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.


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Trying new things.

Sunday I tried out a few new things... First was a Formula board in conditions that were conducive to sailing it. Second, my new GoPro digital camera.

The formula board was awesome in the conditions, a nice steady 10 to 12 knot SW wind (at least for most of the session). Air temp was in the 70's and the water was in the low 50's warm enough that gloves and cap and booties were not necessary. Unfortunately I sailed alone so I couldn't compare what I was doing to the other sailors. I will say the ability to point up and down wind was instantly noticeable. The ease at which it planed up was also immediately noticeable.

I can sail in 10 to 12 knots on my freeride board with the same 7.8 sail I was using but it is only good for BAFing, planning is marginal and I generally wish I had a bigger sail. On this a couple pumps and I was off and running. Transitions were mostly dry thanks to the width.
All in all I enjoyed my first formula experience. Now I'll need to try it with a real race sail.

As for the GoPro I'm impressed! I don't have any elaborate mounts for it yet so I basically tied it to the tail of the boom on one side and filmed from that location only. The video quality is nice for it not being the HD version.

Attached is a quickly edited (No music) clip of the session including a nice little wipeout at the end.

YP formula 3.21 from Chris C on Vimeo.

3 comments:

Catapulting Aaron said...

nice one! Also amazing how much you can see long booms flex from that angle!

rdm said...

Outdrsmn,
Formula is awesome. I live way inland in NC and it is a lake wind machine. I've used mine mostly with a 70cm fin / 9.5 but have also used with with a ezzy zephyr 7.5 with a weed fin LIT UP out of my mind. You'd be amazed how well that setup jibes. My 9.5 is a freerace sail with 2 cams. You may not need more but I'm a litter feller.

http://vimeo.com/7536718

Outdrsmn said...

Aaron the flex surprised me too. Especially since the boom is carbon, cheap Epic carbon but carbon none the less...

Ralph... D. Kashy has been pushing to get me on Formula for some time now. They are definately fun. Looks like he may have found himself a light wind sailing partner. Doubt I'll be able to keep up with him though.