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)