tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59711639491540347602024-03-13T22:13:34.465-07:00Opposite End WindsurfingDennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-53578577267162475412012-07-25T15:22:00.000-07:002012-07-25T15:32:12.815-07:00Great Day......not a good ending, for some. <br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336855">so, I got up this morning thinking I was just going to drive out to WH and pick up a Fanatic Allwave 9'6" (not </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336862">9'2" as I am apparently not athletic). Anyway, since there was supposed to be (and was) a morning N/NW, I threw my </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336867">boardshorts and top in the van and put in my contacts, just in case.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336875">I got to WH a half hour later than planned, but picked up the SUP and all was good. However, I did notice that there were whitecaps </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336880">on the bay going over the bridge before WH, and so I casually asked Jon if there was a good place to sail, or at least try out the new SUP, </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336885">nearby. He directed me to the end of Cold Spring Rd. I was the only one there, and there was wind. I did notice a kiter out in the bay about halfway </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336890">across as I started to rig my 7.5/130. </span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336895"></span> </div>
<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_134325337336898">I rigged up, got the board ready, changed, and moved the van. When I got back to the beach, there was a kite on it. The guy (Rob) said that he had just finished a downwinder </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368103">and was supposed to have hooked up with Jon Ford to do it, but Jon hadn't showed. I told him it was my fault, as I was late getting to his shop. At any rate, he derigged (or </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368109">whatever they call it) and wished me luck. Out I went, and planed, and planed, and planed. At first, the water was fairly flat as the tide was coming in. super fun.</span><br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368114"></span> <br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368117">After a while, I noticed this guy Rob was laying on the beach, apparently with no way to get home. I came in after a while, for a drink and a granola bar (the only food I had in the van) and let him use my phone to call a taxi. I then went out again. This time it was choppier, I think the tide had started to go out against the wind, but the wind </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368122">showed no sign of abating. I planed, and planed, and planed somemore. So nice to be in cleaner water, and not having to use a weed fin. I was easily able to rail the board up </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368129">a bit and it was absolutely flying. It's pretty well impossible for me to rail it up with a weed fin. Made some nice jibes, and almost, almost completed 2 full planing jibes. </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368134">It's fun running down the swell and that helps with the jibes too. Some of the swell was pretty big, at least logo high (well, the logo on my board shorts anyway - however, that </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368139">is twice the actual amplitude, but that's another story). </span><br />
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I also had set up the board a bit differently last night, moving the mast base back about 1 cm or a bit less. Seems to get the nose up just a little bit and the board was great in the swell. I am used to chop or flat water and the last time I sailed it (Monday), the nose hit the back of chops several times so I thought this might cure that and make it go a bit faster. Seems to have worked, although I can't really say for sure as other important variables also changed (non-weed fin and swell instead of chop or flat water).<br />
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As fun as it was, at one point, I was flying along and all of a sudden, I was in the water, head on top of sail. Happy I was wearing a helmet. I don't know what the crash looked like to the birds and fish, but it was an interesting moment. Laughed it off and kept going. Hey, even the pros crash from time to time.<br />
<br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368147">Anyway, I got in 3 - 4 hours of beautiful, completely unexpected sailing time on a gorgeous day in a very nice spot. Just what I've been looking for. Thanks, Jon.</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368156">another guy showed up with a JP board and a 7.5 sail, did one run back and forth with me and then pulled in to the beach. When I came in later, he said he was exhausted and neeeded a rest. </span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_15_1343253373368163">a great day, except on the way home I drove by two horrendous accidents on Montauk Hwy about 1/2 mile apart. The first one already had ambulances and such there, but had recently happened as more ambulances were pulling up as I got by. The second probably happened after the first, as no police or ambulances had showed up yet, but there were people helping the injured and cops and ambulances were just about there. I'd guess the second one (on the other side of the road) happened as a result of the first, but who knows. Be careful out there. What's really ridiculous is the way people were driving, even after passing two accidents, tailgating, swerving in and out, that sort of thing. I feel safer on the water, at least in a bay. Just hope everyone involved is still alive.</span></div>Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-54637231682845352462012-07-01T16:32:00.001-07:002012-07-01T16:32:37.272-07:00Pretty CoolToday was a day I was going to take off. I've sailed several days in a row and my right shoulder really felt like it needed some rest. But, this is summer and I would regret not sailing every day that I could come September. So, I resolved to do some light wind freestyle (backwind sailing, heli tack) on the Go 170 with a 5.3 sail. I've resolved to do this a few times already this summer. I study Tricktionary, I watch the Tricktionary DVD, then it blows up. The wind, I mean. Happened again today.<br />
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There I was, after lunch, laying down to try and rest the shoulder. I check the meters on iWindsurf - 16 mph SW. What? Wait, they predicted something like 8-12 max. Then I check again, onsite post, yes, it's really 16 mph. So, reluctantly, shoulder aching, I go down to Heckscher/Joe's Beach. Lots of people sailing. Looks more than 16 to me. I see Pete R., he says he's on slalom gear, 8.7 and 132 liter 81cm wide slalom board.<br />
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So, I quickly pull out the Ray 130 and rig the 7.5. Run into the water, and take off. Holy crap! This gear is too big. I launch off a Heck chop and feel like I am in the air for half and hour. But, I land it. Turn around and head in. It starts to pick up some more, the wind that is.<br />
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Come in, start rigging the 6.3 and 102 l board. Everyone is rigging down. Wind comes up some more, so I rig the 5.5. Go out, one run on 5.5/102. Pretty wild, esp. with the chop, wakes, who knows what else. Come in again, and get out the Fanatic Freewave 85 for it's second sail. Now, this is windsurfing! I even make my first few jibes on it. Nice! Sailing with the big boys!<br />
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Holy crap, its getting dark. Come in, start de-rigging and putting boards away. Crack of thunder, flash of lightning (actually the other way around), rain, rain, I think some hail. Drive home, sunny and dry in Huntington.<br />
