tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63300349230905994072024-03-14T03:06:09.049-04:00Triad Windsurfing, Surf & SUPThe Triad is composed of Greensboro, Winston Salem & High Point in NC. SUP surfing, windsurfing & surfing are the triad of water sports- the trifecta. Here I post little adventures we have from the triad to the coast. Through these 3 sports I've been able to routinely interact with the best kind of people. I find they are all friends I just hadn't met before.rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-84738756262572448212010-10-30T08:54:00.002-04:002010-10-30T09:47:19.142-04:00Triad Windsurfing has moved...What began with windsurfing has expanded to surfing, paddle surfing, skating, wake surfing, wake boarding and general disinterest in work. It is a good time for new beginnings so I'm moving the blog to a format that better fits the lifestyle and displays all the opportunities out there on the coast <em>and</em> inland.<br />
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<a href="http://ncboardrider.blogspot.com/">Here is the new link</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TMwhnS-aLdI/AAAAAAAAAb4/yu_5kzBnqGA/s1600/DSC01834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TMwhnS-aLdI/AAAAAAAAAb4/yu_5kzBnqGA/s640/DSC01834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-29631339499488001292010-10-26T07:31:00.001-04:002010-10-30T09:44:32.193-04:00Weekend SW at the Local Water Hole. Forecasts are more like guidlines.So the NWS said 5-10 SSW Saturday and Sunday. With a formula board and 9.5 or SUP and 7.5 this is cause to sail when it is sunny and warm. That goes double when you only need a spring suit. <br />
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Saturday Leah spent a few hours on the 106L/5.8 in some pretty good stuff- likely around 13mph gusting to 16 up the main channel. The tacks are getting faster and she is certainly loving the maneuverability of the smaller gear. The 13-16 dropped off in the early afternoon down to the forecasted 5-10 so I rigged up to the 9.5/formula for a good pump workout. There wasn't much planing later in the day but we schlogged until dark since it was so nice.<br />
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Sunday. Wow. After the service Sunday morning while we were walking home the wind was blowing and messing up my hair that I had spent so much time on. Excitement was building but in check at that point. We had to handle some commitments and didn't make it to Belews until around 2:30 but dang. When we got there it was white capping and filled in nicely! I rigged the 9.5/formula figuring the wind would drop while Leah rigged the 5.8/ahd. In the straps and off I was. It was some of the best quality I've been in at Belews since I was planing and in the straps non-stop. Get this- it steadily built until evening. I got blown off the formula, immediately went to the 9.5/ahd, got blown off that, 5.8/ahd was working with plenty of power so I grabbed the 106L/5.8! I had no idea I had been sailing so over powered with the 9.5/formula until I was planing on the 106L/5.8 since the wind built in so slow and steady!<br />
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There were lots of sailboats about and it seemed like more party barges & bass boats than normal. This becomes relative I think. When you are well powered you are one of the fastest vessels on the lake and when you are crossing the channel almost 90 degrees to the flow of traffic it seems like there are boats in the way fairly frequently. This isn't a bad thing though since it is a great opportunity to represent the best sport on Earth while there are plenty of folks on the lake to witness it and maybe even drum up some interest in trying it. Warm, sunny Fall weather is the best time of the year to be sailing and gaining interest in windsurfing and SUP. Where are all the Triad Club locals? rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-15916427474901132672010-10-22T07:56:00.001-04:002010-10-22T07:57:31.189-04:00A WSW JibeathonThe wind yesterday north of Greensboro started SSW and was predicted to go NW by afternoon. Luckily it clocked WSW and locked in for the duration! For Belews lake this means a hike south in front of the plant to get out of the wind shadow of the 2 islands. I took the hike and sailed 4 hours straight on the 106L/5.8 with a 32cm freewave fin (loose). It was lake wind- gusty, some long lulls and squirrely at times but a fine time was had. There was about a half hour, I'd estimate around 3 or so, where the wind picked up and filled in the entire span of the opening in front of the plant. I made figure 8s with chop hops along the way with my heart rate pegging pretty high. I wish we could get some of that on a weekend too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TMF2Yzn-xmI/AAAAAAAAAaY/A5-PtHo8fmk/s1600/DSC01825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TMF2Yzn-xmI/AAAAAAAAAaY/A5-PtHo8fmk/s640/DSC01825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center">Zoom in and you can see the white caps left and right of the island.</div><br />
The Raleigh crew has their own forecaster so maybe their wind predictions and wind meters are solid. The wind meters in the vicinity of Belews are not matching the lake much nowadays. I know the leaves are still on the trees and that may be most of the issue but the low readings may be keeping folks away and missing some fun sailing. The following are from Summerfield, Walnut Cove, Reidsville and the gso airport, resp. It seems the airport matched the best yesterday. Bottom line is <strong>DON'T MISS OUT!</strong> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TMF6xfEnOcI/AAAAAAAAAao/HkSWqbgqyIo/s1600/airport.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TMF6xfEnOcI/AAAAAAAAAao/HkSWqbgqyIo/s640/airport.gif" width="640" /></a></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-84361266031559115672010-10-19T06:58:00.000-04:002010-10-19T06:58:49.689-04:00How the? He must have been using foot straps.From windsport.com. Bernd Roediger's incredible SUP aerial at Dana Point, California. Naish team rider I think.<br />
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<a href="http://www.windsport.com/videos_display/video:2302/Bernds-New-School-SUP-Move">Link here.</a>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-85318259639584685122010-10-11T21:13:00.002-04:002010-10-11T21:45:36.305-04:00The Naish Mana 9' Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TLO2Fd2GTiI/AAAAAAAAAaU/9DfFIBqISbE/s1600/DSC01789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TLO2Fd2GTiI/AAAAAAAAAaU/9DfFIBqISbE/s640/DSC01789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The Naish Mana is bamboo with epoxy and a 3/4 length pad. It’s dead sexy. At 9' you can cram it inside your minivan or suv. Here are our initial thoughts on the board.<br />
First, to establish a frame of reference. I am 70kg, my wife is less. We have owned only 2 prior true SUP boards. Starboard Drive 10'5, RRD Wassup 10'. Prior to that I SUPed on old windsurf boards like the Mistral Superlight and Bic Bamba. The following is a collection of thoughts on jumping from a well regarded first SUP board (Starboard Drive) to a completely new class of SUP board. This is about going to a high performance SUP and does not compare the Mana 9' to other similar boards in this class since we have no experience there. <br />
The summary for folks in a hurry:<br />
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<strong><em>Likes</em></strong><br />
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• 140L, 29.5” wide and 9' but still surprisingly stable. really.<br />
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• LIGHT. Easy to handle out of the water and in the impact zone after you get trashed<br />
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• funboard surf board shape- surfs like a much smaller board<br />
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<ul><li>lightweights can engage the rail standing more in the middle rather than having to be on the tail</li>
</ul>• makes getting out through white water easier and even fun. *Low tow factor.<br />
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• pivots on a dime<br />
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• tracks well while paddling if forward of the carry handle<br />
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• anti-pearl nose?<br />
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<strong><em>What could be better</em></strong><br />
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• need non-slip on the nose. <br />
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• have to remove fins to zip board bag<br />
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• where is the mast track?<br />
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<em>Surfing</em><br />
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I first tried the 9' Mana at Carolina Beach surfing with Dwight and Jacky. Thanks again guys. Jacky traded with me so I jumped off the 10'5 Drive after a few hours of great long period hurricane Igor waves. I immediately noticed that I lost 16 Liters and 1.5 feet. You have to find the right standing position on the Mana but this comes quickly. I also noticed I was better off with a narrower stance. The board is only 1/2 inches less but certainly easier to dip a thinner rail. The waves were at least shoulder high, easy and conditions were glassy. I've been in strong off shore wind before and there you need to jump on the nose to get the drop. In the Igor conditions you had to paddle like mad and run to the nose to stay on the swell even with no wind. Luckily DW added non slip to their Mana so I was able to catch the waves early on the nose, throw a few turns and nose ride. After 2 waves on the Mana I felt like I had been on it much longer so comfort comes quickly. <br />
More recently at Hatteras I took the Mana out first at Frisco in glassy left handers on the outer bar. I was blown away by how well the board punched through or jumps up and over incoming surf. I jumped into the surf stance putting down some deep strokes and kept right on trucking. Once on the back side of the wave you can jump back to normal stance to paddle the rest of the way. This offered a new fun factor for me- it is actually a blast taking on the white water. <br />
Riding the 10’5 Drive taught me to run nose to tail while catching and riding waves. I immediately missed being able to pounce on the nose to get the late drop on some fast forming sneaky Hatteras waves. Second nature took over a few times and I ran to the nose only to slip like I was on ice. My non slip product has shipped and should arrive by the end of the week!<br />
