Cheers to Nick for taking the pics and getting wet feet!Sunday, 18 December 2011
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Stormy Tuesday....
It was a brave soul that entered the water on this cold and wintery morning down at our local beach and today there were 3 brave souls- Phil,Marshall and me.
The tide was too high at 9 but soon dropped and we all rigged our 4.2's in anticipation of what was to come. Two runs and we were hit with the 50+knot squall and spent the next 10 mins cowering under our sails on the beach waiting for the squall to pass. It eventually did and the wind settled down to a steady 30 knots with the odd mental gust pushing through. The surf was huge and all the reefs were sucking and boiling, it was a froth pit from hell. We sailed for about 30 mins until it became to shallow and thanked our lucky stars that we were all still in one piece. This was extreme windsurfing-overpowered, hanging on for grim death and battling with the elements. A couple of mates and a short burst of adrenalin just what the doctor ordered.... until the next time.....
Looks inviting?!?
Tide on the drop - on the beach
The tide was too high at 9 but soon dropped and we all rigged our 4.2's in anticipation of what was to come. Two runs and we were hit with the 50+knot squall and spent the next 10 mins cowering under our sails on the beach waiting for the squall to pass. It eventually did and the wind settled down to a steady 30 knots with the odd mental gust pushing through. The surf was huge and all the reefs were sucking and boiling, it was a froth pit from hell. We sailed for about 30 mins until it became to shallow and thanked our lucky stars that we were all still in one piece. This was extreme windsurfing-overpowered, hanging on for grim death and battling with the elements. A couple of mates and a short burst of adrenalin just what the doctor ordered.... until the next time.....
Looks inviting?!?
Tide on the drop - on the beach
Monday, 12 December 2011
Sitting Pretty!
Yeeeehaaaa!!!
This is what we as windsurfers dream about...It only happens about once or twice a year but a series of deep low pressure systems are winding up and about to give us some insane conditions!!!
Today-Monday was a taster of what is about to come. Starky was just getting out at Vaz and saying how bad it was with big holes in the wind so I was a bit sceptical before heading in with me old mate Harty.
Well, what can I say apart from it was a bit of a "Brucey bonus". The wind had backed to the SSW and we were flying around on the 5.3's, slipping and sliding off the lip and cranking some sweet moves off the 4-5 foot swell. I took Starky's quad for a blast and had an awesome time on this sweet little board. There are so many different shapes, sizes and fin configurations out there that it has made windsurfing a lot more exciting but whatever type of equipment you're using then you're sure to have a good time when the conditions turn on...
Lets hope that we get some more classic wave sailing action - see you down the beach!!
This is what we as windsurfers dream about...It only happens about once or twice a year but a series of deep low pressure systems are winding up and about to give us some insane conditions!!!
Today-Monday was a taster of what is about to come. Starky was just getting out at Vaz and saying how bad it was with big holes in the wind so I was a bit sceptical before heading in with me old mate Harty.
Well, what can I say apart from it was a bit of a "Brucey bonus". The wind had backed to the SSW and we were flying around on the 5.3's, slipping and sliding off the lip and cranking some sweet moves off the 4-5 foot swell. I took Starky's quad for a blast and had an awesome time on this sweet little board. There are so many different shapes, sizes and fin configurations out there that it has made windsurfing a lot more exciting but whatever type of equipment you're using then you're sure to have a good time when the conditions turn on...
Lets hope that we get some more classic wave sailing action - see you down the beach!!
Friday, 21 October 2011
I feel the need for speed!!
We all know that kitesurfing and windsurfing are pretty quick when it comes to going fast over water but deep down we all want to go that little bit quicker and it only seem fitting that with the Weymouth Speed Week currently going on that we should modify one of my old kiteboards and make our own "speed needle".
Well, ok it's not quite a speed needle but it's as good as we are going to get and I must admit after the first sea trial yesterday I was quite impressed with how quick she feels under foot. The board is an old Naish Thorn 131x40 and the handy work was done by non other than fellow windsurfer and budding inventor Steve Mellors. As you can see by the photos it has been beautifully shaped and crafted to optimize minimal water drag which in turn will increase the boards velocity which is basically what all speed boards are about. The exact measurements and contours are top secret at the moment but if the new design proves to be "as good as it looks" then Steve may bring them into production under his new name..."Smellor Speed Boards" or SSB for short.