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All in all, an awesome day. Another small step up the ladder, first completed jibes on an 85 liter that I can remember at Heckscher anyway. I've made some out at Napeague, but that water is dead flat. But now, my shoulder is really cooked. I will HAVE to take tomorrow off, have real world things to take of also.<br />
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Great day.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-27256470446784481532012-06-24T17:54:00.003-07:002012-06-24T17:54:58.515-07:00Sunny SundaySeemed like nothing much was going to happen today, but there was a little phrase in the iwindsurf forecast that held out a little hope. Something to do with having enough sun to generate a thermal effect. Heard that one before, and most times it does pay off.<br />
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Today, it did, and it didn't. You see, the sun wasn't out the whole time which may have held wind speeds down a bit, but despite everything, it was a really great day. 7.5/130 for me. Felt really good, made all tacks except for one or two. (Don't forget to look up throughout the tack, and balance against the backwinded sail before tacking sail and pushing nose of board through the wind). <br />
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It was real choppy, but of course that's what happens at Heckscher/Joe's Beach. Wind chop, motor boat wakes, all combine to make one heckuva mess! Anyway, got some real good speed going today, made just about all the jibes, but alas, not a full planing one, yet.<br />
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Just a real nice day. Supposed to be full on rain, hail, lightning, thunder, etc. tomorrow so will have to wait for Tuesday, I guess.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-4483886738827897442012-06-23T18:52:00.001-07:002012-06-23T18:53:14.131-07:00Saturday Night<a href="https://vimeo.com/44570133">https://vimeo.com/44570133</a>Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-45624288246936549452012-06-18T18:38:00.003-07:002012-06-18T18:38:48.221-07:00Monday NightSo, back to windsurfing again. Had a good evening sailing on the 7.5 and the Ray last Monday afternoon/evening down at Tanner. Really like that flat water. Jim M. and Stephen were sailing, but left so I sailed by myself for awhile. Really quiet, flat, like a magic carpet ride.<br />
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This past weekend was ok, but not great. SE wind, really puffy, not very strong. Sailed 7.5/130 on Saturday, but was not planing all the time. Did a lot of tacks. Now, have to work on keeping speed up through tacks. On Sunday, I tried the 7.5 with the Ray, but it wasn't happening. So, I came in and got the Megacat. It worked okay with the Ezzy 7.5 but had a hard time railing it as the water is really shallow at Tanner and I didn't want to chance dinging the centerboard, so I only had it down part way. Plus, the Ezzy has a loose leech which I don't think produces enough power. It was a nice mellow day out on the water, though. I think I figured out how to jibe it while still keeping the speed up. (Not doing a flare jibe).<br />
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Anyway, it seems that some wind might be on the way for Tuesday through Thursday. Hoping for the best. A good SW blow would be nice.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-3427726875179370002012-06-10T16:25:00.000-07:002012-06-10T16:25:07.984-07:00Sunday NightHi there! I know it's been over a year since I last posted, but alot has happened in the past year. I lost my father at the end of September (can't really talk about that, still having a hard time dealing with it) and then in December my former band teacher/director, the very famous Clem DeRosa, succumbed to cancer. There was a memorial held for him a couple of weeks ago. As a teacher myself I can't believe how many lives he touched, and how many former students of his became professional musicians themselves. I know my love of the baritone sax (still play) and big band jazz came from his tutelage. It was one of the great joys of my life to have had the opportunity to play in a band again under his direction several times in the past few years. It was like closing a circle.<br />
<br />
Anyway, on to windsurfing-related matters. Quick update: I still haven't accomplished a full planing jibe. I am beginning to think, no, I am sure, that there is some mental block about commitment that I have to overcome before I finally complete one. Maybe I have to finally get married or something, I don't know. Also, I picked up a few new boards since I last posted. I am now the proud owner of a '90s-vintage Fanatic Megacat that looks brand new, a Fanatic Ray 130TE, and a Fanatic FW 102 TE. All sail sensationally well.<br />
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Back to the Megacat. Well, over the past few years, I had spurts of glory at the East Coast Windsurfing Festival at Heckscher State Park sailing my Exocet Pacer 300. Last year, though, I finally realized that I just had to get a genuine longboard in order to have a chance at doing anything in lighter wind racing, my over 40 years of sailboat racing experience (including an East Coast regional championship in Hobie 14s, the 1988 Sonar NA Championship and numerous small and big boat wins including a top 12 steering a Farr 41 at the IMS World Offshore Sailing Champs in 2000) notwithstanding. I thought that my sailboat racing knowledge would help me jump to the top in windsurf racing, but that has not been the case. Seems that one first has to have complete confidence in one's windsurfing ability in order to implement real racing strategy, as well as the right equipment. Hooda thunk it?<br />
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So, I picked up the Megacat last year to help with the light air speed. It helped alot at the ECWF this year as I ended up placing third in the 7.5 m2 class. Which was great, but I was often right near the top at the windward mark, and in one race fell twice on the downwind leg and went from 2nd place to about 8th. If I could have stayed up on that one leg, I may have taken 2nd place for the event, but I am fairly satisfied with 3rd given my lack of windsurfing experience compared to the competition. However, I do know that I am fast upwind in lighter airs, just like I was in sailboats. Interesting. <em>I even beat some of the open class competitors to the windward mark, esp. in the first race on Sunday woo-hoo!!</em><br />
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One thing that I was a bit disappointed about is that I basically had no chance to get 1st as Pete R. found himself a Div. 2 board. But, I did just about beat him to a windward mark. Instead of crossing him, I should have tacked beneath him and beaten him to the mark, but I am still not confident enough in my windsurfing skills to use them to execute tactics, as I stated above. So maybe, just maybe, the Div. 2 is not the total answer (didn't I say that about longboards before I got one for myself?).<br />
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Nevertheless, skill is growing and if I can just gain more confidence, I am sure I will find that I am not as bad as I think I am. I also need to remember and practice all the skills that I have learned from Andy and Tom at the ABK race clinics.<br />
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The ECWF, as a whole, was a smashing success. Thanks again to Mike and Chrissy B, Thom H. and the whole crew for a very well run event. Everyone that attended had a great time.<br />
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That was actually my second windsurfing trophy, my first was a 2nd place in the novice class at an event held by the old Olympic Windsurfing Shop at Heckscher State Park over 20 years ago. I still use the cooler I won that day. This new trophy will go next to all my sailboat racing trophies.<br />
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So, time to get back to practice, practice, practice and hopefully learn to plane all the way through a jibe and to comfortably tack the Ray 130 in case the wind is up for the ECWF in 2013. <br />
