This is a diary so to speak. Documenting the outdoor activities I enjoy. Currently I'm trying to master windsurfing so that subject will be covered extensively. If you read this don't expect award winning writing as it was never really a strong point for me. You may however find a cool photo or two.

Most photos can be enlarged by clicking and feel free to leave a comment.


Sunday, April 5, 2009

Friday April 3rd, Afternoon session.

I bailed on work about 2:00 to meet Dave for an afternoon Session. When I got there the wind was in the 17 to 22 range with higher gusts. 5.1 and 102l was going to be the call. I had a nagging feeling that was the wrong choice.

Greg showed up while I was carrying my gear over to the rigging area. He decided to go 4.2 so I changed my mind and went with a 4.6 instead of the 5.1, figured I'd split the difference. It ended up being a good decision. I stayed mostly powered to overpowered, at times I wished I was on the 4.1. I did pull out the 85l and try it again. It is just not the board for me so I will be officially putting it up for sale, cheap. It just needs a bigger sail, 5's to low 6's. I just won't use it in that capacity, I have the Cross for that sail range. I'll continue my search for a board in the 80-85l range that works with 4.0 to 5.0. Sure wish I could afford a new one, I'd find another Cross.

Back to the session.... I got a lot more waterstart, jump and gibe practice. The waterstart with the small sails seem so much easier. Trying to start the 5.8 and the 6.7 become a real struggle, what is strange is the 7.8 cammed sail I use is fairly easy to start. I'm thinking it might have something to do with the skinny masts. I made a few more small jumps, most were intentional. I have to work out the timing I keep trying to pop the board the same as I did wake boarding and it feels all wrong. As far as the Jibes. The footwork seems solid, I'm able to get nice carves but the sail flip is still hanging me up. I'm either too early or too late or a gust hits at the wrong time. I'm so close but it is still just out of reach.

Saturday was another good West wind day. I had to miss it to make up for the work I didn't finish on Friday. The forecast for Monday and Tuesday is looking promising but I expect this week will be the usual craziness work wise. Easter Sunday's right around the corner have to get the yards looking good.

I'll post up some pic's later.

2 comments:

James Douglass said...

Hey Chris! Man, you're progressing pretty fast. Less than a year ago I remember you having a tough time riding the Cross at all, and now you're jibing and jumping on it. Keep up the good work.

Outdrsmn said...

Thanks, TOW is everything.

I was looking back through the archives the other day thinking the same thing with regards to my progression. It's amazing the confidence I've gained from sailing overpowered those couple high wind days. Sailing with some pretty good people is a big help as well.

I've set some steep goals for this year... jumps, completing jibes and by the end of the season hopfully waves.