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Personal Blogs (100 unread)

Epic Sessions

Video test

Posted: November 8th, 2009, 2:37am CET

I've been working on some configuration changes to the video encoder and playback, so I could use some feedback on the viewing of this video in terms of smoothness, speed of download, etc.

This is just some random video from the board test that I pulled off of a larger video that I'll be uploading once I get these encoder issues worked out.

Enjoy and gimme some feedback!

Lost In Hatteras

Loop Face

Posted: November 8th, 2009, 12:56am CET

My, oh my, it has been windy... Until today. But that's okay, because we needed a break anyway. I strapped up Stuart with the GoPro camera yesterday for his Buxton Slick Sesh on a 4.7. Check out his flat water loop face:

Haha, nice!! I took a bunch of footage of him from shore, too, with Ace's hand-me-down video camera (THANKS ACE!!!) but it's going to take me a while to get around to editing anything.

In the meantime, check out this video from the Reunion Wave Classic. These guys scored some unbelievable conditions, it's pretty insane, really. Chargin' it, too!! Bear in mind, the wave breaks over a really shallow, urchin infested reef. Yikes!! My vote for best overall rider goes to Alex Mussolini, mostly for his smooth, yet aggressive, style... For example, his wave that starts at 1:20... unreal!! Although, it might be Thomas Traversa on Alex's gear, so, uhhh, yeah, maybe Thomas gets my vote. Don't skip out on the video's ending, either. Watch it all the way through for the grand finale!

Ravine on Fire from Arnaud on Vimeo.

Wicked, eh?? (For my Canadian readers, haha)

In other news, the shop will be closed on Sunday the 8th, because Drew and I are going up to Manteo to cheer on our ladies as they run in the OBX Marathon!! Wooohoooo!! These gals have been training hard. I think we're going to see some new personal bests! Wish them luck!

Epic Sessions

Quick Sheboygan video

Posted: November 7th, 2009, 6:12pm CET

Great day yesterday at Sheboygan. Super powered, lots of sunshine. The Elbow was firing and the surfers were putting in at the outside ladder since the waves were breaking way outside.

I must have had old batteries in the GoPro's, since after 3 hours of sailing, I only had a few minutes of video. No matter - that day is seared into my brain. ;-)

琵琶湖ＦＲＥＥＲＩＤＥＷＥＢ ( WINDSURF & MTB )　ｆｒｏｍ　ＬＡＫＥ　ＢＩＷＡ　ＪＡＰＡＮ

MTB 繖山

Posted: November 7th, 2009, 4:55pm CET by biwako_freeride

Andy Radley IR212

Andys Music from the Past

Posted: November 7th, 2009, 4:04pm CET

South Beach

Reds Keys -1997

Russian Roulette -1993

Darth Vader

Here we Go

琵琶湖ＦＲＥＥＲＩＤＥＷＥＢ ( WINDSURF & MTB )　ｆｒｏｍ　ＬＡＫＥ　ＢＩＷＡ　ＪＡＰＡＮ

SHIMANO MT60 MTB SHOES

Posted: November 7th, 2009, 1:00pm CET by biwako_freeride

　最近、SPDペタルにも慣れてきて、MTBには、SPDが欠かせなくなってきたが、今、履いているM182のようなXCレーシング用のSPDシューズは、ベルクロとバックル留めで、ホールド感が良く、ソールも固めで、漕ぎやすく、乗車率が高い林道などでは問題無いが、担ぎや押しが続く山道では、逆に非常に歩きにくいので、トレッキング・タイプのSPDシューズも購入した。靴底のカバーを外すと、クリートナットは、前後に２箇所、ソールに埋め込まれている。足の親指の母子球の位置から、後ろ側の位置にすることにして、クリートは、シングルモードのSH51を取り付けた。MTBに乗ってみた感じでは、特に違和感は無く、MTBトレッキング（山サイ）など、SPDでも行動範囲が広がると思う。
PR: 最新記事がまとめて読める便利サイト"feeside"

Posted: November 7th, 2009, 1:00pm CET

芸能人ブログやニュースをまとめてチェック！好きなページを探してお気入り登録しよう

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Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

Fun Fun

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...
Still good!

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...

James' Blog

Clew Mount Camera Glory

Posted: November 5th, 2009, 4:07pm CET

I was inspired by the awesome videos on Andy McKinney's "Lost in Hatteras" blog to try mounting my GoPro camera on the clew end of my boom instead of just wearing it on my head. I did it exactly like Andy showed, and it seemed to work. Conviently, yesterday evening provided 15-20 knots of breeze and some nice lighting for testing it out. I used a 5.5 msq Aerotech Charge and 106 liter Exocet Cross.

Clew-Mount Camera Windsurfing in Florida from James Douglass on Vimeo.

Epic Sessions

Real quick

Posted: November 5th, 2009, 3:16pm CET

Nice GoPro HD review here.

Mine are en-route. Hope to have them before tomorrow when the lake goes 8-12 feet, but I doubt it.

Next post will be FULL of GoPro video goodness. (Carl - this ones for you!)

Chris Murray K202

mormaii cornwall classic was awsome

Posted: November 5th, 2009, 2:05pm CET

this week end was the mormaii cornwall classic had some great results weel not at first on the first day i was knocked out in the first round i was very disapointed and keen to do as well as i could in the double. the double started on the fri afternoon around 1 and i was in the second heat and to work my way back up i had to sail 3 hours of heats and even an extera one againsed jack hunt as the judges thought he had a serious interference on a wave by a surfer durfing the heat in the end i came 6th my run throught the double was stopped by the g man graham woods great fun event and had wicked time on the sunday at mazzaz marozine soo much fun i am back at polkerris now for a wile and then ill be back at poste office noooooooooooooooo for dec my plan is to go to west aus for the winter so i am going to have to put in some serious work time. has to be dun work hard play hard woop woop

Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

Its been good here.. real good

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...

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Loop In Four Steps?

Fetched: November 4th, 2009, 8:03pm CET by Michael

Jill Marr posted this in Facebook...I like it...I like any loop tutorial that appears to be low impact! It also blends nicely with Andy Brandt/ABK's loop lecture. This clip was excerpted from the DVD "Seven Sons of Freestyle" and was...

James' Blog

Another Round of Wind

Posted: November 4th, 2009, 4:47pm CET

Now that the "season" has started, Florida has become a darn good place for windsurfing again. Tuesday had about 20 knots sideshore at the Fort Pierce South Jetty, perfect for a 5.5 msq sail and my 83 liter waveboard. As usual, I was the only windsurfer amongst a bunch of kiters. I really don't feel the need to kite in strong winds like this, because I think windsurfing on small gear is plenty fun and challenging. I need to learn some new moves, though, to spice up the GoPro videos, if nothing else.

Windsurfing Ft. Pierce, FL on 3 Nov 2009 from James Douglass on Vimeo.

Doug the kiter gloats about his great session while Tim and Marc fuss with Tim's 8 meter kite.

A Kona longboard atop my minivan marks me as the only windsurfer at the jetty.

Lost In Hatteras

Old Road

Posted: November 4th, 2009, 12:54am CET

From the dunes, the setup at Old Road looks very tempting- little itty bitty waves lapping up on the shore, an inner bar that looks fairly heavy but fun, and then an outer bar that gently throws and fizzles for upwards of 50 yards... Very inviting!

Until...

...you actually step foot into the ocean. Immediately, the sideshore current sweeps you off your feet. And you realize that there's no shorebreak because the inner bar is shin deep and 25 yards wide, eventually opening into a little thigh deep tidal pool at water's edge. That fun looking inner bar now looks mean, as it sucks out below sea level, hurls a thick lip, and then continues to churn all the way in, coming to rest in the little pool that you're standing in.

A tiny puff fills your sail, just enough to lure you onto the board. As you drift with the currents, you inch your way closer to the heaving section. The water pushing in under the board gives you a sense of speed and power, that really isn't there. As soon as the tidal push evens out, you sink to the bottom, with zero actual sail power. Just in time to watch the next wave heave, peel down the line, and then spit it's churned up exhaust as the last section closes out just 5 yards in front of you. Ain't no gettin' over that one, so you get washed all the way back into the little pool, in a matter of seconds.

Yeah, I'm gonna go ahead and declare "Old Road" as unsuitable for windsurfing, at least for now. Maybe with more wind? Here's the best moment of my windsurfing session this morning:

Other than that little swimming sesh, it's actually been really fun down here for the last few days! We've had decent wind every day, 4.7 or 5.2, decent temps, and that chilly, overcast, spitting rain that keeps most normal people indoors. Luckily, we as windsurfers, know how to make the best of a crappy day!

Looks like more wind through the end of the week, with an emphasis on Thursday and Friday, which might provide the first real solid NW blow of the Fall. Reef Run, anyone?

Fish's Windsurf Journal

SessionLogs - Check it out...

Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 9:41pm CET

Ever want to show off your best epic sessions?
Check out this application, developed by one of my old kiwi mates back in New Zealand. It has recently gone global! Well done Chris!
Consider signing up and logging your sessions! It's not only for windsurfing either - pick a sport and show off your photos and videos.
SessionLogs

Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

Canon 7D video

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...

Fish's Windsurf Journal

3 nukes this year.

Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 4:52pm CET

We've had 3 occasions this year to own a 3.0! Impressive. I usually consider myself lucky if I can use my 3.7 once or twice a year. I love the high wind stuff, so this has been a treat for sure!

Halloween was another very windy day. Unfortunately, I could not get my motivation up, sufficient to overcome the dismal morning rains to drive out to Sandbanks... which is where I should have been sailing. Alas, I had Bob the Builder and Wendy waiting for me to go trick-or-treating, so no way I was going to miss that for anything.

Sailed here in town with the locals:
1 hour on 4.1 in strong southerlies at Everitt, and rain...
1 hour on 4.1 in strong, but dropping southwesterlies at Patterson Park...
1 hour on 3.7 maxed, in very strong westerlies at Emily St.

I'd say it's been a reasonable fall - but definitely hoping for more!!

Sorry, no photos...

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Treat or Trick Halloween Sesh at Ditch Plains

Fetched: November 2nd, 2009, 2:53pm CET by Michael

I’ve been trying to get Steve to sail the ocean with me for a couple of years now. Back in the Original Puffin days (circa 1993) Steve tried his hand at Long Island wave sailing, shortly after which he coined...

