Trying to work on Book Chapter but being tempted...again!

Just submitted two papers for publication and have a review chapter due to USDA on Nov 1 (but that isn't until tomorrow in the States!) The SW flow is building up again--it knows I need to work and rest my shoulder...but 17 kt at Eastern Beach (see chart on web cam) builds across the channel to 20+ kts at Surfdale (extrapolating and triangulating to the best of my sail-charting-software)

Halloween Sailing

Glassy water most of the morning with clear sunny skies. SW winds built up by 3 or 4 pm, and by 6pm I ignored by aching right shoulder and loaded kids and gear into the Subaru and rounded the bend to Surfdale. An older sailor (balding and grey) was coming off the water--he had made a couple runs indicating enough wind for the 6.4 (again, being the biggest sail it would have to suffice). A kite surfer struggled for a while, then finally made one run to the east, dropped down, then skipped on back. But that was it--clearly not his day. Onshore poses a bit more risk for the kite as well.

While I rigged, the kids played basketball, then once I was on the water they retreated to the car for some ipod time. I surfed an hour or so, planing most of the time and working on short board tacks and carving hard into jibes. I stayed within 20 m of the beach (high tide) on the relatively flat water (meaning timing the waves to make a run on one side or the other of a wave). The harness lines were fine today. I also raised the boom height to keep the sail more vertical while leaning into it. The Fanatic Shark is much better suited for this level of wind, and I had to stay out of the footstraps on a few runs to stay fully powered up--a bit exhilarating to just grip the edge of the board with the booties while cruising along. Also a number of runs requiring the footstraps. Overall a good day. Home in time for a quick pasta dinner, then preparation for trick or treating, which was a bit of a bust for the boys--just not celebrated here on the house to house basis like we do in the States. At least the Halloween Disco was a good time last night (I probably could have been out on the 6.4 yesterday evening too--but one must rest every now and then)

Link to our daily blog (windsurfing post)

http://kiwibritts.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-10-01T22%3A47%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

Strongest winds yet

After some very early morning downpours, the sun came out and the wind just built up again from the SW. High tide at 4:46pm, so I took the board and the boys to Surfdale just after 4pm. I could barely cary the board onto the beach as it kept wanting to flip over and get airborne. I rigged the 5.4 in the protection of the Surfdale playground, then slid out into the open and attached board and sail. I was absolutely overpowered the entire time. I made some broad reaches that were probably speed records for me, around 25 to 30 mph--the skeg was the only thing touching the water at times. Speaking of skeg: some major (MAJOR) problems with spin-out and then "tripping" of the leeward rail when trying to correct by squatting down and pulling with the footstraps to get the board offwind again. I had a couple 10 second "sideways" runs, still at very high speeds. The surf was the highest yet. True breakers, crashing from 10 to 50 m out. Several sinus cleansing crashes. Two successful jibes--many wild attempts with the board carving crazy eights. Three other sails showed up: Mark, Ole (?), and the "Dad with daughters". I don't think Mark got far. Something wrong with the rig? He sat a while in the shallows, battered by waves. Someone was catching great air on a very small board (and probably a 4.8 or 5.0 sail). I was the only aircraft carrier with the Fanatic Shark weighing in at 9 feet 6 and 125 L. Several times while preparing for water starts the windward edge of the board caught air and just flipped the entire rig over. I need a smaller board--I could manage the 5.4, but the board....

Nik and Isaac played great on the playground and beach--but they were both upset that I came in so late and didn't check in (I only made visual checks from the water). I told Nik it was actually hard to get to the beach, and he called me on the "onshore wind" card--but I had to explain that the big board points upwind--and I spent more than one 15 min session in the water waiting out strong gusts and breakers (and re-jibing the sail multiple times in preparation for the water-start). I left the board on the lawn where the other three sailors were, and we hurried home to make dinner. While the kids were brushing their teeth and reading stories, I went to get the rig. I told Nik I'd be right back, and the quick witted kid said I'd probably go out for a night time ride (joking on the square at that age?!) No moon anyways. De-rigged and back in 15 min (so nice to live close to the beach). Snuggled kids to bed and feeling done in myself. Another gash above the knee (the other knee), and I saw when it happened--it was the rail of the board during a waterstart. Wind still howling as the kids sleep and the dishwasher hums.

