailing with probably the best sailing I have ever had. I went and sailed at this one spot that had a wave that was longer than anywere else I have ever sailed. I hope to get you some shots up soon. I will see what I can do..Anyhow two days till the comp starts so I am getting ready to defend the title. All the boys are here and ready to rip. Josh Angulo really knows this spot and it will be a hard battle to get on the podium!
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Made it to Cabo Verde and the wave is unbelievable. I will have to tell you about it in another post but wow!!! Incredible sailing wave. If you are a hardcore waverider and you have the chance to come here, bring lots of gear and have the time of your life. The wave here is Crazy!! Little to no chop on the wave, glassy hollow throwing wave that breaks right accross a knarly point. It is like a dream. Cant wait to see it get bigger and more knarly.. I will try and get you guys some pictures soon..
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Well I am off to Africa for three weeks. Not too sure what sort of internet connection will be down there but I will try and put up some posts if possible. Otherwise I will try and kick off the blog again when I get back to Maui.
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Well it wasnt hard to beat yesterdays excitement but today wasnt that special either. Went sailing in Kehie, went to take some picts but my camera was acting up a bit and the sun didnt really come out so it was a pretty useless day. Anyhow tomorrow will be better.
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Well my day was ok.. I am putting a new paint job on one of my boards. This is not fun. The pro's charge 250 bucks to do it so i figure that I can do it for about 50 bucks in materials and my time. The problem is every time i do it I say to myself it is worth the 250, dont be so cheap, just have the pros do it. Well this time I was around one of my friends who does paints professionally and he said "oh with this paint you dont need to use a hardener in it"..well to make a long story short, my paint didnt kick so I had to strip it all off with paint thinner and do it one more time.. Just what I really wanted to be doing right before I am leaving for Cabo Verde.
Anyhow, went out for a slalom sail at Kanaha and that seemed to make it all better as it usually does..
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Just had two glassy days in a row which is nice for Maui after that huge Kona wind storm. I am getting things ready for Cabo Verde which is nice to have some no wind days to get things done, also my main house is up on the rental market if you know anyone who is looking to locate to Maui in a pimp'n new house with 3 bedrooms and all the fixens! Took some surfing shots today and they came out better. I had a lot of trouble with my water shots because I had water on the lens and have been going through the steps to get it right. I have a real glass port for the lens and I am wondering if that is the problem because all the photographers told me to put sunblock on it but that wasnt working at all. I changed it up to rainx and that worked better but still looking for a better solution.
Anyhow tell your friends about my rental house or send me an email if it is right for you! Check out the place at http://www.islandstylevacations.com/Mauu_Estate.htm
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Today was another great day on the water. Woke up early and caught some amazing waves. I only got one or two good barrels today but was still really fun. Looks like tomorrow will be back on with some wind. We will wait and see.
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Today went out tow in surfing and came up with the best barrel of my life! It was sick, so much fun it was incredible. I am speachless. It was kona winds light and offshore and was 6 to12 foot faces and was just insaine! I got towed in, and stalled at the top of the wave.. waiting waiting waiting and then bang going going going.. just tucking up, getting under the lip and getting shacked like you cant believe. It was the first time for me to be so deep inside seeing the lip come over me on a double over head wave and to see the lip from inside.. as the say.. only a surfer knows the feeling!!
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Well it wasn't the typical westside day but it was fun none the less. I sailed on 5.3 Legend and was plaining all over the place. The waves were small but some fun ones coming through. Nice to get out on the water in a different location. Cruised back through Lahina and had an after sailing bite to eat and was a nice way to end a nice day!
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Finally a day off! After some intense sessions the past couple days finally had a day off with some much needed rest.. It was pretty nice. Looks lie it is going to be some north winds tomorrow. You never know what could happen then. Time will tell.
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I have been so tired the last couple days from amazing sailing at Lanes. The winds have been blowing Kona for 4 days straight and the wind and waves have been so good. Yesterday and today I sailed on 4.2 and was epic. So much fun. Anyhow here is a shot taken by Darrell that gives you an idea as to how much fun you would have had!! It is kinda too bad that he wasnt a little further away so you could see where I took off from but you get the idea.. Pretty high and scary!
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Well it is my birthday today and I had a great one. Started off at 6am going out to Jaws for some tow in surfing. Managed to be the first one to get a wave today and the sunrise out on the water was amazing. Only problem was the sunrise was a bit better than the surfing.. but let me tell you the sunrise was AMAZING. Only wish I had my camera. Picture this, me and my tow partner out amongst the 20 foot waves of Jaws crashing on the reef, with these sharp high clouds just lit up like a fire. The colors on it were amazing. Anyhow caught a couple birthday waves and then went in as the wind came up. After a short break from the action got some amazing sailing in at Lanes. Some of the waves were like butter out there. So smooth and just unbelievable. Really fun. I did try to go out once and got the return to sender button pushed on me... went out, didn’t even make it out and bang broke my mast, straight on the rocks, not one wave, didn’t even make it out!