琵琶湖ＦＲＥＥＲＩＤＥＷＥＢ ( WINDSURF & MTB )　ｆｒｏｍ　ＬＡＫＥ　ＢＩＷＡ　ＪＡＰＡＮ

NEW LIBERTY STREAMLINED CARBON EXT

Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 1:50pm CET by biwako_freeride

　STREAMLINEDのRDM用のジョイントを探していたところ、ちょうどカーボンのニューモデルが入荷したところであったので購入した。外観的には、ノーマルカップが入る部分から、径が細くなっていく部分の形状が変わっているのと、表面はクリアの光沢仕上げとなり、カーボン・パイプの厚さも増しているなど、以前のモデルに比べて、改善されているようだ。
　今回、ニューモデルを購入して気づいたのだが、エクステンションの長さの目盛りの位置が、新旧では全く違っていた。旧モデルは、カップが入るジョイントの一番下側からの長さになっているが、新モデルはクリートの位置からの長さが表示されているようだ。セイルのラフ長からすると、クリートの位置からの長さを表示する方が、正確だと思うが、今使っているEZZY SAILは、セイルのリーチの目印を目安に張ると、旧ジョイントで、ほぼセイルの表示どおりであったので、どうもよく分からない。
　実際の違いについては、旧ジョイントで+12cmは、新ジョイントで+10cmと+8cmの間の位置になる。

Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

Jaws Photos

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...

James' Blog

Furry in the puffs- understanding windsurfing slang

Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 4:41am CET

The other day someone requested that I do a post on windsurfing lingo. So, here it is. For the sake of brevity I'm leaving out most of the gear terminology and focusing more on words describing windsurfing conditions, action, and enthusiasm. If you're a non-windsurfer or a beginner, maybe this will help you figure out what people are talking about on the beach.

It - The wind and water conditions. "How is it?" "It's windy!"

Launch - Noun; a beach where you can put a windsurf in the water. Verb; to put your windsurf in the water.

Walk of Shame - When you are unable to return the to spot on the beach you launched from, and you have to walk back carrying your gear.

Yard Sale - A dramatic crash that ends with you and your gear scattered in disarray.

Downwind - The direction the wind is flowing towards. "Larry drifted downwind and had to do the walk of shame."

Upwind - The direction the wind is coming from. "I had to tack and point to get upwind away from the pier."

Point / Pinch - Windsurfing as close to upwind as possible. "Dave beat me to the upwind buoy because he was able to point higher."

Tack - 1: When you change directions by turning the board upwind and switching sides. 2: Your direction of travel; to the right side with your right foot forward is called starboard tack and to the left side with your left foot forward is called port tack.

Carve - When you tilt the board to do a sharp turn. "Sally carved so hard she threw spray, like, 10 feet in the air."

Jibe / Gybe - Carving a turn in the downwind direction while switching sides of the board to change tacks. "I'm having a hard time planing through my jibes."

Planing / On a plane - The high-speed mode of windsurfing where your board is skimming on top of the water, rather than merely floating in it. "I'll never forget my first time planing."

Onshore - Wind that is blowing straight at the beach. "It was hard to get out past the waves because of the onshore wind."

Sideshore - Wind that is blowing parallel to the beach, which is what windsurfers usually prefer.

Offshore - Wind that is blowing from the beach towards the open water. "Ed got blown out to sea when the wind turned from sideshore to offshore."

Light - Not particularly windy. "It's light."

Teaser breeze - Wind that looks decent, but proves disappointing. "It was a teaser day."

Cranking / Honking / Howling / Raging - Wind blowing hard.

Blasting / Trucking / Booking - Windsurfing fast.

Ripping / Jamming - Windsurfing with skill and aggressive style.

Dialed / Dialed In - In tune with the wind and water conditions and windsurfing well. "Glenn is always totally dialed."

Gust - A short-term increase in wind speed affecting a small area.

Gusty - Wind characterized by frequent and severe gusts.

Puff - Another word for gust; sometimes a bigger or longer lasting gust. "It's really getting furry in the puffs!"

Furry - Ragged water texture with some blowing spray, associated with very high wind.

Liquid smoke - Beyond furry, when there's lots of blowing spray.

Nukin' - Extreme high wind. "Look at the liquid smoke, it's nukin'!"

Epic - Exceptionally good or strong / scary conditions. "Remember that epic Nor'easter we caught at Buckroe Beach last year?"

Powered / Juiced / Lit - When there's lots of wind in your sail and you're enjoying it. "How was it on your six-five?" "I was f'ing LIT!"

Overpowered - When there's too much wind in your sail, and you're struggling to stay in control.

Flattened / Spanked / Nuked - When you're overpowered to the point that you actually can't sail.

Survival Sailing / Victory at Sea - When conditions are so challenging that you don't bother trying to do any cool moves or anything; just being able to avoid disaster is a good accomplishment.

Tailwalking - When you're going fast in strong wind and the nose of the board flies up in the air unexpectedly.

Spin-out - When you're going fast and the fin loses its grip in the water, causing the board to skid sideways. "I was blasting along great until I caught some seaweed on my fin and spun-out."

Shift - A change in wind direction.

Shifty - Wind that is changing direction a lot.

Header - A wind shift that forces you to veer away from your destination.

Lift - A wind shift that helps you reach your destination.

Lull - A short-term decrease in wind speed.

Hole - A serious lull affecting a certain area. "I was leading the race until I got stuck in a hole and everyone passed me."

Holey - Wind characterized by frequent and severe holes.

Patchy / Spotty - Wind with a mix of gusts and lulls.

Gassed - When someone passes you on the upwind side, temporarily blocking your wind and slowing you down. "I know John is a fast sailor, but it's annoying the way he keeps gassing me."

Marginal - Barely windy enough to do the desired kind of windsurfing. "It was marginal for my six-six, I had to pump to get planing."

Six-six, five-seven, four-oh, etc. - Sail sizes; 6.6, 5.7, and 4.0 meters squared, respectively. Sails go from 12.5 down to about 3.0. Smaller sails imply stronger wind. "How is it?" "Awesome, I started on five-five and I'm about to re-rig to four-seven!"

Pump - Flapping the sail to generate power, usually done to help initiate planing.

Slogging / Shlogging / Schlogging - The slow and awkward windsurfing you do when it's not windy enough to plane with the board and sail you're using. "It started out good, but then the wind died and I had to shlog back to the beach."

Session / Sesh - An outing on the water. "It was a good session, I was planing most of the time."

Rig - Noun; a windsurf sail. Verb; to assemble a windsurf sail. "What [size of sail] are you rigging?"

Re-rig - What you have to do if the sail you put together the first time proves inappropriate for the wind conditions. "I was underpowered on my six-oh, so I had to re-rig to seven-five."

What was he on? - What size and type of board and sail was he using?

T.O.W. - Time on the water invested in the practice of windsurfing. "Fred doesn't get much T.O.W. since he's such a wind snob."

Wind snob - Someone who only windsurfs when it's really windy. "I'm usually the only guy out on light wind days, because everyone else around here is a wind snob."

Smooth / Glassy - An undisturbed water surface, usually associated with very light wind, but sometimes found between rolling waves or in the lee of a sandbar or jetty.

Butter - Smooth water that is fun to carve though. "Between the swells it was total butter."

Chop / Choppy - Small or medium-sized, non-breaking waves like you'd find on a small lake or bay on a breezy day.

Chop-Hop - A small jump initiated in flat or choppy water.

Psycho-chop / Voodoo-chop - Steep, large, disorganized chop that is challenging to sail through. "I got catapulted going too fast through the voodoo-chop by the bridge."

Catapult / Slam / Over-the-handlebars - A crash where you get thrown forward into the water. "I accidentally hooked in before I was ready and I got catapulted."

Hooked in - When you have the hook on your harness belt resting in the harness loop on the boom, supporting your weight from the sail. "It's hard to stay hooked in when the wind is gusty like this."

Swell - Medium or large-sized, non-breaking waves that form when the wind blows over a long, uninterrupted area. "When the wind is steady from the North it builds up nice swells that you can carve on."

Wave - What a swell becomes when it hits shallow water and starts to get steep and break.

Shore Break / Shore Pound - Waves breaking right on the beach, which suck because they are impossible to ride and because they make launching difficult. "I got denied by the shore pound."

Denied - When you are trying to get out past the breaking waves but can't make it because the waves smack you down. "I got denied twice before I finally made it to the outside."

The Outside - Away from shore, beyond where most of the waves are breaking. "The swells were really big on the outside."

The Inside - Close to shore, within the area that the waves are breaking. "I stayed on the wave too long and got caught on the inside."

The Impact Zone - The specific area where the waves are breaking hardest. "It was a great session until I went down in the impact zone and broke a mast."

Closing Out - When a wave is breaking along it's entire length, making it difficult to avoid or escape the breaking part or the whitewater.

Whitewater - The white mess of foamy, roiling water after a wave has broken. "I was trying to get out, but I kept getting pushed back by the whitewater."

Mushy / Crumbling - When the waves are breaking gradually, as opposed to rearing up and curling over abruptly. "The waves were kind of mushy, but I still got some good rides."

Mast Munchers / Crunchers - Big waves that are breaking hard.

Head high / Logo high / Mast high - Descriptions of the height of breaking waves. Logo high is over your head, but not quite as tall as the sail.

Ramp - A steep chop, swell, or wave in a position where you can do a big jump off of it.

Baf / Back-and-forth / Flatwater blasting - The typical kind of windsurfing where you're just going back and forth perpendicular to the wind, enjoying yourself but boring your spectators.

Bump & Jump / B&J - Like baf, but with some jumps thrown in. Usually takes place at venues with some chop and swells, but is not true wavesailing.

Wavesailing / Waveriding - When you're sailing in and around breaking waves, specifically positioning yourself to ride waves as they break.

Backside [waveriding] - When you're on a wave with your back to the wave, which is typical for onshore winds.

Frontside [waveriding] - When you're on a wave with your body facing the wave and the sail between you and the wave. It's the most fun type of wavesailing, but it requires well-organized waves and sideshore or offshore winds.

Going down the line - Traveling sideways along a breaking wave, staying on the part that hasn't quite broken yet. "Dude, I did, like three frontside turns going down the line!"

Teabagger - Kiteboarder.

Stoke - Enthusiasm, happiness, and excitement. It comes from the word "stoked", describing a fire that is burning hot because it's getting blown on.

