What a wonderful spot. There's something really special about Malmo, the big lawn, lots of shade, the shimmering waters, the smiles and laughter coming from little pow wows all about. cool.
So many smiles yesterday. Our students did great, Jerome, Josh, Phil, Aly, Sarah, Joe, John, Mark you looked great...definitely taking it to the next level. Darlene, damn you're part of the clan now. Ride on. Great riding with you at the end there, zooming around with the big boys. Great to have so many women out there, Darlene, Nancy and Diane rippin it up, Aly and Sarah quickly progressing. If you haven't already heard Emily Saude is developing and area on MNKITING dedicated to women in the sport. Check it out.
Great to ride again with the mad man Judd after nearly two years. He and Todd and Steve and Florida Matt and Avery and Jerry and Scott were going off...looking good.
We all headed to Carlsona for a bite afterward and the wind was blowing still... coming up a bit. Stroh and I were chomping the bit, then out of no where comes Nathan on his bright orange Slingy, glowing in the setting sun. He was way lit. One big huge boost and Stroh and I went into a rigging frenzy. Matt K joined us and we all shared a great sun set session.
What a great lake. What a great riding community. I thank you all for making my day a memorable one.
Saturday at Malmo
Moderator: MK
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steveb
- Posts: 2146
- Joined: Wed Nov 27, 2002 3:31 pm
- Location: sblain@frontiernet.net
It was a gas, it's so great to see so many new faces.
Couple of things from yesterday, I made the mistake of going behind one of those fishing boats, next thing I know theres a fishing line around me, I waited for the lure and then threw it away from my body, lucky for me the fisherman maintained a steady pace so I could time it right. I was 60 yds behind the boat when I crossed behind him and felt the line go across my legs. So stay the hell away from them!!!!!. It could have been ugly, especially if he'd caught me.
I know theres a lot of newbies out there but it seems to me we need to go over the right of way rules for every one.
1. Starboard kite has right of way. You're on a starboard tack when your right hand is your front hand. If 2 kites are coming towards one another on opposite tacks and your left hand is at the front, you either turn and go the other way, carve downwind and go below the oncoming kiter, or sit down and stay out of the other kiters way. No way ,no never do you push the other kiter if you're on a port tack, it's your job to stay away.
2. windward kiter stays clear. If 2 kiters are going along the same direction the kiter closest to the wind stays out of the way, it's logical if you think about it as the person in the downwind position cannot see where the windward kiter is. If 2 kiters are approaching one another from opposite tacks,but are not going to intersect ( port and starboard rule #1)
The kiter closest to the wind raises their kite high into the window ( 11 or 12) to let the downwind kiter go under the lines. As a common courtesy the downwind kiter should steer away from the upwind kiter a little, if you push up close to the windward kiter they have to get the kite so high to let you go under the kite they'll sink. So give them a little space to keep a little power in the kite.
Jumping. There are not real sailing rules here that apply , but courtesy and safety. If 2 kites are approaching one another do not throw a jump when the other kiter is 50 yds away. If 2 of you are going the same direction and you are slightly ahead and closer to the wind, don't throw a jump, you're going to land right in the other kiters way.
A good rule of thumb is imagine how far downwind you're going to land, now add the length of your kite lines, now add the length of the body drag when you blow it, so a good 120yds. If any one is in that space or about to sail into it from either direction DO NOT JUMP.Before you wind up for a jump look in front and behind you and make sure your safety space is open. Remember it's not just your safety it's the safety of others.
Turning. I had experienced guys turn in front of me saturday without looking behind. Always look behind you before you turn. If someones there wait till they turn or bear away downwind and turn when you're below them.
Try to project in your mind your safety circle ( infront and behind you) before you jump or turn. I makes it safer and it makes it easier for other kiters because you can predict what other people will do.
As kiters I think out of courtesy while all these laws apply to windsurfers too, give the windsurfers a break and some space.