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All in all, it was a great weekend and I even had a great planing session (that's the first time I've used that word, been feeling self-conscious about it for the past few years as it's a word that "real" windsurfers use) on Friday evening at Tanner Park with Jim M.<br />
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(PS I am sorry I used the "I" word alot and tooted my own horn alot, but this IS my blog).<br />Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-37537314033083276172011-05-08T17:11:00.000-07:002011-05-08T17:11:01.848-07:00Back to Reality...and it's not too bad, however..... I came back from Hatteras two weeks ago and was looking forward to getting in a lot of windsurfing and building on my TOW, but have been only able to sail 4 times since then, and only about 2 - 2.5 hours per session. The two most recent sailing opportunities that I had were Friday and Saturday (yesterday) on 7.5/133l board, both at Tanner Park.<br />
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Friday was quite interesting as the wind was on the light side to start and Jim M. and I were both on 7.5's. After an hour or so, the wind picked up. Enough that Jim went in and rigged down to a 5.8 and a smaller board. I was unwilling to waste sailing time (I started at around 4 PM, Jim had started at 2 PM or so) rerigging so I downhauled and out hauled the Ezzy Infinity 7.5 (new this year) and went back out. It was really windy (over 20 mph) and I had a bit of a time going upwind, but when I headed deep downwind my board just kept going faster and faster. It was, in the dictionary sense of the word not the slang over-used sense, AWESOME. I didn't have my GPS with me, but I did go by Jim one time almost like he was hardly moving and he said his GPS read about 24 mph around then. Really cool.<br />
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Yesterday, I got in about 2.5 hours with Jim M. again, again on 7.5's. This time it was more real 7.5 conditions and fun. Jeanne B. also came out for a while on a 6.0 and 101 liter board. Then, clouds rolled in and the wind died. but a fun day and good to sail two days in a row. Lessons learned from these two sessions: I need to get further to the leeward side when cranking into jibes and need to keep the weight on the inside rail in order to keep the board turning. As you can tell, still haven't done a full planing jibe but was really close the last day or two in Hatteras. Wish I could have stayed there for another week.<br />
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As it was, though, I did get to sail (plane) six days in a row down in Hatteras. It was great fun and actually perfect conditions since I hadn't really sailed since last fall (my two abortive attempts to sail earlier this year notwithstanding) and so the conditions down in OBX (I love saying that) ended up being perfect for me. Day 1 - 7.5/Pacer. Day 2 - 7.5/Pacer then to 7.5/133l. Day 3 - 6.3/Rogue Wave 102l. As you can see, the wind just built and built until it was like 30 on Thursday (Day 5) - sailed 4.2/85l although I probably would have been more comfortable on my 3.7, as George M. was. Then Day 6 it backed off a bit and I got back on the new Rogue Wave (which I've named "Stoker" in honor of my first boat, a Laser, that I got back in 1971 or 1972. Any way, that board is just amazing, and in spite of what Billy T. might think, who picked it up at Heck last week with a 32 cm weed fin in it and proclaimed "Wow, this thing really is solid". I took that to mean that it felt heavy. It's really not, it's pretty darn light. Anyway, it seems to plane in a fart and seems to be really fast, although I've gotten out on it 3 times now (twice in Hatteras, once at Heck since I got back). <br />
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Anyhow, I am still working towards completing that full planing jibe, but like I said to Jim yesterday, to expand on what Thomas Edison once said, I have now learned 5000 ways NOT to do a full planing jibe, so I am that much closer to it. It seems like I may never get it, but I know that I will and to be fair to myself, I've sailed so little the past two years (this is the first time I've gotten to sail in the spring in 3 years) that I really don't count those years as years sailing. <br />
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Oh, and you know how I mentioned in my last post that I had loaded all of my wetsuits? Well, I discovered over an hour into my trip that I hadn't put any wetsuits in the van at all. So, I ended up buying a 3/2 on the way to Frisco Woods at Ocean Air (where I ran into a contigent of LI'ers) on that first Sunday of vacation and ended up wearing it 3 days, if I remember correctly. The other days were all in board shorts. Oh, and the trip down on Saturday (the day after my last post) ended up being "The Night of Tornados" in Va. and I stopped that night in Gloucester, Va. and saw the aftermath of a tornado strike on a middle school about a 1/4 mile down the road from where I pulled off for the night due to yet another traffic jam that night and seeing ambulance after ambulance go up the road the other way. I think I missed that tornado by 15 minutes or so. THAT was an AWESOME night also. I am thankful for having made it through that. <br />
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So, now that I have received the clew-view mount for my Go-Pro (invented by Jerry Evans at Chatham Wind and Time, whom I met at Hatteras - he was just a couple campsites over), and the windsurfing mounting plate for the Shadowbox, I can't wait to get out and make ride recordings and videos which I hope will advance my learning curve, plus provide insight as to how I really sail.<br />
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Btw, I've already made reservations for campsite 32 at Frisco Woods Campground for April vacation next year. That's my new favorite place in the world, much like Newport, RI was when I was racing sailboats.<br />
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Oh, and I need to thank Pete R. and his son Devon for helping me to have a great time. It was my first vacation in over two years and it was one of my all time best. Also, thanks to George M. and his kids for making me laugh so hard. It's been a long time since I laughed like that.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-43678091916498964712011-04-15T16:17:00.000-07:002011-04-15T16:17:35.413-07:00Off to Hatteras in the AMHello dear readers. I know I haven't posted since September, but I hope some of you might still remember me. I've sailed twice since Christmas, actually pretty forgettable sessions, but I did sail some in October and November. On one of those occasions my boom broke. I was able to make it back in without too much trouble, but it did seem rather harrowing. So, I know have three new monococque booms to (hopefully) prevent another catastrophe.<br />
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So, on to the title of this post. Tomorrow I am leaving to go to Cape Hatteras for a week to do some (hopefully) good sailing. This will also be my first experience camping in probably 20 or 25 years, so that should prove to be interesting.<br />
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I am bringing everything, on the advice of those in the know. Suits range from dry to full 3mm wet. Booties from 7mm to split toe sneakers. Sails range from 9.5 to 3.7. Masts range from 490 cm to 400 cm. Boards range from the 255 l Pacer to the RRD FSW 85, with my new baby "Stoker" (Rogue Wave Custom 102l - woo-hoo!) being the board I most want to use every day. More on that in a later post.<br />
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All in all, this should be a really fun trip. I have also brought various still and moving picture cameras to capture all the action. I am meeting Pete R. and his son at a campground and I'm hoping Pete will have a few minutes in between being awesome himself and helping his son to help me out a bit also. Still wanting that full planing jibe, you know.<br />