琵琶湖ＦＲＥＥＲＩＤＥＷＥＢ ( WINDSURF & MTB )　ｆｒｏｍ　ＬＡＫＥ　ＢＩＷＡ　ＪＡＰＡＮ

MTB 奥島山

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 1:09pm CET by biwako_freeride

今日は、GEMNIのタイヤを、KENDA NEVEGAL 2.35に交換してから、奥島山へ行った。奥島山林道の終点の広場から南側斜面の方に行く新しい林道は、今年２月に行った時は、まだ工事中だったが、今日は工事が終わっているようで、先に行ってみたが、途中で行き止まりになっていた。２万５千分の１の地図には、奥島山の南側斜面に、ほぼ等高線上に長命寺の方に行く歩道の線があるので、新しい林道の終点付近を、探してみたが、全く分からず、来た道を引き返し、林道を一気に下って帰った。

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

Good day

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 3:30am CET by Tatiana Howard

Today we had really good conditions for windsurfing. The past couple days have been super calm or gusty offshore winds, but today was great! I loved it! The waves were a good size, the wind was steady, and the sun was shining.

Lost In Hatteras

Telltales

Posted: October 30th, 2009, 3:52pm CET

It has been a super windy Fall, here on Hatteras Island. Wanna know how I can tell? Check it out:

These are some of the only flags left here in Avon. All of my shop flags have been completely thrashed by the relentless winds. Most everyone else already took down their tattered remains, and probably won't put up any fresh flags until Spring time. How will I ever know what direction the wind is blowing? : )
Stuart needs a shout out for yesterday's freestyle session at the Canadian Hole. He was ON FIRE out there, just killin' it on his 4.7. I'm going to need to chug some Red Bull to keep up with him... Yeeeehaaa!!

Bill's OBX Beach Life

Surf Down South at Izzys!

Fetched: October 29th, 2009, 11:06pm CET by Bill

Following the warmth and southerly wind of Saturday, Sunday served up cool N to NNE winds across the islands. The south swell continued with some sizable surf hitting the southern beaches. With near straight offshore winds, the surf was quite clean for the sailors hitting it at Izzy's!

Caleb caught this shot of Charlie M from Ride Hatteras (looks like new website is in the works) on approach showcasing the new 2010 Aerotech Charge in action!

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Get Out Yer Compass and Protractor...We're Headed to Mattituck

Fetched: October 29th, 2009, 11:06pm CET by Michael

It was blowing from the south and forecasted to build…”North Fork here we come!” I thought. I called the Wolf. “Scott and I are here at Mattituck, and it looks good” he said. “Mattituck it is,” I replied. Forty minutes...

James' Blog

Boeing Sucks...

Posted: October 29th, 2009, 4:16am CET

...to paraphrase my Dad's latest blog post, "No Boeing in South Carolina Please". I trust my dad's opinion on this since he worked as an engineer for the corporate giant for several years when he first moved to Seattle. Also, he makes a clear and eloquent argument in the post; an argument that could apply to any situation where a state or local government is over-eager to whore itself out to a soulless big business.
Way down upon the Suwannee River

Posted: October 28th, 2009, 4:06pm CET

A week ago I wasn't sure whether or not I liked bluegrass music. I'm still not sure, to tell the truth, but I do know I had a good time over the weekend at the Magnolia Music Festival in Live Oak, Florida.

It took place at a huge campground in the woods around the Suwannee River, and it was well-attended by hippie-flavored rednecks, hippie-flavored yuppies, and hippie-flavored hippies. In addition to the music, there was lots of neat art and culture on display and for sale.

One of the headlining bands was a group called "Donna the Buffalo". At first I thought people were saying "Dawn of the Buffalo". This tapestry thing reminded me of that.

Besides the music and art and socializing, I got my nature and watersports fix at the actual Suwannee River, where there was an awesome sandy beach on one side and a cliff with a rope swing on the other side. It was high enough to be scary, but not high enough for me not to do it.
Yep, still windy in Fort Pierce

Posted: October 28th, 2009, 5:22am CET

This weekend I went to a bluegrass music festival in Live Oak, Florida, near the border with Georgia. (I'll write about that later when I sort the pictures.) Apparently it wasn't windy while I was gone, but the breeze welcomed me back and I got nice after-work kiteboarding and windsurfing sessions on Monday and today. Today I went to the State Park on the North side of Fort Pierce Inlet, where the waves were interesting. (See end of the second video.)

Monday's kiteboarding -

Today's windsurfing -

Here's some stills from today -

Lost In Hatteras

Wasted Wind

Posted: October 28th, 2009, 2:32am CET
Hi! Wow, this weekend was ALL over the place. We saw south winds, north winds, strong winds, light winds, sunshine and 70s, rain and 50s... Some of those variations were within a span of minutes! Regardless, lots of people flocked to Hatteras to go windsurfing, and man did we have fun! Personally, I got some time on the 2010 World Sail Surge, in a 4.7 and 5.2. They are feeling super light, very pumpable, and they go neutral very easily, making them a great choice for freestyle. I've got a few available for demo at the shop if you want to give one a try.

For lack of a better story: Last night we got hit with a major thunderstorm. It was gnarly. The iWindsurf.com wind meter at the Avon Pier recorded a gust of 51 mph! Wow! That same gust ripped a piece of the sign off of the roof at the shop. Luckily, the parking lot below was deserted, since it was 2:30 am. I'm kinda bummed about that chunk of wasted wind, because:
1. It was dark out (doesn't always dissuade me from windsurfing)
2. It was due to a major thunderstorm with tons of lightning (always dissuades me from windsurfing)
3. It woke me up in the middle of the night, so I then proceeded to oversleep, and missed the 5.2 dawn session
4. I have a new 3.7, but obviously, that was not a good time to give it a try
Source: iWindsurf.com

Looks like more wind over the next few days, and this weekend. Don't forget: ABK Boardsports clinic this weekend, Fri-Sun. Sign up here. Anne is taking the clinic, and I'm insanely jealous. She's probably going to be throwing flakas by Monday...

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

23

Posted: October 27th, 2009, 7:32pm CET by Tatiana Howard

Happy Bappy Be - Diddle Li’ Day to me! I am now 23! : )

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

photo by: pritchardimaging.com

Chris Murray K202

woo crazy times

Posted: October 27th, 2009, 1:48pm CET

so after tiree i stoped off in Nottingham for a week which was fun but i had to find a way down too Cornwall for the week end for the student event called aussi kiss.

i contacted my friend potter he said he might have just enef space for me in his old skool vw camper but i would have too sit in the back with his massive German shepard dog.

when he arrived i was seriously doubting we would get there as the accelerator pedal had broken off on the way round to pick me up so he had taped a stone on to his shoes so the metal bit sticking out that he had to press on as the accelerator didnt dig in to his foot haha. but sure enef we made it in one piece was great event loads a wind good time had by all.

this week end is the last event of the year run by the bwa in gwithian cornwall so bring it on woop woop cant wait ...

shout out to zoe dave from tiree gf

Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

K One Freeride

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!...
Not sure if the new camera is better??

Posted: October 27th, 2009, 8:27am CET

I guess new isn't always better.. Well maybe it is.. Just trying to figure it out.. Not the best day for taking photos...

Ezzy Blog - Russ Faurot

One More Oregon Coast Video

Posted: October 26th, 2009, 10:37pm CET by Russ

Here is a video from Cape Sebastian on the Oregon Coast. The Cape is located on the Southern Oregon Coast right next to Pistol River. Jake and I had a great trip trying out a bunch of new spots along the Coast. This was the only day that we sailed the Cape, and it was a fun one. The conditions were very challenging, with some difficult to read waves and extremely overpowering wind. We were both on 4.2’s and should have been on 3.5’s. The locals said that this wind was typical, but the waves often get a lot better. I would love to try it on a big day with the proper size sail. The potential of this place is unreal!

Stay tuned for more updates from Maui and future travel stories. I have a trip to Chile in the works, so hopefully I can get that rolling. I will be sure to offer lots of updates on that one.

See ya on the water,

Russ

Fish's Windsurf Journal

Igloos and PFD's forever... eh?!

Posted: October 26th, 2009, 5:19pm CET

If there is ever any doubt why windsurfers still need to wear PFD's in Canada, here is a quote from recent correspondence with Transport Canada:

"The issue of PFDs for sailboards was discussed during the regulatory consultation periods of 2002 and 2005. At that time, there was a great deal of discussion surrounding the matter. The sailboarding community itself is split on the subject. The Canadian Yachting Association, the governing body for windsurfing competitions in Canada, and other boating organizations have declared their position that all vessels should indeed carry flotation devices. As a result Transport Canada has decided not to repeal the requirements for PFDs to be carried on sailboards."

One of the first things that may pop into your head is the simple question - why are windsurfers regulated by Transport Canada in the first place? I guess they are worried about all those windsurfers who cart contraband cigarettes back and forth across the Great Lakes. MMmmm, soggy wet cigarettes. Who needs those when you can get a $10 bag'o'smokes in Tyendinaga, right on the way to Sandbanks?.

Another question: Is the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) really the governing body for windsurfing competitions in Canada? I don't know the answer to this. Racing maybe? Freestyle, wave sailing? Not that I know of - there ARE no competitions for that in this country. From my perspective, the CYA obviously doesn't know shit about windsurfing. How much of the windsurf population actually races? Secondly, aside from MAYBE running an odd race, does the CYA even recognize that there is a difference between a sailboard and a yacht? Let's see, a quick comparison: You can be inebriated, dressed in a T-shirt in winter and a non-swimmer on one, and on the other you cannot.

Note that the most recent (2009) revisions to the Small Vessel Regulations, have left essentially the same requirements in place. In summary: PFD's are still mandatory... and you better wear it, otherwise you need that paddle, 15m of rope and a sack of flares. Sure, no problem, I'll just stow those items in the trunk. I've been asking Quatro to make me a custom Canadian board, complete with trunk and built in cooler, but no dice.

I definitely look forward to the $255 opportunity to get hauled up on an OPP boat. I certainly know what I am going to do. The minute an OPP boat sneaks up and instructs me to hop on board their boat to collect the ticket: "Officer, I am sorry, but I can't swim."

Bill's OBX Beach Life

Another Wave Sesh Score at Coquina Beach, Nags Head!

Fetched: October 26th, 2009, 4:28pm CET by Bill

Well, it was not the surf/swell of Hurricane Bill, but conditions today at Coquina were quite fun! The outer bar was breaking with fun waist to head high peaks rolling in. South wind provided the juice for fairly clean side-off conditions!

