Sammy The Seal - Cape Hatterras
April 25th A Nine Step Program: Hi, my name is John. I have a problem. I don't want to kiteboard anymore.
Step One: Step up, and step out of those Jimmy Lewis footsteps. Admit that you have a problem. State your name and tell people that kiteboarding just isn't for you anymore. Do it now, the longer you wait the more difficult a closet it can become.
Step Two: Step out of those baggie shorts and palm tree covered T-shirts over your wetsuit. It's not about coordinating swim apparel with kite colours. Ok, maybe if kiteboarding becomes an olympic sport and the gay Russian judge might award a fashion point or two in your favour, then it could work, maybe, But really.
Step Three: Step off of that fluorescent pink and orange wakeboard and get back on a real, honking' 105 litre free ride. It's as easy as that.
Step Four: Step toward a group of windsurfers with a smile, a wave, and a cooler of beer.
Step Five: Tell your kite-board buds you that want to try a safe, happy sport that is unlikely to hurt you aside from a few blisters on your hands and feet. Many of them want exactly the same thing that you do, but they are afraid and also need help too. Remember the Hawaiian expression for please help me goes something like Kokua Hoalu Ka-Bri-Nah, I think.
Step Six: Step into a real full sized van and actually help move the whole economy forward. Kiteboarding doesn't take a lot of room and driving to a launch area in a small, half empty mid-sized compact is just low level commitment in my opinion. And, when your friends want you to help move a refrigerator or two and a king sized bed in one trip you can truly be there for them.
Step Seven: Step into the conscious reality that kiteboarding is both dangerous and a threat to the environment. When that kite is up there you can't just put it down and walk away easily to get a beer or use the portable washroom facilities sometimes nearby. Kite-strings are like razorblades. And still worse, the piping plover, for one, thinks that you're a hawk flying by and won't nest. Once that small significant balance in the ecological chain is broken it affects everything above and below it.
Step Eight: Step away from storms. Lightning will find the kite before the sail. When the front comes through windsurfers can hide on the water surface. That kite is an electrical magnet either up there or on the water, and you're attached to it with 4 or 5 lines!
Step Nine: Peel off those Windsurfing's Been Cancelled & If It Were Easy They'd Call It Windsurfing bumper stickers from the rear of your vehicle.
We're there for you. Maybe not 24 - 7 or when it's blowing 25 knots but catch any one of us on a break or a doming day and step up and say, "Hi, my name is ______ and I have a problem, I just don't want to kite-sail anymore."
Kite sailing 9 Step Withdrawl Program Reference - (April 25th) - http://www.windinsight.com/indexjournal.html
HELPLINE ~ windinsight@gmail.com No salespeople will call and all inquiries will be treated as confidential. The number of steps may change or be modified from time to time to help accommodate the unique needs of any distressed kite sailors encountered in this outreach.
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Easter Sunday, April 24th The best day yet for everyone.
It was like summer today. The wind didn't get too much above 26 knots, a blue sky and sunshine dominated throughout the day, and the water is warm. Everyone is getting stronger and able to sail through most of the day with perhaps some discomfort from sore muscles, blisters, sunburn, and a few minor injuries here and there. All in all, this session has been one of the best yet.
If the wind is light tomorrow we plan to head to Frisco Pier to do some Stand Up Paddle and surf some waves.
Pictures are way behind. It'll take a few days to get the site caught up.
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April 23rd It was an early afternoon SW 20 - 25 knot wind today.
JF and Ke waited and waited for wind that came about a half hour after they departed for home. JF's beautiful trailer (below) was carefully packed and gear was ready for one last sail before the long ride back to Niagara. We're quite sure they saw the wind as they left the Outer Banks heading for Virginia Beach.
Spent the morning on the Whopper 5.5ing it around the Sound attempting duck jibes, working carves, and doing awkward tacks. Mostly loud cheers resounded from supporters on lawn chairs from the shore whenever any degree of success was achieved. Not having score cards their fingers were thrust into the air indicating both numerical values and a few rude gestures which were very hard to ignore. Some people just shouldn't be drinking beer that early in the day. Honestly. It was somewhat appalling.
