Hatteras day 4&5 - 0 to 35 knots

Thursday was completely wind free, filled with work emails, getting fuses to repair the lights for the trailer and making dinner including banana boats for dessert. The energy in the house was definitely good - everyone getting ready for a big day.

23c and sunny - during the snow in Toronto

The glassy water on Thursday was about to become quite active on Friday!

Well the north wind that had been throwing snow in Toronto the day before was certainly strong on Friday - as predicted. 35 knots or so!

We all woke up and waited to see who would go out first. Several windsurfers from the houses next door went out, but only did a few runs. Clearly it was those on the smaller sails that were doing ok.

I put on my santa neoprene cap and 3/2 wetsuit because suddenly it was only 10c. I took the 4.7 for a few runs, and then came in to rig the 4.2. That was a bit better. I was glad to have rented a smaller board, an 84l Exocet from Ocean Air Sports. I managed to do a good number of runs and started getting high speed normal and duck jibes right in front of the house.

Glad to have rented a small board for the big wind

I did a shorter and a bit exhausting morning session, then turned my sail and board over to Chuck. He proceeded to do some forward loops and even a vulcan attempt. Later I would hear the neighbours complimenting "the guy in the santa hat" but I think that credit goes to Chuck!

The morning session - getting used to the 35 knot winds

Chuck looking good on my gear

Chuck on the way to throwing some forwards!

After lunch I started feeling more comfortable on the board. By the end of the session the wind had backed down a bit more, and I was having great fun surfing the swells. Chuck was on his kiteboard again and I were shredding together. I hit 47.6 km/h and was planing 71% of the time.

Heading out for my afternoon session - with the Santa hat

Getting to the wind line

And I'm off! With kite buddies to share the wind with.

Shorter morning session and longer faster afternoon session!

Some great swell riding in the middle of the runs

Speed chart from the 2nd session

Windspeed chart for the day! Pretty consistent and strong.

After a great rib dinner we dropped into the party next door where Rich was staying. I got to meet freestyle legend Mike Burns! Many of the gang knew the Toronto Windsurfing Club regulars who often rent the house next door during the OBX windsurfing race. Some of the gang knew Vanessa from Bonaire. We left in envy of their house - complete with a home theatre. Maybe next year.

A good party two doors down

Back at the house we watched a few windsurfing videos and reviewed photos of the day. Everyone had a good tired on and we headed to bed hoping for maybe one more day on the water.