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Well, got to finish packing. I'm leaving early in the morning. Coming back in a week. Talk soon.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-19547326704643559912010-09-11T17:34:00.000-07:002010-09-11T19:52:22.200-07:00The Most Reliable Wind Forecast EverSo, I was thinking today when I clicked on my Yahoo mail account to check for new mail that I had finally found a way to get reliable wind forecasts. It seems to be the most reliable wind forecast available and I am even thinking of getting rid of my iwindsurf account. Who needs meters and meteorologists when one has access to the most reliable wind forecast ever, and it's free?<br />
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So, what is this most reliable wind forecast? The longislandwindsurfer group, of course. You see, I only use<br />
my Yahoo email account for this group, so all of the mail I get is LIWG traffic. I don't even have to read the emails to find out if it's windy or not. Of course, if I want to find out WHERE it's blowing, I usually only have to read the subject lines of the emails. <br />
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What I have determined is this:<br />
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If there are more than 10 new emails in the morning, then the wind will be sailable, but not great. If there are more than, say, 18 emails in the morning, the wind will be really good. Less than 5 emails means it probably won't happen, while less than 2 (that would be 1 or 0) new emails means that it is a great day for a long bike ride.<br />
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So, I would like to say a big thank you to all of the members of the LIWG for providing me with this most reliable of wind forecasts.<br />
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The address for this awesome, accurate, and avid group of windsurfers is <a href="mailto:longislandwindsurfer@yahoo.com">longislandwindsurfer@yahoo.com</a>Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-49068978616511796032010-09-10T13:28:00.000-07:002010-09-10T13:28:00.531-07:00The littlest RRD comes home..Well, at least its the littlest RRD in my collection and it just came home to me today. As a result, the song for today is "Brown Eyed Girl". When you see the pictures of my new RRD FSW 85 X-Tech below, you will understand why I picked that song.<br />
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So now, I just need some wind to try this little baby out. I did sail after work on Tuesday, and it was another awesome day at Tanner Park. SW, low tide, so it was flat, flat, flat. I sailed 5.5/102 for almost a couple of hours. It was really blowing but I managed to hang on to the 5.5. For comparison, Jim M. went to a 4.0, but Scott D and the great George M. were also on 5.5's. It was a great session, even George M. went so far as to say I was soooo close to completing that elusive full planing jibe. He suggested I flip the sail sooner, and I will try that next time out. Anyway, without further ado, here are a couple pictures of this cool new little board:<br />
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</div>Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-67764116736248278692010-09-05T17:57:00.000-07:002010-09-05T17:57:55.161-07:00At last...a great day. No, I still haven't completed a full planing jibe but am getting closer and closer. Now I am getting onto the new jibe, clew first on a plane (sometimes). No song for today, but this little video should suffice (I apologize that I haven't learned how to add music yet, but I was able to edit it down to three minutes):<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14725417" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/14725417">Tanner Park, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4574511">Dennis Grunbeck</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's a little update. This past Thursday, Sept. 2, was the first day back to work for this year. So, naturally, there was some wind. I was able to get down to Tanner and start sailing some time after 3 PM. Sailed for about an hour and a half in perfect SW 5.5/102 conditions with Jim M. Took Friday off, supposed to have been a big hurricane, but it pretty much "Earled out" (aka "petered out"). I am sure loads of real windsurfers got some sailing in that day. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, Saturday, the wind was from the West, not ideal for Tanner, but went there anyway. I was twitching all morning while looking at meters. The forecast was for 20-30 or something. I was so anxious, called Jim M, decided on Tanner. Well, it was really, really gusty, something like 11-31 knots. I went out on the Naish 85 Wave with 4.7, first time out on that board. I bought it used and thought it would be good for higher winds. It was hard to get it on a plane and the gusty wind really frustrated me and I didn't have a great day sailing. But, I did sail on 85 liter for the first time. However, Dave K and Scott seemed to be having a great time with their 5.3's, albeit way overpowered in the gusts. Curt E, Cecil, and Jim M were also in attendance. Another guy, Steve I think, showed up later on and he looked like he had a good time also. I guess I need more experience on smaller boards.<br />
<br />
On to today. I ran down to the beach (Tanner, again) as fast as I could, but with a newspaper as I was figuring that I would have to wait for wind. Nope. Wrong. Good thing. Curt E, Dave K, Cecil, and Jim M. were already there. Rigged 5.5/102 (my current fav. combo), the wind was more South than yesterday, but still almost perfectly sideshore, real low tide, but still pretty flat (see video above). It was a halcyon day. I know I've said that in a few places about today, but it's true. A gorgeous day, great breeze (a bit up and down, and started to die around 4:30 - 5:00 PM0, but all in all my fav conditions, fav board, etc. I had a grat time sailing today and feel super comfortable on the RRD FSW 102 C/K (I've called it an LTD before, but in 2007 the light weight versions were called C/K's - for carbon/kevlar). Turns really easily, planes easily ( I can now pump myself onto a plane), and just too much fun. Except............I've now used my GPS speed thing with this board and sail combo four times and 25, 26, 25, 25 (mph). Does the board have a speed limit or is it me? After a break today, I set out and went faster than I had all day (I think), but had turned off the GPS and had forgot to turn it back on. Oh well, maybe next time. <br />
<br />
Jibing: as I stated above, getting better, esp. in these easier conditions. One thing I've learned is that if I do the sail flip boom to boom, with the boom shaka and underhanded grab, and throw mast to windward as I am looking ahead, then I almost always complete the jibe, just not on a plane. Also, I've learned to do the step a bit earlier than I have been and have been experimenting with how sharply I can turn this board (really sharp).<br />
<br />
Until next time...............Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-70078172419094522042010-08-25T19:37:00.000-07:002010-08-25T19:37:22.498-07:001st Windsurfing VideoSo, here it is, my first, unedited (sorry) windsurf video made with the HD Hero cam.<br />
It was a real light air day last Sunday (8/22/10) and it was my first time on the Pacer in about a year.<br />
I just used the Prisma 7.5 as I didn't know if I could handle the Pacer 9.5 at this point. I am now sure that I can. I found out the Prisma has a broken bottom batten which is why you see all the wrinkles in the bottom part of the sail.<br />
<br />
I know, I know, some tacks and jibes aren't too good. Sorry, I will work on that.<br />
<br />