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I hit Old Lighthouse beach with the Mana for a much more stringent set of conditions. The waves were big, somewhat inconsistent and there was a psycho-chop component that really forced me to concentrate on balance. Again I missed the nose traction but aside from that I was very impressed how well the board handled late big drops. Quite a few times I ended up on the tail with back foot on the kick pad following the falls and coming out standing. Another huge plus is that when in the impact zone eating a huge wall of white water while off the board I don’t get towed by the leash all the way to shore. The Mana has much less surface area so I assume that offers much less for the wave to hold on to. The result is that even if I get knocked down or bail in front of a top to bottom closeout I don’t lose much ground while trying to get out. I’ll call this a much lower tow factor since I’m into *nameology. <br />
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<em>Flat Water</em><br />
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Leah first tried the board on a weekend at the lake. That means plenty of boat wakes producing psycho chop and a few good swells to ride. She never fell in the course of the afternoon. Not once. I was blown away. Moreover the Mana has more glide than the Drive. I certainly had a tough time matching Leah’s speed. The deck pad isn’t as cushy as other boards but the Mana is just as fun in flat water as the 10’5. <br />
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<em>About that Missing Mast Track</em><br />
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We are not content to surf the early morning sesh and bail for the day. Instead we tend to stay morning to dark and in the course of a typical day you can get wind. Putting a sail on the Drive is a blast since you can catch sooo many more waves. I wonder why Naish doesn’t add a receiver for the 8mm Chinook base? Is it simply that there is no market or does it have more to do with construction? Sure I realize the board will schlog but you would be doing that anyway on a windsurf board.<br />
I think this board suits anyone looking for more maneuverability and excitement.<br />
Initial quality is impressive. I hope the construction holds up well since I plan to keep this one for a while. Any thoughts, concerns, or outright disagreements?<br />
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For more expert opinions and advice check out <a href="http://ncpaddlesurfer.blogspot.com/">NC Paddle Surfer</a>.rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-56311222754539280602010-10-07T08:29:00.002-04:002010-10-09T09:22:00.173-04:00Ramp 49 Wave Sailing- The Redemption Sesh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TK28lDUKchI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ePXvWhaM2SA/s1600/DSC01817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TK28lDUKchI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ePXvWhaM2SA/s640/DSC01817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My trip could not have ended much better. I planned to spend most of the day SUP surfing at 49 again but when I paddled out the side-side-off WNW was creating a strong wind swell. Dropping in on the wave was really tough since the wave was peeling left and into the wind- so that put the board across the NW chop and the nose floating on the air. I didn't mention it in my <a href="http://triadwindsurfing.blogspot.com/2010/10/mana-love.html">previous Mana post</a> but second nature took over a few times on Monday and I ran to the nose to get the drop. Without traction the nose is like running on ice! The nose was still slick so I certainly missed jumping on it in that head wind.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I rigged the 5.8 and the cross 106 again for my wave sailing redemption attempt. I love side shore wind. Though it was light and fluky as expected I was able to clear the impact zone pretty well 8/10 times and the bars were shallow enough at lower tide that I could beach start in some spots. No denials this time. The NW wind swell built up quickly so there was waist high checkering across the SE swell rolling in on the outside. It made it challenging staying upwind, even on the outside, but between dogging it and some planing I always managed. It made me appreciate sailing areas with dominant swell offering free shoulder rides into the wind. On another note, there must have been a million jelly balls out there! Inside, outside, middle tons of the darn things everywhere. Every time I fell in I had 2 or 3 bumping into me. I don't know if they sting but I had a full wetsuit on so I still can't say. Unnerving. Then there were the dolphin. Lots of em and it always gives me a good vibe though I'm not sure why. Every little thing helps when you are charging waves solo.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TK28qFU3vJI/AAAAAAAAAaE/E4iwJDM6inA/s1600/DSC01820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TK28qFU3vJI/AAAAAAAAAaE/E4iwJDM6inA/s640/DSC01820.JPG" width="640" /></a>Speaking of waves, does Hatteras have the sneakiest waves anywhere or what? Ramp 30 had a clear flat path out that suddenly was suddenly blocked by a head high top to bottom closeout. Even the south side would do that. More like waist to shoulder but I got put through the spin cycle head over heels by a few of them. I was talking to Andy about it and he agrees it is the sharp bars that cause the swell to jack up so fast. The swell will hide between bars in deep water and pounce on the poor soul trying to sneak out. Ramp 49 added the new dynamic of SE swell hiding in the WNW. When staging for the SE you had to keep a keen eye out for the money shot. Where o where is it... Ooh, pump pump! Sometimes the wind gave power for the drop, sometimes not. It just makes those times that you make it to the outer bar that much sweeter and the jibe out of that DTL wave ride that much more of a victory.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TLBsXKsAHcI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/OslivTPeGR0/s1600/wind_graph.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TLBsXKsAHcI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/OslivTPeGR0/s640/wind_graph.gif" width="640" /></a></div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-59570148393310151952010-10-06T08:33:00.003-04:002010-10-09T09:12:43.774-04:00Denial TwistI tried wave sailing solo at ramp 30 this morning. It looked so sweet- big crumbling lefts on the outer bar. Each time I tried to get out I was denied in exactly the same way at exactly the same spot. The wind was light and side shore- blowing better on the beach than on the inside somehow. I would punch through a couple white water areas, start to take a breath of relief since I was on my way and out of nowhere a head high top to bottom closeout would slam me! If fully lit the 5.8/106L would have been the express route to the outside but the power was just not there. Hopefully the fishermen next to me enjoyed the show.<br />
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Since the wind was so light I hit Ramp 49 again for some more time on the Mana. Have I told you lately that I love the Mana? The tide was low and rising again so the bars were similar to Sunday but better. Beautiful peeling lefts on the outside with tubes! Add in the first completely sunny day of the trip and zang, wave sailing blues gone. A <a href="http://cbsurfriders.blogspot.com/2010/10/frisco-freight-trains.html">fellow NC surfer</a> posted some good pics at Frisco too.<br />
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The higher tide wasn't working at 49 or bath houses so I headed up to old lighthouse. The waves were huge compared to the southside and good grief what power. Certainly more challenging paddling but still easy to get out. It isn't often you have waves that big and it isn't hard to get out. Yesterday it was a great high tide spot and I SUP surfed on the Mana until sunset. Best of all my last ride of the day was the best of the day- long left on a head high with enough steam to keep me going until it reformed on the inner bar. Stoke was plentiful. <br />
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Oct 4th was another flat water day at the hole on 5.2/85L. It was NW and I was well powered to marginal. Stu and Ken came out after 5pm but the wind was falling off quickly by then. What a sunset!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TKxrc-OWzWI/AAAAAAAAAZw/c10wubcUqJA/s1600/DSC01805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TKxrc-OWzWI/AAAAAAAAAZw/c10wubcUqJA/s640/DSC01805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-10070733327475147952010-10-04T08:12:00.016-04:002010-10-09T09:12:10.166-04:00Mana Love and Wave Sailing at Old LighthouseI love the kick pad on the tail. Chose some shore break with thigh to occasional shoulder high heavy break. I couldn't believe what the nose of the Mana pulled out. Never pearled and I don't know why. Mana is money.<br />
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<em>Wave Sailing at Old Lighthouse Beach- </em><br />
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Hit Lighthouse beach again in the evening. Not as easy as yesterday and enough west to make it really weird on the inside. Fun though! Lots of locals came out. Usually they make it look easy. They did not make lighthouse beach look easy yesterday. My experience is best described as prolonged panicky scrambling interrupted by brief periods of sheer bliss.<br />
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I did not keep my cool trying to water start in the huge holes. My heart rate and breathing were not properly controlled and the sesh totally zapped me after the first 1.5 hours. I was a little bummed that I missed sailing with all the local experts that arrived a few hours after Keith and I but was glad to come out none the worse for losing my focus. The few waves I did ride made it no doubt worth the effort!rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-70251050084061501122010-10-03T08:11:00.001-04:002010-10-09T09:13:51.495-04:00At Old Lighthouse Beach and The HoleI started yesterday morning early at the Hole with Dale Bendula. Stayed on the 5.8/106 all day. Wind was NNE and a little up & down but fun as always. It was a great oportunity to dial in my jibes on the 106 in chop and fluky wind. My hand is healing well and no major sail handling problems! Dale took a break to cut the grass and Ken from Wind NC drove up. He was on Andy's 5.2/twin freestyle. The wind filled in nicely a little and we had a ball when Ken was planing easily. We also traded rigs since I had a 5.8- wow was there a big difference between the old Ezzy wave and the new Gaastra IQ. The Gaastra was flatter when not powered and much more crisp. The old wave sail has much more low end grunt but not nearly as smooth in transitions. Not as easy to clear the clew either. <br />