Having difficulty getting the board to plane in heavier conditions. Might be the fin sizes, incorrect fin combinations, or mast track placement. Not sure just yet. Have to remember that it's a big surfboard that also carries a windsurf rig, not a windsurfing board made for paddling and surfing.
Has anyone read Mitch Gingrich's Close Out editorial in Spring 2011 Windsport about whether surfing, windsurfing or kitesailing is the best sport? He completely missed Stand Up Paddle. Big mistake. Anyone with windsurfers & gear and an SUP with a mastfoot has the best of all worlds. The ability to surf, windsurf, and paddle has the advantage of using 0 - 35+ knot winds, flatwater, waves, get huge exercise & physical conditioning, whatever. Hey, it doesn't get any better than this and no one ends hung up in hydro wires or has to wear those baggy shorts and T's over their wetsuit.
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April 21st 30 knots again.
Started with a 4.7m2 today and by noon most of us were on 3.7's - 4.2's, slightly over-powered and flying in the gusts.
Everyone sailed somewhat better today with improved strength and stamina. And, for some of us our ibuprofen levels were ramped up up up a few notches from yesterday.
As the front came through the air cooled somewhat and the Sound felt warmer. Water temp is in the 70's F.
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April 20th Today and Thursday are 25 - 30+ knot days
Started with a 4.7m2 today and by the end of the day a 4.0 was the likely choice of sails.
The three best moves today were (1) Cliff's jumps and rolls. (2) JF's near duck jibes. (3) John sticking his foot in the right arm of his wetsuit during entry and doing a 3 point floor landing.
Tomorrow will start out much like today with a wind-shift to the NE and the possibility of some stormy weather. Friday is predicted to be a beautiful 6.0 day, all day.
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April 19th Warm and windy again.
It picked up this afternoon and we went from large to mid-sized sails in a few hours. The Sound is in the 70's F and the wind peaked around 25 knots with a few higher gusts. JF is near perfecting his duck jibes.
The next week has good wind every day with a few high wind sessions promised. Summer-like weather is promised for tomorrow. Thursday shows 30 - 35 knots in the forecast.
Have a number of pics that will likely get posted over the next few days. Where is a soft, light, no wind day when you need one!
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April 18th Should have tried the ocean.
Spent much of the day on the Whopper paddling or using a 5.5m2 here on the Sound. Cliff, Denny and JF went to the Lighthouse and caught some larger waves. Hopefully I will be able to safely join them by the Fall. Denny got some great shots including Cliff on a wave (below).
The wind and warm water looks good for tomorrow.
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April 17th Sailed till soar today, didn't have the camera in hand until late in the day.
The day went by and only took 6 pics. Time flies when you're having fun.
The wind and warm water dominated today, everything else followed way, way behind.
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April 17th It was a SE 25 - 31 knot day.
It was a gusty, side-off rather high wind day for our first sail here. However the water was warm and the ride in was fun. Facing those voodoo ramps on the way out was brutal. Needed a 5.0+ to get out but on arriving at the the wind-line a 4.2m2 would have been nice. The gusts were insane at times.
Hey, no real complaints.
The house shook and rocked throughout the night with the 40 - 50+ knot winds. Outside furniture was blown around. Windows hummed and doors rattled. Welcome to The Outer Banks!
It's blowing W 17 - 25 this morning. Looks like a good day.
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April 14th The picture below is near Buxton. Pamlico Sound is on the right, the Atlantic Ocean's on the left.
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April 14th Leaving Friday morning.
Wind is in the forecast for Saturday. We plan to arrive on Saturday morning and sail. If there's a working wireless connection at our home there we'll report Saturday evening.
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April 13th Best news yet! Check this out from our international Outer Banks photojournalist/correspondent!
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Hey John,
Yesterday was a carbon copy of the day before.....stinkin windy!!!
The Sound is so warm people were wearing shorties.
Talk soon.