Keith M, Olaf P, Caleb J, and I along with Atlantic first-time wavesailor Prescott M hit the surf at the north end of Coquina. The parking spot was not actually in the main Coquina Beach parking area, but rather about 150 yards north of the windmill. South wind combined with south swell is usually the right mix for fun at Coquina. We had it today, and for everyone out on the water, there were some tasty waves!

Oh yea, trunks along with a 1mm long sleeve top was all I wore out there!! 75 degree ocean water and air hovering in the mid 70s!! That's conditions here for late October Hatteras wavesailing!!

Some pics for the day (click images for captions):
photographer: Yana Bagdasaryan

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

A Wave Sesh to Entertain the Fishermen

Fetched: October 26th, 2009, 4:28pm CET by Michael

It was just me and the Wolf...Scott couldn’t make it, Jeff couldn’t make it, Jon Ford couldn’t make it, John "he only sails when it's perfect" Natalie took a look and passed etc…nobody but the Wolf and I got to...
This Weekend's Forecast Doesn't Suck

Fetched: October 26th, 2009, 4:28pm CET by Michael

NOAA says: Today E winds 15 to 20 kt. Gusts up to 25 kt late. Sat S winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Sun W winds 15 to 20 kt...diminishing to 10 to 15 kt...

Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

Check this out. Especially the Lake Isabella fans

Posted: October 26th, 2009, 11:32am CET

I got this note and decided to post it up.. The windsurfing at Lake Isabella as we know it is about to change forever. The days of camping at waters edge,being able to set up camp, rig your equipment and enjoy the convenience of being right there within a few...

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

fishin’ for the sun

Posted: October 25th, 2009, 10:52pm CET by Tatiana Howard

Fish's Windsurf Journal

Gnarly Launches

Posted: October 25th, 2009, 1:07pm CET

I scored a nice, but cold little dawn patrol session at Everitt Park in Kingston on Saturday. The air was warm, but we've had a couple weeks of abnormally cold temps for October and the lake is now on the cusp of foot numbness, which experience tells me is about 10 or 11C. I reckon one more week and I will have to succumb to booties. Yech... But a small price to pay to keep sailing the often stronger winds we get in the late fall.

This brings me to a topic of the day. Gnarly launches. Kingston has its fair share of nasty launches. I mean, I guess they aren't THAT bad, but they are definitely hard on the feet. Being very anti-booty, the launches here can really take their toll on one's feet.

- Emily St - the old-school primary Kingston launch is bad. For Emily St, it is the rock size that kills you. Too small to step on, but too big to feel nice, all topped off with a generous helping of algae. Walking the gear out at Emily St is a royal pain in the ass, with definite trip potential and even twist-your-ankle potential, not to mention slice potential by the damn zebra mussels. Good thing it is not a very long walk - about 5m or so and your off and going.

- Everitt - Oh man, this place is sometimes easy, sometimes hard. Either way, you definitely think twice about coming to shore to make that wee tweak to your outhaul. The problem? Very flat, slick Kingston limestone, mostly big coherent slab, but with cracks that are often filled with those pesky razor-sharp zebra mussels and also coated with that nice slime layer that makes it slicker than ice. Argh!! It would not be so bad, if it were not for the current and 5-6 second period waves that hit you over and over, and slowly drag you down-wind into the bay. Basically, coming in post-session entails sliding along the slippery slab until your feet can grip on those zebra-mussel filled cracks. Joy!

OK, I bet there are lots of stories of gnarly launches way worse than here. Got any? Despite the fact Kingston has some not-so-comfy entries, I think in my experience, what takes the cake by miles is Pungarehu in Taranaki, New Zealand, home of the Taranaki Wave Classic. It just so happens to be going off right now!! Best of luck to my old Welly mates Gary and James!

First off, Punga's is a port tack spot. While about 50% of people out there are pleased with that, unfortunately for me, I lack any experience on that tack and really struggled with the waves there. Note to self - travel more!!

To be honest, I only sailed Pungarehu once in fact, during my NZ stay, and holy shit, what a brutal spot to launch. The wave is one of the best in the world, but the launch is one of the worst. I think I launched at low-tide, probably making matters worse. The walk is about ~50m or so, across gritty volcanic rocks ranging from 0.5 to 2 feet in diameter. So, it was a mix of stepping on, and stepping between the sharp rocks to make progress - and progress was VERY slow. Stepping in between was troublesome, since it is hard to move the gear through without dragging the sail tip or boom on the sharp rocks. I've never been so battered in my life.

I distinctly remember one particularly ingenious local. He end his session at the same time as me and we were walking out together His trick? Keep an old pair of steel-toed construction boots handy, for the walk out, and the walk back. Brilliant!

Oh yeah, Lanes in Maui is a good one. After launching there once, my buddy who had lived there for a while gave me some solid advice: "You're an idiot," he said "Only Art launches there..." If you like the crunch of urchins beneath your feet, give it a shot!

Got any gnarly launch stories?

琵琶湖ＦＲＥＥＲＩＤＥＷＥＢ ( WINDSURF & MTB )　ｆｒｏｍ　ＬＡＫＥ　ＢＩＷＡ　ＪＡＰＡＮ

KENDA NEVEGAL TIRE に交換

Posted: October 25th, 2009, 12:54pm CET by biwako_freeride

　これからのトレイルシーズンに向けて、RAVENのタイヤをKENDA NEVEGAL 2.1に交換した。前輪は、スロー・リバウンド・コンパウンドのSTICK-E、後輪は、デュアル・コンパウンドのDTCです。
　早速、近くのトレイルに走りに行ったが、下りのグリップ感や、上りのトラクションのかかり方は評判どおりで、トレイル・ライディングでは、使いやすいタイヤだと思う。

Lost In Hatteras

The Calm Before The Storm

Posted: October 24th, 2009, 4:56pm CEST

Serenity... I was lucky enough to enjoy a 15 minute sunset sail last night. SSE winds, 8-12 mph.

(Photo: Anne)

G-42 Blog

Getting just a little bit cranky...

Posted: October 24th, 2009, 1:51am CEST

So I broke my ankle on the first day of Nationals back in late July. Or, more precisely, I broke the fibula right at the ankle. Clean break, non-displaced. No big deal, as every medical professional I talked to assured me. No way was this going to keep me off the water for more than 6 weeks, at the most. Except that's not quite how it went down.
After five weeks of being completely non-weight bearing, the bone was showing some pretty promising healing, and I got a walking boot. Since then, the fracture has continued to heal, but it's still not done, well over 12 weeks later. Turns out, the fibula doesn't bear a lot of weight, so there's not enough compressive force to really get the bone properly motivated to fuse all the way. Meanwhile, if you do put weight on it, there's all kinds of odd micro-movement and twisting, which then apparently slows down what healing there is.
Not that it matters much, as it turns out that the high ankle sprain I gave myself in the process of breaking the bone was the more pernicious injury anyway. Those apparently take around 16 weeks or so until you can really load up the joint again, and that's if things go really well. In my case, however, there's the unfortunate bit (quite literally) where the ligament that connects the tibia and fibia at the front of the ankle, when getting sprained, managed to tear a few fragments off the bone. One of those is now sitting in the recess of the joint, right next to the ligament, aggravating things in there and keeping the inflammation fresh. That might all go away in the next three to four weeks (that's the working assumption for now), or it might need some surgery to clean things up. The 3 months I haven't sailed since that first day of Nationals is easily the longest single period without windsurfing that I've gone through in 30 years.
Meanwhile, fall in Bellingham has been remarkably mild in temparatures and pretty darn windy. The local kiters have had to pull out their 5 and 7 meter kites a few times already, and I stopped counting the number of days that would have been nicely powered slalom conditions due South, with good swell in the Bay.
To add insult to injury, with the ankle being what it is, I'm pretty limited in the amount and types of exercise with which I can distract myself. It got so bad the other day that I seriously got my low back out of whack doing way too many sets of single leg hopping on the stairs. I'm sure I'm just a real joy to live with right now, which is a cross my loved ones have been bearing with remarkable grace. My wife did, however, helpfully point out that by the time I'll be ready to get back to sailing, the water will be cold enough to have a very beneficial anti-inflammatory effect on my ankle...

Lost In Hatteras

Week's Recap

Posted: October 23rd, 2009, 5:37am CEST

Phew- Alright- Here's the week's recap:

Early in the week, it was windy, and cold. It felt like winter, but Stuart, Justin, and I snagged the year's first good Buxton Slick sesh! Booyah!! There's no photo evidence, but it was sweet. How about a pic of Anne and Jenny de-rigging after their sunset sesh, instead:

Then the wind died but the swell was macking for a few days! Check out this video on Surfline to get an idea of the conditions!

Andy Brandt came to the shop for a THIRD FREE CLINIC on Wednesday! That has got to be some kind of record, we are hooking you guys up!! It was another good size crowd (50+), with topics ranging from The Sail Flip to The Shuv-It.

Then the swell faded and the wind hasn't come back yet. Today was as flat and windless as it gets around here, and honestly kind of rare. All of the beach goers and everyone who owns a Standup Paddleboard is still loving life, though. Warm and sunny all day today!

I'm loving life, too, because a few 2010 World Sail Surges showed up at the shop this afternoon!! They are looking sweet, with a cool color scheme and some nice construction details like lots of x-ply, hemmed batten sleeves, and a heavy duty double thickness head cap strap (among lots of other things, of course). I rigged up the 4.2 and am pretty stoked with how it looks. Can't wait to get some wind to try these sails out!!

And check out the sweet graphics on the Chinook Carbon Big Wave boom! Dang, lookin' hot! Give me a call if you want to get your hands on one!

It looks like we might get some wind this weekend... C'mon out and join us!

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Two Photos I Like

Fetched: October 22nd, 2009, 2:29pm CEST by Michael

We went through a long stretch of not much to look at here at Peconic Puffin World Headquarters, largely due to Peconic Jeff not having a camera. He's lensed up once again, and while perusing Jeff's excellent Flickr collection I...

James' Blog

More of the same, but good

Posted: October 22nd, 2009, 6:55am CEST

I don't mean for my blog to be PURELY a watersports video dumping ground, but since the wind keeps blowing hard and I'm busy at work when I'm not on the water, I haven't had time to delve into any interesting social commentary or any of the other stuff I sometimes write about. Oh, well.