As for now it's time to get out with my new Naish Parks and my new speed weapon and start logging some serious speeds which I'll be posting in the coming weeks.
Well, ok it's not quite a speed needle but it's as good as we are going to get and I must admit after the first sea trial yesterday I was quite impressed with how quick she feels under foot. The board is an old Naish Thorn 131x40 and the handy work was done by non other than fellow windsurfer and budding inventor Steve Mellors. As you can see by the photos it has been beautifully shaped and crafted to optimize minimal water drag which in turn will increase the boards velocity which is basically what all speed boards are about. The exact measurements and contours are top secret at the moment but if the new design proves to be "as good as it looks" then Steve may bring them into production under his new name..."Smellor Speed Boards" or SSB for short.
As for now it's time to get out with my new Naish Parks and my new speed weapon and start logging some serious speeds which I'll be posting in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Super summer fun
August has started off well and the forecast looks surprisingly promising.
Monday the 8th was a top day to have as a day off from work. The morning started off with a solid NW4-5 and great conditions were to be had on the rising tide. I spent most of the morning with a friend of mine trying to show him some basic kitesurfing skills and after a couple of hours he decided to head off and I gave it large on the 9m bolt for an hour on t'others with a couple of windsurf friends for company. It was a cracking direction heading out from the beach and hitting some sweet little ramps and cranking some big air.
A mention and full marks must go to my mate Simon Marshall who finally cracked the forward loop and threw one around landing on his back in the water start position. We all said about bloody time as it's been long time coming- must of had something to do with his new set up of boards and sails-looking good bud!
The wind continued to build and after a short relaxation session in the jacuzzi at home I was back down the beach for a late afternoon session windsurfing with Oly,Phil,Steve and a few others on the dropping tide on the Richmond side of Vazon. Phil was out on his new Fanatic single fin and I was riding the 80ltr wave board and the 5.3 Force. Great combo and fully powered on the solid westerly 5-6. It was fun hammering around but the waves were few and far between, but overall it was a great session as the sun was a shine'in and the wind was a blow'in.
Check out the couple of photos I took after the session looking towards the beach. Pretty busy down that way but looking good with loads of kiters. Where did they all come from....that blasted webcam!!! Ha,ha
Oly heading out
Looks busy
Monday the 8th was a top day to have as a day off from work. The morning started off with a solid NW4-5 and great conditions were to be had on the rising tide. I spent most of the morning with a friend of mine trying to show him some basic kitesurfing skills and after a couple of hours he decided to head off and I gave it large on the 9m bolt for an hour on t'others with a couple of windsurf friends for company. It was a cracking direction heading out from the beach and hitting some sweet little ramps and cranking some big air.
A mention and full marks must go to my mate Simon Marshall who finally cracked the forward loop and threw one around landing on his back in the water start position. We all said about bloody time as it's been long time coming- must of had something to do with his new set up of boards and sails-looking good bud!
The wind continued to build and after a short relaxation session in the jacuzzi at home I was back down the beach for a late afternoon session windsurfing with Oly,Phil,Steve and a few others on the dropping tide on the Richmond side of Vazon. Phil was out on his new Fanatic single fin and I was riding the 80ltr wave board and the 5.3 Force. Great combo and fully powered on the solid westerly 5-6. It was fun hammering around but the waves were few and far between, but overall it was a great session as the sun was a shine'in and the wind was a blow'in.
Check out the couple of photos I took after the session looking towards the beach. Pretty busy down that way but looking good with loads of kiters. Where did they all come from....that blasted webcam!!! Ha,ha
Oly heading out
Looks busy
Thursday, 4 August 2011
It's Official!- Kitesurfing is a great workout
New craze soon to be seen at Vaz
It's been a while since I posted some news on the blog (and summers nearly over!) so I'd thought I'd start off with a small snippet I found on the internet regarding that well known kitesurfing celebrity Mr Ricky Branson.
What can we say about this guy?.....basically he's one lucky f@$&*r!! Not only is he a self made billionaire with a full head of hair but he owns a cracking little isand in the Caribbean and he gets to kitesurf with naked girls on his back!!!