Your roving reporter,
Brenda
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April 13th Marty's video and pics from LaSalle on Monday, April 11th
A great first vid to start the season. We're looking for some windy footage in Hatteras next week to make a few more.
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First vid of the season
April 12th Hatteras Update - 30+ knots!
Wind has been clocked at more than 30 knots earlier this week. Getting to use a 3.3m2 sail and a short-board puts smiles on faces!
Will include any pictures sent in our Hatteras index. Happy trails! We'll be there Saturday.
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April 10th Hatteras Update
Received some welcome news today. It's mild and windy on the Sound. The water temperature is warm for this time of year.
The pic of Janis was shot on Sunday using Brenda's waterproof Olympus. Taken by Sandy.
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April 9th (Two technical issues) Re: Text and recent uploads.
The font arial verdana will be used exclusively throughout the site from now on. Being very common and traditional it's unlikely that it will default to something else on anyone's computer or browser.
The site is generally updated daily unless a post here or on the main page indicates otherwise. It's likely that your computer's buffer/casche/memory simply stored and showed the older image from a day or two ago. By clicking refresh or reload or renew the page will reload and show the latest image or text entry.
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April 8th Doming - maybe no longer a word like scratching fingernails on a blackboard plus kryptonite.
Definition of Doming - The water is cold. This creates a layer of cold air just above the water. The warm air, typically south-west, is blowing above the cold layer. That's why the trees and kiters are moving but the windsurfers are not.
It could be doming at Long Beach. This was shared this morning - that Monday may not be a good windsurfing day on Lake Erie because of doming.
This could actually be a true sign from above. (No pun intended) Either get out the 14m2 kite or try a Stand Up Paddle.
As a novice SUP enthusiast am quite sure that my response about doming and light winds are 'something to look forward to' was likely met with a few groans or at least some mild disdain. Could be wrong. No one actually said anything. But I could kinda feel it like looking back the day after wearing that really stupid Hallowe'en costume that got put together just after a somewhat heavy duty Happy Hour last trip.
Ok, doming talk may go the way of Kiteboarding Jokes, sorry once again if this becomes a contentious issue. That said there are some great license plates available like LUV DOMES DOME ON I (heart) DOMING DOMING4ME DOME2DAY DOMESDAY SUP(heart)DOMES the list goes on.
In the meantime, bring it on.
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April 7th The Outer Banks of North Carolina ~ Not just a place to test our courage, patience, limits, commitment, and progress.
People who become involved in our sport truly enjoy the rush of those exquisite moments when sun, wind, and water come together to propel us into action and a hugely fun state of mind. Chasing wind, searching out new innovative equipment, having friends who share the dream, and travelling to a place like Cape Hatteras National Seashore gives us not only a reason for being, but a place to test our courage and be a part of something much greater.
Weather conditions change from day to day and from hour to hour. When conditions are too extreme we can just watch those more capable and still feel we're a part of it all. When days are soft we can rest, go for a walk, or maybe shop around checking out new equipment. When it's windy we sail but when it's not we soon become anxious, constantly check the forecast, and look furtively about for any signs of incoming weather.
There was a time, back in the day, when surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding were considered extreme sports. Technology improved and equipment evolved. User friendly gear, highly refined lessons, and audio visual self-help have all contributed to both taming and making safer our time on the water. But, the fun hasn't changed and the challenge is still there.
We have learned to wait with reasonable patience and can avoid the need for the instant gratification that our gas-powered rivals can access by simply pressing a start button. We're an optimistic bunch, at least for a few days without wind. Then we're off renting surfboards or kayaks, buying T shits, or shopping for gifts to take home for loved ones.
Hatteras provides a unique setting of relatively warm water, predictable wind, a shallow Sound, and some 60 miles of Ocean Beach. It's our Disney World Magic Kingdom. It's what Pottery Barn, Home Depot, and William Sonoma are to our neighbours if they ever happen to ask why.