Today looked lighter than Monday and Tuesday, so I went out on a 106 liter board instead of the 83 I had used previously. Once I was out the wind came up a lot, but I added outhaul to my 5.5 sail and the 106 stayed fairly well behaved. I filmed an awesome jam session with my kiter friend Doug in the big waves and swells around the Fort Pierce Inlet. There was great, golden sunlight illuminating the green waves and whitewater, with an awesome purple-grey squall cloud and a rainbow in the background. At one point I was charging at a breaking wave and pinched upwind to avoid the whitewater, which accidentally initiated a super cool back-loop type thing where I got totally upside down and the board went nose first into the water. I didn't sail away from it, but it was fun, so I'm curious to maybe try some more. Especially since when I got to the beach I realized my camera batteries were dead and I hadn't filmed ANY of that cool stuff. Doh!

So all I have to show is some grey skies video from Tuesday. I organized it into four chapters / themes: 1) carving, 2) wave-assisted jibes, 3) kiters jumping, and 4) me jumping. Hope you enjoy.

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

NEW D.R. Butterfly Video

Posted: October 21st, 2009, 10:58pm CEST by Tatiana Howard

The Dominican Republic Butterfly Effect 2009 video is now online! The 1st Dominican Republic Butterfly Effect and 12th event overall took place this past July. We had a great turn out of 30 women and girls. The day started with a beach clean up on the Cabarete beach. The conditions were light so I taught a intro SUP (stand-up paddle) lesson and we were all off! Everyone picked up stand-up paddling very quickly. After we had some nice snacks provided by local cafes and at night we had the closing ceremony. We had a huge raffle at the ending ceremony and raised money for the DREAM PROJECT. It was a great event and we are working on the 2nd Annual Butterfly Effect Dominican Republic. For more pics of the event and all the other Butterfly Effects visit www.betheeffect.com.

Thank you Charly and Michelle for putting together the fun clip.

Butterfly Effect Cabarete 2009 from charly on Vimeo.

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Gaastra Buddha

Fetched: October 21st, 2009, 12:26pm CEST by Michael

"Yo, what's that Buddha doing over there?" "Dude, that's Buddha Mike's Buddha," came a reply. "Geez, that's a frickin' piece of art!" Such was the conversation in the rigging area of the Long Island Fall Regatta. Time was when a...

Fish's Windsurf Journal

Some big NorEasters?

Posted: October 20th, 2009, 4:23pm CEST

Models are all over the map at the moment: NAM12 suggesting southerly/westerly while GFS and others showing big NE. I think the NorEaster's will win this one...

So, were does a Kingstonite, stuck in a big N/NE wind shadow, go to score some good conditions? It's getting far too late in the season to just sit on the bench!

Maybe Quebec City - that place apparently gets real fun on big NE, but a very looong 6hr drive.

Windy. Funny how we wind slaves comb the internet for all these weather models in hopes for the next blast. More funny perhaps how we seem to neglect all the other weather components: Frigid and rainy, i.e. nasty. Should be fun!

Ezzy Blog - Gary and Nancy Morris

Hurricane Rick Takes Aim At Southern Baja – Oct. 19

Posted: October 20th, 2009, 3:53pm CEST by Gary

Everyone who has arrived early in La Ventana is watching Hurricane Rick as it approaches the southern tip of Baja Mexico this morning. The hurricane developed off the southern Mexican mainland coast a few days ago, and has been building in strength and tracking in a northwest direction towards La Ventana. Sunday morning the storm reached the maximum category 5 with winds of over 200 mph at the center. At the moment, the storm is predicted to come ashore near Cabo San Luca and cross the peninsula near Cabo Pulmo. The current website of choice for everyone here is: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml?epac.

Clouds over La Ventana Bay – something is brewing

Campers at the RV Park are preparing to move to high ground and shelter from the wind. Several people left yesterday heading north in hopes of completely avoiding the storm. Arriving early in La Ventana for the winter can be a dicey proposition since hurricane season doesn’t officially end until the first week of November.

Several years ago Nancy and I were here the end of September when Hurricane Marty passed over La Paz only 30 miles to our west. At the time we were in our trailer which we had moved off the beach and placed behind an 8′ concrete wall which we thought would block the wind. We found out that when the winds are blowing over 100 mph, an RV is not the place to hide from the storm. It was a frightening way to learn a lesson about the fury of Mother Nature. The experience helped us in our decision to build a house built of steel and concrete with steel storm covers on the windows and doors.

Two days before the storm; blue skies, and great fishing. Nancy with her Dorado

Since the first of October, we’ve had a few light wind days for big sails and kites, however last Friday we did have a taste of good sailing with a day of 4.7 – 5.2 and small swells. One good thing is that the Dorado (Mahi) fishing has been outstanding. We’ll keep you updated on how the storm affects La Ventana. Good sailing, Gary & Nancy

Ezzy Blog - Russ Faurot

A New Video

Posted: October 20th, 2009, 11:46am CEST by Russ

Well, I am just now coming off of a 7-week foot injury. My foot is still a bit sore, but I can feel it gaining strength every day. I jumped straight into hi-wind board testing with Windsurfing Magazine for my first days back on the water. It was a good way to get back, because I was riding boards without doing too much jumping. I did toss in a few forward loops today just to make sure that I could stil do it. I was a perferct 5 for 5, so I guess I haven’t lost it! Testing was fun, with 10 different maunufacturers entering their 80-90L boards for us to try.

Just came across another Oregon Coast video by Jake Miller, of Snakebite Productions. Jake and I are the featured riders. Enjoy.

James' Blog

Unequivocal Windy Season Opener

Posted: October 20th, 2009, 7:47am CEST

After work today at the Fort Pierce South Jetty I saw a bunch of kiteboarders I hadn't seen since April, and one other windsurfer. I guess that means the windy season has begun. The breeze was NE and STRONG, but kind of up and down. The kiters were mostly on 8s and 9s. My 5.5 sail and 83 liter Starboard Evo worked pretty well, except I kept catching weeds on my fin. I need to find a good US Box weedfin for sails 5.5 and smaller.

Anyway, here's the video. It's kinda long, but I tried to actually pick good songs this time, and put a little more into the editing. There's some surprises in it, too. Hope you like it.

Epic Sessions

Flying... (home)

Posted: October 20th, 2009, 7:28am CEST

Ah, another annual high wind board test finished, my final thoughts on the boards committed to paper, the final de-rig and packing of wet rash guards, harness and proto booms.

Today was a casual day, blasting on an overpowered 4.7 at uppers going big and sometimes paying the price. Jake was spot on nailing everything and anything he went for. Russ must have been feeling better with a few forwards on the bad ankle. Francisco hung out for a while - always good to see his smile! Keith brought by a freestyle wave proto for 2010 that looked great, but he is making a few more tweaks before it goes to Cobra. Testers were making their final runs on the boards, and some were plotting how to smuggle their fave home.

Ray crashed big - video to come soon - and messed his knee up for the rest of his trip. Kinda like last year on the Red Rhino, eh?

Anyway, I'm committing this post to the blog, and then its off to the airport for my flight to the mainland.

Aloha!

Ps - and yes, I can fly. Not for very long, but I can really soar! ;-)

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

South Side Swell

Posted: October 20th, 2009, 5:43am CEST by Tatiana Howard

There was a little bump on the south side over these past couple days. It is rare to have a south swell like this during the start of winter. We took advantage of it and headed over to see what kind of waves were breaking. It was fun, maybe head high( if your lucky) in Lahaina and I heard it was bigger on Wailea/Kihei side. It was an overall fun session, but with the inconsistent waves we had to be very very patient and wait for the good ones!

Epic Sessions

Killer!

Posted: October 19th, 2009, 9:53pm CEST

Sunday was awesome. Spectacular. Epic. Pick your word for it, it killed. Everyone was on fire and the winds were jacked.

Hats off to Carl for getting around his first four forward loops! He's totally stoked to be 44 and learning to go over the bars - he can claim it as Ray saw one and the GoPro's caught them all (video forthcoming).

Sorry for the lack of video - there's just too much to go through as I've been running 3-4 GoPro's on the gear generating a lot of video and too little time to go through it.

Today's my last day on the island. I'm stoked to sail, and very ready to head home back to the family. Its been another good test trip, one for the books.

Bill's OBX Beach Life

COLD!! Is it Late Dec on the OBX?!

Fetched: October 19th, 2009, 2:37pm CEST by Bill

Well, at least it has been windy!! NW has been the norm over the past number of days with strong winds hitting across the islands. Today was exceptionally cold with upper 40 degree air and cloudy/drizzly weather. Not the most enticing for chasing it, though for northern visitors in town for windy weather, its been a major score! Today, I installed the top back on the 4runner to have some warmth in the truck, especially when removing a full wetsuit on cold days like today!

Yesterday, Lauren and I, along with the little guy, attended a wedding on the sound in Kill Devil Hills. Not quite the best weather for a sound side wedding, and the cold NW wind was harsh (great for windsurfing, bad for wedding!). Though once indoors for the reception, we all had an excellent time! Congratulations Katie and Byron!

Hopefully, this cold spell will end and we will soon see another round of warm southerly wind! Perhaps Saturday?!

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Nor'easting!

Fetched: October 19th, 2009, 2:37pm CEST by Michael

Friday the spot was Gardiners Bay. Scott, Frank, and the Wolf were out early on 4.7’s, and were soon joined by Peconic Jeff, Jon Ford, Jan and Bruce, Fisherman and myself. For some reason I rigged 5.3 (would have been...

James' Blog

Every good session deserves a bad techno song

Posted: October 19th, 2009, 7:59am CEST

I had a good time this weekend using my smaller windsurfing boards in the W / NW winds from a cold front.

Saturday was sort-of the "warm up", with just a dying-light flat water session with 6.6 / 106 liter board. I was proud of my one completed duck jibe until I watched it on this video and realized it was the weirdest, wrongest duck jibe ever. Oh, well. My friend Marc was messing with his new kite and got a 10 second ride. Woo hoo!

Sunday was the glory day, with fun ocean sailing at the Fort Pierce Jetty. The wind was about 30 degrees offshore, and very gusty and shifty, which made it challenging. Yet, when a gust coincided with a jumpable or rideable wave, it was perfect. There were some clean swells coming through occasionally, and because of the wind angle, it was easy to do "front side" turns on the wave. That's where instead of just sliding down the face of the wave, you turn downwind and ride partway back up the face before redirecting and skootching down again. You can feel the "Gs" when you do it, and it's really fun. I started out on my smallest board, the Evo 83, but I switched to the bigger Exocet Cross 106 to better deal with the flukey conditions. The sail I'm using in the video is a 5.5 Aerotech Charge. Later in the afternoon I switched to the blue 6.6 sail and got some even funner wave rides, but the video of that didn't turn out because my batteries were dead.