Well, hope you like it, even if it is kind of long and boring.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14437599" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/14437599">Windsurfing 8/22/10</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4574511">Dennis Grunbeck</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-59621536109715868182010-07-08T07:38:00.001-07:002010-07-08T07:38:53.890-07:00Where's the Wind?I think the title of this post should suffice.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-60860216419885492512010-07-06T08:45:00.000-07:002010-07-06T09:49:40.812-07:00Maybe I Can Do This,after all I almost nailed a full planing jibe on Sunday, July 4. As a result, the song for today is "Almost Grown" as I've almost grown into a real windsurfer.<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mc7oGWgeA8s&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mc7oGWgeA8s&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Here's the full story: the last two sailing sessions (I am still not comfortable for some reason using the word "session" for a day of windsurfing, but everyone else uses it, so....) I had were Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4. The days were very similar in that the wind started out fairly light both days and then the thermal effects pumped up the wind for a while and then it died back down later on. As I stated in a previous post, I decided to go back to basics, get out the old Go and put the Pacer away for a while. So, my m.o. (modus operandi - quite literally meaning "mode of operation" or program) for both days was to rig a 6.2 and go out on the Go in the lighter winds and just do flare jibe figure-8's until the wind showed up, if it ever did. So, I cranked out flare jibes for close to two hours each day on Saturday and Sunday,getting them tighter and tighter and really concentrating on moving the mast hand to the mast just before the flip and then go from boom to boom. I also put in a couple of tacks here and there. On Sunday, I sailed upwind, tacking 2 or 3 times and then jibe, jibe, jibe on the way back downwind. The purpose of this was to get my balance back and to try and get the sail flip to be "automatic" (stored in muscle memory).<br />
<br />
So, when the wind did come up (both days) I hopped on the ol' Z-Ride and went a-planin' and tried to do full planing jibes. Even though I didn't come that close to completing one on Saturday, I did make most of my jibes on the Z-Ride and even completed a couple of tacks. On Sunday, the wind came up a bit more than on Saturday and once again, I was able to complete most of my jibes. As I alluded to above, I almost completed a full planing jibe on Sunday. I stayed on a plane until just before the sail flip, and then regained the plane right after the sail flip. I even got a "woo-hoo" out of Mike Burns (click on link to the Pure Windsurfing blog for more information on Mike) who was right there when this happened. I was stoked. Maybe I can do this, after all.<br />
<br />
Suggestions that helped:<br />
1. use a smaller fin to make the board "looser" (Pete R.)<br />
2. when flipping sail, "throw it" to make it come around faster and regain sail power a little sooner (Mike B.)<br />
3. move backhand back further, keep front arm straight, push sail in towards direction of turn (Pete R.)<br />
4. Get up on balls of feet when going into turn (Pete R.)<br />
<br />
On another note, good to see Kurt E. and LB Steve this weekend.<br />
<br />
Thanks everyone. Unfortunately, it's going to be hot and low wind for most of the rest of this week. Can't wait to get back at it.<br />
<br />
This is the year!!Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-68339869510872153072010-06-30T18:05:00.001-07:002010-06-30T18:05:58.527-07:00Why Can't I Do This?While other windsurfers (or should I say the windsurfers) are posting videos of guys doing <br />
moves that include backwards duck tacks and the like, I just want to be able to do this:<br />
<br />
<embed flashvars="file=http://www.windsport.com//uploads_managed/Videos/1304_17d938dfd79c62c51bcf1e42aca83a21.flv" height="320" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.windsport.com/common/js/external/jw_media_player/mediaplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="550" wmode="transparent"></embed>Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-9275746960864511992010-06-30T09:49:00.000-07:002010-06-30T09:49:56.557-07:00Back to BasicsNo song for today, sorry.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am back to windsurfing. I first went on Friday afternoon, June 25. It was a nice day,<br />
fairly light winds. I was zooming around on my Pacer with the 7.5 sail. At first I had to have the c/b down<br />
to plane, but then the wind came up just a bit and I was able to plane w/o centerboard. A very nice and mellow re-introduction to windsurfing. Made all my tacks (they were dreadfully slow) and just about all jibes (even though they were flares). I felt good and figured I was back.<br />
<br />
Then, I went windsurfing again on Saturday. Bit more wind. Went back out on Pacer/7.5. Horrible day, didn't feel balanced at all. Later on I went to sail the Z-Ride 133 with the 7.5 and couldn't find a fin screw for it. Luckily, another guy let me borrow one. (I just recieved a shipment of new fin screws this morning.) So, I sailed that for awhile, I felt like I did make a little progress as I was able to get the board turned through the wind on a plane on one jibe. Otherwise, I felt really bad and unsteady. Plus, I was really physically tired from the day before.<br />
<br />
Took a break Sunday.<br />
<br />
Monday was a great wind day. Quite a few other people were sailing and looking like they were having a great time......I didn't. Although, I was able to sail the FSW 102 with first 5.5 and then 4.7 when I get even more tired and wind came up a bit. Straight line sailing is not a problem. I even was keeping up with Mike Burns and sailing similar (a couple times a bit higher even, but don't know how much he was trying to sail upwind) angles to windward. The problem is still with the jibes. Tried to switch sail before feet for a while. (I have been trying the step jibe). The sail came around but wasn't able to grab boom. Went back to step jibe attempts near the end. Had one made, grabbed boom then fell. Well, almost made it, not quite on plane at the end of it, however. But a faint glimmer of hope, perhaps.<br />
<br />
Problems I am having (again, or still - at some points over the last couple of years I thought I had gotten over these and feel like 2 or 3 years ago at ABK I was actually doing better, but that is in the flat water at Napeague, a wholly different deal in the chop at Heck):<br />
<br />
1. not getting forward on jibes. I don't know why, but I am afraid to commit to going into the jibe and am hauling back on rig and not flowing into the jibe.<br />
2. worried that I am not going to make jibe (see above about not flowing)<br />
3. not taking the time to re-establish speed after unhooking from harness<br />
4. Overall, just not feeling strong and confident.<br />
5. Need to find a way to sail later into fall, into winter, and much, much earlier in spring. Need to stay healthy.<br />
<br />
I guess it will take some time to re-build confidence and build strength. It's been a long and harrowing winter. So, I took the Pacer out of the van and put the Go in. Time to somewhat start over (again, arrgghhhh!), get back to basics and re-learn muscle memory, strength, stamina, and slowly go step by step to, maybe, finally getting this planing jibe thing work. Once I do, on to the short board tack which I am sure will help me speed up my Pacer tacks.<br />
<br />
Hope the wind comes up again soon!!Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-22046468118849750052010-06-13T07:06:00.001-07:002010-06-13T07:10:01.536-07:00Decision MadeSo, after all my excitement about the ECWF this year, what it came to was:<br />
<br />
Stuff happens.<br />
<br />
I wasn't even able to attend. oh well. <br />
Hope eveyone that attended had a good time.<br />
Time to start preparing for next year.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-52754105519401705082010-06-11T07:34:00.000-07:002010-06-13T09:28:45.871-07:00Help!I love this board, perhaps I will make the 120 liter version my next board.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com/media-gallery/VIDEO/video.php?video=http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com/media-gallery/firerace/movies/01.flv&prew=http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com/media-gallery/firerace/m">http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com/media-gallery/VIDEO/video.php?video=http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com/media-gallery/firerace/movies/01.flv&prew=http://www.robertoriccidesigns.com/media-gallery/firerace/m</a><br />