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I got the message too late but Keith M and Olaf scored a fun sesh at the lighthouse. I stopped by to wach for about 45 min and it looked big and fairly easy. I was zapped and cramping already so I didn't rig. Maybe today! Keith has the blue sail. Wish I had a better camera.<br />
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Last night Andy at <a href="http://wind-nc.com/">Wind NC</a> put on a sail clinic for the <a href="http://www.triangleboardsailing.com/">Raleigh crew</a>. They have over 20 new members this year and tons of stoke! It is awesome to see all the excitement from new and senior members. Great group. Andy does a great job with these clinics and there's great info for new and experienced sailors. Good times.rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-22937259002915112292010-10-02T08:09:00.001-04:002010-10-09T09:19:33.657-04:00Oct 1 NNE at Canadian Hole, OBX NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TLBrz8CCxrI/AAAAAAAAAaM/O_BTXo3IPEc/s1600/newgraph.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TLBrz8CCxrI/AAAAAAAAAaM/O_BTXo3IPEc/s640/newgraph.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The last time I was on my 85L exo wave was the end of July at the Basin. That was 2 straight days of SW with the 5.2/85L combo. Yesterday evening I sailed the same kit on the 85L stick with Dale Bendula. Dale was on a 95L slalom board with 5.5 and passing me on each run. We worked it out so that when he jibed I would too from a distance behind, he would catch up midway, pass then repeat jibe so it was great sailing with a buddy for a change! He covered more ground but I could out jump him, at least yesterday :]<br />
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The Raleigh crew (Triangle Windsurfing Club) is sailing up at Salvo this weekend too. I'm looking forward to putting faces to names! Sounds like a lot of excitement for the sport with those folks.<br />
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The wind forecast has changed for the next few days. Looks a little lighter with NE switching to NW towards Monday. The surf has been massive but should be dropping to a more manageable level starting today. Hopefully we'll be wave sailing and SUP surfing soon too. More updates to come.<br />
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The 9' Mana is at <a href="http://wind-nc.com/">Wind NC</a>. Wow.rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-82412622405382804512010-09-20T07:57:00.096-04:002010-09-23T21:51:22.062-04:00Surfing Igor at Ocean Isle Inlet, CB North End and Sunset Beach<div><div><div><div><div><div>Being mobile is the ticket for NC dynamic conditions. I sampled Igor's sinuous waves from the north end of Carolina Beach to the NC state line at Sunset Beach. My new thermo-form splint allowed me to paddle surf with reasonable comfort in some really fun conditions.<br />
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<div><em>Ocean Isle North End Sunday</em></div><br />
Where's Waldo?<br />
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<div></div><div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJwBbBWStDI/AAAAAAAAAZA/VgEJdCF5Sww/s1600/DSC00519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJwBbBWStDI/AAAAAAAAAZA/VgEJdCF5Sww/s640/DSC00519.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Waldo found.</div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518968642081027138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdQvT3CdEI/AAAAAAAAAXU/owR53Mm1zK4/s640/DSC00521.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /> Typical end to the rides. Not prudent to be greedy! Get off here or eat the bar.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518970104556928434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdSEcAdvbI/AAAAAAAAAXc/W0nuO4VcPqA/s640/DSC00529.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />Windsurfer's delight. Off side off on 3D playground.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518972070754132434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdT24qaIdI/AAAAAAAAAXk/ekVoeE_LT34/s640/DSC00549.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></div></div>Between Holden and Ocean Isle<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="341" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518977210924167170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdYiFSccAI/AAAAAAAAAX8/LYfqzpcrvFs/s640/ocean+isle+inlet.bmp" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />First thing at high tide the waves were tubing and breaking hard near shore. Unfortunately it was a harsh closeout so certainly not geared for longboard turns. The OIB inlet was much like the CB north end. We used the 4th street beach access and I was able to get out first try on the 10'5 no problem. It has been a long time since having off shore wind while paddling- it was pouring out of the inlet so strong I had to paddle my ass off and jump on the nose to get the drop but the return trip after each wave was such a relief! I don't know if it was a combination of the tide dropping or the swell size growing but it got to the point I couldn't get out through the shore pound. Every ripple was breaking hard and the 10'5 beast was too much. Jennifer and I gave up and hit the water tower for some body surfing. Donald Obst and crew happend to be there too. We found the current much stronger than the inlet but the set lulls were much longer. Again though the surf was beautiful but closing out... there were lots of short boarders getting really short rides. 9/10 were like drop, zip zip, oof, eat shit. Much respect for them. <br />
<em>CB North End Saturday</em><br />
There were a number of firsts for this sesh. Coolest was meeting <a href="http://ncpaddlesurfer.blogspot.com/2010/09/hurricane-igor-surf-at-cb-inlet.html">Dwight, Jacky</a>, Brian M., <a href="http://carolinabeachsup.blogspot.com/2010/09/cb-inlet-today.html">Surf Machine</a>, Z, <a href="http://www.surfhousenc.com/Home_Page.html">Brad</a> and others. Great crew with lots of energy, bow hunting skills, nunchuck skills and surfing skills. I'm so used to shore break it took a while to get used to catching this big long period swell. You think it will break on you but no- it just holds a clean face forever! It was the most fun you can have standing up. I collected Mark and Jennifer then drove out on the beach for the first time in my first 4x4 too. Meet the pimp wagon.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518975564946378242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdXCRiwjgI/AAAAAAAAAXs/1GKHxkf7oI4/s640/DSC01760.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /> Inshore warm up<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518976210633044834" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdXn26dM2I/AAAAAAAAAX0/GBAXK-rQe88/s640/DSC01746.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518978062309435618" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdZTo8gqOI/AAAAAAAAAYE/hIFNIeml8cs/s640/DSC01749.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /> soooo clean...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJwDbm_UULI/AAAAAAAAAZE/4kPTc8NoHV4/s1600/DSC01751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJwDbm_UULI/AAAAAAAAAZE/4kPTc8NoHV4/s640/DSC01751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mark braces for launch<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518979035199033746" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdaMRPd0ZI/AAAAAAAAAYU/XhrhG-dq040/s640/DSC01755.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /> Jennifer (A #1 photographer) sailing the Drive on a light NE at the Basin at Fort Fisher<br />
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<em>Sunset Beach, the West End Thursday, Friday</em></div><div>I wish I would have taken pictures Thursday morning at low tide. I was very surprised to find Igor's initial swell making it to Sunset with such quality. Leah was doing really well on the 10'5 in thigh to waist high glassy surf. I was body surfing with Rob, John and Brian so I got some sweet views of Leah riding those waves. I'm amazed how quickly she's gotten the hang of the punch throughs paddling out and turning to ride the shoulder. Leah ended her sesh around lunch time so I surfed the rising tide the rest of the afternoon until the south wind blew out the surf around 5pm.</div><div></div><div>Nearer to high tide. Not as good but still fairly clean.</div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518985441912855730" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdgBMHEnLI/AAAAAAAAAYk/xn26IpntPUM/s640/DSC01706.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /> Brian Luisana on his first SUP wave<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518986117288022786" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdgogFD0wI/AAAAAAAAAYs/1yr7ytXxvWw/s640/DSC01727.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />Sunset next to Bird Island<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518986407551333106" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TJdg5ZZOcvI/AAAAAAAAAY0/gfkYcxS5fhc/s640/DSC01730.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-76430640490311231972010-09-13T09:28:00.013-04:002010-09-13T09:57:21.032-04:00The new custom is here!<div>Crafted from the latest in thermo-form plastic technology courtesy of Greensboro Orthopedics and Sports Medicine!<br /><div> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516390928136795410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TI4oUnHH9RI/AAAAAAAAAWg/xa_w36q8DKw/s400/DSC01696.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516391060332946018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TI4ocTlJImI/AAAAAAAAAWo/zzC-cT3gBzg/s400/DSC01697.JPG" border="0" /><br />Solo mountain biking on the 8th. Rounding a sandy bend. Loose rock, smack-down, slide, ooomph. Metacarpal of index busted at the knuckle.