There were several kiters rigged at the beach, but only one of them went out, and only for a little while before ending up way downwind, because the shifty conditions were bad for kiting.

Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

Photo Stuff

Posted: October 19th, 2009, 4:59am CEST

So I am pretty excited about my photography stuff lately.. I managed to get a cool JP poster made up of Robby Swift with a cool watershot of mine as well as 3 photos in the JP brochure.. I was pretty stoked on that.. I have also seen my photos...

Epic Sessions

Great day!

Posted: October 18th, 2009, 8:32pm CEST

Wow, what a day. The wind was looking great, and the light was perfect for photos. The crew was a bit slow from the night before, having enjoyed sake and sushi at Jacques followed by marathon sessions on the dance floor until the lights came on (gasp!). Some piled on the Advil, one jumped in the ocean and the remedies seemed to work and we hit the water to warm up before Erik and the helicopter arrived.

I gotta say, having a helicopter 15 horizontal feet off of your mast tip while you're blasting across the water is way cool. I sure hope the photo turns out. The pilot had the chopper right on top of me to the point that I could read the make and model of Erik's camera gear. Yeah, it was that close. If I would have bore off, I'm sure my mast tip would have hit the skids. (I hope there wasn't a huge booger hanging off my nose! LOL)

An hour later Erik was back to take some more photos of the team from the water with his fisheye lens. This is always a blast as you have to literally sail on top of him to get the shot. As last year, I stuck a GoPro on his helmet and got some good video that I'm still going through. Everyone was tearing it up and I know there's a pile of great shots in there.

I spent the bulk of my day on the 2010 5.3 Goya Guru, and I was super pleased with it. The new model has way more low end power (which I need) and handles like a dream on a wave and in the air. My only complaint is that I noticed that the 2010 Goya's don't have the pocket in the mast pad for your downhaul line like last year. That's it. That's my only gripe. ;-)

I'd bet that I end up on the 4.7 Eclipse today. It was already crankin at 7am - always a good sign. I've got a super busy schedule planned that includes running the entire fleet to uppers for some head to head wave testing. If I get that done before the wind quits, I'm gonna grab my favorite board and have a little personal fun time in the waves. Carl is planning to learn to loop today - which has Josh a little apprehensive. Not sure why, since Carl will be wearing his helmet. ;-)

Aloha!

James' Blog

AC off, WIND on

Posted: October 17th, 2009, 10:39pm CEST

The stagnant heat of Florida's long-lingering summer has been banished at last by the first cool front of the year. A gentle breeze rustles the blinds, filling my room with fresh scents from outdoors. 74 degrees of perfection.

The weather came yesterday with a West wind that was still hot, but strong and long enough to signal a change from the usual. It was also strong and long enough for me to rig a 5.5 sail and to baptize the 83 liter "Evo" waveboard that has been sitting on my rack since I bought it in May. (Remember this post?)

I played it safe and used the board in the lagoon, where the wind was onshore, rather than in the ocean where it would have been offshore. I think that was a good call, since it was plenty gusty in the lagoon, from about 10 - 25 mph, and would have been even gustier in the ocean.

The Evo shlogged well for its 83 liters, and when puffs rolled through it would pop up on a plane with no complaints. The main improvement I noticed over my previous small board, an 87 liter F2 Maui Project Style, was that the Evo had better turning and jibing characteristics. The carves were smooth and easy to initiate, and the board seemed to carry speed and stay planing even during my sloppy jibes. I can't wait to try it on the ocean side, maybe tomorrow. The wind is supposed to be NW shifting to North, which will be somewhat less offshore. I'll need a wetsuit, though. The high is only going to be 72!

琵琶湖ＦＲＥＥＲＩＤＥＷＥＢ ( WINDSURF & MTB )　ｆｒｏｍ　ＬＡＫＥ　ＢＩＷＡ　ＪＡＰＡＮ

LIBERTY STREAMLINED CARBON EXT 破損

Posted: October 17th, 2009, 7:17am CEST by biwako_freeride

　昨日、片付けている際に、ジョイントとベースのカップ部分が外しにくかったので、ジョイント・エクステンションをよく見ると、カップが入る部分の少し上の、パイプの径が細くなるところにひび割れがあった。裏側から見ても、その部分のカーボンの繊維は、はく離しているようだ。
　このジョイントは、EZZY RDMマストに替えた時から使っているので、５年以上は使っているし、海上（湖上）で破断して、ボードとセイルが離れなかったのは、さすがはカーボンだと思ったが、RDMマストに、ノーマルカップのベースを付けるこのタイプの場合、ベースのノーマルカップが入る径の太い部分は、カーボン・パイプの内側にアルミの補強が入っていて、補強の無くなった上端から、カーボン・パイプの径が細くなる構造なので、構造上、カーボン・パイプの径が変わる部分が、弱点のように思えてきた。
　RDMマストには、ユーロピンのジョイントの方が、パイプの径を変えないシンプルな構造になるので、強度的に良いように思えるが、ジョイントを、ユーロピンに総換えする勇気は無く、次もSTREAMLINEDの同じカーボンのタイプかなと思う。
　しかし最近はショップで、LIBERTY STREAMLINEDのカーボン・ジョイント・エクステンションを見かけないですね。
PR: 歓び。それはBMW。 BMW JOY キャンペーン

Posted: October 17th, 2009, 7:17am CEST

今ならBMWラインアップの中から、お好きなBMW 100日間モニタープレゼント。

Ads by Trend Match

Epic Sessions

Wind? Really?

Posted: October 16th, 2009, 11:01pm CEST

Today there's a stirring in the trees as the trade winds return to the north shore. Everyone's pretty stoked to get back on the boards and get our testing mojo on.

We've been spending our last few windless days surfing, SUP'ing and recovering from the flu that's been having its way with a few members of the test team. Josh is back to 100% and Aaron is almost there as well. I think I've successfully fought off the yuck with the medicine bombing of my system and fingers are crossed that the rest of the crew doesn't succumb this weekend. ;-)

The coming weekend looks great for some solid back-to-back sailing days with some really decent winds that should get everyone onto small sails and give these high wind boards a real run through.

See you next post with some meat!

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

Tracy Kraft Photography

Posted: October 16th, 2009, 10:17pm CEST by Tatiana Howard

Wow! What a fun winter! Day after day there has been some many fun rides. My arms are so sore, but I can’t help but paddle out for another session. The pain goes away on the first waves, so that’s good. Tracy Kraft was out there again taking some awesome shots.

Lost In Hatteras

Super Fun Morning at The Cove!

Posted: October 16th, 2009, 6:07pm CEST

***Update 10/18/09*** Check out the re-cut on the vid! (It's not really different, just smoother edits)

I Love Windsurfing At The Cove! That place is just so much fun. Soft, easy waves, lots of jumps, and down the line rides... What a rad place!

It started off pretty small yesterday, so I sailed the freestyle board for awhile. It actually worked really well on the soft waves, but I don't know if I'd ever take it out on a more critical day. Once the wind came up a bit and the waves built, I switched over to the Pocket 80 and had an insanely fun time! There were lots of folks out, I think I counted about 10 windsurfers and another 10 or 12 kites at one point, which got a bit crowded, but no-one was really stepping on any toes or anything so it worked out alright. Here's the scene:

And a cool shot of Lane:

And here's some GoPro boom cam video:

I just want to shout out a major "Thank You" to Keith, Rick, and an unknown kiter who helped me get my board back after I had a little separation issue... Much appreciated, folks, thanks for keeping an eye out!!

Cheers, to many more days just like that!!!!

Chris Murray K202

metro news and came 2nd in coll chalange

Posted: October 16th, 2009, 2:55pm CEST

woop woop came second in coll chalange overall haha. i was 4th in 6 k run 2nd in 45min paddeel board and 2nd in 12 mile bike race so much fun awsome day i am feeling it now thow soo wiped

more new i seen myself in metro news full frontal oops well placed hand luckely

[metro.co.uk]

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Big Nor'east Forecast for Now Through Sunday!

Fetched: October 16th, 2009, 10:57am CEST by Michael

If you sail anywhere near Long Island I'm just telling you what you already know: Fri NE winds 25 to 30 kt. Sat NE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Sun NE winds 20 to...
Do You Have The Balls to SUP?

Fetched: October 16th, 2009, 10:57am CEST by Michael

(Thanks to Standup Journal's Steve West and Clay Feeter for finding and forwarding this.)

Kevin Pritchard Windsurfing Blog

Baja Madness

Posted: October 16th, 2009, 2:18am CEST

Baja Madness.... Well it sure feels good to be back in Baja...... the sun, the wind, the waves and just being out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but go windsurfing!!!! We have a packed out Wave Camp down here and yesterday was WINDY!The first couple days...

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

Surf & Surf & Surf

Posted: October 15th, 2009, 10:27pm CEST by Tatiana Howard

It has been a solid week of clean, glassy fun surf! This picture was taken by Tracy Kraft during another one of my morning surf sessions. Thanks Tracy!

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Jill's Top Ten Lessons Learned from the Long Island Fall Regatta

Fetched: October 14th, 2009, 8:31pm CEST by Michael

She's the co-organizer, the scorekeeper, half of the race committee, the creator of pumpkin trophies, and a competitor from last Saturday's races. Jill Marr (aka Jam Master Jill, Jill Marr Superstar, and Mrs. George Marr) sent the Puffin a list...

Lost In Hatteras

North Winds =

Posted: October 14th, 2009, 6:11pm CEST

Wetsuits!

It's been windy, every day! In the last post I made the claim that I hadn't put on a wetsuit yet. Well, yeah, that's all changed. I've been suited up every day since! I had a few Lighthouse sessions, in pretty weak waves but it's all good. Here's an image grab from some boom video:

See the Lighthouse in the background?

Yesterday was pretty solid, too, NNW in the AM so I went to the Hole and threw down some freestyle. The crowds were building just as I had to leave, but I took a few little video clips of Andy Brandt, Dave C, and West Coast Meredith on my way out.

Andy Brandt Old School at the Hole from Andy McKinney on Vimeo.

Speaking of Andy Brandt, he threw down a huge windsurfing clinic at the shop last night. I counted over 60 people before everyone even showed up, at which point it was impossible to even try to count! I'm stoked that everyone came out, it was a great time and I think everyone picked up a tip or two. Hopefully, they're all out on the water trying some new tricks right now!!

