Wind Journal for Hans Anderson -- Tuesday November 13, 2001 -- See All

19th session in 2001
Sailed at Bird Island Basin
Wind from the N (mph)
        lulls: 15
        average: 20
        gusts: 27
Rated a 7 of 10

Board: Screamer
Sail: 6.6 Infinity
Fin: 12.5 True Ames Weed
Suit: Shortie

The forecast wasn't incredibly promising, especially iwindsurf.com (4-10 or something, it said), but I ventured to Bird Island anyway. I would have done Grassy, but the water was still high and even if it wasn't too deep, it would have still be muddy and I wouldn't have wanted to get stuck.

So, Bird it was, and what a day! It was a bit of a different direction than the typical SE but it worked. It was 20-30 all day and I was on my 6.6 and my Screamer. Good times. I was powered up nicely all day, and had to flatten the sail a bit for awhile, too.

I am still having some comfort problems. For some reason, I can't get all my weight in the harness. I start to tip the board to windward and then have to pull with my back hand to recover my balance. Consequently, I'm all over the water and my speed and control isn't as good as it should be. This I really need to work on.

My jibes took a step backwards, too. I had to stop and rethink the process and eventually started getting them to come around better. I wasn't pushing the sail to the other side during the flip and I keep straightening up as I flip the sail. This kills the board speed as the tail sinks. I make the jibe, but it's not a pretty as it should be. I know I can do it.

With the different wind direction, there were also some decent ramps -- nice rolling, clean two-footers. I know I should have been able to get some air off of them, but I just can't do it. It's frustrating. Sometimes, if I'm in heavy chop and don't have my knees bent, I get two feet of air without trying.

All-in-all, one of the best days so far. I sailed for about 5 hours total and had a good time. I wasn't totally dialed in, but it was a good learning day.


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