<br /></p><br /><p>It could be way worse. With this puppy I should be able to surf, paddle and windsurf. I'll just have to adjust- lucky my form is already ugly so it won't be that noticeable.<br /></p><p>I'm thinking back to Earl and ahead to Igor- can I adjust in time if the conditions come the end of the week at OIB?</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394166154715602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TI4rRFqwYdI/AAAAAAAAAWw/4sN-2WQYdV0/s400/DSC01626.JPG" border="0" />Early morning Earl swell.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394976197933874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TI4sAPUG-zI/AAAAAAAAAW4/NMcxjzRkTBY/s400/DSC01627.JPG" border="0" /> Earl puffs at Lake Waccamaw Sail Club</div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516395619815627954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TI4sls-hnLI/AAAAAAAAAXA/uXSxI1rqQME/s400/DSC01660.JPG" border="0" />Sept 6 at the Cove<br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-74045717517451700402010-08-31T11:17:00.053-04:002010-09-23T21:57:10.626-04:00Hurricane Danielle at OIB<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0neq61-dI/AAAAAAAAAVw/8wdQB4GZ37c/s1600/DSC01553.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511604926842010066" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0neq61-dI/AAAAAAAAAVw/8wdQB4GZ37c/s640/DSC01553.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511603745564680850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0mZ6UYYpI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/dYr04v9YXvE/s640/DSC00446.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /><br />
<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0nM0KIBbI/AAAAAAAAAVo/kqtJMPQv3aA/s1600/DSC00494.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511604620084381106" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0nM0KIBbI/AAAAAAAAAVo/kqtJMPQv3aA/s640/DSC00494.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0nCmSXDYI/AAAAAAAAAVg/KhYgIN-LmgM/s1600/DSC00487.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511604444562132354" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0nCmSXDYI/AAAAAAAAAVg/KhYgIN-LmgM/s640/DSC00487.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine?<br />
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<div>Hurricane Danielle passed east of Bermuda but delivered some awesome surf at Ocean Isle Beach (OIB). It is south facing so not a bad spot for any NE wind that leads the way when storms come close. The east facing beaches like CB and WB tend to get blown out pretty bad with any on shore or side shore wind so I think it was definitely the right call.</div><div></div><br />
<div>Friday Leah and I hit the water tower south of the OIB pier for a warm up day. The surf was a little bumpy but you could score some fun short rides to get the sea legs. Later the wind turn a little side on and I rigged the 4.7 on the 10'5" SUP. What a blast! Easy surf so no problem getting out but soooo fun ripping one little wave after another. I even made some friends with the local surfers who were stoked on the wave sailing. I met David and his son from SC- very cool long boarders. His son was catching waves tail first and spinning on the face like LH on the SUP. Very nice.</div><div></div><br />
<div>Saturday morning swell from Danielle was building in nicely. I took the 7'4" surf board up to Island Breeze since Leah and Jennifer would be coming later. It was dumping pretty bad there so after an hour or so I headed back to the water tower and ran into David again. After David introduced me to Dan Myers and his crowd from Charlotte I ended up surfing with them the rest of the weekend. Dan and his son Jason were on C4 SUPs and Jace was even doing head stands on his 9 footer. Everyone was hollering and having a fine time with the glassy shoulder to head high rollers coming in! I'm glad I met Dan and David- all the surfers in the family made the scene one of the best vibes I've experienced. </div><div></div><br />
<div>Sunday morning was the highlight for Danielle's visit. The wind finally turned off shore and pretty much stayed off to side off up until about 1pm. I found a little honey hole way up the beach away from most of the line ups and was killing it on the 10'5". I had dolphin and porpoise come in close in the surf while I was there. I love seeing them- just feels like having pets around or something. Most importantly it was one DTL ride after another and banking off the closeout section. I stayed out until I was completely dehydrated and came in with a huge smile after lunch time. </div><br />
<div></div><div>Jennifer, Leah and I headed back for a nice outro sesh early Monday. It was knee high with occasional waist high swell so very relaxing after Sat & Sun when it was a little too big for the ladies. Perfect SUP surf conditions with off shore wind and glassy clean water. I think I've lost my 10'5" for good now since Leah used it all day. She was really getting the feel for catching and riding the waves since she was having so much fun she stayed out for 2 straight hours without even taking in water! Yep. She has the bug. </div><div></div><div>* Jennifer once again blew me away with some great photos with the point and shoot. Too bad the camera settings were screwed up Saturday and Sunday. Kinda fuzzy.</div><div></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511615933746452466" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0xfW1XF_I/AAAAAAAAAWA/lsfzr3Ujg5U/s640/DSC01596.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511616325292885250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0x2JdThQI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/tmx81ZsYpBQ/s640/DSC01590.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511616147866261522" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0xr0fgGBI/AAAAAAAAAWI/87mIGQGtEcE/s640/DSC01608.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511615698229632770" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TH0xRpdxnwI/AAAAAAAAAV4/2PAxXJA077I/s640/DSC01585.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-1307291377351442032010-08-02T08:25:00.042-04:002010-09-23T22:02:19.940-04:00Tiny - BIG - Psycho Chop - Perfect Glassy<strong><em>Leah is officially a standup paddle surfer! </em></strong><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839904165036306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbov4YNARI/AAAAAAAAAUI/DLcCXjJLW2M/s640/DSC01505.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpIFBn0xI/AAAAAAAAAVA/29UdOP8Jpgk/s1600/DSC01517.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500840319876846354" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpIFBn0xI/AAAAAAAAAVA/29UdOP8Jpgk/s640/DSC01517.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Leah and the RRD Wassup 10'. Perfect for knee to waist high stuff.<br />
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpH63dmRI/AAAAAAAAAU4/ss0dUgOZ0rg/s1600/DSC01526.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500840317149878546" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpH63dmRI/AAAAAAAAAU4/ss0dUgOZ0rg/s640/DSC01526.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpHmHPS-I/AAAAAAAAAUw/LmF_gjuHnZw/s1600/DSC01525.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500840311578905570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpHmHPS-I/AAAAAAAAAUw/LmF_gjuHnZw/s640/DSC01525.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpHGFsEvI/AAAAAAAAAUo/rEogzpjE1P4/s1600/DSC01524.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500840302982468338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpHGFsEvI/AAAAAAAAAUo/rEogzpjE1P4/s640/DSC01524.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpG4wBUOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/GbAyaSHR8As/s1600/DSC01523.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500840299401924834" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbpG4wBUOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/GbAyaSHR8As/s640/DSC01523.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbowhV6TxI/AAAAAAAAAUY/pNc7_kpO_sA/s1600/DSC01509.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839915161276178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbowhV6TxI/AAAAAAAAAUY/pNc7_kpO_sA/s640/DSC01509.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbowBotanI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/oraCVtWtHIc/s1600/DSC01507.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839906650188402" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbowBotanI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/oraCVtWtHIc/s640/DSC01507.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
<div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbovAc1EoI/AAAAAAAAAUA/4woxcpUg_rU/s1600/DSC01503.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839889152053890" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbovAc1EoI/AAAAAAAAAUA/4woxcpUg_rU/s640/DSC01503.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbou3xCPZI/AAAAAAAAAT4/u47h4-6wPAk/s1600/DSC01500.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839886820883858" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFbou3xCPZI/AAAAAAAAAT4/u47h4-6wPAk/s640/DSC01500.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboZ4y8qDI/AAAAAAAAATw/-xj5onX2l7o/s1600/DSC01497.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839526320089138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboZ4y8qDI/AAAAAAAAATw/-xj5onX2l7o/s640/DSC01497.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboZhG-mMI/AAAAAAAAATo/kUykEGtN0VM/s1600/DSC01496.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839519961651394" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboZhG-mMI/AAAAAAAAATo/kUykEGtN0VM/s640/DSC01496.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboZO_U02I/AAAAAAAAATg/SmP0qdGeoyA/s1600/DSC01494.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839515097715554" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboZO_U02I/AAAAAAAAATg/SmP0qdGeoyA/s640/DSC01494.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> Jennifer takes a break from the photo shooting.<br />
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboY6AJSQI/AAAAAAAAATY/CMPIdEwOKtY/s1600/DSC01474.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839509464008962" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboY6AJSQI/AAAAAAAAATY/CMPIdEwOKtY/s640/DSC01474.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboYbG9_cI/AAAAAAAAATQ/JL4krWN-Nq0/s1600/DSC01473.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500839501171129794" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TFboYbG9_cI/AAAAAAAAATQ/JL4krWN-Nq0/s640/DSC01473.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div>Leah and I hit Surf City Friday afternoon to find the ocean clear and relatively calm. Perfect for really getting the feel of the Wassup and the art of catching waves. Surf across from the Loggerhead Inn ranged from ankle to staggering calf high sets. If ever there was a perfect windless afternoon for learning to paddle surf in the ocean this was it. By the way, Leah doesn't have a SUP paddle yet so we walked across from the Loggerhead to rent a paddle from <a href="http://herringsoutdoorsports.com/index.php">Herrings Outdoor Sports </a>where we met Jennifer Hill. She is an avid SUPer along with her son and husband. This is a great shop right on the waterway and they have anything you'll need for kayaking or SUP. Jennifer even has a full carbon SUP paddle for sale... the one she won at the Cold Stroke Classic. You'd better be prepared to buy it if you hold it. Like holding nothing!</div><br />
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<div>Saturday morning we hit County Line. There was a little NE breeze but only around 5mph. From the top of the dune the sets looked to be rolling in nicely and the tops crumbling. Upon closer inspection from the deck of the SUPs the waves were actually much bigger. I ended up taking some of the biggest drops ever- white knuckle adrenaline pumping stuff! Tossed in a few good catapulting nose dives too. The highlight of the morning was this one set that launched me off the lip straight ahead where I flew, landed and managed to avoid carnage to surf it until it closed. Juiced!</div><div></div><div></div><div>The most interesting feature at the Line is that the sand bars end fairly abruptly so the swell coming in from the deep water isn't as obvious sometimes further out. However the bar extends pretty far out so you do have time to set up but some of the waves do surprise and break a little earlier than you might expect. As the high tide peaked and started down the surf dropped as the wind picked up. It got plain windy and the ocean got extremely choppy. The surf turned into mostly wind driven chop/surf but I just kept on until evening when Jennifer arrived. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>T-Storms rolled through Sunday morning and sucked up all that NE wind. It was still sprinkling rain but we headed on out to the public access across from the fire department. This is a great spot since it is one of the few that has a ramp over the dune rather than just stairs. It can be tough carrying gear with the rails on the steps. With all the wind we had Saturday I was fully prepared to sail the SUP Sunday regardless of the surf quality. Luckily the NE chopped cleared and the ocean was glassy knee - waist sets! The skies cleared later in the afternoon for a picturesque sesh. Jennifer took some awesome photos Sunday with my little point and shoot. She definitly has talent... I can only imagine what she could do with a quality camera. I'm still buzzing from this trip. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-45414843339104184352010-07-27T08:12:00.033-04:002010-10-14T11:23:15.598-04:00The Basin Backwater & Carolina Beach<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TE8543d6-3I/AAAAAAAAATA/MDAzrsLKNYM/s1600/newgraph_24th.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498677319167572850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TE8543d6-3I/AAAAAAAAATA/MDAzrsLKNYM/s400/newgraph_24th.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 207px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Saturday<br />
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<div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498677392722403330" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TE859JewoAI/AAAAAAAAATI/GGq8SWrsRj0/s400/newgraph.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 207px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> Sunday<br />
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<div>A couple weeks ago we hit Topsail Island for some SUP surfing and got 1 3/4 full days of great waves and a shot of strong side-shore wind. I was not prepared for the wind. Having now a lesson learned I packed the 84L, 4.2 and 5.2 for this trip. Of course a couple SUP boards for tasty waves and sailing as well. This minimal equipment turned out to be the perfect call.</div><br />
<div>Jennifer and I drove into Wrightsville Beach late Sat morning intending to see <a href="http://thewaterturtle.blogspot.com/2010/07/paddle-mullet-paddle.html">Mac</a> in the Mullet Run SUP race and try for some SUP surfing. Good grief that place was jammed full of bodies and traffic. Since the surf was dumping & pounding we headed south to Carolina and Kure. This was around lunch and by then the wind was pretty strong- definitely stronger than WB. I tried catching some waves off Ocean Ave but the wind and north running current were just impossible conditions. It was a shame since the waves were pretty good size but shorebreak only. Even if they got better with the rising tide the current and wind called for sail only. </div><br />
<div>Jennifer certainly wasn't ready for the ocean sailing experience so we hit the Basin in Ft Fisher. This was my 1st time sailing the Basin and didn't really feel all that confident there was enough water to sail since it was low tide. Luckily a local sailor named Ed came just after we arrived and I had someone to show me the route. There are a couple good launch spots. I backed up to the wall on the west side and used the grassy area there. You have to walk out about 150 yards at low tide but there is enough water for smaller fins. We rigged the 4.2 and RRD Wassup to explore the place. I sailed the kit for a couple minutes and was impressed with the handling of the SUP with the 4.2. I actually got some good speed and planed the board without the foot straps. It isn't that silky free-ride board skimming but gets pretty close as best I can tell so far. With some reluctance I gave the kit to Jennifer to try out. As we mentioned before you have to stay off the nose but the board did really well in the higher wind. She had no trouble working up wind, even though this model doesn't have a center fin, and was easily controlled. I was happy to see that the board didn't seem tippy at all. One of the highlights of the trip was Jennifer learned to beach start! It gets easier to teach the more I do it but each time it is a reminder of how unintuitive it is! She picked it up faster than most so either I'm getting better at teaching or she's just good. I think both.</div><br />
Lunch time Sunday I paddled at Ocean Ave again- this time for a couple hours. The waves were a little smaller, the current a little less, but the wind was even stronger. I caught 1 magical crowd pleasing wave after about 1.5 hours of trying. The reason I got shouts of encouragement and pleasure from people I didn't know was they all witnessed my plight paddling into the wind and gaining no ground. Pretty much a treadmill out there. They pitied me but folks love to see and underdog succeed- Go Rudy! He can't fail.<br />
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Hatteras has spoiled me with high wind. I'm losing my ability to tell when it is shortboard conditions. My 5.2/84L had been rigged for a while but I didn't think I would be planing. I was wrong. Turned out the wind was consistent and I was powered just enough to plane even without the pump Saturday- 99% in the straps! Sunday was pretty much the same scenario but stronger wind. A 4.7 would have been perfect but I was all lit up on the 5.2, 100% in the straps! As the tide rising the place transforms into an even more beautiful spot to sail- there are huge ships sailing off into the sunset on the waterway, unspoiled marsh with nothing but green grass and an island between you and the Atlantic. I'll definitely be heading that way again. <br />
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<em>Summary for Paddle Surfing Carolina Beach</em></div><div>The SW was Side to Side Side-on and cranking up the beach. Unlike TI, there really were no sand bars that I could see even at low tide. The waves break pretty close to shore so the drop in comes late since the swell seems to come out of nowhere in the deep water. Dropping in closer to shore was also the case <a href="http://thewaterturtle.blogspot.com/2010/01/winter-surf.html">last December </a>when Mac, Rob and I were there. The wind was also cranking then but more off shore making surfing a little easier. Side-shore with the wind, current and wave going the same direction is tougher than anything I've experience. Just rig your sail!</div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-67689566789044170812010-07-21T10:27:00.054-04:002010-07-21T13:07:24.354-04:00RRD Wassup Initial Test, 10' Stinger<div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TEcdzzR02xI/AAAAAAAAASo/9G_30t-THEo/s1600/DSC01466.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496394646004488978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TEcdzzR02xI/AAAAAAAAASo/9G_30t-THEo/s400/DSC01466.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Leah and I have really enjoyed paddling this summer. Typically for flat water paddling at Belews Leah would get the Starboard Drive SUP board and I would grab one of the old windsurf longboards out of the container. The old longboards function but are not comfortable at all. Thanks to <a href="http://www.a-o-sports.com/">RRD</a> and <a href="http://wind-nc.com/">Wind NC </a>we now both have a SUP! </div><div> </div><div>No doubt I had to get another SUP but I was thinking that the ideal scenario for Leah would be a board that would really do it all. Tony made <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlzhV6eNv3g">this video </a>trying out the new RRD SUP boards and the Wassup caught my eye. The 8'5" Wassup was featured and I thought the 10' would be good for lake and ocean. It arrived last Friday and we hit Belews to give it a try. </div><div><br /> </div><div><em>The Scoop</em></div><div><em></em><br /> </div><div>The first thing you'll notice is the 31" width- very stable in the normal paddling position. The volume seems to be a little more centered. The 10'5" Drive has more volume toward the nose. I was shocked how easily the Wassup turns on the pivot! The board has slightly less rocker than the Drive and you don't have to step very far back at all on the quick turn. I can't wait to try this in some surf- this should really pay off on the paddle back out when a wave rolls in that is too good to miss. Using the bathroom scale the board weighs just over 26 lbs. I tried for months to get the volume and weight from RRD but still no luck. Here is a forum link with thoughts from <a href="http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=6064.0">WarDog</a>. He estimates around 140L of volume and I would say around 150L.