Now back to reality here on our beautiful little island of Guernsey. Unfortunately due to the lack of wind/waves of recent and me generally being a lazy bastard not much has been posted though looking on the bright side, the 2012 gear is starting to appear on the scene and various mates have new gear awaiting testing and new gear on it's way over as we speak. So, hopefully, during the next few weeks we'll get some more action in as the wind starts to deliver and we get some more time on the water.
Btw. If anyone is interested and wants to find out why Mr B is kiteing with this gorgeous chick on his back then follow the link :
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/banzai/ocean/feature/-/9959235/branson-explains-kitesurfing-with-naked-model/
Also, if there are any naked pillion riders wanting to participate (preferably young blond and Swedish) in this exciting new sport then meet me at Vazon 12pm on Saturday so we can carry on this fantastic new craze ;-)
It's been a while since I posted some news on the blog (and summers nearly over!) so I'd thought I'd start off with a small snippet I found on the internet regarding that well known kitesurfing celebrity Mr Ricky Branson.
What can we say about this guy?.....basically he's one lucky f@$&*r!! Not only is he a self made billionaire with a full head of hair but he owns a cracking little isand in the Caribbean and he gets to kitesurf with naked girls on his back!!!
Now back to reality here on our beautiful little island of Guernsey. Unfortunately due to the lack of wind/waves of recent and me generally being a lazy bastard not much has been posted though looking on the bright side, the 2012 gear is starting to appear on the scene and various mates have new gear awaiting testing and new gear on it's way over as we speak. So, hopefully, during the next few weeks we'll get some more action in as the wind starts to deliver and we get some more time on the water.
Btw. If anyone is interested and wants to find out why Mr B is kiteing with this gorgeous chick on his back then follow the link :
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/banzai/ocean/feature/-/9959235/branson-explains-kitesurfing-with-naked-model/
Also, if there are any naked pillion riders wanting to participate (preferably young blond and Swedish) in this exciting new sport then meet me at Vazon 12pm on Saturday so we can carry on this fantastic new craze ;-)
Monday, 2 May 2011
Some starboard tack action!!
This has been one of the longest spells I haven't windsurfed that I can remember but yesterday the wave board was dusted down and brought back out of retirement for some wave sailing action at Pembroke Bay.
I'd been on an early shift at work and the wind had gradually been building through out the morning. The forecast was looking pretty damn good with a force 6 predicted for later in the day. The only downside was that it was pissing with rain and unlikely to stop at any time soon.
After sizing up the conditions and the crappy weather we decided to bite the bullet and rig the 5.3's.
Unusually for Pemmy there was a lot of East in the wind which made it quite cross-shore enabling us to get a few port tack bottom turns in. The wind continued to build during the session with some steep ramps forming which were great for throwing in the odd backie. Matt was sailing well and had a couple of peachy back loops but I was getting tired and hanging on for grim death in the gusty strong wind. Most of the crew were now changing down to 4.7's but I continued on the 5.3 getting more and more knackered. I decided to knock it on the head as the clouds started to clear and the sun shone through. It was a pretty good session even if it was the most hated tack in the world but then again beggars can't be choosers.
I took a couple of photos as I left the car park-the first one is of Dan and Briggsy and the bottom one is of Matt getting some air time-Top marks for the back loops..if only we had more practice on this tack....
Looks like Oz?
I'd been on an early shift at work and the wind had gradually been building through out the morning. The forecast was looking pretty damn good with a force 6 predicted for later in the day. The only downside was that it was pissing with rain and unlikely to stop at any time soon.
After sizing up the conditions and the crappy weather we decided to bite the bullet and rig the 5.3's.
Unusually for Pemmy there was a lot of East in the wind which made it quite cross-shore enabling us to get a few port tack bottom turns in. The wind continued to build during the session with some steep ramps forming which were great for throwing in the odd backie. Matt was sailing well and had a couple of peachy back loops but I was getting tired and hanging on for grim death in the gusty strong wind. Most of the crew were now changing down to 4.7's but I continued on the 5.3 getting more and more knackered. I decided to knock it on the head as the clouds started to clear and the sun shone through. It was a pretty good session even if it was the most hated tack in the world but then again beggars can't be choosers.
I took a couple of photos as I left the car park-the first one is of Dan and Briggsy and the bottom one is of Matt getting some air time-Top marks for the back loops..if only we had more practice on this tack....
Looks like Oz?
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