Wow, what an amazing day. Shortboarding, kiting, windfoiling, and wingfoiling all happened at the Launch Pad.
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| A highlight for me - kiters enjoying the Launch Pad! |
The SW wind came as predicted building to a solid 15 knots by noon. We got out to the Launch Pad and I quickly got Jamie ready with the Tahe 148 board and his 5.8m sail. He headed out and was getting a few planing runs by pumping quite nicely.
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| Jamie getting going |
I set Bryan up with the old Techno 148 (yes, same board as the new Tahe 148) but this one with the 76cm foil under it. It was nice to see Bryan being the first person to ever rig in the nice grassy flat of the septic field.
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| Yes, a grassy rigging area at the Launch Pad |
The 16c water and 16c air had everyone comfortable and ready for a long session. The process to launch the kites was interesting to be a part of; the first time I’ve ever had kites being rigged at the Launch Pad. Chuck decided to get his kite ready and then leave it moored to the rock using my handy rock ring. I think I’ll have some more of those available next time!
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| Ready to launch the first kite at the Launch Pad |
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| Chuck’s kite |
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| It’s up! |
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| Kite just chilling |
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| The Kite parking system |
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| Getting Steve’s kite ready |
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| Chuck heading off - first kiter ever in the harbour! |
After Chuck’s kite was ready, it was Steve’s turn to get rigged. After a brief complication with Steve’s kite bar it was time to get Chuck out to the water. He took off a bit far inland and BARELY missed the granite downwind of the point. He cleared it though and got going across the harbour. After 3 runs it was clear there wasn’t quite enough wind to keep the big guy upwind. I rushed down to get the Seadoo and collected Chuck on a shoal in the harbour and took him way upwind to Mann Island so he could drift launch.
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| Steve ripping! |
On the way back to the dock it was clear that Bryan was having a great session learning the foil. I got some shots without dropping my phone in the Bay!
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| Bryan getting comfy on the foil |
Steve was also ripping nicely and making his way upwind, and Jamie took a break from his windsurf session to go up on the Seadoo and help Chuck launch again.
With everyone on the water I pumped up my 6.0 Echo wing and headed out on the 140 Stingray and 99 cm foil. I was able to race upwind, quickly passing Steve and joining Chuck who was now finally having some good runs in the wind out toward Wedge Island. Steve got up there and started scooting between the islands - just like I’d shown in my morning map briefing.
My session was great with some of my first ever switch stance initiated wingfoil jibes. I went 18.5 km in 90 minutes. Bryan was out for 2.5 hours!
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| Bryan’s amazing windfoil session! |
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| My wingfoil track |
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| I started falling more later in my wingfoil session.. |
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| Steve’s session data! |
All our sessions ended and it was clearly lunch time. By then it was 18c and we were sitting comfortably outside eating delicious leftovers - and having first beers!
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| A nice warm lunch! |
It was then time to try a few other things. I went out on the 105 l Starboard with the 6.5m NP V6. I was sinking up to my knees but was able to slog it back to the dock but didn’t get up on the wing. Chuck took the 7.0 NP V6 on the Techno with the 76 cm foil. He and Steve exchanged some “Starboard” challenges on their way out. Then Steve had a great session on the 6.0 Echo wing on the 140 l Stingray.
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| My slog back to the dock on the 105 litre board |
I eventually went out on the 7.0 V6 with the 140 l and 99 cm and also had a good last session.
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| Nice to be back foiling on my Techno |
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| My last session |
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| Foiling with the 7.0 |
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| I got lucky with some loosening screws though! |
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| Steve ripping on the wing |
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| Steve impressing everyone by pumping all the way into the harbour |
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| Steve’s wingfoil track with some great wing jibes |
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| The wind chart for the day. Solid SW for 8 hours! |
After all those adventures it was time to kick back with some Baja fogs for the crew.
The gear got stowed in case the wind would sustain through to Wednesday.
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| The gear stored for tomorrow? |
We celebrated a FANTASTIC day with a steak dinner out on the screened in porch and a call to Australia.
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| Heading back |
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| Heading into the moon |
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| Steak dinner! |
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| Mmm. |
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