ovies/thumbs/01.flv.jpg<br />
<br />
I've actually never ridden this board, but it just looks so darn cool. Help! Someone please save me. It's the eve of the 3rd annual ECWF (<a href="http://www.ecwindfest.com/">http://www.ecwindfest.com/</a>) and, as ever, I am longing for some new equipment as if that will make me a better windsurfer immediately. At least I would look the part. Oh well, enough dreaming for now.<br />
<br />
more later...Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-60106607714654658022010-06-10T13:16:00.000-07:002010-06-10T13:16:14.230-07:00Decisions, Decisions...The song for today is: "Decisions, Decisions" by the Starting Line. (To avoid possible copyright infringement, this is a cover of the song. Sorry if the quality is not so great, but I wanted to get the idea across.)<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nvQfqzs_zw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nvQfqzs_zw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />
<br />
So, here it (almost) is. The day after tomorrow is the 3rd Annual East Coast Windfest (<a href="http://www.ecwindfest.com/">http://www.ecwindfest.com/</a>). I have been waiting two years for this as I missed last year's event.<br />
As I have chronicled before, I am a former sailboat racer (highlights of my boat career include:<br />
1972 East Coast Hobie 14 Champion, top 30 in 1988 Sonar North Americans as mainsail trimmer, and 12th place as helmsman of a Farr 41 at the World Offshore Sailing Championships in 2000), but am currently a total wannabe windsurf racer.<br />
<br />
I am getting real excited and looking forward to some around the buoys windsurfing. The wind should be on the light side Saturday morning and Sunday mid- to late-afternoon with higher winds forecast for Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The lighter wind is kind of what I am more excited about as that is when the course racing will mostly likely be run. Although my windsurf skills are not all that great, yet., I do have a good sense of course racing tactics and strategies, especially starts. Oh boy, I really hope they have some timed starts. Due to my advanced age and decrepit shape, the "Le Mans" starts off the beach are killer (in a bad sense) for me. <br />
<br />
Anyway, here is the cause of my present conundrum: 7.5 or 9.5. You see, they are running one class with a max. sail size of 7.5 and an "Open" class for sail sizes larger than 7.5. In the higher wind parts of the weekend, this won't present a problem, but if there is indeed lighter wind for part of the event as forecast, I need to make a decision. If I had been able to sail more (or at all) since last October, this would be no choice at all, I'd just go with the 9.5. But since I haven't sailed all winter, I may lean towards the 7.5 even though my hybrid Pacer Pro 300 just does not go too well with the 7.5 in subplaning conditions. Oh well, I guess I'll wait and see what happens tomorrow afternoon. That is when I am planning to get and do a little planing and see how my thumb is and how it all goes. Then, I will make my decision Saturday morning based on Friday afternoon, the wind report then, and how I feel. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
If you are in the area, (Long Island, that is) you should definitely go down to Heckscher State Park on Saturday and Sunday (9:30 AM registration) and join in on the hilarity. I just watched last year and it is really a fun time. Since the wind is supposed to be good Saturday afternoon, I am sure the freestylers will be putting on quite a show.<br />
<br />
More later...Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-50879013313588604152010-06-07T05:40:00.000-07:002010-06-07T05:40:42.683-07:00HopeEven thought I don't like Miley Cyrus (in fact, I really, really dislike her), this song somehow does seem to make sense today. Therefore, the song for today, against my better judgement, is:<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6uipHfAzuC8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6uipHfAzuC8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object><br />
<br />
And yes, I am going for some kind of comma record here. Anyway, why hope? Well, today is Monday and doesn't hope spring eternal, or words to that effect, on Monday mornings. Just think about it. The whole week, and all of its possibilities lay ahead. There could be good wind every afternoon, although I have a department meeting after work today and have a ton of grading to catch up on. The weather could be just right for some water time, even though my thumb is not quite ready for the water yet. And........the ECWF is this weekend. The ECWF, in case you didn't know, is the East Coast Windsurfing Festival. This the third one in a row. I did the first one and had some fun, even though it was the first time I sailed the Pacer and couldn't get the board down. It was a great time, however, and spawned a second one last year, which I missed due to an appendectomy. So, I am hoping to make it this year. You see, I am a total wanna be racer. I used to race sailboats and have this idea that I can translate that ability into racing windsurfers. Trouble is, the ECWF is just about the only event to do any kind of course racing and its only once a year, and I've already one out of two. Hopefully, that won't turn into missing two out of three. I mean, its only a thumb. I guess I could wear a dry glove on that hand and do my best impression of Michael Jackson windsurfing!<br />
<br />
More info on ECWF, please see: <a href="http://www.ecwindfest.com/">http://www.ecwindfest.com/</a> or <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/">http://www.peconicpuffin.com/</a><br />
<br />
The other problem is that I haven't windsurfed, sadly, since last fall so I am not at all prepared for the event this weekend, but I will try and get out Friday afternoon, or Thursday afternoon, or both. I did spend some time getting my equipment, if it's light air, in shape. <br />
<br />
Well, let's hope my body lets me finally get out and get back to learning how to windsurf better.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-78088651486222964462010-05-29T07:41:00.000-07:002010-05-29T07:41:38.033-07:00Anticipation (and Frustration)The song for today is Anticipation.<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4NwP3wes4M8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4NwP3wes4M8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<br />
Anticipation: Weather forecast for this weekend looked promising all week<br />
Anticipation: Watching Peter Hart jibe videos all week to get mentally prepared to, finally, do a full planing jibe.<br />
Anticipation: This is Memorial Day weekend, three days off!<br />
Anticipation: Haven't sailed since the fall<br />
Anticipation: East Coast Windfest coming up in 3 weeks.<br />
Anticipation: Redid windsurf van interior setup over the last couple of weeks.<br />
Anticipation: Major health issue cleared up.<br />
Anticipation: Sorted out windsurfing equipment and setup amazing (to me, at any rate) adjustable outhaul system on HPL race boom. (pics to follow in the coming weeks)<br />
Anticipation: only 4 more weeks until summer vacation.<br />
<br />
Frustration: Operation on thumb last night, can't sail for at least another week.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-70565821580300120612010-02-27T07:11:00.000-08:002010-02-27T07:18:04.437-08:00Two days until MarchToday is February 27, 2010. Big deal you might say. What is the significance of that? Well, tomorrow is February 28. And what is the big deal about that? Nothing really. Except......the day after February 28 is......wait for it...........March 1? Which means? Spring, spring, glorious spring is not far away. Hence, the song for today is:<br />