The forecast is looking... interesting... ? Keep an eye out for soundside flooding Thursday night/Friday morning...

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Frank is the Wind Sacrifice

Fetched: October 14th, 2009, 2:40pm CEST by Michael

Sorry Frank...we've all been the wind sacrifice, and today it was you. First it was the Wolf and I at Sebonac Inlet...on again, off again wind (5.2/5.3 on bigger boards). Then Frank arrived, caught some of the on/off wind, and...

Chris Murray K202

IN THE SUN BUY A COPY page 36

Posted: October 14th, 2009, 12:04pm CEST
naked in tiree "we willy windsurf " haha

Posted: October 14th, 2009, 11:41am CEST

tiree has been great fun so far had awsome wind when we arrived 40knts well overpowered on 3.7 the comp went well i did nt advance but was a split decision so very colse run heat felt sailed well so what els can you doo all good. wind has stopped but up next is the coll chalange 3 mile run windsurf to coll anouthere island then a bike race 11 miles woo tired thinking about it all good

Epic Sessions

Get a grip!

Posted: October 14th, 2009, 9:24am CEST

In addition to new boards being tested, I've been sailing some prototype booms this trip. Now I'm kinda particular about my booms. Specifically in diameter, stiffness and overall user friendliness with the front end, rear pulley and cleat, and easy to use size markings.

And most of all, they need to be strong. I'm a big guy and I sail hard on my gear. One summer I taco'd so many aluminum booms the manufacturer stopped replacing them and strongly recommended to rider their carbon model. (I liked the aluminum one for its reduced diameter). I have to admit that I was a bit sceptic about the survivability of these booms when I was asked to test them. But hey, thats part of the deal, right?

That said, I like these booms. So much that I forget I'm sailing aluminum. But alas, they're stiff and crisp when sailing. What's so special about them? The grip. There's a pronounced "V" on the inside of the boom that makes it super easy to grip the boom, especially when wave sailing. Take a close look at the photos, but keep in mind that we used a wide angle lens to accentuate the view of the "V".

In normal sailing, the grip was less taxing on my forearms. When doing tricks, it was easier to snag the boom with a few fingers and on some near misses, I pulled it out because of the "V". I really noticed the "V when wavesailing - it was super comfy when working hard on the rig going down the line.

Items to note - the diameter was large for some of the women or people with smaller hands, but the production version of them will be about 15% smaller and with a less pronounced "V".

The locking pins for the adjustments were user friendly and beefy, but I wish they'd mark the extension with overall length cm and not just cm of adjustment. The head was nice, though I think there's a more refined version in the works.

The best thing about these booms - the price. I'm not going to disclose MSRP, but in today's economy, these booms are priced right, perhaps even below what I think the value is for them.

And if you've never heard of the brand, rest assured, while they may not be a household name in the North American windsurfing market, these guys have been around the block and then some in Europe. No worries there at all.

Check 'em out, give them a trip and get a better grip on your sailing.

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

Windgirl.com Interview

Posted: October 14th, 2009, 4:14am CEST by Tatiana Howard

Interview: Tatiana Howard Madame Butterfly

The Butterfly Effect is spreading around the world - congratulations! But what’s next?

Yes, the Butterfly Effect continues to spread its’ wings to all corners of the world. It is very exciting to see where the next effect develops. We have just finished with the first Butterfly Effect trip which was in Tahiti this past September. It went over extremely well and we are looking forward to making more trips in addition to one-day downwind adventures. Juliana Shelefis now organizing the next event in Israel and then we will both meet in December/January for the Brazil 3rd Annual B.E. event. The 2010 schedule will be out soon but at the looks of it, it won’t be slowing down at all with bigger and better events. Be sure to check out the website www.betheeffect.com to view all the official events that are coming up.

Some sceptics might argue that - especially with girls doing SUP only - there might in the end not be too many benefits for the sport of WINDSURFING. What do you think? Are all these sports (surf, windsurf, kiteboard, SUP) equal from your point of view?

I think women getting out in the water no matter the sport is a good thing. I started off just surfing and I loved the water so much that I wanted to be out there in every kind of condition. Surfing lead me to windsurfing, then I had to try kiting, and stand-up paddling. I think SUP is a great intro into water sports that will benefit windsurfing and kiting in the end.

You seem to be an excellent organizer! What kind of job are you dreaming of?

I am living my dream job of being an event producer in an event that I am really passionate about. I love how the Butterfly Effect is not only promoting women in water sports but gets involved with the communities that it goes to. In the last effect we “butterflies” had several days of teaching the kids of Tahiti how to do windsurfing and kite-surfing. We also did clinics for women and taught them new techniques and tricks. When we are able to give back to the community we visit and at the same time enjoy the local surf breaks and wind, it is a double bonus!

What do you think about competitive windsurfing, especially the (woman) PWA tour and it’s future?

I think competitive windsurfing is good for the sport. The women on the tour are doing a great job. They are really pushing the level and encouraging girls to keep riding and do their best. I would like to see more women be a part of the PWA and more support from sponsors towards women. I am hoping that The Butterfly Effect can be foundation of getting more women active in windsurfing and thus have more women be involved with the PWA. The Butterfly Effect brings more women out on the water to just have fun and that’s where improvements for a sport has to begin, with just having fun. From this foundation it will continue to benefit the sport and its’ contest because more women on the water will result in more girls continuing the sport to a competitive level.

You are also very professional in getting (and keeping) sponsors. Any tips, any advice for our younger “windgirls”?

If you are begin to receive sponsorships, make sure you treat it as a job. Stay on top of it… fill your sponsors in with what your doing, trips you go on, pictures, contests, and ask for feedback. It’s great to build a close relationship with your sponsors and be appreciative of them and their support of you.

Finally: What do you think about our new “World of Windgirls” website and community?

I think “World of Windgirls” is great. There are always cool things for water girls to check out like new blog posts, pictures, wind events from around the world, and friends that share the same passion of water sports. It is a great opportunity for water women in the world to show what their home break is like or to share their dreams of where they would like to go next. I also like it because you can keep in touch with the windsurfing friends you meet along the beach! Thanks World of Windgirls!
Windgirls.com Interview

Posted: October 14th, 2009, 4:14am CEST by Tatiana Howard

Interview: Tatiana Howard Madame Butterfly with www.windgirls.com Photos by: pritchardimaging.com

The Butterfly Effect is spreading around the world - congratulations! But what’s next?

Yes, the Butterfly Effect continues to spread its’ wings to all corners of the world. It is very exciting to see where the next effect develops. We have just finished with the first Butterfly Effect trip which was in Tahiti this past September. It went over extremely well and we are looking forward to making more trips in addition to one-day downwind adventures. Juliana Shelefis now organizing the next event in Israel and then we will both meet in December/January for the Brazil 3rd Annual B.E. event. The 2010 schedule will be out soon but at the looks of it, it won’t be slowing down at all with bigger and better events. Be sure to check out the website www.betheeffect.com to view all the official events that are coming up.

Some sceptics might argue that - especially with girls doing SUP only - there might in the end not be too many benefits for the sport of WINDSURFING. What do you think? Are all these sports (surf, windsurf, kiteboard, SUP) equal from your point of view?

I think women getting out in the water no matter the sport is a good thing. I started off just surfing and I loved the water so much that I wanted to be out there in every kind of condition. Surfing lead me to windsurfing, then I had to try kiting, and stand-up paddling. I think SUP is a great intro into water sports that will benefit windsurfing and kiting in the end.

You seem to be an excellent organizer! What kind of job are you dreaming of?

I am living my dream job of being an event producer in an event that I am really passionate about. I love how the Butterfly Effect is not only promoting women in water sports but gets involved with the communities that it goes to. In the last effect we “butterflies” had several days of teaching the kids of Tahiti how to do windsurfing and kite-surfing. We also did clinics for women and taught them new techniques and tricks. When we are able to give back to the community we visit and at the same time enjoy the local surf breaks and wind, it is a double bonus!

What do you think about competitive windsurfing, especially the (woman) PWA tour and it’s future?

I think competitive windsurfing is good for the sport. The women on the tour are doing a great job. They are really pushing the level and encouraging girls to keep riding and do their best. I would like to see more women be a part of the PWA and more support from sponsors towards women. I am hoping that The Butterfly Effect can be foundation of getting more women active in windsurfing and thus have more women be involved with the PWA. The Butterfly Effect brings more women out on the water to just have fun and that’s where improvements for a sport has to begin, with just having fun. From this foundation it will continue to benefit the sport and its’ contest because more women on the water will result in more girls continuing the sport to a competitive level.

You are also very professional in getting (and keeping) sponsors. Any tips, any advice for our younger “windgirls”?

If you are begin to receive sponsorships, make sure you treat it as a job. Stay on top of it… fill your sponsors in with what your doing, trips you go on, pictures, contests, and ask for feedback. It’s great to build a close relationship with your sponsors and be appreciative of them and their support of you.

Finally: What do you think about our new “World of Windgirls” website and community?

I think “World of Windgirls” is great. There are always cool things for water girls to check out like new blog posts, pictures, wind events from around the world, and friends that share the same passion of water sports. It is a great opportunity for water women in the world to show what their home break is like or to share their dreams of where they would like to go next. I also like it because you can keep in touch with the windsurfing friends you meet along the beach! Thanks World of Windgirls!

Epic Sessions

Intermission

Posted: October 13th, 2009, 11:50pm CEST

The trades have backed down today and while the team is scattered around the island, here's a little video for the home audience to enjoy.

This is from last February 15 at Hookipa. Low clouds, rain squalls and a dirty lens make this video less than stellar but Robby, Roberto and the rest of the Hoo crew make it worth watching.

Sit back, go widescreen and pass the popcorn.

UPDATE - Kihei is windy (15-27) - rounding up the crew to head over and get wet!

Bill's OBX Beach Life

Hatteras Fall Conditions are Here!!

Fetched: October 13th, 2009, 11:01am CEST by Bill

Wow, what a forecast this week in Hatteras! Cool, windy, kinda gloomy weather is on tap along with some sizable surf forecast for Friday/Saturday timeframe. Definitely true Hatteras Fall windsurfing weather!

Only downside is that Mirlo Beach (near S-Turns), at the north end of Rodanthe, may experience ocean overwash closing Rt 12 when the bigger surf strikes the east facing beaches. Best to be on the Hatteras Ferry heading to the north end of Ocracoke by that time?!

