Stay connected in the wind. This forum is for anyone who rides the wind, winter or summer, on whatever board suits their fancy. Share the stoke, find out where people are going, ask any question, share your discoveries, and discuss any esoteric idea you may have related to the pursuit of wind. Please keep it positive.
This message is for the kiteboarder who body-dragged me to my catamaran when it got away from me in the strong wind on Thursday, August 16. I am hoping that if he does not read this forum, somebody who does will get the message to him (unfortunately, I do no know his name).
Sir, I enjoyed the unexpected kite ride tremendously. I admired your skills and perseverance. I have no kiteboarding experience, but I could appreciate how skillful you had to be to get me to the boat with an inch precision. And now, that you made it look so easy, maybe I will try kiteboarding one day. But seriously, I am indebted to you for saving my boat from a possible damage. Thank you very much. I hope to have a chance to see you on the lake again at some point.
Thanks Peter. Glad to help and glad you enjoyed the ride downwind. I've been riding for 10+ years now and still enjoy the body drag, which typically is only done as part of the early lesson programs prior to working with the board. It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to do such a long one down wind. I enjoyed it as well.
Looked like you were able to get the boat up and going again. Glad that worked out.
I think it's important that we all keep an eye on each other out there. I've been rescued due to equipment issues more than once. I'm glad I could return the favor to another lake lover.
Hope you consider kiteboarding. You have a great jump on it with your sailing skills. And as you probably can tell...nothing like the pull of a kite. It's also a great wind sport for the winter. While Waconia isn't as popular a winter spot as it is in the summer, it still offers great riding...as do any open field or lake.
I was fortunate enough on Thursday to have another lake lover, a windsurfer, bring my board all the way downwind to me. Thanks Dave. With a few tacks we were back upwind.
Hope to see you out in the wind again, either facing a sail or a kite, either way with the wind at your back.
I am glad to hear about a windsurfer's participation in the rescue mission. I enjoyed very much watching you guys, all the kiters and surfers, on the lake last Thursday. I used to be a fanatical windsurfer in the old times, with well over 10 years of experience. Unfortunately, much of that was in the pre-waterstart time and pulling the sail out in strong winds took some toll on my lower back. I took a ride again about a month ago and suddenly could not understand how I could have been living without sailing for such a long time. I got my small catamaran (Hobie Wave) shortly after that. It is different, but there are many similarities and I find it equally enjoyable. Besides, it is easier to sail together with my wife that way (she is a former windsurfer, too).
Thanks, Tighe, for the encouragement. Kiteboarding is a very attractive sport and I am sure I will give it a try.
Awesome team work, it's always nice to return favors especially on the water when you have the chance, most excellent story glad everything worked out for both.
I'm a windsurfer/kiter who just got his first Catamaran last week. Definately doesn't take much wind to have fun on and I love the being able to take my girl friend out with me too. I'm sure we'll cross paths on the lake and I'll say Hi, keep an I out for an old bronish yellow hobie cat 14 with solid white sail.
That's great, davec, I am sure you will have fun with it. Just remember to hold on to something solid when happen you capsize. I was surprised how fast the boat got away from me (I caught the rudder, but it was too thin and slippery).
Looking forward to seeing you on the water one day. Lake Waconia is the best place for me, but when I go for a shorter time, I will probably choose one of the smaller lakes closer to home, like Lake Riley, depending on the wind direction.
But seriously, I am indebted to you for saving my boat from a possible damage. Thank you very much. I hope to have a chance to see you on the lake again at some point.