SW all day--evening sail on the 5.4

After some torrential downpours last night and lingering rain this morning the sun made an afternoon appearance and the wind settled in strong from the SW (again!). The windstations from the mainland reflect the strong SW flow. The 15 kt average at 8:20pm near Half-Moon Bay is most relevant to Waiheke as it accelerates across the water toward our island, arriving 5 to 10 knots stronger. This a great direction for sailing onshore at Surfdale-Blackpool. So after grocery shopping and making an early dinner for the boys, I loaded the gear and kids in the Subaru at 6pm. I was surprised not to see any of the others (all three that I've met) out on the water. While I was rigging I saw "Mark" from Windsurfing-Waiheke drive by a few times in his van and stop to assess the conditions for a few minutes. I about didn't rig as it felt too strong for my smallest sail (never mind the 125L board). But I was there and the kids were content making up soccer games on the beach, so I rigged and waded out (mid-tide). Luckily the wind was a bit lighter on the water than on the Esplanade. The 5.4 was great for waterstarts and only a bit overpowered (I rigged it as flat as possible). The board was, of course, still too big, and the wind direction and waves were ideal for catching air (intentional or otherwise). The board is a bit big for this (9 ft 6in). The harness lines are still causing problems (not returning to a downward position meaning I have to manually twist the lines down at the boom every jibe). I also had a difficult time getting the lines to drop out of the harness before jibing, leading to some prolonged entry turns into the jibe. My right rotator cuff muscles have been sore for a few days (started with a stiff neck one morning), but I figured this would "loosen them up". Luckily no further injury (other than a gash above the knee that I only noticed once on shore). The gash probably resulted from a rather spectacular pre-jibe crash where I esentially did a "wheelie" and the nose was about vertical to the water as my back foot sunk and pushed forward the skidding board--it resulted in a full on sinus flush as water rushed up my nose! Aqua-therapy. The kids had a great time on the beach and the playground at Surfdale. Only 1 or 2 people around (dog walkers). A couple cars stopped to watch. What a contrast to Sunday when the beaches and bays were crowded with Labour Day visitors. Back to "our island" again. I came in as the wind was still going strong (had to get the kids to bed you know). As I type now at 9pm the windows are rattling at #10 Huia from the gusts. It will still be strong tomorrow. Perhaps another evening outing...

Jenn's first day out

The southwesterlies built up again after scattered wind and rain yesterday (Thursday). I dropped Jenn and Nanna Mary off for the 10am ferry to Auckland so they could hit Kathmandu to stock up for a Milford Track expedition next week. The ferry ride also provided them with a first class view of the NZ Coastal Classic (Auckland to Russell). Alfa Romeo (a "super maxi" class boat) broke the 13 yr record. So that should give some indication of wind!

Steady at 20-25 knots all day. After dropping off the girls for the ferry I set sail from Surfdale on the 5.4 from 11 to 2:30 (a little break in the middle). Perfect sailing conditions (high tide to boot). Then met the kids at 2:45 at the house. I left the gear rigged as the whitecaps filled in all the way to the mainland, so an early evening sail would be possible after some recovery time. I picked the girls up at 3:45 and after some showing off of hiking gear purchases, Jenn and I drove to Surfdale (all of 5 minutes) leaving Nanna with the boys.

The wind had dropped off a bit so we deemed it time for Jenn to get back on the board. Tide was a ways out, so we walked a few hundred meters into the water to practice waist deep water-starts. The onshore conditions result in a steady stream of waves (1 to 2 footers, some breaking) that make balancing a bit tricky if you haven't been on a board in a while. But after reviewing sail and board positioning, Jenn was standing on the board (assisted by a boost to her behind). She made a good 20 second reach parallel to the beach, while I ran / plowed through the waist deep water to catch up. A few more butt-boosted water-starts and a couple more good runs. Good to see the "new" used equipment works for us both--a few minor damage reports: 1) a small crack on the plastic near the clew of the boom; 2) a dent into the mylar monofilm of the 5.4 sail from the board's nose (not sure which of us did that, but it doesn't look so nice--another reason to buy used--I'm sure we'll blow a panel out before we're done here)

The kids got a kick out of hearing about the butt-boosting. I suggested I put Nikolas "4 stones" on the board next since I can lift him with one hand. I think I'll bring back an old 4.5 Gaastra (1989 vintage) that will work better for the kids when I head back to Logan next month. However, I met "Mark" of "Windsurfing Waiheke" today (he arrived as I was leaving at 2:30) and he said the wind will die off by Christmas :( We'll have to do more kayaking and big boat sailing I suppose...

Surfdale: 2 for 3

The Southwesterlies built all day on Sunday--but we were on a ferry heading into Aukland to watch Rugby. The ferry was pounding straight into the waves and wind sent spray over all the cars on deck. The rugby match was great, and the Sky City hometeam won (37 to 14 or something). We returned to Half Moon Bay and just made the 5pm ferry. Several windsurfers were racing across the shallow bay--the wind hadn't let up all day. Made it to Kennedy Point at 6pm and still saw whitecaps--was there time? Ten minutes later I loaded the gear on the car and told Nikolas that I was going out to make sure the wind stopped blowing. Rigged the 6.0 as it was still blowing strong at Surfdale, but then a rain storm passed through, and too true to my mockery, the wind all but died upon entering the water. Two slow reaches across the bay and I admitted defeat. Cursing the rugby team for playing a game during the windiest part of the day. But then there was Tuesday...

Lectured in the morning online, dropped Jenn off at Te Huruhi to volunteer, went grocery shopping, picked up a hitchhiker, drove into Oneroa to go to the bank and local anlger's shop--I figured I would go fishing to gain some redemption from the sea that spited me on Sunday. I learned all about "soft bait" fishing and why it was "guaranteed to catch me fish". Had a great chat with the owner, who told me to go look it up on the Internet to find out more details (we purchased some standard fishing poles from the box store on Sunday, so I was planning to pick up some Pilchard for bait, but left only with the free ruler telling you what size fish you can keep).

Walking out of the shop I realized it was really blowing, and had completely filled in Blackpool and Surfdale bays with frothy green sea. No time to lose, I dropped off the groceries, loaded the gear, and was on the 5.4 sail by 4pm, and didn't get off the water until about 7pm. The 125 L board was again too big, but the sail was just about perfect (a little overpowered in the middle of the bay and near the Surfdale eastern edge). I discovered that even in 25+ knot wind there is a twisted dead-zone near the western edge of Blackpool where the land causes 90 degree wind shifts, bursts, and dead air. I was already quite tired when I fell into this trap, and it took about 20 minutes to get back to clean wind. The board, despite its faults in high wind, points upwind like anything and I was able to make it to the mouth of the bay by Kennedy point, where the swell was quite large (2-3 feet). I briefly thought of going around the point, but without a cell phone I knew I'd be walking back to Surfdale if I got stuck in the marina at Kennedy Point. So I sailed into the flatter water near the Surfdale shore and met "Olaf" (?) who I think was the other sail I spotted several weeks ago. One other windsurfer was also out (Mark ?). They were both on small wave boards (85 L) and able to jump the chop and manage the board. Olaf had a "Gorge Board" (3 fins), reminiscent of the Gorge Animal (5 fin) boards we had at Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. Olaf and I talked a bit in the shallows and he told me he has an AHD board he can sell me. If he had had it on the beach I would have bought it on the spot! I also could have used a 5.0 sail, and I may bring mine back from UT in Dec. My legs were cramping by the end of the day, and I had my first full fledged catapult (a safe landing on my backside and luckily not on the sail. Overall the best day yet--Southwesterlies are perfect for Surfdale.

And the Southwesterlies continued into Wed., building up again most of the day. I dropped Jenn and kids off at the Sportscenter for T-ball at 3:30 and was in the water by 4. It was much less wind than the previous day. Likely a 6.4 day (O.K. it had to be a 6.4 since that is the biggest sail I currently have). It was indeed a bit uncertain at first as I was just below planing speed even with pumping. But the wind settled in and I was racing along on the shallow water near the shore at Surfdale. There is a definite acceleration of the wind near the point where the Esplanade juts out into the bay a bit as well as at the eastern end. I ventured over to Blackpool twice, but the wind is definitely more trustworthy on the Surfdale side. I met a fourth sailor, who stopped by in the family van with his 2 and 5 yr old daughters to investigate the wind conditions. He thought he would see if his wife could get off work early today to take care of the girls so he could get out. But, by the time I saw the van again, I was exiting the water and the wind was dropping. He didn't bother rigging up. This is the nature of the beast--I felt his pain.

Day 8-front through-winds strong and cold from S.

Kids at camp. Jenn off for a girls road trip. The wind was building from the south all night. Despite the cold and rain, I was determined to redeem myself at Blackpool. The 5.4 was dialed in. The board still too big, but manageable with the smaller sail. On the first reach, rounding the point into Surfdale, I saw another sail! I was in dismay--I would have to share the water with another windsurfer. But as the wind kept building, the intruder returned to the shores of Surfdale--and wisely so--I was blasted by a few gusts that left me dead into the wind, forcing unfavorable waterstarts in swells with too big a board and (now) too big a sail. Made if back to Blackpool for a couple short runs, then back to shore. The wind had become too strong to even attempt to put the board on the roof. All the gear went in the back of smoke-smelling-Subaru with the hatch open. 3 min later, all gear on the grass at home for rinsing. Given the recent deluges of rain, I felt a 15 min shower was acceptable (it was very cold today due to the cold front from the south) and the cistern is full.

Day 7-major front moving through...

Made the wise choice to body surf at Little Oneroa. The strong winds created some large, but very forgiving breakers. The rain / wind all day was gusty and never gave a good opportunity for sailing.

Day 6-Super Southerlies

Meant to rig the 5.4. But brought the mast for the 6.0. And after the last two underpowered experiences, I was determined to be fully powered--so instead of driving 3 min back to the house for the smaller mast Jenn and I rigged the 6.0. I knew on the grass at Blackpool that this was too much sail area. It took both of us to port the gear 100m across the shallow bay to the water edge at low tide. It was enough sail. Made about 6 reaches across from Blackpool to Surfdale (always opting to "manually" turn the rig around in waist deep water) on each end. No catapulting--a few extra kg over the years does help in the gusts. Some spin out, and the larger board was a beast to try to turn downwind. Unable to waterstart with feet in the straps. But I did manage to carve a few turns on the larger than normal surf before washing ashore, completely spent.

Day 5-Westerlies

Fairly strong westerlies warranted an attempt at Owhanake bay where onshore conditions in a shallow bay meant no break. The wind was strong, so I opted for the 6.0, and had some overpower and underpower moments. I also had plenty of jibe and tack practice as this bay is only a few hundred meters across (with dead wind at the edges). After about 20+ runs I came ashore and derigged by the headlights in a light rain. Another good workout. Written off as quality practice with a few moments of solid fun. The scenery was, of course, amazing and isolated. I provided some evening entertainment for a couple of the $1M houses on the bluffs.

Day 4-Big Oneroa put in

Still onshore breezes at Oneroa...but not like the last time. Made the wise choice to rig and put in at the far west end of Oneroa beach. But even with the 6.4 sail it was gusty, no planing, and the swells were big from all the prior wind. One "safety jibe" near little Oneroa and a return to the far end just as it was getting dark. The decision to wait out the rain was not rewarded. This was written off as an incredible workout and balancing act--the yoga has paid off.

Day 3-Overpowered onshore Oneroa

Rigged the third sail of the quiver a couple days after returning to Waiheke. The 5.4 m^2. No tensioning of the battons required. Another very new looking sail. Jenn dropped me off at Little Oneroa Beach at 9am then took the boys to sports camp. A few locals pulled into the otherwise empty beach to watch the event. Large onshore gusts with large waves made for an interesting attempt. After several valiant trys I had to concede. The last wave broke before I could clear it and it took board and sail toward shore--luckily no damage. The locals drove off. Jenn returned. No glory today. If only I had put in at the far end of "big" Oneroa beach it would have been a quasi-side shore launch instead of the futile attempt to beat the breakers before running into the rocks dividing big and little Oneroa beaches. But now I knew.

Day 2--Kohimaramara

Lighter wind today. A sunny Sunday. Two days after the inaugural sailing at Bayswater. Rigged the "big" 6.4 sail at Kohi, just down from Mission Bay where Bryon and Amy live. But alas, not enough volume. Some kite surfers did a little better. Smooth water sailing toward Rangitoto and a chance to practice short board tacks. Packed up the gear and family and took the ferry back to Waiheke. Another return trip to the island with water gear on the roof (a large 2 person kayak previously made the voyage)

The first seven outings

Playing catch-up here. But I'll be more diligent in the future.

Day 1. Purchased gear in Albany...(somewhere between Auckland and NY...closer to the former). Took gear to Bayswater (on the mainland) where there are two windsurfing and kitesurfing shops located in a building reminiscent of that house hanging off the cliff in Leminy Snicket. I complemented the gear purchase with a new harness (these have seriously evolved to provide great support, control, and comfort), booties, and a helmet. I also bought a used shortie wet suit.

Stan of Bayswater windsurfing recommended rigging the biggest sail. Not having windsurfed for serveral years, I opted for the middle sail (6.0 m^2). It looked like new--all crispy Mylar and battons that are tensioned with a hex key instead of those outdated buckles and velcro. Stan (a 5 foot 5 man of Asian background) shook his head and re-rigged the sail for me. "More tension!" he demanded. When he was done, it looked ready for the show-room: no wrinkles anywhere; no loose lines; a well-tuned foil.

So. Down the boat ramp at Bayswater into the water. This was about 20 feet below the grass above where I rigged (and the winds were considerably stronger and steady). Thus, the windsuring rebirth began with the typical pumping of the sail in an attempt to beach start off of a mossy boat ramp. Stan kept pointing toward the "outside" where the wind was better. Yes. This was my goal. But it was an onshore wind, new gear, unfamiliar waters, and a slightly heavier sailor than back when I was ripping across the Carribean off of Puerto Rico. After 30 minutes, I was forced to uphaul the sail (the shame), and tack a few times to get into the better winds. The first tacks are what I consider "safety" or "survival" tacks. The clew of the sail gets a bit wet--maybe even immersed--but I stay on the board. The Fanatic Shark is bigger and more buoyant than my old gear, which matches my bigger and more buoyant build. Stan is right. Offshore 100m the wind is better (still a lot of holes), but topping 20 knots. The board planes well and I my feet instinctively find the footstraps. Bayswater is a good location despite some sandbars that catch the skeg due to the outgoing tide. Stan says the onshore breeze is not the norm, and sideshores are much better. Doesn't matter as it is good enough to plane and explore the harbor. A couple successful jibes. A couple not. No catapulting. Minimal cavitation and spin-out (only once leading to a minor crash). Like most of us, I overdid it and stayed out 4 hrs on the first day back. I completely traversed the bay, entering the mouth of Westhaven marina on the Auckland side of the bay. Had some challenges pointing into the wind to clear the pier at Bayswater marina on the way back. It took about 3 attempts--one included "tripping" the board over a moored boat's anchor line (I wasn't about to go downwind of that obstacle). In the end I made it back to the boat ramp--which was now at low tide. Stan and another local were heading out (on 6.4 m^2 and 7.0 m^2 sails, respectively). I was encouraged to see both of them dealing with the gusts. A character onshore decided to derig and not go out, but asked me if I saw any mermaids? I replied I had seen a pod of dolphins on the ferry ride in that morning--but this oldtimer wanted to know about mermaids. "Sorry--none sighted." Stan and the local came ashore and we rinsed off the gear and Stan brought out three cans of Coke. It was good to sit down, exhaused, and share a beverage with the locals. For a first outing in serveral years it was a success.

Links to Bayswater webcam and windreports (as well as a few other localities)
http://www.windsurf.co.nz/windsurf_weather_alk.asp

The "new" used gear

Trademe.co.nz is the equivalent to Ebay and offers a reasonable selection of goods. For NZ$1000 I was able to purchase a Fanatic Shark (9' 6", 125L), 3 sails (6.4, 6.0, 5.4), two carbon-composite masts, boom with harness lines, mast extension, universal joint, uphaul, and mast pad. (and a screwdriver thrown in to remove the fin). I like living in the past, so if I let my mind drift back to early March, 2009, this is only US$500. Right now the exchange is a bit off. The whole U.S. is a bit off. So no better time to windsurf (in between online teaching, grading, grant writing, paper reviewing, and cutting edge research at U. Auckland)

For the archives (from the seller on Trademe) I include below the detailed "kit" description. I may need this for resale. Needless to say, all the equipment is much better than any of my gear sitting in the attic back in Mendon, UT.

All quality gear in great condition. 3 Sails and 2 masts so can be sailed in a wide range of wind conditions. All the kit I have only used in fresh water. Board only used < 5 times.

Fanatic Shark 291 Slalom board 'Class X'
- Length 291cm
- Width 59cm
- Volume 125 L
- Fanatic Slalom Fin

Neil Pryde Matrix X3 430 Mast
Art Continuous Curve 460 Mast

Neil Pryde X3 180-230 Boom (used twice)

Neil Pryde Diablo 6.4m Sail
Art Twister 6.0m Sail
Neil Pryde RAF Jet 5.4m Sail

Neil Pryde UXT-28 Aluminium Base

Other Kit:
Harness Lines
Mast base protector
UpHaul
All Sails and Masts in bags

Windsurfing-again

Like riding a bike. Most of it has come back. Bought new "used" gear that is much better than any of my gear left in the states (last purchase dating to 1993 or so). Now "2003" is considered old. So a year in NZ requires revisiting the wind sports. Big boat sailing is fine and can offer adrenaline. But if you have experienced planing on a windsurfer you know there is no closer association between wind and sailor. A closer association to danger and extreme frustration are inherent as well.

This blog is a diary of windsurfing NZ. I'm based on Waiheke island, so in theory I should be able to find a perfect beach to match wind direction as suggested by the aerial view (looking from west to east). Indeed, our house on Huia street is a 5 min walk to two beaches (Blackpool and Oneroa), which are south and north facing, respectively. West facing options include Matiatia Harbor (where the passenger ferry docks) and Owhanake Bay, the next bay to the north. They are the two prominent bays seen in the aerial. Blackpool and Oneroa are located on the narrow neck connecting the large "bottom end" of the island to Matiatia and Owhanake. Cable Bay is just south of Matiatia, but not easily accessed. Some $M lots and homes on these hills that have views of Auckland (at least the Skytower).

The wind in the Spring is strong as indicated by today's weather icon--the wind speed is averaged over several stations on the mainland (just 17 km to the south of Waiheke). I was a bit discouraged to hear from "Stan" at Bayswater Windsurfing that big sails are needed for the Summer (7 to 9 m^2)