Another good habit is if someone is down, stay out of their way, let them sort out their stuff without worrying about who is in their way. But when you're down before you dive that kite to start up again make sure no one s in the way.
If all else fails and you're not sure what to do bring the kite to 12, sit down and wait till people are out of your way.
If you have questions about right of way ask any of the experienced people and they'll answer your questions.
Couple of things from yesterday, I made the mistake of going behind one of those fishing boats, next thing I know theres a fishing line around me, I waited for the lure and then threw it away from my body, lucky for me the fisherman maintained a steady pace so I could time it right. I was 60 yds behind the boat when I crossed behind him and felt the line go across my legs. So stay the hell away from them!!!!!. It could have been ugly, especially if he'd caught me.
I know theres a lot of newbies out there but it seems to me we need to go over the right of way rules for every one.
1. Starboard kite has right of way. You're on a starboard tack when your right hand is your front hand. If 2 kites are coming towards one another on opposite tacks and your left hand is at the front, you either turn and go the other way, carve downwind and go below the oncoming kiter, or sit down and stay out of the other kiters way. No way ,no never do you push the other kiter if you're on a port tack, it's your job to stay away.
2. windward kiter stays clear. If 2 kiters are going along the same direction the kiter closest to the wind stays out of the way, it's logical if you think about it as the person in the downwind position cannot see where the windward kiter is. If 2 kiters are approaching one another from opposite tacks,but are not going to intersect ( port and starboard rule #1)
The kiter closest to the wind raises their kite high into the window ( 11 or 12) to let the downwind kiter go under the lines. As a common courtesy the downwind kiter should steer away from the upwind kiter a little, if you push up close to the windward kiter they have to get the kite so high to let you go under the kite they'll sink. So give them a little space to keep a little power in the kite.
Jumping. There are not real sailing rules here that apply , but courtesy and safety. If 2 kites are approaching one another do not throw a jump when the other kiter is 50 yds away. If 2 of you are going the same direction and you are slightly ahead and closer to the wind, don't throw a jump, you're going to land right in the other kiters way.
A good rule of thumb is imagine how far downwind you're going to land, now add the length of your kite lines, now add the length of the body drag when you blow it, so a good 120yds. If any one is in that space or about to sail into it from either direction DO NOT JUMP.Before you wind up for a jump look in front and behind you and make sure your safety space is open. Remember it's not just your safety it's the safety of others.
Turning. I had experienced guys turn in front of me saturday without looking behind. Always look behind you before you turn. If someones there wait till they turn or bear away downwind and turn when you're below them.
Try to project in your mind your safety circle ( infront and behind you) before you jump or turn. I makes it safer and it makes it easier for other kiters because you can predict what other people will do.
As kiters I think out of courtesy while all these laws apply to windsurfers too, give the windsurfers a break and some space.
Another good habit is if someone is down, stay out of their way, let them sort out their stuff without worrying about who is in their way. But when you're down before you dive that kite to start up again make sure no one s in the way.
If all else fails and you're not sure what to do bring the kite to 12, sit down and wait till people are out of your way.
If you have questions about right of way ask any of the experienced people and they'll answer your questions.
I drove up Saturday morning and back the same evening... on the way home I thought to myself "Hey, I am probably spending more time in the car today than I did at the lake!"
Well, it was definitely the right thing to do... got a great kite lesson from Matt K and busted out a new '06 Loft O2 6.6 sail on my relatively new Carve 121 board for a few rides.
I have not ridden Mille Lacs much and I forget how great the swell is. Puts a little "surf" back into windsurfin'!
Oh yeah, the '06 Loft sails seem more bomb proof than ever... very nice, I love those sails!
Well, it was definitely the right thing to do... got a great kite lesson from Matt K and busted out a new '06 Loft O2 6.6 sail on my relatively new Carve 121 board for a few rides.
I have not ridden Mille Lacs much and I forget how great the swell is. Puts a little "surf" back into windsurfin'!
Oh yeah, the '06 Loft sails seem more bomb proof than ever... very nice, I love those sails!
Saturday at Malmo was by FAR my best day yet! My legs were really burning out there---gotta learn better posture. The waves were so huge! I'd see a couple big ones coming & SLOW DOWN. I think I'm ready to try my first jump next time. Thanks for the jumping tips Jerry. It's so nice to be able to stay upwind. The best part of the day was when the wind came up real strong for awhile. Like Scott R. said, now I'm always going to want the POWER.
Thanks for the right-of-way tips, Steve. I was actually thinking about posting the question because I was wondering on Saturday what I was supposed to be doing......I was probably the newbie getting in everyone's way. Sorry. And thanks for the tips in the water, "put my stomach forward & my shoulders back", it worked good, except when the waves & gusts hit.
I have so many people to thank for helping me in this sport.......Todd Hansen, Jeff at Air Padre, Nathan, Tighe, Stroh, Jerry "Board Head", Scott & Caroline Ridout. I couldn't have done it without you!! Finally riding is truly a DREAM COME TRUE for me. THANK YOU!!
Darlene
Thanks for the right-of-way tips, Steve. I was actually thinking about posting the question because I was wondering on Saturday what I was supposed to be doing......I was probably the newbie getting in everyone's way. Sorry. And thanks for the tips in the water, "put my stomach forward & my shoulders back", it worked good, except when the waves & gusts hit.
I have so many people to thank for helping me in this sport.......Todd Hansen, Jeff at Air Padre, Nathan, Tighe, Stroh, Jerry "Board Head", Scott & Caroline Ridout. I couldn't have done it without you!! Finally riding is truly a DREAM COME TRUE for me. THANK YOU!!
Darlene
steveb said:
You know, I have pondered your above quote for a while and I am wondering if once you are sitting in the water it might be better to bring the kite low, on the edge of the window. The reason is that if a rider is coming slightly upwind of the down kiter, there might be some crossed lines if the down kiter has his/her kite high. If the down kiter has the kite low, the upwind rider can put his/her kite above and ride away, or choose to go downwind of the down kiter altogether.
Just a thought.
Denis
Thanks for the great reminder Steve. Makes the riding always smoother, especially in crowded situations.[...] If all else fails and you're not sure what to do bring the kite to 12, sit down and wait till people are out of your way. [...]
You know, I have pondered your above quote for a while and I am wondering if once you are sitting in the water it might be better to bring the kite low, on the edge of the window. The reason is that if a rider is coming slightly upwind of the down kiter, there might be some crossed lines if the down kiter has his/her kite high. If the down kiter has the kite low, the upwind rider can put his/her kite above and ride away, or choose to go downwind of the down kiter altogether.
Just a thought.
Denis
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steveb
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I agree with you Denis except the kites going to develop some power in a down position, which makes you a moving obstacle. Additionally it makes you take up more water space.But I think safety is what is best, or what you deem best in the given situation. I think we have to adapt. It's when we're riding it's nice to be predictable.
Darlene...I know you did not get in my way on Saturday, so you don't have to hide when you see me next. I actually felt bad as I shouted at someone when they jumped in front of me on Saturday, guilt is what prompted me to make the post.That and the bloody fisherman.
When you're nice and locked out with your shoulders back and you see a wave, loosen your knees so they can compress a little as you go up the wave then push your legs out again on the backside of the wave, bit like a mogul skier. This will help you absorb the waves.
For your first jump if you see a big wave carve slightly upwind as you go up the face of the wave,keep your kite at 11, near the top of the wave stiffen your legs so you don't absorb at all. If you time the upwind carve and the stiff legs right you should get a nice 1 to 2 foot chop hop.
A good way to spot a chop hop wave before they get to you is look for a white cap on the crest of a wave,typically the next wave after the one with the white cap will have a steeper face good for hopping off.
