So pumped!

I had an amazing new sensation today. Pumping the foil board with my legs like I've seen in so many videos. When using the handheld wing, the board becomes so much more responsive than when using a windsurf sail attached with a universal. I've definitely pumped the board a bit to get going with the windsurf sail, but it only responds a little due to the sail being attached to the board. So on my last wing run, when I was foiling down into the wind shadow of the island, I started pumping with my legs to go faster and it totally worked! Such a cool feeling.

But there were some other highlights to the day. It started out with Phillip and Maxx heading out for an afternoon session. I put Maxx on the 4.7 for the first time as he's been rocking the 3.5 last year and yesterday. Phillip took the 6.5 and the 99cm wing on the Stingray 140. The wind kept building and they worked their way upwind.

I headed out with the 6.0 wing and the 76cm foil under the Techno. It wasn't windy enough to get going, and I made it upwind a bit, but struggled and headed back in. Just as I was getting the drone set up Phillip came foiling in. I'm so PUMPED for him!

Pumped for Phillip coming in on the foil

Phillip back at the Launch Pad

Phillip looking good after his 3rd day of foiling

Phillip got the nice windy SW part of the early afternoon

I also had the drone going for a few shots of Maxx out enjoying the SW wind.

Maxx out in the Bay

Nice form Maxx

Neighbours got a nice shot of Maxx too!

Thanks Nadia for the photo!

Maxx pumped for his 1st day on a bigger sail

Water was 11c the air was cooler around 8c. Even after falling in the water a few times I was finding it comfy in my 5/4 with the 3 mil booties.

My slog upwind with the wing. Lots of falling in.

Not quite enough wind at 8-10 knots to get going with the 76cm foil

After lunch I headed out again, this time on the 99cm foil under the Stingray 140. With the wind shifting more west, there any tacking required. As soon as I got to the wind line I was foiling and made it upwind of the pier.

My wing foil GPS trail in the 12-15 knot winds

Extra speed with the PUMPING at the end!

The handheld wing with enough wind provides amazing upwind and downwind ability. My few runs were definitely not "mowing the lawn" back and forth. I had a few moments of downwind with the wing just floating in my hand. And my two jibe attempts were nice and smooth. My winging is partially inspired by Canadian windsurf / foil / wing legend Max Robinson who is just finishing the World Wingfoil Championships in France.

My highest speed of the day was on the way back in when the wind was dying. That is where I PUMPED the board with my legs and built up extra speed. So much fun!

I'm pretty worried that this new found winging joy will be sidelined by the clicking and soreness of my left shoulder. Using the harness this time for the first time using the wing on the water certainly helps though. Finishing the night with some wings while playing poker was a great end to the day.