The anticipation of what we do helps to fuel our journey and keeps us going late into the night. The familiar roads and restaurants reassure us as we head south mile after mile and hour after hour. Crossing the Bonner Bridge that joins the mainland to the Outer banks proclaims we're finally here again. Unloading our boards and rigging our gear immediately jump starts the adrenalin. The exquisite joy of anticipating that first small jump or turn brings on the smiles.
Are there any negatives? Of course, we all get a bit sour if a piece of equipment fails, or if the wind shuts off for too long.
Perhaps the worst part of the trip is loading the van and packing up to return home. Or if the wind is up as the sun is rising over the ocean as we head north on Highway 12. However we're heading home and have the warm summer ahead of us. Plus, some great memories and good stories to retell along the way.
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April 6th Hatteras Countdown ~ 10 days
The basement duck jibes are coming along nicely. The Whopper is resting on a sea of couch cushions. Many kilometres and dozens of small, dry waves have passed beneath her 10' X 34"/168L frame.
The reality of it all is somewhere between Field of Dreams and Groundhog Day .
We're all anxious to be back on the Outer Banks working the wind and enjoying some of the very best moments our sport can offer.
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April 5th LaSalle ~ a cold first day on the water for Marty, JF, and Cliff
Denny and I did shore patrol as the stoic three braved 20 C for a few great runs and some jumps. It was a bitter but consistent wind for the most part.
It blew out of the west at 18 - 25 knots throughout the session.
JF had a frigid, scary rush when the zipper somehow failed in his dry suit. He made it safely back to shore after a quick water start.
Not a great way to start the season. Something we've all talked about at some time finally happened, fortunately without serious consequence. It was one of those unthinkable moments we should all think about.
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Please click on the thumbnails below to enlarge the pics
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It was an overcast, low light day with the long, slower zoom. Should have used a higher f stop (12 - 14) by selecting higher ISOs and reducing the shutter speed a bit. These changes would have resulted in way more depth of field. A consideration made after looking at all of the shots. It was cold, not a great excuse but will stick with that for now.
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April 4th A virtual light wind alternative.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) may just be an acceptable consideration for all of those light wind days. Paint, wash cars, and cut grass in the morning and then head to the beach regardless of wind conditions.
Get out of your wife's hair, stop wishing for wind and complaining about the soft day. A 10' floaty SUP with a mast-base and a CF paddle may just be the next best thing to windsurfing and kiteboarding ever.
It's relatively safe, provides a great workout, and gives the opportunity to practise all sorts of cool moves as well as ride a few waves. Gotta be the best of both worlds!
I'm convinced that this is something on which we can survive well into old age. Or in my case much older age. Not making this up.
And, to validate this conviction and commitment a 10' X 34" 168L Starboard Whopper has come home to roost, paddle and rig ready.
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April 3rd Jokes from a few days ago.
Ok, jokes like these will only happen periodically, if ever again. Honest! Am not making this up. This
whole thing conflicting kiters and windsurfers likely started with those hurtful $2.99 bumper stickers from Real Kiteboarding in Rodanthe putting down windsurfers. i.e. If It Were Easy They'd Call It Windsurfing! Whoever the stupid "They" are anyway? Who really gives a rat's ass?
It was probably some immature account executive in a low budget ad agency, or a failed Kite-Boarding sales rep or whoever saw an opportunity to make a few crappy bucks. Didn't mean squat to most of us. Screw it. It's done. As far as I'm concerned it's over. Period.
We're all above this. Ok, maybe a quick joke or two on April Fool's Day or on special occasions like that. Life's just too short to take cheap shots at each other. Right? Well, maybe after a beer or two. Drinking beer on sunny days when there's no wind can aggravate the senses. Especially if a Paddle-Boarder sails by on a big rig doing stupid tricks. Or catching some small, insignificant waves. Darn!
However, with that said, maybe Stand Up Paddle Jokes are ok. Anyone who would cruise around on light wind days tethered to a huge, floaty surfboard powered by a carbon fibre paddle or a windsurf sail deserves whatever comes their way. Right?
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April 1st Did you hear about the greatest reproductive biologist ever?
He crossed Lake Ontario with a kite.
