So, 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?
So, what is this most reliable wind forecast? The longislandwindsurfer group, of course. You see, I only use
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.
What I have determined is this:
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.
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.
The address for this awesome, accurate, and avid group of windsurfers is longislandwindsurfer@yahoo.com
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
The 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.
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:
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:
Sunday, September 5, 2010
At 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):
Tanner Park, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010 from Dennis Grunbeck on Vimeo.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Until next time...............
Tanner Park, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010 from Dennis Grunbeck on Vimeo.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Until next time...............
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
1st Windsurfing Video
So, here it is, my first, unedited (sorry) windsurf video made with the HD Hero cam.
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.
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.
I know, I know, some tacks and jibes aren't too good. Sorry, I will work on that.
Well, hope you like it, even if it is kind of long and boring.
Windsurfing 8/22/10 from Dennis Grunbeck on Vimeo.
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.
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.
I know, I know, some tacks and jibes aren't too good. Sorry, I will work on that.
Well, hope you like it, even if it is kind of long and boring.
Windsurfing 8/22/10 from Dennis Grunbeck on Vimeo.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Maybe 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.
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).
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.
Suggestions that helped:
1. use a smaller fin to make the board "looser" (Pete R.)
2. when flipping sail, "throw it" to make it come around faster and regain sail power a little sooner (Mike B.)
3. move backhand back further, keep front arm straight, push sail in towards direction of turn (Pete R.)
4. Get up on balls of feet when going into turn (Pete R.)
On another note, good to see Kurt E. and LB Steve this weekend.
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.
This is the year!!
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).
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.
Suggestions that helped:
1. use a smaller fin to make the board "looser" (Pete R.)
2. when flipping sail, "throw it" to make it come around faster and regain sail power a little sooner (Mike B.)
3. move backhand back further, keep front arm straight, push sail in towards direction of turn (Pete R.)
4. Get up on balls of feet when going into turn (Pete R.)
On another note, good to see Kurt E. and LB Steve this weekend.
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.
This is the year!!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Why Can't I Do This?
While other windsurfers (or should I say the windsurfers) are posting videos of guys doing
moves that include backwards duck tacks and the like, I just want to be able to do this:
moves that include backwards duck tacks and the like, I just want to be able to do this:
Back to Basics
No song for today, sorry.
Yes, I am back to windsurfing. I first went on Friday afternoon, June 25. It was a nice day,
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
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.
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.
Took a break Sunday.
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.
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):
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.
2. worried that I am not going to make jibe (see above about not flowing)
3. not taking the time to re-establish speed after unhooking from harness
4. Overall, just not feeling strong and confident.
5. Need to find a way to sail later into fall, into winter, and much, much earlier in spring. Need to stay healthy.
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.
Hope the wind comes up again soon!!
Yes, I am back to windsurfing. I first went on Friday afternoon, June 25. It was a nice day,
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
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.
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.
Took a break Sunday.
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.
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):
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.
2. worried that I am not going to make jibe (see above about not flowing)
3. not taking the time to re-establish speed after unhooking from harness
4. Overall, just not feeling strong and confident.
5. Need to find a way to sail later into fall, into winter, and much, much earlier in spring. Need to stay healthy.
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.
Hope the wind comes up again soon!!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Decision Made
So, after all my excitement about the ECWF this year, what it came to was:
Stuff happens.
I wasn't even able to attend. oh well.
Hope eveyone that attended had a good time.
Time to start preparing for next year.
Stuff happens.
I wasn't even able to attend. oh well.
Hope eveyone that attended had a good time.
Time to start preparing for next year.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Help!
I love this board, perhaps I will make the 120 liter version my next board.
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
ovies/thumbs/01.flv.jpg
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 (http://www.ecwindfest.com/) 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.
more later...
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
ovies/thumbs/01.flv.jpg
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 (http://www.ecwindfest.com/) 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.
more later...
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Decisions, 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.)
So, here it (almost) is. The day after tomorrow is the 3rd Annual East Coast Windfest (http://www.ecwindfest.com/). I have been waiting two years for this as I missed last year's event.
As I have chronicled before, I am a former sailboat racer (highlights of my boat career include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
More later...
So, here it (almost) is. The day after tomorrow is the 3rd Annual East Coast Windfest (http://www.ecwindfest.com/). I have been waiting two years for this as I missed last year's event.
As I have chronicled before, I am a former sailboat racer (highlights of my boat career include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
More later...
Monday, June 7, 2010
Hope
Even 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:
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!
More info on ECWF, please see: http://www.ecwindfest.com/ or http://www.peconicpuffin.com/
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.
Well, let's hope my body lets me finally get out and get back to learning how to windsurf better.
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!
More info on ECWF, please see: http://www.ecwindfest.com/ or http://www.peconicpuffin.com/
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.
Well, let's hope my body lets me finally get out and get back to learning how to windsurf better.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Anticipation (and Frustration)
The song for today is Anticipation.
Anticipation: Weather forecast for this weekend looked promising all week
Anticipation: Watching Peter Hart jibe videos all week to get mentally prepared to, finally, do a full planing jibe.
Anticipation: This is Memorial Day weekend, three days off!
Anticipation: Haven't sailed since the fall
Anticipation: East Coast Windfest coming up in 3 weeks.
Anticipation: Redid windsurf van interior setup over the last couple of weeks.
Anticipation: Major health issue cleared up.
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)
Anticipation: only 4 more weeks until summer vacation.
Frustration: Operation on thumb last night, can't sail for at least another week.
Anticipation: Weather forecast for this weekend looked promising all week
Anticipation: Watching Peter Hart jibe videos all week to get mentally prepared to, finally, do a full planing jibe.
Anticipation: This is Memorial Day weekend, three days off!
Anticipation: Haven't sailed since the fall
Anticipation: East Coast Windfest coming up in 3 weeks.
Anticipation: Redid windsurf van interior setup over the last couple of weeks.
Anticipation: Major health issue cleared up.
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)
Anticipation: only 4 more weeks until summer vacation.
Frustration: Operation on thumb last night, can't sail for at least another week.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Two days until March
Today 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Happy New Year to one and all!
The song for today is " the same Auld Lang Syne":
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:
1. arrange life to allow for MUCH more windsurfing time
2. continue working on planing jibes
3. work on achieving higher maximum velocities on sail-powered, water-borne craft
4. probably number 3 could come before number 2
5. sail more
6. attempt more planing jibes correction, make planing jibes. As the great philosopher Yoda once stated: "Do, or not do. There is no try"
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.
8. be more outgoing at the beach and ask for more help and advice
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.
10. get the WHOLE fin to clear the water when making "jumps".
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:
1. arrange life to allow for MUCH more windsurfing time
2. continue working on planing jibes
3. work on achieving higher maximum velocities on sail-powered, water-borne craft
4. probably number 3 could come before number 2
5. sail more
6. attempt more planing jibes correction, make planing jibes. As the great philosopher Yoda once stated: "Do, or not do. There is no try"
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.
8. be more outgoing at the beach and ask for more help and advice
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.
10. get the WHOLE fin to clear the water when making "jumps".
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