Cold front approaching!

Windy.com nailed the forecast for Sunday! It predicted strong south winds overnight and into the early afternoon and then shutting down as the cold front approached. Indeed the wind had hit 39 knots overnight, the highest I've seen this year on my wind meter.

So I got up early and headed out to the Launch Pad. After a quick eggs Benedict, I suited up. Might be the first time this year I hit the water before 11am - not quite a dawn patrol, but still early.

My first session was on the Axxis 272. It was so windy after I carried the board to the point that I decided to use my smallest sail - the 4.2. Hard to believe I bought that sail 10 years ago in France for the strong Mistral winds. I've only used the 4.2 two times this year, once with the Tiga, once with the foil.

I had a great time and felt fast and pretty in control. Jibes were pretty good too. There was one dicey moment though. In front of Dokis Island I decided to jibe just as the wind died. I was trying to waterstart a sinking board with a tiny sail as the wind slowly pushed me toward the waves breaking on the rocks. The wind direction and rocks reminded me a bit too much of the fear I have falling in while heading out at Ho'okipa.

Axxis 272 speed chart

At 11c air and 11c water, that was likely the last day this year where both the water and air were in double digits. 25 km in an hour.

Record 39 knot high wind for the year

Geeky hat but warm returning for lunch!

After lunch, I headed out for a second session.

Skate 108 session after lunch

Skate 108 speed chart

Conditions as I headed out for my 2nd session

I was on the 4.2 again but this time I went on the Skate 108 figuring that the wind would eventually die when the cold front came through around 3pm. I wanted something floaty enough so I could make it home.

I was pleased with how easy the Skate 108 was to use with the 4.2. I really enjoyed my session and got some nice jibes on that board too. I even tried one Vulcan at the end.18 km in 52 minutes.

The rain and cold front at 3pm

So that was session #69. Back to the city for the week for retirement functions. Sadly my Cold Hatteras weekend is Covid postponed. I'll be back for what I hope are a few more sessions though before closing up.