Went back in and rigged up my 5.0 Legend and took a new tactic by jumping off the rocks and managed to make it out to the nice glassy waves. In the end it was pretty cool. It was me, Jason, and Robby Naish out there ripping up the waves. Not too bad of company out on the water.
It was pretty funny when we came in, I had people come in and say "thanks for the show" and "man that was Awesome" so that was pretty fun. There were so many people watching from Hookipa that when we were done there was a traffic jam leaving the parking lot. It was kinda like a baseball game or something.. well almost.
My girlfriend also took some pretty cool shots as well. Here is a cool one of the Legends Robby and JP.
So that was my birthday.. I would say that I lived it up pretty hard!
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Yep you heard it here.. Too windy. Today it was just too windy to have fun at lanes. The winds blew Kona hard and strong today making it super hard for everyone who attempted to go out. Pretty crazy day.
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Not too much wind today... but some nice surfing and some good waves. I went out for a swim with the camera to see if I could catch any good action, but I failed miserably.. Oh well if you dont try you dont learn. Worked on the computer and almost getting the mac attack down but still getting used to it. I have been working on Final Cut Pro a bit and that is a pretty amazing program. Cant wait to learn it a bit better. More Kona Action tomorrow. Seems windy tonight.. only time will tell.
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Looks like it going to be a wild day tomorrow.. Storm looks like it is brewing.. Went for a surf today and then played on the computer all day just trying to figure it all out. Starting to get better at it.. Kinda a new challenge so that is good I guess. Ok time for bed.
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Ahh.. I got a new computer yesterday and I am so confused on it. I decided to go with the mac and man it takes some getting used to.. we will see if I can enjoy it or not! The verdict is still out on it but I am sure once you get used to it.. it is just the time of getting used to it..
Wind has been pretty bad lately but it made for some great surfing. Today the wind is back without the surf. Looks for some big time storm to be coming in pretty soon with tons of wind and waves, only problem being that it looks like it is going to be blowing KONA.. which is the wrong direction. But we will see. Only fools and out of towners predict the weather!
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Had a long day out on the water today. Was really fun good tow in surfing. Surf was small in the morning but picked up really good size in the evening. Too tired to write more... Time for bed!
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Camping in Hana. Ahh sounds like so much fun. Friends and good times it was but when the air mattress leaked out and we were sleeping on the metal truck bed by the end of the night, it wasn't exactly my idea of a good time. Anyhow, managed to have a great trip despite the lack of sleep. Hana is pretty amazing.
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Another week goes bye and what a week it was. Very good windsurfing with some wind some waves and no crowds. I picked out one of my favorite shots that I took in my short photo career. Looks like we will have a break in the wind and maybe try and get to all those chores that I have been putting off for a while!
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Today was a pretty mellow day. Started off with a yoga class and that was nice. Nice to try and keep the body and mind at ease, then went for some slalom sailing with Swift. Sailed on the new TR 3 6.6 and was feeling pretty good. Had some nice acceleration out of the turns and was pretty good top end speed. Looks like there should be a little bump in the swell tomorrow so maybe back to Hookipa!
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Today was a pretty gusty day. Went out for two hours at Hookipa and then down the coast to do some slalom sailing with Robby Swift. He is going for slalom this year so he is keen to start training. We had a pretty good session and it made it fun to have someone to train with so hopefully we will keep on going for it. Robby Naish was out the other day as well and I got a nice snap of him that i though you might enjoy.
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Sailing here on Maui has been top notch lately! Good winds nice waves and non crowded spots make for lots of good waves all to yourself. Yesterday managed to go sailing in for a bit and then went over to watch the sunset on Little Beach. Was a great time! Then went and had a nice bbq on the beach with some friends and then had some fun with the camera. I have to post two photos up today so you get the feeling. Maui is amazing!
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Maui has been sick the last couple days. I love it!! Wind and waves and almost no one out. Had a great session today even though I had a late night last night. You know it is going to be a good day when you nail a 360 and a sick areal off the lip. I was like I should go out on Friday night more often. I was getting tired and I stuck another 360 and so I was like time to come in. Sailed on my Legend 5.0 and it was pretty sweet. Tried out some new camera angle and I think it came out pretty cool.
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Today was a great day out on the water. January proved to be amazing with three days of the best windsurfing you can find. The best thing about it is it is so uncrowded out there and I can get so many waves it tires you out in less than no time. Got out on the 5.0 Legend today and it was pretty windy. Guys finally showed up around 2 and by then I already had so many waves that it was time to go in and take some pictures. From the Hookipa cliff it looked to me like the standouts today were Jason Stone who stuck a perfect 360 on the wave and Graham Ezzy who attempted a backloop off the lip which was pretty sick!. Hopefully will be more of the same tomorrow!
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