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So, that's why I am so happy today. I have been going through alot of not so good, and even bad, stuff health-wise lately. One good thing, I've lost weight which should make for better windsurfing, but the other stuff is bad.<br />
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Anyway, I'm sitting here looking out at the sun and starting to feel better about the world in general. Lots of my fellow LI windsurfers went to Bonaire over Feb. break (I went last year), and have been reading their posts about it. I really, really wish I could have gone this year too. The warm sun, warm water, warm winds, warm smiles at the beach, beautiful (but cold) Dutch women,...............soooo nice. <br />
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Winter is supposed to be for skiing, and so far, I did get in a couple days of skiing. I love skiing, it was my first love as far as sports go. Sailboat racing only a year or two behind, which then consumed most of my life. But now, its all about windsurfing. I just wish I could go more frequently. Have to wait for summer to go every day, I'm afraid.<br />
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So, I am soooo looking forward to spring, and maybe finally, no, not maybe, finally completing a full planing jibe. The harbingers of spring are almost here too, like two weeks until the first Formula 1 race of the season, the 12 Hours of Sebring coming up, the 33rd America's Cup was just completed. It was pretty cool, but I can't imagine spending over 200 million dollars just to go 30 knots. Windsurfing is faster and waaay less expensive, and more fun. Did you see any of the video? In the second race, Larry Ellison (owner of Oracle Racing) was hanging on and looking like he was completely freaked out. But then, he's just a billionaire not a real sailor.<br />
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Well, that's about it for today. I hope everyone who gets out to ski or sail today has a great time. I'm thinking about you. Hopefully, I'll be out there with you sooner rather than later.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-22803821073914782442010-01-07T10:57:00.000-08:002010-01-08T13:24:25.817-08:00Happy New Year to one and all!The song for today is " the same Auld Lang Syne":<br />
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Hello again. It seems that the thing to do this time of year on windsurfing-related blogs is to list windsurfing-related New Year's resolutions, so here goes:<br />
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1. arrange life to allow for MUCH more windsurfing time<br />
2. continue working on planing jibes<br />
3. work on achieving higher maximum velocities on sail-powered, water-borne craft<br />
4. probably number 3 could come before number 2<br />
5. sail more<br />
6. attempt more planing jibes correction, make planing jibes. As the great philosopher Yoda once stated: "Do, or not do. There is no try"<br />
7. sail later into the fall, and earlier in the spring to allow for use of Puffin-supplied (well, acquired from Puffin at any rate) 85l board.<br />
8. be more outgoing at the beach and ask for more help and advice<br />
9. sail in waves - I did it once in 09 at Crab and had a blast. I know they weren't huge waves and the wind wasn't that strong, but it was too much fun. Perhaps the best part was that one of the lifeguards that saw me is a student at the school that I teach at and told all his friends (most of whom are my students this year) that I am a "really good" (sic) windsurfer. good times as previously chronicled.<br />
10. get the WHOLE fin to clear the water when making "jumps".Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-67133418096366793962009-10-11T05:54:00.000-07:002009-10-12T07:12:25.333-07:00Spun OUT!The song for yesterday is "You spin my head right round".<br />
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Here it was finally, race day. An event I had been waiting for for 18 months! (Couldn't make the ECWF 09 in June due to certain circumstances). The forecast called for the wind to spin up throughout the day, which would bad for me considering my jibing situation as chronicled ad nauseum here. I decided to get to the beach (West Neck - near where I grew up and we would be sailing in Cold Spring Harbor where I first learned to sail when I was 8, so I'd have an advantage, right? NOT) early to get rigged and maybe spend a little time on the water before the racing. The skipper's meeting was scheduled for 10 AM and first race at 10:30, so I got to ol' WN at around quarter after 8.<br />
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Happiness! The wind around this time was light so maybe there would be time to get one course race in before the wind really showed up, or maybe the forecast was wrong and the wind wouldn't arrive until much later. So, I rigged up the 7.5 and the 6.9. First mistake here. As Andy said at the race clinic a couple of weeks ago, make sure you do what you always do. I have learned, and re-learned, this lesson many, many times in the past, but I feel like I make this mistake too often on the day of a competition (of any kind). I hadn't used this 6.9 since the late spring. I forgot that the mast I use for it is the same one I use for the 7.5. So, I had to use the 490 mast for the 7.5 (never rigged on that mast before), so I could rig the 6.9. Anyway, got it rigged and went out for a sail on the Pacer with the 7.5. Tried to plane, not yet, so put the board down, masttrack forward, and went upwind. Felt good, a couple tacks, ready for racing. Then, fell on both jibes. WHAT?? I never fall when I jibe the Pacer, what the heck?<br />
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Came in. Hopefully I'd work out the jibe problems during the first course race. But then, the skipper's meeting got delayed and delayed. I was annoyed. But, to the race director's credit, I am sure that he was waiting for the wind that he and ALL the OTHER windsurfers knew would provide for awesome slalom racing. Just not for me. Well, the wind finally did spin up and for the first 3 races, I figured the 133 board and 6.9 sail would be a fast combo. And it was. I'd do my best to hang on. Problem is, the sailor has more to do with speed than the equipment. Before the first race, I sailed the course. Got to the mark, got around it without falling but had to uphaul, sailed back to beach, no problem, I can do this.<br />
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First race starts. Oh, I'm doing okay, not last. Catching up a bit. (I always start last when they do these starts where you have to run in to the water carrying your gear. The others run. I walk. Wet rocks and everything. Don't want to slip. Wish we could start already in the water). Anyway, almost halfway across, still up. Picking up speed. Looking back to see who's behind me. Dooosh. Catapault. Now, I am in last. Get up, sail to mark. Carnage at mark. Good, maybe I can pass a couple people. Go into jibe. Doooosh. Get up. Ok, just finish. Halfway back, can't get into harness lines on port jibe. Line is twisted. I hardly ever use this boom because of this. Need to get new harness lines (Ordered 'em already). Dooosh. Catapault again. <br />
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The next race went a bit better, but still couldn't get hooked in on port jibe. The 3rd race started out to be my best. Was flying, moved up into the main pack by the mark, so I do have the speed. Even passed Bob M. on this leg, who finished like 5th overall or something for the whole event, but then, he can jibe. Then, doooosh, at the mark. Got up, and sailed back not harnessed in, but at least finished. I was finished. Three runs across the bay without harness with 6.9 in almost 20 knot winds, too much for me. So, I watched and rested. Man, some of these guys (and gals) are fast. Sasha's wife was amazingly fast. Third in one race. <br />
