waconia/wed's-nov.14

[JimPat]

yesterday was awesome, here's a recap There was a party of four that showed up to waconia because they had a reservation for big howling winds. We were greeted by an eagle (no lie,our hostest for that day) that soared directly above our heads ridding the wind around and around. That eagle knew -that kind of wind is made to play in/with; so we thought we should join him. The sail range was a little interesting as I am ussually on the larger side of the scale but I had the largest board at 95 litre's and the smallest sail. Our waitress brought me a 3.7, Donny a 4.0, Diego a 4.2 and then there was Rob the man ordering a 5.0 because it was on the menu. When they brought the 5.0 to the table it looked huge and I thought it will be fun watch him eat that thing or vice versa. However-Rob was truly amazing on "that thing" he must have sailed for 2 hours straight without coming in. Following that 2hours with a short rest he couldn't resist ordering desert (the wind was just that good)! I thought his order selection was a little redondint as they brought him another 5.0. The weather was awesome. It rained twice for maybe only a couple of minutes (both times), the one time it felt more like sleet and few snowflakes came down every now and then. You can't ask for better weather! When all was said and done the valet pulled up our cars with everything derigged and ready to go; was it all just a dream? It sure was!

[Tighe]

great story Jim. There something special that bond the few that brave the elements and take on what's being served.

[Professor Robae']

JimPat! Good on ya for writing such a nice recap! That eagle was cool - so in sync with the strong wind.

It was a great day with great camaraderie. The Wack was a rolling in a way that is seldom seen - quite Gorge like at times. I just love playing on those big wave faces - so clean & pure.

Once I got through the first freeze - thaw cycle with my hands the adrenaline flowed nicely! I considered rigging down, but Naa - push it to the limit baby!

Cold water tip: I have the Da Kine mitts. Put two carefully paced layers of high quality duck tape on the tops for extra wind proofing, cut a thin strip (3" * 1/2") out of the palm at the midpoint of your fingers for a great grip. When your hands initially get cold: stop and blow into the palm holes and your hands will sting, then warm up nicely for the rest of the session.

The best season ever at the Wack done???

I think not!!!

[Diego]

Great recap Jim, I pulled in to an empty parking lot ~11:30 (can't believe I beat Don! only by 3 minutes though) 4.1 seemed big at first but that is my smallest sail so went with it. It was the perfect combo 4.1, 85L board. I've never seen that terrain in Waconia before, as the Professor said, the wave faces (in some areas) were so smooth and clean that I felt I was sailing somewhere else for the first time. it was a great session. Packed it up ~3:30 and went home with a big smile on my face. Keep an eye on Sunday!!

[Professor Robae']

Yes! What a very special day. Three of the five amigos have posted their thoughts.

The man who has sailed the most miles on Waconia this year is amigo #4: Don, the man with the big rig and the nice trailer. He seems to have the perfect wind clause from his employer - sweet.

I had my best ever chat with Don yesterday; he admitted that he is a lurker on Lakawa – reads all the time but never posts. He (and I) like the Iwindsurf.com current conditions (and forecast) readings for Waconia – he is certain these readings really come from the Glencoe airport; FYI. He defiantly is a Waconia wind, weather and conditions Pro. He is a man who is always prepared for any scenario on the Wac (post pics please)!

It’s funny – I have heard a number of people come up to Don and ask him if he would call them and update them when he was going to the Wac.

Don; It’s time to come out of the closet and tell us what you thought about your most recent; “Big Wednesday” at Waconia.

You have a good story to tell; let’s hear it!!!

The Prof.


P.S. The fifth amigo was our Eagle friend who definitely flew the truest and the strongest during this fine day. You could tell that he did enjoy checking out the other riders of the wind…

[freejoshua7]

I wish I wouldn't have b****** out. But Waconia's been working me over pretty hard on my 111l board and my arms feel like jelly from a great fall season. Its time to get a smaller board. Hope to get out for one more session on the greatest lake in the metro area. Waconia rules!