Windsurfing- you've just gotta love it!

The excitement level is very high right now here on Hatteras! We had lots of "firsts" the other day, including George's well documented first loops, and Anne's not so well documented first windsurfing foray into the ocean! My sincerest congratulations go out to both of them for pushing their limits, and living to tell about it!! Nice job guys!

You can't fake those smiles!
As fun as it is to push yourself, I find it just as enjoyable to push others. Then, to witness their accomplishments and see their joy is simply "icing on the cake (sorry, it's too early to think of anything original)!" George and Anne's enthusiasm have been addictive, and it passes on to everyone around them.

Of course, now that they've gotten a taste of "the next step" in their windsurfing careers, they've both become insatiable, drooling at the slightest hint of wind and waves. It's amazing how addictive this sport is, and that the feeling never goes away, especially if you're constantly trying to improve! I mean, George has been sailing for 20(+) years, and he's never been more excited to hit the water! You've got to admit, that's pretty incredible.

Another picture from the other dayBut hey, as Mac once said (I think), "Yes, it's addictive, but it's a lot cheaper and a whole heck of a lot healthier than a drug habit!"

There's more wind in the forecast, just in time for the LoopOff!! Awwww yeah!

Right back into it!

Got back on the water again last night, this time powered up 5.7 conditions! After staring at my new stick ('08 RRD FSW 85) for a month, I finally got to try it out (along with a new boom, lines, harness, fin, etc etc etc- all of my stuff showed up 2 days after I broke my hand...)! I'm really psyched with the new volume flow on the board, it seems a bit more freestyle biased than my previous one, but I'm sure it'll still carve up a wave face just fine. Can't wait for some waves to try it out!

My original plan was to ease myself back into it. That plan lasted about 1/2 a tack, or 45 seconds, before I just had to throw a vulcan... Ended up sailing for about 3 hours straight, right through the sunset, nailed a bunch of 540s, one handed spocks, and got off one decent loop (and a few terrible ones). There were a bunch of other sailors out, including some Loopfest participants. I witnessed some serious wrecks, but everyone came up smiling, looking for more! More power to the guys who tried, because the conditions were just about as marginal as it gets for looping.

It's too much fun not to do it! (Photo stolen from live2sail.blogspot.com, I think Stuart took it?)
Check out George's blog, live2sail, for a bunch of pictures and videos of the afternoon's action!

Serenity at Sunset

Ahhhhh last night I finally got back in the water and went windsurfing. I'd been dry for a very long 30 days. And I'll tell you what- it's never felt better to get wet again!

Cruising on the Serenity (pic: Anne)
The experience was not epic, but it was most certainly perfect. The meters were reading 8-13 out of the SW, the water and air were warm, and the sunset was amazing. Anne and I sailed the Starboard Serenity demos we have at the shop, with a 5.2 and 5.7 respectively. Left the harnesses on the beach, and went for a cruise. Those boards are amazing! We sailed upwind to Kite Point in 2 tacks, and then cruised back down to the Hole. The glide and speed one experiences is nothing short of extraordinary in such light winds on the Serenity. Great experience, and perfect for easing my body back into windsports after a month long hiatus!

But don't take my word for it: Here's a direct quote, taken from a note left on the shop door on 6/8/08:

Andy- Thanks. Had a good time on Formula gear until Kristen showed up with a Serenity and kicked my ass. -Ted

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Sailing, Dad!
Just want to say a quick "Happy Father's Day" to my dad! Thanks for keeping me off the couch and outside playing in the woods and water as a kid! I think that my affinity for water almost certainly stems from those weekends on Lake George... Hope you're up there sailing right now!

Chillin' on the Beach in Jamaica!