</div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496394984293405794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TEceHfgMFGI/AAAAAAAAASw/LcQgJ_mVx9g/s400/DSC01470.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div align="center">Jackson is all partied out.</div><div><br /> </div><div>We tried wake surfing the Wassup behind a very nice wake boat that some friends have on Belews. The wake is sooo much bigger than my dad's boat. The extra width does take a little adjustment- the board accelerates down the wave faster than the Drive and turns with ease but a little slower rail to rail. That is until you get further back and the narrow tail kicks in. It is almost like another gear when you center your weight back. When your weight is more centered toward the carry handle you have to put much more foot pressure on the rail to get the turn you want. Again, I really need to get this in the ocean waves to see how the board does on the transitions and different size waves. Stoked!</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>We had terrible T-storms all day Saturday but Sunday we tried some light wind sailing at Belews. Leah used the 7.5 Ezzy Zephyr on the Wassup but we didn't add any foot straps. (The Wassups don't ship with footstraps by the way). She was using the harness lines and it seems that the nose would dip a bit from the big rig. I think this board is definitely designed to be sailed well behind the mast, even when not in the straps. The rig seems to be placed pretty far forward as well. I sailed it briefly and thought it was very smooth- great pivot jibe just like the flat water paddling turns. The wind never got strong enough for planing. Since Tony is using the boards to teach windsurfing I'm hoping the board with plane and respond well to foot pressure when in the straps. </div><div> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><em>Summary for Initial Testing</em></div><div><br /> </div><div align="left">We've paddled and sailed light air in flat water. Paddling it has a solid feel and good glide. On the tacks you have to watch putting too much pressure on the nose since it is a little shorter. For paddling the pivot turns are great. We surfed a boat wake and the board was easy to accelerate and get on the wave. Turns are deliberate and easy- on the tail the board is very agile.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=13519256&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=13519256&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></p><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/13519256">2010 RRD Wassup 10' Stinger</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1045805">r d moore</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /></p><div>Looking forward to surf, higher wind planing and surf sailing. More on this later!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496395722471945666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TEceydbqtcI/AAAAAAAAAS4/fa1roww7aBU/s400/DSC01471.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />By the way, I have to mention the rare July sunset sesh I had at Belews Sunday. Planing and at times over powered on the 9.5 and formula board up 'till sunset. SSW, balmy and all mine...rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-89109639441878942482010-07-12T10:28:00.050-04:002010-10-20T08:17:40.998-04:00What in the wide, wide world of waves is going on here?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDylUm6pZzI/AAAAAAAAASI/9c2o7_RRMPU/s1600/DSC01444.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493447418947659570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDylUm6pZzI/AAAAAAAAASI/9c2o7_RRMPU/s400/DSC01444.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div>This time of year sailable wind usually means dodging lightning bolts. Even the occasional water spout like the one that moved across Buxton while we were there July 2nd. So what does it mean when a hardcore wind junkie like your humble narrator finds himself wishing for the wind to go away? </div><br />
<br />
I did a little last minute weekend run to surf with my wife and sister at Topsail Beach. I've never been there and just got a wild hair. Sporting goods packed for this venture were:<br />
<ul><li>1 SUP board, for wave riding and general merry making</li>
<li>1 sail, 5.2 m^2 for grins and giggles</li>
</ul><br />
When we got there Saturday after lunch it was mostly overcast with a light on-shore breeze. Low tide and fun easy waves. I could see some longboard surfers off in the distance trying to milk a few seconds of ride out of some shore break but we owned the afternoon surf along with the body boarders. Later in the afternoon the wind rose with the tide, turning more side side-on. The surf began to build pretty quickly and the side shore current right along the beach became downright nasty. The wind finally filled in to the point I had to give up paddling so I rigged the 5.2. <br />
<br />
Somewhere on the NC coast some windsurfer made it out past the shore pound last Saturday. But they didn't do it in Surf City- or at least I didn't on my 10'5" SUP board anyway. The sea she said NO with punctuation. Though I negotiated with extreme prejudice I was swept sideways, pounded, smacked down, rolled and generally mistreated by the one I love. It is amazing how much you miss footstraps while trying to slip past the poundage. Each time I tried to position for the beach start the raging current rounded me upwind just in time to eat copious amounts of shit when the short period surf rolled in. I was denied outright.<br />
<br />
The groups of surfers on shortboards kind of just appeared out of nowhere. I watched for a little while and noticed they ignored the sideshore current. They just surfed the waves as they came and cared not that they were sliding down the beach at around 7 mph. At some point a group would exit the water a few miles down wind and trek back up the beach toward the pier where they must have started. Seeing these guys catching the waves with the shortboards got me real jealous so I paddled the SUP board back out since I had no surf board. I pretty much paddled out prone eating foam and in a lull would stand and paddle for a tasty wave. I'm definitely thinking I now need a short surfboard. Those guys could punch right through those pitching waves! This went on until the storm that had been laying inland all afternoon finally hit the beach head with all that pent up aggression. The range of conditions I encountered Saturday were fun and I think I learned a lot. Not to mention the humble pie I got served.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493447905376089746" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDylw7AONpI/AAAAAAAAASQ/plWKkNXnP-4/s400/DSC01446.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
Sunday was <em>consistent, fun surf <span style="color: #33cc00;">ALL DAY LONG</span></em>. The wind was light and regardless of the tide the waves were just working. Again I was the only paddle surfer on the beach but there were tons of shortboard surfers out there all day. They pretty much migrated with the break which put them moving in on me a couple times as the tide shifted. No big deal though since the SUPs have so much wave range I just shifted over and let them have it. I could find a good break most anywhere. Jennifer and Leah both got out body surfing and later tried the SUP surfing. Leah took a rogue wave head on and walked off with a busted lip but took it like a champ. There were plenty of smiles all around so we'll definitely be heading back. <br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493448136690032306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDyl-Ytw3rI/AAAAAAAAASY/YslcL516YFU/s400/DSC01451.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/15984208?portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/15984208">SUP wake surfing and a little surfing</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1045805">r d moore</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-46587585056412625712010-07-07T06:53:00.037-04:002010-07-08T06:42:31.975-04:00The high speed burn<div>As your attorney I advise you to take a very fast van with a rack on top. A tape recorder for special music. Acapulco shirts. Get over to Cape Hatteras for at least 48 hours. And you're going to have to arm yourselves with equipment... to the teeth.<br /><div><br /><div>Well it worked for us anyway. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491342747000389186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDUrIk7gPkI/AAAAAAAAARY/wrvh-O1uw7w/s400/DSC01406.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><div> </div><div>I couldn't believe it. We've been discussing it for months. Eagerly watching the forecast for a week- seeing it go back and forth between epic and ehh. Friday morning Mark and I pulled the trigger 'cause it just looked too good not to try. Three guys actually had their schedules line up for 5 nights in Hatteras so we packed Mark's van and headed to Buxton. We just couldn't get over how good the conditions were every day. That is windsurfing or standup surfing every day with 0 down time. I expected to have a tough time finding parking at the hole. Would you believe we basically owned the place? Apparently everyone was waiting for the week <em>after</em> the 4th to vacation. This trip is one for the record books- great in every way.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday to Tuesday were 3 straight days of great SW wind. No waves but the hole was cooking up some nice bump n jump- especially Monday when I ended up on the 4.2/85L hitting sweet right hand ramps punctuated with efforts to pop the kit with the Ollie. Yep I'm thinking of trying the Vulcan this year.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491348131754858994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDUwCAtA2fI/AAAAAAAAAR4/hRP-WpbK7Ow/s400/IMGP2878.JPG" border="0" /><br />Meet Mark's friend Awesome Bill from Yadkinville. It was a pleasure having Bill join us. Very interesting guy that has been sailing since the 80's. Here on his first SUP waves.