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However, did meet some nice people. Ned C, who was the second one who showed up, came from the Hudson Valley and is a super stoked older windsurfer like myself. His wife seemed nice too. ( Might want to get one of those for myself sometime in the not so distant future.)<br />
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It was a nice sailing day, so I rigged up the 6.3 and went out on the 133 for a couple runs. Then on the 102 the rest of the day. But, I was tired from the non-harness runs, so gave it up after a while. The wind kept spinning up and the 6.3 was a bit much at times, but it was fun. Almost, but didn't quite make a jibe all day. Need to change mind set on this and try something else, like switching feet after rotating sail. Need to watch Peter Hart alot again.<br />
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Lesson: Don't try to race on equipment you are unfamiliar with. Murphy's Law will always catch up with you. On my trial run, I was able to get hooked in on port jibe, but during the actual races was not able to hook in port. That harness line is seriously kinked/twisted. Never using that manufacturer again. My other harness lines just ALWAYS hang straight, so ordered another set of those.<br />
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Problem: Spin out. The last few times I have gone sailing, I have been having this problem. Am I pushing on the fin too hard? I know spin out is caused by air mixing into the flow around the fin and disturbing it and causing ventilation/cavitation which then cause the fin to be surrounded by air and it loses "grip" and the board goes sideways. But, why is that happening to me? Different boards, different sails, different fins. Obviously, I am not doing something right. I need some guidance here. <br />
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Feeling good about:<br />
1. The fact that I am now going fast enough where this stuff happens. Also, I am (more and more) going fast enough that I can feel myself skimming along the tops of waves and just going fast. Too much fun.<br />
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2. This was, after all, my first attempt at a real planing slalom race. I managed to finish ahead of 3 people for the event. (No idea how that happened.) So, nowhere to go but up. It is really cool and fun, just need to relax and just sail.<br />
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Well, that's my story, if anyone has any thoughts as to why I am spinning out so much, please let me know, I'd like to hear them. I think I might try discussing this with Peter Hart too. I think he has a section on this on his DVD.<br />
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Till the next time (which might not be for a while)Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5971163949154034760.post-35356299343881180642009-10-09T19:22:00.000-07:002009-10-09T19:30:41.725-07:00Fun, but then some disappointmentToday's song is "Vahevala" by Loggins & Messina (thanks to the PeconicPuffin.com for showing the way to using youtube videos for blog theme songs) because I was out there semi-ripping, and learning alot, today.<br />
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So, on to today. I wonder if anybody else gets the slightly sick, about to have a heart attack, having a stroke, can't get there soon enough feeling in their brains when you know the wind is blowing and you are just leaving work around 2:30 and the beach is a half hour away? Please let me know I am not alone. <br />
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Anyway, so I got to Heck around 3, in the water by 3:30 or so, 5.5/102. Had some great fun sailing for about 2 hours, I guess, no made jibes, some disappointment. BUT, I feel like I am really learning alot. I can now tell a real difference with the boom at slightly different heights, harness line placement/ length, sail tuning, fin choice, etc. At times I feel like I am getting (almost) the max speed out of the board, by just keeping legs as straight as possible (very difficult in the chop at Heck), getting in the "7" position and hanging my weight on the boom. I can just about keep up with most everybody (nobody could keep up with the dude on the RRD X-Fire 112 slalom race board today, that thing was just too much. It made a whistling noise like a jet as it went through the water. Obviously, its pilot is no slouch, but that board was just too cool - someday).<br />
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I also found out what its like when your footstraps are too loose. I had set them up loose to make it "easier" for me to get into them, but today I fell off the back of the board when trying to go max. speed waaaaay downwind, and my front foot got twisted in the strap, and didn't come out. So, there I was lying in the water with my right foot up on the board twisted and stuck in the strap. I will admit I almost panicked. I couldn't get my body up to the same level as the top of the board to flatten out the foot and get it out of the strap. And for a minute (actually less than a second, I hope) I thought I wasn't going to be able to keep my head out of the water for very long. I did notice a guy jibe just outside of me and actually yelled "HELP" once or twice. Actually, it was probably a blessing in the long run that he didn't hear me or didn't respond as it forced me to calm down and take stock of the situation. I ended up sliding my foot partway out of the bootie, and that freed my foot. It hurt a bit for a little while, but all is ok now. I sailed in and immediately tightened up my footstraps so that only my toes go all the through. That felt much better.<br />
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Jibes. Jibes. Jibes. One day, I hope, I will be able to do them somewhat reliably and hopefully laugh at this period of my windsurfing career. Then I will reward myself with a Mike's Lab and/or Rogue Wave custom board or two. I hope. Anyway, since I haven't had much real success with them (except sporadically), I decided to try a different approach at some point today. I practiced releasing the sail BEFORE I switch my feet. I was able to carve through turns, get the sail to rotate, but failed to grab the boom on the other side and my feet seem somewhat glued to the board. Will have to work on this.<br />
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Some disappointment. After sailing today, I pulled out the Pacer and removed the c/b and plates to clean them all up and McLube 'em so the c/b goes up and down easily. When I got home I used lemon juice to remove the brown stuff that gets on boards at Heck. I also replaced the boom tail lines on my two larger booms with the adjustable outhaul systems with the 3mm Amsteel stuff. I did all this in anticipation of the races tomorrow, which are going to be at West Neck Beach, right in Cold Spring Harbor where I grew up sailing and first learned to sail boats (at age 8) and my first forays into windsurfing 20 something years ago. (I stopped windsurfing for almost 20 years then took it up again 3 or 4 years ago). At least the Pacer is ready for the spring, however, it looks like good conditions for Pacer sailing on Sunday. <br />
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The wind forecast is for like 20 mph winds with higher gusts at times. All the other windsurfers are probably very excited, but I am somewhat disappointed. I can't really do a shortboard jibe, and these winds are for slalom races. Even if they have upwind marks, I can't do a shortboard tack either. Not a good situation for me. I have been waiting 18 months or so to do windsurf racing again (except for the ABK race clinic) and now the conditions are the ones I have been dreading. Sunday would be a good day for me to race (10 to 14 knots). Not Saturday. Well, one never knows, and its the beach I would go to any way for the W/NW wind direction that is forecast, so I guess I'll go and see what happens. Hope for the best. At least I will be able to get out and sail all day.<br />
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Till the next sailing day.Dennis G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05474371429809741374noreply@blogger.com0