April 1st Recently overheard.
C'mon, dude - we can kiteboard anytime! Figure skating's on!!
Hey, it's a teeny little April Fool's Day jab! (Just kidding a bit!)
April 1st A story overheard.
Two windsurfers are rigging. One says to the other, "I just got a new freeride shortboard, a 4.2 wave, a carbon boom and a carbon mast for my wife." The other says, "Wow, congratulations man, what a great trade!"
April 1st Two kiteboarders walk into a bar.
Maybe they should have ducked! Walked into a bar, get it? Ha! Hey, it's April 1st! We love kiteboarders!
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April 1st Reeb's Bay ~ The ice won't last long.
This is the bay where our family cottage still stands. Returning is always hugely nostalgic remembering summertime adventures and carefree fun growing up in the '40s and '50s.
Swimming on calm, sunny days, windy days on waves carrying us to shore, bonfires, sailing, waterskiing, amazing play at Sand Hill, and diving from the tripod quickly return looking out over the beach. Old friends and family ties remain strong, vivid memories.
It's a certainty that windsurfing naturally evolved from this wonderful beach and surf association. Being home once again and on the water is the operative drive.
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March 31st Sunset Bay ~ from Harbourview Road looking east. (below)
The further east we go the more ice remains in Lake Erie. Reeb's Bay, one bay to the east from here is still ice-filled.
In the background the most distant point is Point Abino. The lighthouse isn't visible zoomed to this wide an angle.
Moved here in 1992 and loved the unique windsurfing and sailing this bay offered for the next 14 years. The Outer Banks of Cape Hatteras NC, Long Beach Conservation Area and LaSalle have helped make the lifestyle transition from Sunset Bay just right.
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March 30th Long Beach Conservation Area Today
Leftover drifts of white patchy snow lie scattered throughout the park. Stalled floating ice is visible on the eastern horizon and the huge offshore reef is exposed.
The water level is low and sand has filled in the rocky area around the point.
A light, fresh offshore breeze and some sunlight through clouds made the walk around the park
a pleasant experience. It was refreshing to reconnect.
Will get some of the pictures taken this afternoon posted in Lake Erie over the next few days.
We're about 5 - 6 weeks from rigging here and launching in the south-west wind that brings Lake Erie to life.
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March 29th Reintroducing the Classified Section if anyone has some gear to try to sell.
There's a few new items included some of which sold in a few hours. When you do your spring inventory there may be a few things which you're not using that someone else might want.
The Classified will stay up for a few weeks and will be archived if it doesn't serve any current needs. It will reappear with a main page prompt if anyone sends in an item to sell.
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Please click on the thumbnail below to enlarge the pic.
Found this on the internet without a credit, it may belong to Charles Shultz
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March 27th Jibe To Glory ~ with special thanks to Mary and Arthur Hammond-Tooke
Mary did the free clinic for anyone who signed up at Windsurfing Hatteras (Now Ocean Air). It was held at Island Creek on Tuesdays, at 9:30 a.m sharp weather permitting. A board and rig were mounted on a simulator that turned to demonstrate the move accurately. Mary never faltered as she rotated, spoke, and demonstrated the turn. Arthur was the Sales and General Manager of the store and would look out and wave occasionally. The lesson was always presented in a very professional and deliberate manner with exquisite British tone and flare. A fun learning experience from these two wonderful people.
I was trying on a 3/2 Bare wetsuit in the early fall about 15 years ago. Arthur looked in my direction as I emerged from the fitting room and loudly proclained, "My God, a young Adonis stands before me!" I bought the suit.
When we were last at Luna Dunes in Frisco about 3 - 4 years ago Arthur appeared and asked if he could use our walkway out to the Sound. He was shooting a video of his young grandson who was windsurfing by.
The steps in the jibe make sense and are worth walking through for anyone in their "I'm almost there! I'm almost there!" excited phase of making turns.
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Please click on the thumbnail below to enlarge the text. It's in jpg form and will print well in its larger size.
The copy I have here was freely given to all from Mary and Arthur.
