Windsurfing - Cockerham Sands

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Session Description

Toys Used

Owner: Jonny
Member

Member#: 394
Location: North West
Registered: 06-10-2003
Diary Entries: 350

Mood: waitin for the next blow!

1st January 2005
Windsurfing: Cockerham Sands
Wind Direction: S - W
Wind Stength: 20 - 40 knots
Surf / Sea State: Rough chop
Air Temperature: 10C
Sea Temperature: 10C
Weather: Squally Showers
Max Speed:
Distance Covered:

What a crazy session!!

Was contemplatin whether or not to go out as I had a new years stinking hangover but thought a dunking would do me some good so ventured out.
There were at least 10 people out when I got there rigging up whilst Jeff and Phil suggested going around the corner to the caravan park as it would be cross on there.
Wind was only blowin 20 knots initally so I decided to rig the 4.7 as I kew it was forecast to pick up which it did very quikly and by the time I got onto water, I was completely overpowered constantly spinning out. After a few runs I gave up and changed down as did Phil and Jeff to 3.5's. Conditions were very gusty and horrible.

I was half way through riggin the 4.3 whilst the wind was picking up all the time.

Then suddenly a freak gust came through that was truly Umbelivable! Ive never seen anything like it in my life. It was a very impressive 'Force of Nature'. Luckily I was on the shoreline as was Phil whilst Jeff was out at sea. The gust lasted for 5 mins and was at least 70 -80mph. The gust was that strong I wasnt able to stand up so I crouched down next to Phil who was clinging onto his kit whilst I was clingin onto my sail that was flapping violently and then the bottom panel ripped open righting of my smallest sail.
It was raining at the same time which meant you couldnt look into the wind as it was horizontal rain pelting your face as well as the spray from the sea. The sea was just a wall of white spray. The trees nearby were swinging violently and Some rafters on a nearby building blew of as did other bits of debris around the place. I was fearing Jeffs rig would come flying of the water crashing into us but luckily for him he was safe and sound in the the shallows. After the gust died down, we all called it a day and were just glad we werent a 1/4 mile out at sea as we probably wouldnt of seen our kit again. Also glad I cant kitesurf and wasnt out there doing that as theres no way anyone would of been able to survive being dragged through the countryside at 70mph!
Ive not been out for over a month and ive noticed a big change in the water temperature drop. My main problem was the wind chill on my hands. Jeff lent me his gimp hood which was great. Definately gonna have to get one as its an essential bit of kit for this time of year. This is probably gonna be my last windsurfing session before im off to the Southern hemisphere for some warmer temperatures ;) so it was good just to get one last session in.

Toys Used: