What a great weekend to realize how strong our windsports are. Saturday we had more people at the Sailboard Swap than I can ever remember with equipment almost lined up on three sides of our building and some people reporting a half mile walk from where they parked. With all of our lakes we sometime lose track of everyone who sails at their cabin up north or on some less known sailing spot.
Ryan and I went to Waconia yesterday afternoon to find a full parking lot and many smiling faces as we all adjusted our Sunday committments to what we thought our appointment with the wind should be.
Larry Freeman had just come off the water and said it was anything from 3.7M to 5.5M. We rigged 4.5M and it was good for awhile, but then lightened up for an hour. Some stayed on 4-5M, some of us rigged up for the power session (5.5-6.5M), only to be blown off the water when it clocked NW and turned sunny and 4M. Those that stayed on the little stuff were in heaven, those who met early obligations and showed up late were rewarded.
My mother passed away in '79 and I often attribute these windy Mother's Day sessions to her. They're becoming so reliable that I'm almost starting to expect them, which would be a huge mistake given how special they are. Kickin' myself for not having the camera going through the weekend...but the images in our heads for this weekend will last a long time.
Thank You Mother!!
Moderator: MK
Thank You Mother!!
Ride...just be it!
www.just-be-it.com
www.just-be-it.com
Thanks Randy. A few of us had a great time at Green too. The sun came a little earlier for us out West. When the patches of light started hitting the churning water it was magic. The whitecaps seemed so much whiter and the water looked a deeper green or blue. I'd be looking upwind and jibing just to stay in the sunbeams. My heart leapt in my chest just before I got to a sunny spot. When I got to a perfect swell in the sun, I unhooked and turned downwind to ride it untill it disappeard or merged with another swell.
When another cloud covered my playground I wasn't mad. It gave me time to get upwind some and see my sailing buddies playing in their own sun spots. It still strikes me how beautiful and awesome a windsurfer looks in the sunshine; especially if you are looking at it from under the shadow of a cloud. When wet monofilm reflects sunlight back to you at just the right angle, it looks like expensive jewelery.
Perfect.
Your post also sparked another idea in my head. I was thinking of bringing my mother down to the next gathering at Applebe's near Calhoun. We missed a mothers day meal. I think she would be delighted in meeting the quality folks that the wind calls out to on a big day.
Thanks Mom,
When another cloud covered my playground I wasn't mad. It gave me time to get upwind some and see my sailing buddies playing in their own sun spots. It still strikes me how beautiful and awesome a windsurfer looks in the sunshine; especially if you are looking at it from under the shadow of a cloud. When wet monofilm reflects sunlight back to you at just the right angle, it looks like expensive jewelery.
Perfect.
Your post also sparked another idea in my head. I was thinking of bringing my mother down to the next gathering at Applebe's near Calhoun. We missed a mothers day meal. I think she would be delighted in meeting the quality folks that the wind calls out to on a big day.
Thanks Mom,
Randy -
Things were equally hot up in Duluth Sunday. When you can see gusts coming across the lake and the water is whipping up like snow does in the winter.... you know you are in trouble. Scott, Chris, Ben and I got in about 2-3 hours... No sail was right of course. At 230 pounds I was getting my 4.0 blown out of my hands one minutes, the next I couldn't water start. Up and down like everywhere else. By the way, the ice WILL be off Lake Superior in Duluth today (my prediction) - so you can come up and sail Park Point anytime.
Chip
Things were equally hot up in Duluth Sunday. When you can see gusts coming across the lake and the water is whipping up like snow does in the winter.... you know you are in trouble. Scott, Chris, Ben and I got in about 2-3 hours... No sail was right of course. At 230 pounds I was getting my 4.0 blown out of my hands one minutes, the next I couldn't water start. Up and down like everywhere else. By the way, the ice WILL be off Lake Superior in Duluth today (my prediction) - so you can come up and sail Park Point anytime.
Chip
Hoorah!
Thanks for the infos Chip. I've sailed Park Point (Tot Lot) 3 times. The first time was magic, the second time I broke stuff and the third time I couldn't get past the shore break.
I want more!
The Tot Lot on a warm windy day from the NE is as good as it gets. Even if you don't get to sail you can enjoy the day like you are on a desert island or somthing. Bring suntan lotion! http://www.downhaul.com/windsurf/010823 ... 230016.jpg
2 Augusts ago: http://www.downhaul.com/windsurf/010823/
Duluth is such a nice place that even if you get skunked, you can find SOMTHING to do after getting wet.
Thanks for the infos Chip. I've sailed Park Point (Tot Lot) 3 times. The first time was magic, the second time I broke stuff and the third time I couldn't get past the shore break.
I want more!
The Tot Lot on a warm windy day from the NE is as good as it gets. Even if you don't get to sail you can enjoy the day like you are on a desert island or somthing. Bring suntan lotion! http://www.downhaul.com/windsurf/010823 ... 230016.jpg
2 Augusts ago: http://www.downhaul.com/windsurf/010823/
Duluth is such a nice place that even if you get skunked, you can find SOMTHING to do after getting wet.