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March 26th There's a much coveted snowy duck-jibe plus what looks like a killer Wind Weapon from the mid 80's in this one!
This vid blew me away. Am trying to get either the plans to build or the link to buy this snow toy. May have to join the French Foreign Legion to secure one if the comments are valid. It would definitely be worth it!
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March 26th Top 14 Reasons Why Women Should Hang Out With Windsurf Guys
13. They are better lovers because they rig right, experiment with, look for, and practise new moves,
windsurfers always "keep going" till they "reach shore", and
never, never say not today, I have a headache
12. Windsurfers are optimistic and can handle disappointment well (waiting for wind)
11. They readily use maps, GPS, and Google Earth not trusting their inner male instinct to simply get where it might be blowing
10. The ratio of men to women is actually 8 to 1
9. They can talk about something else besides football, hockey, or baseball
8. They don't smell too badly because it's a good bet they've gotten wet recently
7. They have another interest besides sex and beer
6. You know they're well off enough to be able to charge all of that equipment
5. You always get the latest weather report, several times a day and get HD iWindsurf on your mobile phone!
4. They are capable of commitment and have proven ability to delay self-gratification (waiting for wind)
3. They have an excuse to wear rubber
2. You always know where they are, at least when it's windy
1. Windsurfers are generally fit, energetic, tanned, eager, and have cute butts
0. Windsurfers require a top 14 list, 10 just isn't enough!
This qualifies to be included because of the practise new "moves"- #13 All jokes & cartoons about windsurfing will also qualify to be included in the journal because
they might help to bring on a much needed smile which can help when we're skunked, trying to water-start underpowered, or waiting for help when a mast breaks.
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March 25th Winter windsurfing on ice and snow. Oh yes!
This could be the break we've all been waiting for. Much safer and looks easier than kite-boarding up a snow-covered mountain. All we need is a place to park somewhere around Jordan Harbour.
Hopefully there are bumper stickers.
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March 25th Response: The Blog was more about photography. The Journal is more about what we do in wind-related ways. Both are attempts to be in touch and to respond to some of the emails that may be of general interest.
The Blog is still somewhat alive and may continue as a secondary attachment somehow, not sure, but not for now.
The primary focus of the site is about windsurfing, wind-related activities and lake or ocean conditions. Photography chronicles how we use those wet, windy moments. As site author all of these distinctions are clear (for now). The site evolves and is in a constant state of change, not unlike the way we think and become.
Windinsight has a unique life of its own that continues to push and pull me along at times.
As always, comments and questions are welcome and appreciated.
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March 24th Investing in a Windsurfing Tattoo.
Tattoos are quite common today. Body art, fashion statements, love, relationships, appearance, and symbolic attachments to something special are some of the attractive reasons for getting tattooed.
Tattoos are truly fascinating. The many designs and reasons for getting one must be huge. The majority of people without a tattoo must have at one time in their life entertained the thought of getting one and looked at what kind and just where a tattoo would be something cool to sport.
That said, and on a less positive note the rugged Marlborough cowboy models from the 50's who smoked and sported winged tattoos on their forehand in cigarette ads all passed away many years ago from emphysema, lung cancer, and heart related diseases at a relatively young age. Why anyone in the Sierra high country on a horse would be compelled to light up at sunset somehow now eludes me. The movie Eastern Promises shows how tattoos and advancement in the Russian Mafia become inextricably mixed with a violent lifestyle causing death, bloody, brutal hand to hand combat, mutilation, disfigurement, and horrible pain. The stories are endless. All this does gives one some small pause for thought.
Ok, let's cut to the chase. Some simple advice about windsurfing tattoos too early in our windy careers - consider the options before you commit to getting one. Instead maybe ink the joy of our sport
in your mind, on paper, or in a poem. I can only hope that some tattoo parlours insist that customers are both sober and have a note from their mother to have anything larger than a small sail inked between thumb and first finger.
Windsurfers don't need tatts to look tougher because we don't need to lead the queue for a steep wave. It works for surfers but windsurfers are more spread out on the water and can sail all over the place. The pecking order in our pod is quite civilized. We're simply not that territorial.