Newbies....don't hold back asking the experienced guys questions, the ones who came from windsurfing have been playing in the water longer than most of us care to admit. Those who didn't windsurf before can bring a different perspective, but there are years and years of experience out there on tap for you, you just need to ask.
Darlene...I know you did not get in my way on Saturday, so you don't have to hide when you see me next. I actually felt bad as I shouted at someone when they jumped in front of me on Saturday, guilt is what prompted me to make the post.That and the bloody fisherman.
When you're nice and locked out with your shoulders back and you see a wave, loosen your knees so they can compress a little as you go up the wave then push your legs out again on the backside of the wave, bit like a mogul skier. This will help you absorb the waves.
For your first jump if you see a big wave carve slightly upwind as you go up the face of the wave,keep your kite at 11, near the top of the wave stiffen your legs so you don't absorb at all. If you time the upwind carve and the stiff legs right you should get a nice 1 to 2 foot chop hop.
A good way to spot a chop hop wave before they get to you is look for a white cap on the crest of a wave,typically the next wave after the one with the white cap will have a steeper face good for hopping off.
Newbies....don't hold back asking the experienced guys questions, the ones who came from windsurfing have been playing in the water longer than most of us care to admit. Those who didn't windsurf before can bring a different perspective, but there are years and years of experience out there on tap for you, you just need to ask.
The waves on Milly never get bigger than about 5 feet. The difference between Milly waves and those at Duluth on a big day is the power they have. The break at Reddy or Malmo is much more gradual, less steep. At Park point the water level comes up quickly, causing big rollers to turn into man crushing breakers. I can't wait for tomorrow!
Eric
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steveb
- Posts: 2146
- Joined: Wed Nov 27, 2002 3:31 pm
- Location: sblain@frontiernet.net
Saturday the waves were 2ft occasionally a little bigger.
Hate to disagree with with you Eric but we've had crossings in the 8 to 10 ft range.It was not my estimation ,I was hanging onto a boom trying to survive,but that of rescue staff during the crossings. Admittedly the big swell was in the middle but it would get hard to see the person you were chasing,now you see em,now you don't etc.. Pat Flemming who for years supported the fleet racing with the Blue Dog as a rescue boat, I think it's 20 odd feet about 2500lbs, tells the story of hitting a huge wave getting the boat off the water with the nose pointing verticle to the sky.
I don't think I've seen bigger than 5ft roll in on the beaches but in the middle the swell gets big. Father Hennepin can kick em up, I 'd love to see what that area can produce with a good storm blowing right in there.
Hate to disagree with with you Eric but we've had crossings in the 8 to 10 ft range.It was not my estimation ,I was hanging onto a boom trying to survive,but that of rescue staff during the crossings. Admittedly the big swell was in the middle but it would get hard to see the person you were chasing,now you see em,now you don't etc.. Pat Flemming who for years supported the fleet racing with the Blue Dog as a rescue boat, I think it's 20 odd feet about 2500lbs, tells the story of hitting a huge wave getting the boat off the water with the nose pointing verticle to the sky.
I don't think I've seen bigger than 5ft roll in on the beaches but in the middle the swell gets big. Father Hennepin can kick em up, I 'd love to see what that area can produce with a good storm blowing right in there.
It probably depends on what you mean by "waves."
Out quite a ways from Malmo on Saturday the swell was at least 3ft at times I thought. Not consistent, but occasionally. The wavelengths on the swell were long enough it made it kind of hard to judge height, but whatever the height the swell was sure fun!
In toward shore any breaking waves I saw were quite a bit smaller.
Out quite a ways from Malmo on Saturday the swell was at least 3ft at times I thought. Not consistent, but occasionally. The wavelengths on the swell were long enough it made it kind of hard to judge height, but whatever the height the swell was sure fun!
In toward shore any breaking waves I saw were quite a bit smaller.