Sailed at Auckland, Bucklands Beach
Rated a 8 of 10

Wind from the W (knots)

lulls: 9

average: 25

gusts: 25

Board: Starboard Carve 99 2004 Wood
Sail: NP Zone 5.2 2007
Fin: Drake Freeride 280
Suit: XCel 4/3 infinity x-zip.

The internet wind meters gave some good wind, but at the beach I just had 9-13 knots. Was wondering if I should give it a go or not. But there was one more windsurfer out there, NZL 171, and he advised me to rig small. And throw away the wind meter, heh. He was right as usual.

Getting out there was a real, real struggle. Wind was West, so hard to get away from the beach, but finally reached the point where he had gone to, between the entrance of the haven and the sandbar. And the wind was strong there. At times at least. It was either no wind or gusty, but made some good runs.

Had a really nice jibe next to the sandbar, because the water was quite flat there. Jibing in wavy conditions is still an art I don't master. Had a good jump as well. Tend to land nose first, need to see if I can do that differently. But need good conditions. So far haven't had really good conditions the last couple of months. I suppose that's why on Maui people improve so quickly, because of consistent wind. Here in Auckland it's a bit hit or miss.

Got enormous cramp after I dove into the water at one run. Had some cramp before, perhaps I'm using some muscles I seldom use when water starting? I have to do a lot of water starting, because of my poor jibing skills. Water was cold, but bearable, I wasn't cold at all.