Perhaps the bottom line is this - will tattoos actually accelerate or improve our windsurfing performance? And, tattoos do not go away easily or cheaply. It costs the price of 4 rigs, 2 boards, and a small trailer to get one and get it removed if you don't like it. And, hey guys - run the idea past your wife first. This will always help to put things in a realistic perspective in any household quickly.
In our windy entourage there's a very talented and diverse group of artisans who will for a nominal beer create a temporary tattoo (somewhat like the pic of the Canadian flag sail - below right) for you using Sharpie Magic Markers. We have the 24 pack of assorted colours from Costco. So, before anyone gets carried away prematurely with a serious sail and board launching off a wave, try one of ours. They last up to 2 weeks if you only wash around them.
Maybe instead, spend your money on a good instructional video like Turn For The Better. Check the link below. People will watch it with you and ask you to loan it to them. Real friendships can develop. And, you can sell, trade, or give it away as a gift when you're tired of watching those elusive moves over and over and over again.
For me I'm waiting till I get really, really good and then, and only then get a carefully planned tattoo to celebrate my success. Maybe a duck jibe under an orange-red sunset in huge curling shore break with white blue spray and aquamarine surf exploding in all directions, and a seagull looking out like Mona Lisa always following you with catchlights in both eyes hovering somewhere above it all in sky blue. Perhaps a dolphin emerging from an infinity symbol becoming my wife's name. Not quite sure just where this would all fit in but it's an amazing start for someone my age. And, here's the best part, the when of it all will be when it's truly earned.
Am pretty sure about all of this.
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March 23rd Robbie's daughter Nani and the Naish Girls on the North Shore, Hawaii.
What a great place to grow up. I can't imagine what it would be like to have Robbie Naish as a dad. Pretty sure he likely feels the same way.
The Naish Girls in the second video are team riders.
This is an oblique diversion from Duck Gybe 101 clinical self-help strategies outlined below. Will try to get back on track later when the snow stops falling and recess is over.
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March 23rd Re: That practise in-house boom/half-mast set up for us advancing, serious, aspiring duckjibers.
The plastic bottle at the base snuggly fits the mast and is secured loosely to the carpet base with a pan head bolt/nut that won't hurt the carpet below yet still rotates (see insert in the picture on the right). Electrician's tape could be used as a soft wrap shim. The nut/bolt does loosen a bit and needs to be tightened periodically.
Avoid using stereophonic headphones during practise sessions as you can't hear your life partner calling and with dramatic, sweeping moves to music you can all too easily knock over lamps.
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March 23rd Two more duck jibe links.
Some vintage footage from John Guay's Short Board Technique (from the mid 80's) en Espagnol. Brings back some memories! The second video is a step by step slideshow.
Re: That in-house practice half mast/boom mentioned below - will take a few pics and post them later - the no slip base attachment that easily rotates is critical to its successful utilization inside.
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March 22nd Re: Spring trip to Cape Hatteras ~ April 15th - 30th Objective: To complete a successful duck jibe.
Most of us have a few wind & surf sailing objectives whether it be to spend more time on the water in light or heavy conditions, or to improve on or accomplish a move of some sort. That said keep an objective fixed firmly in mind and it can help to work on it with someone wanting to accomplish the same goal. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Am planning to follow one or two of my iconic duck jibe heroes into a few turns if I can keep up.
Work the move on water over and over again. Watch those self-help instructional windsurfing videos! Set up a half mast with a boom (below - bottom picture) and practise practise, practise. Visualize the steps taken in the move with eyes both open and then closed. Try prayer as a last resort, am fairly certain that God doesn't work this way. Maybe take a lesson from a certified windsurfing instructor instead.
Seeing is believing and believing is seeing this move pulled off successfully. Bravely stated and without any hesitation, I will not come home from Hatteras without having accomplished a duck jibe regardless of whatever the consequences. Am not making this up. Am pretty sure that my wife will understand.
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