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491343366259358354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDUrsn2WOpI/AAAAAAAAARg/209yFpQCmoU/s400/DSC01408.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491343901455927458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDUsLxnJyKI/AAAAAAAAARo/ISYu0xMO-vE/s400/DSC01410.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Wednesday we had perfect waist high waves at old lighthouse beach. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491346893962025074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDUu59kNGHI/AAAAAAAAARw/qM8xcshpUjg/s400/DSC01412.JPG" border="0" /><br />Thursday we had some beefier waist-shoulder NE swell in Avon. Mark and I surfed all day with Ken and later with Andy, Drew, Ace & Lara. The SUP is amazing- the conditions were challenging but terribly fun. Later in the afternoon we talked of rigging small sails but didn't want to take the time away from the waves we were catching...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491351104788376658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TDUyvEHcLFI/AAAAAAAAASA/YEU9C2ObMok/s400/IMGP2914.JPG" border="0" /><br />Mark has some video so I hope to update when we can go through it. Good times.<br /><br /><br /><p></p>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-68946551919630388292010-06-07T21:56:00.016-04:002010-06-08T19:04:11.975-04:00Corncake!Sunday was my first trip to Corncake. It was a beautiful windy day with side-off later turning side shore. 5.2 all day and great B&J. Also got to meet Alan and Scott. The highlight of the trip for me was hearing the guys on the beach give a shout when I locked into a wave with a couple turns. Awesome. Thanks to Jennifer for taking these pics with the little point and shoot. Alan and Donald posted some great ones on the <a href="http://www.ibscc-chatboard.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=344&page=1">Charlotte club </a>site too. Thanks again guys.<br /><br />Fantastic conditions, great people, beautiful water and all the windsurfing you can handle in a day. I can't wait to go back...<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480217824478760466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2lE2_SDhI/AAAAAAAAAQA/n55Jktn7JRI/s400/DSC01324.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480217416557993298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2ktHXZHVI/AAAAAAAAAPw/gB7NcDcFoZo/s400/DSC01349.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2ngVitBMI/AAAAAAAAAQo/f6Xr_1lMlM0/s1600/DSC01350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480220495560115394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2ngVitBMI/AAAAAAAAAQo/f6Xr_1lMlM0/s400/DSC01350.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480217628441031554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2k5csPs4I/AAAAAAAAAP4/SyFRbjZotkI/s400/DSC01393.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2m40OAO5I/AAAAAAAAAQg/drWFv4qXPlk/s1600/DSC01380.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480219816600026002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2m40OAO5I/AAAAAAAAAQg/drWFv4qXPlk/s400/DSC01380.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2mHYSAVHI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/jtyiA4xSbIU/s1600/DSC01353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480218967287026802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2mHYSAVHI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/jtyiA4xSbIU/s400/DSC01353.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2lUAgSwVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/S6AK_2BUYn8/s1600/DSC01400.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480218084731175250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2lUAgSwVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/S6AK_2BUYn8/s400/DSC01400.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480221481430065298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA2oZuMaoJI/AAAAAAAAAQw/Rcn8zFjnelE/s400/DSC01402.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480428372999970482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TA5kkZWinrI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/97NkikWuJ-A/s400/DSC01395.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>I had to add in Alan's A-Team van. This thing just gives off a bad-ass windsurfing vibe. It really gave me confidence when I was a mile offshore carving into my return jibe. There was much stoke on that beach, and it was good.<br /><div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-43080809966442871622010-06-01T08:56:00.012-04:002010-06-01T09:32:13.358-04:00Tow In Paddle Surfing Vid<div>Last December at Kure Beach I broke a thruster fin and ruined an 8" wave fin on my Starboard Drive in some gnarly shore pound. I finally got around to getting some thrusters and put in the 9" wave fin for some tow in wake surfing at Badin. It was my sister Jennifer, wife Leah and myself in my dad's fishing boat. This turned out to be the hilight of the weekend...</div><div></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477790628240907810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TAUFjcZDXiI/AAAAAAAAAPY/LJM8CEn3DE4/s400/DSC01313_sm2.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Leah took this photo. What a great sky.<br /></p><p>I'm sure you've all seen the wake surfers on short boards behind > $30K wake boats. Turns out it is much cheaper to get a bigger surf board and use your smaller boat. I shortened the ski rope so that I was on the shoulder of the wake- from there holding the handle and paddle I could pull myself in front with one arms reach. As soon as you feel the glide toss the rope and you're paddle surfing. </p><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nAqqjkKuaDw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nAqqjkKuaDw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></p><div><br /><br /></div><p>Another awesome thing about the big SUP board is beginners can get on the board and use it as a mega stable knee surf board. Jenifer sure is convinced anyway.</p><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477792921790304818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TAUHo8h10jI/AAAAAAAAAPo/Odgx4F8NY7Y/s400/DSC01312.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477792475220433026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/TAUHO87SWII/AAAAAAAAAPg/ehcUB6Mmbxo/s400/DSC01310.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p>And no, she wasn't bored to sleep... that is a zen moment!<br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-65769473781119204182010-05-27T06:48:00.011-04:002010-05-27T07:32:43.090-04:00Can you plane in this? No, Seriously? Really!?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S_5VuamwY_I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/sloiW1F_YBo/s1600/wxStationGraphAll.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475908452833321970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S_5VuamwY_I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/sloiW1F_YBo/s400/wxStationGraphAll.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Have I told you lately that I love my formula board? I headed to the lake for an after work <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sesh</span> planning to paddle and catch what boat wakes I could surf. I tossed the old Exocet L99 on the trailer just for the comfort of having it around and letting it get some fresh air. I paddled out towards the dam- low and behold there was a slight NE wind cutting across that I didn't see from the launch... So I tossed the idea of rigging the 9.5 back and forth for a while. I rigged. Then I decided it wasn't enough to plane. I paddle back out as before having no trouble paddling into the wind, but changed my mind yet again.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">uphauled</span> in the glass of the cove caught the wrap around and sailed into weather. Oh Boy! I forgot what that kit can do. It was in the straps planing for over 2 hours. I'll just go ahead and say that N is absolutely the best direction once the leaves are on the trees. It wasn't gusty, the direction was between NW - NE and not a hint of a whitecap anywhere. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ahh</span>, the sweet flat water jibes. Even in wind so light paddling the SUP wasn't a problem the formula kit shined. Sure the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Summerfield</span> wind meter may not represent what exactly was happening at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Belews</span> but it typically isn't far off. I sure needed that- some surprise stoke after a long wait.</div><br /><div>So after couple hours in the straps when I fell of the plane I got back on the SUP and started playing in the boat wakes. Lots of folks out since the weather turned so perfect- for anything. When the boats where in their slips I fished a bit on the SUP. Caught one nice white perch and missed a few hits. Yep I'm loving formula windsurfing and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">SUPing</span>.</div><div> </div><div><em><strong>How about some comments or thoughts on formula boards? I'd like to hear some opinions on why you have or will never have one. There is only so much long distance flat water paddling you can do before you're ready for something else. By the way, check out this </strong></em><a href="http://vimeo.com/7000318"><em><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">vid</span></strong></em></a><em><strong> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">FW</span> in really light stuff when I first got my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">exocet</span> L99. </strong></em></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-6822290172142039762010-05-17T10:52:00.005-04:002010-05-17T11:17:06.210-04:00Waterman's (or Waterperson's?) DelightSummer is certainly coming on fast. Of course with it goes the inland wind. Apart from some fun formula windsurfing on glassy water it has been lots of SUPing lately. When all the party barges, jet skis & bASSmasters clear out during the week things settle down and get quiet so I love throwing the good old fashioned poppin bug from my SUP board. It is the simplicity that is so attractive. I can get out during the week, put in a few miles paddling hard for a good workout and then fish from sunset till dark. For those who have not had a proper dose of southern culture the poppin bug is a little floating lure that you can fish kinda like a fly. The bass and bream love it- as do I! <br /><br />Leah and I paddled for one of the longest seshes ever Saturday. It was sunny and hot so it was perfect for playing in the water and surfing boat wakes along the way. We put in at the club launch and paddled to our friends place at Humpheys Ridge following the lake shore. Leah is doing so well I'm completely amazed! I jumped on the Bic Bamba and she took the Starboard Drive with the cushy deck and wave rocker. On the way back we traded off to give my feet a rest and she paddled that narrow longboard all the way back through the boat traffic without a fall! I caught a few good wakes and got some good down-wind type rides in the swell. Me thinks another SUP is in our future...