All in all though, who's going to be here (south of S-Turns)?!
PS: George at Live2Sail has a Hatteras Hall Pass (see last sentence of linked post)!
See you in a few days George!

source: WindGuru

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Inexpert Advice, Tales of Redemption, and more Photos from the Regatta

Fetched: October 13th, 2009, 11:01am CEST by Michael

First of all, let's talk about you (if you were at the race): Photographer Jimmy Rivera took many more photos than could be used on the blog, but you should still get to see them (and Jimmy has generously made...

Epic Sessions

Kihei crash

Posted: October 12th, 2009, 10:40pm CEST

Of special note - after the gear settles, you can see me swimming back to my gear. ;-)
Fins!

Posted: October 12th, 2009, 5:45pm CEST

One thing that has everyone's attention in this year's test fleet are the number of fins on the boards.

We have a tri fin board, a quad fin board, twinzers, twinzers with thrusters, and of course, a few single fin boards thrown in for good measure. One board can be set up as a quad, thruster or single fin depending on your conditions or emotional state of sailing zen. Imagine the fin quivers you will have owning one of these sticks!

A common confusion by passers by is that one of these two boards isn't a quad. But they are - just two radically different takes on the quad concept.
The Quatro in the foreground is more of a twin with thrusters and the Starboard in the background is almost the exact reverse with the main power fins up front and outboard of the rear directional fins. The boards actually have a similar tail and volume distribution shape, but the drive delivered by the fin position makes the boards handle very differently. Of course I can't go into detail about how they sail, you'll have to wait for the board test issue of Windsurfing Magazine for that, but its safe to say that this year's fleet offers sailors a diverse set of boards unlike any in past years. Check out the latest issue of WindSurfing for a great interview with Keith on the Quatro Quad!

Oh, and BTW - Pascal is the shizzle!!
Day two

Posted: October 12th, 2009, 10:35am CEST

Yeah, we've got a bit of gear to test. (and this is only one of two vans)

Damn. Maui, even when it sucks, its good.

The morning dawned with the promise (or lies - take your pick) of wind with a nice NW swell. We had laundry lists of crap to do before 11a, and I gotta tell ya... we were motivated. Big time.

As the clock ticked over from 10:59 to 11a, I launched to lowers to score some of the sweet waves we were drooling over for the previous hour. While I can't tell you what board I was on, my 5.7 2010 Goya Eclipse was treating me fine as I dug into my first wave of the sesh.

A board switch and 2 hours later, I was back on the beach after two amazing sessions in chest to head high waves at lowers. After the rain squall passed, the wind puked and I lucked out and got a puff to waterstart my ass back to the beach as everyone else swam for life with the thoughts of the 10ft tiger shark that was hanging out in the break yesterday.

Back on shore the consensus was to bail and head to Kihei and get some sailing, albeit without waves. But hey - sailing is better than sitting on the beach TALKING about sailing, right? ;-)

A quick refuel and a drive across the island and we're in Kihei where I've not sailed since my first trip to Maui back in 1987. Yeah, I'm an old fart. ;-)

Now I got to experience the 2010 4.7 Eclipse. I had a front row seat to Jake on his Eclipse prototypes this summer in the Gorge, and now I had one of the final items all to myself and I was tickled pink with it. Yeah, I know, regardless of what sail it is .. being on a 4.7 rules. Period. (more about those sails later)

Back in the day, I hated Kihei. Today, a bit past 41 years on this planet, I was loving it. Overpowered, rocking it with some friends, letting the boards run as hard as we'd push 'em and going for broke on some of the worst voodoo chop known to man. Yeah, it was a gas.

Full of Advil and knee brace tightened almost to the point of pain, I was no longer 41 years old, father of three, now CEO. I was a young sailor, stupid in all respects, going for broke with no regard to the outcome of my behavior.

I think I'll call the move the "TNT" .. after all, it was a bit of an explosion. Ask Ray, it was kinda spectacular since my gear almost hit him.

All in all, a great day. In the grand scheme of things I've had better days on Maui, but this day stands out for the unique events that made the day epic.

A quick survey of the crew proved smiles across the board, and what more can you ask for?

We have a bit of video to go through, look for most detailed posts soon. ;-)

Josh is on the mend - He's got the H1N1 at bay. Can't you tell??

Oh yeah, Sam had fresh brownies. Yum yum!

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

A Great Day Racing at West Neck

Fetched: October 12th, 2009, 7:37am CEST by Michael

Boy did we score. Conditions were just about perfect for the 2009 East Coast Fall Windsurfing Regatta, with 26 competitors lit on sails from the mid fives to some seven meter plus rigs, on boards ranging from full on slalom...
The Races are at West Neck Beach!

Fetched: October 12th, 2009, 7:37am CEST by Michael

The East Coast Windsurfing Regatta takes place at West Neck Beach! Here's the schedule, from Jam Master Jill: 9am registration 10am skippers meeting 10:30 first race Yay! fun! (That's not a typo...fun is in fact on the schedule.) Bring duct...

Tatiana Howard's Offical Blog

Air Drop

Posted: October 11th, 2009, 9:26pm CEST by Tatiana Howard

We have had a growing swell these past couple of days. The wind was super calm which made some beautiful glassy days out on the water. Dave Baker caught a few pics and even my one big air drop! Everyone including myself thought I was going to eat it, but I actually made it! I totally remember this moment..

Andy Radley IR212

Thanks for the Lift

Posted: October 11th, 2009, 8:40pm CEST

Sunday 11th October

Its been a month since I posted last. I haven't sailed too much either. Maybe five times in four weeks. I was sick for a couple of weeks. The van is off the road at the moment for repairs and I'm getting home later due to the rail bridge rebuild at Malahide. Anyway I sailed today with Tom at the Burrow. We managed to sail for three hours, Tom on a 5.3 and myself on a 6.1 ,the only sail I brought with me as Tom offered the lift for me and the gear and there wasn't much wind forecast anyway. Lewis and Ryan were out and over fifty kite surfers so there was a nice buzz to the session. Its been a while since I rigged a 6.1 and the rig did feel big today. Still good to get out. Thanks Tom for the lift, even if you do drive on the wrong side of the road somtimes!

琵琶湖ＦＲＥＥＲＩＤＥＷＥＢ ( WINDSURF & MTB )　ｆｒｏｍ　ＬＡＫＥ　ＢＩＷＡ　ＪＡＰＡＮ

琵琶湖　ウインドサーフィン

Posted: October 11th, 2009, 2:16pm CEST by biwako_freeride

１０月１１日の琵琶湖は、お昼過ぎから北西の風が上がってきて、セイル６．３で乗っていたら、超オーバーに。夕方にかけて、もっと上がるだろうと思って４．７を張って出たら、ブローでジャスト程度。５．５に張り替えようと思ったが、６．３オーバーでも乗れる感じだったので、再び６．３で乗り続けた。夕方になって、風は落ちてきたが、６．３ジャストで吹き続けた。セイルサイズの選択を誤ったが、よく乗った一日。
　また、この前の台風の雨などで、水位は２０ｃｍぐらい上がっているが、それでもまだ－３５ｃｍで、ビーチブレイクの良い感じの波がある。Ｈさんは、オンショアだが、ＪＰ　ＲＷＷで、フロントサイドのライディングを完全にメイクされていた。クリューファーストで引っ張るというよりも、小波の場合は、テイルターン気味にテイルをスラッシュさせて、すばやく切り返す感じである。オンショアでもフロントに行くイメージがはっきり分かったので、新たな課題が出来た。
１０月１０日の琵琶湖

Posted: October 11th, 2009, 1:57pm CEST by biwako_freeride

　１０月１０日の琵琶湖は、風は強めだが、寒気が入って、ガスティ、シフティな北西風。セイル５．５ぐらいで乗れていたそうだ。風は冷たくなり、琵琶湖は、ドライスーツが必要な季節になってきた。

Epic Sessions

Day one

Posted: October 11th, 2009, 5:15am CEST

We had a super nice day surfing and SUP on the southside. Waves galore and smiles all around. Many thanks to Dave and the Naish crew for hooking us up. (and to the Odwalla guys for the drinks and energy bars)

There's a big NW swell coming in overnight and wind the next two days to get some testing in before the doldrums set in mid week.

We've got quads, twins with thrusters and tri fins. These boards are just begging to be ridden. The vans are full of '010 sails, prototype booms and all sort of fun water toys.

Hopefully we'll have video, etc. for tomorrow. The HD's and GoPros' are chrged and the crew is very ready.

Stay tuned!

UPATE - Its 7a sunday morning and there's wind in the trees, and all spots are showing normalized trade wind direction and speeds. The stoke is high for some testing today. ;-)

Lost In Hatteras

Sorry, but...

Posted: October 11th, 2009, 2:02am CEST
...I've gotta rub it in!! Two things:
1. I haven't put on a wetsuit since May.
2. It's been howling!!
Last night and this morning were just awesome- Well powered 5.5 and 5.0 respectively, trunks and shirtless, freestylin' it up at the Canadian Hole with lots of people out and about on the water. If you're here, you're stoked! If you're not here, well.... Get Here and Join Us!! It looks like it's going to be a great week to be on Hatteras Island!

Check the forecast here.

And, an announcement:

Earlier, I announced a few free evening clinics at the shop with Andy Brandt. Surprise! We've got an addition to the list! Tuesday, October 13th at 7 PM! Be there, or be not as good at windsurfing as everyone who was there.

The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Got the right gear for tomorrow's racing?

Fetched: October 9th, 2009, 10:53pm CEST by Michael

I've heard that windsurfing racing is a gear battle. But I've done better than okay riding an ant-infested, pre-footstrap era, 50-pound white plank, so later for that! Yet the forecast (currently NW 20-25) for tomorrow's East Coast Fall Regatta (probably...
Song For Friday: Wipe Out!

Fetched: October 9th, 2009, 10:53pm CEST by Michael

My blogging friend Adam has been presenting "Song for Friday" as a weekly feature since before I even dreamed of blogging. Tis a venerable thing, but lately Adam has been short on inspiration (he needs a beer, he tells me)...
Race Forecast: Windy at West Neck!

Fetched: October 9th, 2009, 10:53pm CEST by Michael

Yes this is Long Island and we know things change, but looking ahead to Saturday's racing, NOAA gives us great reason for optimism: Sat NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Stay tuned for updates...the...

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