St. Croix Open in Hudson

Dave Z · Post by **Dave Z** » Tue Mar 25, 2003 12:53 pm

As is per usual...the St. Croix is open in front of the Hudson marina.

Mike W · Post by **Mike W** » Tue Mar 25, 2003 3:52 pm

Dave, I noticed open water over there on Sunday, but was surprised to see the area to the south of the bridge so covered in ice. It was unsailable. It might be a bit yet before that side is good.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Tue Mar 25, 2003 5:04 pm

Where do you launch from? The marina/boat-launch? Is it kiteable?

-Coach

BSMITH · Post by **BSMITH** » Tue Mar 25, 2003 10:59 pm

There is a park/boat launch just up from the bridge. Take a left after the bridge then another left at the first stoplight in Hudson and yer there. ...I think.
Probably one of the worst kite launches. big drop off and big trees.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Tue Mar 25, 2003 11:34 pm

sounds lovely... How is the wind that funnels under the bridge? Gusty conditions, or is the bridge high enough to not mess with the wind too much?

Mike W · Post by **Mike W** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 8:12 am

It is pretty gusty on the north/marina side. It is a decent flat water spot if you are desperate for a session, don't want to drive for hours, and the wind direction is just right. The south side of the bridge is much better sailing. I launch from Beannies when I sail there. There is a $5 launching fee, but they usaully waive it. I would not recommend kiting there. If you are desperate for a kite session, drive to Clear.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 8:31 am

I still have my small windsurfing gear. In the very early season it's probably a safer ride until the water warms up just a little bit.

Did you keep your small stuff, Mike? I think this week is shot, though - it looks to be getting a might bit cold for a few days.

-Coach

Mike W · Post by **Mike W** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 9:51 am

Yes, I am still well armed for windsurfing. Since my wife sails, I still have her light air board and bigger sails. I kept a Screamer 268 for big days for myself. I am still inclined to jump on the windsurfing gear when it is blowing over 30mph. Plenty of fun and quite a bit safer than kites in strong wind.

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 11:19 am

I wish I could pull up past postings from you Mike.
"Kiting is fine but only for winter for me..."
"Kiting is great for super light winds, but otherwise I'll windsurf..."
Now...
"I am still inclined to jump on the windsurfing gear when it is blowing over 30mph".

I've followed the same path. I actually am giving serious consideration to slalom windsurfing again, not instead of kiting, but as an alternative. I love windsurfing anytime I am constantly planing. Water terrain, swells, etc, increases the enjoyment factor. Though flat water ripping can be extremely relaxing. I've never come off the water from kiting as completely relaxed, as I have after a sunset slalom windsurfing session.

They are different.

Mike W · Post by **Mike W** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 2:46 pm

What can I say? The power of the Dark Side is just too overwhelming. Strength of will only goes so far.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 2:55 pm

Nice one, Tighe.

Don't rag on Mike too hard! haha.

It really boils down to the difference between being amp'd up all the time and needing full-power to really do what you want (staying upwind and having fun on a kite) or being not as amp'd (or as amp'd as you want) on a sailboard. It's a rare moment, at least around here in our gusty conditions where you can just have a 'cruiser' session on a kite.

After a while your threshold for 'amp'd-ness' goes up, and up some more, and before you know it you are having more cruiser sessions on a kite and thinking 30+ knots is great for kiting (until the kite grabs your ankle, drags you around, and threatens to kill you, but that is a story for another time...).

Still, nothing in what we all love to do offers the full-circle range of comfort, and as broad of freedom, that windsurfing does. I, for one, actually bought some more windsurfing gear last year - reversing a trend the other way for the previous few years.

-Coach