<br /><br />I have to admit I'm jealous of Mac, Mark & Rob at the Coastal Urge SUP Cup. I think all of the lake Norman crowd did well. <a href="http://thewaterturtle.blogspot.com/2010/05/next-generation.html">Mac</a> raced with his daughter and Mark raced his new flat water rocket. This could be the perfect thing for a couple- Leah won't get in the waves but I bet she would love the SUP Cup action. Anyone selling a SUP with a mast track that will work for Leah...?rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-85035472705865361062010-05-07T07:41:00.004-04:002010-05-07T09:00:23.135-04:00Bermuda High Wind- 4 days in HatterasI took no video, no pictures and few breaks. I arrived Friday afternoon and sailed the 106L/5.2 until dark. Saturday & Sunday the wind was light early and filled in as the day went on. However Sunday and Monday the higher wind came earlier in the day each day and was stronger by sunset. I spent the majority of my sailing Saturday - Monday on the 85L with the 4.2 & 3.5 I sailed with Don Wrenn and Lou Sunday- by sailed with I mean tried to keep up. The dominant SSW turned more SW Monday making for much cleaner swell in the hole. <br /><br />It turns out the insanity at lake Waccamaw prior to Hatteras was an excellent warm up for sailing overpowered in psycho chop at the Hole 4 straight days. I felt really good about my overpowered short board jibes despite coming to Hatteras with a bum right arm. It was a wonderful time. 4 straight days of SW and the biggest thing I rigged was a 5.2 You gotta love Hatteras.rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-33379204492456431362010-04-28T12:42:00.023-04:002010-04-29T07:50:37.704-04:00Distraction #74<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S9h314qC4AI/AAAAAAAAAPA/qgcIzgupR2o/s1600/lake_waccamaw_quest.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465249915439603714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S9h314qC4AI/AAAAAAAAAPA/qgcIzgupR2o/s400/lake_waccamaw_quest.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S9h1ISEVZSI/AAAAAAAAAOw/1iNcDProJMc/s1600/DSC01233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465246932963517730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S9h1ISEVZSI/AAAAAAAAAOw/1iNcDProJMc/s400/DSC01233.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><br /><div>I grew up in one of those places that isn't known for much more than just being on the way to somewhere else. My parents and sister still live in Chadbourn NC so I still visit a bit. My plans for a trip to Hatteras got dashed due to some health issues in the family so I hit highway 74 to Chadbourn last friday. Lake Waccamaw is off 74 if you keep heading east past Whiteville. I took some gear just in case we got a little of the S wind in the extended forecast. Good thing too.</div><br /><div>Sunday morning storms blew through pretty early. The S wind kicked in and picked up into the early afternoon. After some visiting I launched at the N end of the lake at Dales on a 5.2 There were some pretty big rollers coming in but I likely missed the highest wind from late morning/lunch. It was coming down as I rigged for my sister and myself. We struck out into the swell and some gusty S wind for a beautiful afternoon of sailing. She did great with the 3.5 on the GO (she loves the GO) and handled the rough conditions really well for her first time in the swell. She's past ready for the harness. Eventually I rigged the 5.8 and stayed pretty well powered. 5.2 & 5.8 on an inland lake is epic as far as I'm concerned. We stayed until after dark. Wonderful day.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465247599352205538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S9h1vEjx0OI/AAAAAAAAAO4/d-YU8VBmMHM/s400/DSC01252.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Monday was forecasted to be the big day. WSW 20-30mph. Dales isn't the ideal spot for W so after more morning visiting I headed south to Carl's place near Big Creek. I've played volleyball with Carl "The Truth" for years. Great guy. That launch just works for SW around to NNW. My mom came out with me to take pics and watch- otherwise it was solo bump-n-jump from Big Creek to the state park shore. The trick is to launch in a spot that is side-on. The swell from the main lake acts just like ocean swell on the bars- side-on swell rolls at an angle to the wind making excellent ramps. Dead downwind you get the steep, pitching wave with whitecaps. Fun for some poor mans wave riding in either case. After about an hour and half on the 5.2 it was 4.7 madness on the 106L board until dark. I really needed the 85L board but didn't have it as usual. Mac and I had an amazing 7.5 sesh at Canadian Hole while down for the <a href="http://windsurfingmag.com/">Windsurf Mag</a> 2010 board tests. He pushed me to take deeper downwind angles than ever before. I did some of this on the 106L board too. Wow. I actually had a stiff neck after that full day of wild riding. My sister got off work a little early and took some great shots too. I hope you enjoy.</div><br /><p align="center"><br /><object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11295818&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1"><br /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11295818&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://vimeo.com/11295818">Epic Bump & Jump Sesh at the Big Creek Launch</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1045805">r d moore</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330034923090599407.post-89399327336677160952010-04-09T13:44:00.028-04:002010-04-12T13:15:28.561-04:00Swell Shortboard Seshes & Formula In Swell at Dales Seafood<div align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S79ubb_dEQI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Zt9S4hb2zDw/s1600/DSC01209.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458202691045757186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S79ubb_dEQI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Zt9S4hb2zDw/s400/DSC01209.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em>A Couple Awesome Belews Rides</em><br /><br />Well I may as well start with current events. What an excellent week to be conscious, huh? It was a trifecta baby! Summer air temps, water warm enough for trunks and WIND. I hit Belews twice this week. Wednesday was an AHD diamond race / 7.5 day with Barry and Oscar. After the formula board the AHD now feels like a stick... lots of fun, still early planing and easy to carve on the plane. Thursday was a solo sesh at Belews. I knew the South wind had been cycling up and down but rigged the 7.5 and the 106L cross. It has been too long since I got some vids so I lashed on the GoPro too.<br /><br /><br />So I struck out nicely powered to start a gorgeous sunny day sesh. After a while the wind started ramping up a bit so I cam in and grabbed my impact vest. After additional ramping I then rigged the 5.8. The rest of the afternoon was pretty much equal parts 7.5/5.8 all on the cross. If I had another gopro it would be sweet to see the 5.8 conditions since the lake builds swell so quickly. At any rate it was wonderful to spend all day on the shortboard in the lake.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KuoPJIJ95WY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KuoPJIJ95WY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></p><br /><br /><em>Lake Waccamaw Sesh</em><br /><br /><br />Last weekend I sailed with Leah and my sister at Lake Waccamaw. We launch at Dale's and I could not believe how warm it already was! Trunks were the call for sure. Leah rigged the AHD/5.2 and Jennifer used the SUP/5.8 I rigged the 9.5/formula just in time to catch the light S wind. I was perfectly powered but as time passed the swell got bigger. That lake is 5 miles across for S wind and I was on the down wind shore. Even the light breeze makes for white caps coming up on the eastern shore. Part of the time I ran slalom style- dodging the peaks and aiming for troughs to keep from pearling the windward rail. Otherwise it was just relentless money shots in the face and up the nose!(eh Josh?) The other part of the time I was wave riding. Sheeted out but still planing and riding the swell. I just couldn't get over how little wind there actually was for the size of those waves... definitely a first for me in those conditions but still tons of fun till dark.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>2010 Hatteras Board Tests</em><br /><br />Finally I participated in the <a href="http://windsurfingmag.com/">Windsurf Magazine </a>2010 board tests at Hatteras. Thanks to <a href="http://thewaterturtle.blogspot.com/">Mac</a> for hooking me up! Josh Sampiero drove up from Florida with a box truck full of 2010 gear. I rolled into Avon on Thursday and met Josh at Andy's new shop <a href="http://wind-nc.com/">Windsurf NC </a>where they were putting foot straps on some 2010 boards. Josh showed me the gear in the truck and I got so excited I was prancing around like a little school girl :D <a href="http://windywaters.blogspot.com/">Rob</a> already was in town and at the house so after a stop there we hit Canadian hole. After putting on all fins and straps we starting sailing boards. And boy did we sail. If that wasn't enough have new boards Stu came up and rigged new North sails for us.<br /><br /><br />We sailed Frisco Woods lit all day on a 4.2, the Buxton slick lit on a 5.2, and Canadian hole lit on everything from 8.0 down to 3.5 It suffices to say it is the best wind I've had yet on a week at Hatteras. I'm more stoked in 2010 than ever. Here is Josh at Canadian hole.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458527906327532114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_07F6D7nzH2c/S8CWNdU1klI/AAAAAAAAAOg/MQx2XjCTCUk/s400/DSC01204.JPG" border="0" /> </div>rdmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694471208935725916noreply@blogger.com0