Personal logs for windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing and other sports. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php Copyright 2006. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20940/squiz/Wrabness%20 14th, July 2026 - Tuesday 14th July – Windsurf **** The Stour at Wrabness – sunny and hot. Foil – 18.99 knot max, 17.63 knot ave., 11.33 knot hour, 16.06 knot mile, 55.34 km., 12.86 knot alpha. Starboard Freeride 150 and a Tushingham Bolt 5.75. After yesterday’s rest day where my wife and I enjoyed a top walk/picnic by the River Orwell I was keen to get back out on the water again! So with high water on the Stour at 12.30 I decided to drive over to Wrabness across the border in deepest Essex, leaving Felixstowe at 9 I was joined by Mag who enjoys a day in the van and a walk around the nature reserve! Arriving at 9.45 I quickly set up the foil board in the sheltered grassy area where it was hot with no wind before walking it over the sea wall to the river which was already high enough to sail but it did not look overly windy even if over 20 knots from the NE were forecast. My gauge was reading just shy of that and with it hopefully building I took a chance with my 5.75 which proved OK when the wind was up but it was pretty patchy especially at the start of the session! My first run I struggled to get flying as the gusts came through I thought I had weed on the foil so tacked and headed back but got up meaning my foil was clear! I had one run down to Bradfield where a few wingers were getting ready but then beat over into Holbrook Bay in front of the impressive school where the wind was better. I did have some nice runs the best two when I made it well past Wrabness into the next bay and had two absolutely cracking two mile broad reaches in lovely smooth water, nothing overly fast as I probably needed a little more sail but great none the less! I then continued flying all the way to Bradfield by which time I was the only one left on the water as I beat back, with the tide now dropping I decided to call it a day, I had been out well over two hours sailing a fraction short of 35 miles so a pretty good day! Back to the van to check on Mag, she had walked the nature reserve and dozed in the van as sadly her back is playing her up:( With my gear back on the grassy rigging area I had a cuppa and lunch before packing up and heading back. Once again we made a detour to Sutton stopping at Alton water hoping to see to highland cattle but sadly they were not in the close field so carried on home, it was fun following a lorry loads high with straw bails hitting all the low trees sending straw everywhere! I stopped to take a few pics for the telly of ther Orwell and the bridge before making it home around 4.30 before having a cuppa and cake, nice day:) [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20940/squiz/Wrabness%20 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20939/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 14th, July 2026 - Started bit earlier, fewer rides and smaller sea than yesterday but still good fun. Wind stayed up well, wish I could last longer too. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20939/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20938/squiz/Felixstowe%20Ferry%20and%20Orwell%20Country%20Park 13th, July 2026 - Monday 13th July - walks **** – Felixstowe Ferry and Orwell Country Park – mainly cloudy and cooler. I missed Mags early morning prom walk but quickly drove down to Felixstowe Ferry just before 7 to take some weather pics, more cloud today and cooler, much nicer:) So after a walk round the boatyard I headed for home to sort out my pics before getting up for breakfast in the garden and doing my exercises. After two hectic windsurfing sessions at The Dip I gave windsurfing a miss today firstly because I couldn’t trust my old mast extension after it popped off the base yesterday making it a nightmare to get in and secondly my arms still ache! So I packed a picnic and we headed over to Orwell Country Park arriving at 1.45 and instead of taking our usual route through bluebell wood to the right we turned left and walked down to the River Orwell through the lovely pines. Then along the river path and down to the beach and it was lovely and quiet apart from a couple fishing as the tide dropped leaving loads of smelly weed behind, luckily the breeze was offshore so not too bad! We sat at our usual spot opposite Stoke Sailing Club with views of the Orwell Bridge and enjoyed another top picnic:) Then we continued under the bridge collecting a bag of rubbish on the way! Then back up the long uphill drag beside the noisy A 14 with everything so dry! Back at the van knackered and we had only walk 2.60 miles before heading to Sports Direct to get another pair of sandals before heading for home for a welcome cuppa and cake! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20938/squiz/Felixstowe%20Ferry%20and%20Orwell%20Country%20Park Mon, 13 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20937/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 13th, July 2026 - Out a bit after HT, lots of swells to ride with good rides, some head high. Fell in loads, less as toeside speed improved. 950 foil worked well, thought maybe too big but that came from previous session when not used to it. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20937/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20936/maker/ 12th, July 2026 - Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20936/maker/ Sun, 12 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20935/maker/Llanfairfechan 12th, July 2026 - Less windy that expected so bit under on 3.5m. Some good rides but underpowered and chop made it hard work at times. Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20935/maker/Llanfairfechan Sun, 12 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20934/squiz/The%20Dip%20at%20Felixstowe 11th, July 2026 - Saturday 11th July - walk **** – Levington Marina to Trimley foreshore – cloudy morning and cooler before the sun came out in the afternoon! We drove over to Levington to see the 64th Thames Barge Match which starts just up the River Orwell near Pin Mill arriving at the marina around 9.30 being much cooler than of late due to lots of cloud which sadly meant the pics were fairly dull shame really as all its a great sight to see so many old boats out with all their sails up! We parked at our windsurf launch spot and there was not much action up river in the start area with only one boat with its sails up, then a blast from the past walked over to say hello, Neil Goldie a windsurfer many years ago who we haven’t seen for years, he is a tug boat driver and has huge nautical knowledge and we spent a lovely couple of hours watching the starts of the various classes make their way down river and past Felixstowe docks, we learnt many new boat terms:) The last barge passed at 11.40, Neil left and I had my breakfast, somewhat late, I was hoping to go windsurfing but the wind looked marginal here on the river so Mag and I decided to go for a walk as the sun made an appearance! Heading out the back of the marina leading to the cafe by the entrance and onto Loompit lake before taking a minute on the large piece of driftwood on the beach! We then return to the van to return to Felixstowe via St Andrews to see if a hobbit kids Wendy they were giving away was still there and would it fit in the van! Yes it was and we could get it in just, with the side door open and quite abit sticking out but we managed to get it to Maeva’s and put it in her garden, we left her filling it up with toys:) I then went to check the conditions at The Dip and there were several out in the sunshine in lovely conditions so I quickly returned home to load up the van! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] [url=https://www.pmsc.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24:pin-mill-sailing-club-thames-barge-match&catid=55&Itemid=138]Barge Match Race[/url] Saturday 11th July – Windsurf **** The Dip at Felixstowe – sunny. Foil – 17.98 knot max, 17.00 knot ave., 11.87 knot hour, 14.58 knot mile, 29.65 km., 12.92 knot alpha. Starboard Freeride 150 and a Tushingham Bolt 5.75. After a great morning watching the Barges race past Levington this morning before going on a nice walk I was a bit late arriving at The Dip, in fact the wingers were calling it a day and eating ice cream but the conditions still looked good so I was keen to get out. Our little car park was full but I was lucky enough to get a spot across the road. The foil board was quickly on the beach and I took a chance with my 5.75 even though the wingers had been out with 4m I think? I think the tide must have turned now which meant wind with tide which started to pick the sea state up but it was still fairly smooth as I fly off the beach but pretty big out to sea, The sail was fine although the wind did pick up as did the sea so I could have used 5 probably! I still had a good hour and a half just me with a couple of fin sailors and loads of kitesurfers just up the coast! Then with the sea getting big and the sail a bit of a handful I decided to call it a day as the NE breeze to set for a few days now! Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20934/squiz/The%20Dip%20at%20Felixstowe Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20933/squiz/The%20Dip%20at%20Felixstowe 12th, July 2026 - Sunday 12th July – Windsurf *** The Dip at Felixstowe – sunny. Fin – 23.91 knot max (year PB), 22.34 knot ave (year PB)., 6.38 knot hour, 18.39 knot mile (year PB), 24.43 km., 13.59 knot alpha. F2 282 Ride with Tushingham Bolt 5.0 m and 36 fin A fresh breeze from the NE was forecast today and sunshine so The Dip is the best local option with low water at 4.16 I was in no hurry to get down which left me enough time to do my exercises and have breakfast in the garden with Mag. I then did a crazy thing, I loaded my fin board into the van bearing in mind I haven’t used it in t least a year! I left home at 12.20 and the little windsurf car park was nearly full but I was lucky enough to get a place just across the road. I was great to see Craig Hurrell there who hasn’t been for months and after a chat he persuaded me to take the fin board out a very old and tatty F2 Ride 282 of 115 lt. In fact nearly everyone of todays big turnout were on the fin with only 2/3 wingers but loads of kites, someone counted 20! Sail size varied between 4.2 and 6m so I took a chance with my 5m which was OK. It was a tough day for me being so out of practice on a wobberly fin board not helped by a pretty lumpy sea, I cocked up my first launch as a wave rolled over my head but I got away at the second attempt and managed to sail away from the beach but do you think I could get in the back strap going out which made sailing uncomfortable so I had no chance in gybling out, coming in was much better and I actually got in the back strap but I was quickly knackered so came ashore just as Chris Stephens was being helped up the beach after sadly head butting the shingle while landing and took a big hunk out of his head, he got lots of help and even got a cup of tea from the nice lady at the nearby kiosk but it did end his days sailing and he had two sails to de-rig! I then decided to give it another go and had a couple of runs before disaster struck me, my harness line broke, I did try sailing in without one but that was impossible, lucky I carry a spare and managed to get the little racksack off my back and replace it managing to get ashore a few groynes downwind. I took the boom back to the van to replace them with a pair of new ones and walked back to attach it to the mast so I could sail back which I actually did easily as it was still wind against tide and I was beginning to feel more at home and had some cracking runs in, even managed to gybe a few time close to the shore but it does take its toll on my poor old body! Another rest before I decided to give it one last go, really flying back to the beach then on the way out my old mast extension decided to pop out of my mast base and there was no way I could put it back together in the lumpy sea, so after much struggling and losing loads downwind I decided to untie the downhaul and tie to the base and body drag back to the beach and was lucky to get ashore before reaching the rocks at Jacobs Ladder which would have meant I would have to wait and come ashore at The Fludyers! Tome and Luke had noticed I was in trouble when leaving and had come to help, They took my gear back to The Dip in their van, then walking back I meet Mark and Paul who had also come to help, so a big thank you the 4 of you :) So with another fresh breeze for tomorrow and a dodgy mast extension I might give it a miss as windy all week and I have never been a fan of bumpy windsurfing and much prefer flatwater blasting but still a interesting day and lovely to catch up with loads of mates! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20933/squiz/The%20Dip%20at%20Felixstowe Sun, 12 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20932/maker/Llanfairfechan 11th, July 2026 - Surprise evening breeze that stayed in most of the time so nice time riding a few swells. Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20932/maker/Llanfairfechan Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20931/squiz/The%20Dip%20at%20Felixstowe 11th, June 2026 - Saturday 11th July – Windsurf **** The Dip at Felixstowe – sunny. Foil – 17.98 knot max, 17.00 knot ave., 11.87 knot hour, 14.58 knot mile, 29.65 km., 12.92 knot alpha. Starboard Freeride 150 and a Tushingham Bolt 5.75. After a great morning watching the Barges race past Levington this morning before going on a nice walk I was a bit late arriving at The Dip, in fact the wingers were calling it a day and eating ice cream but the conditions still looked good so I was keen to get out. Our little car park was full but I was lucky enough to get a spot across the road. The foil board was quickly on the beach and I took a chance with my 5.75 even though the wingers had been out with 4m I think? I think the tide must have turned now which meant wind with tide which started to pick the sea state up but it was still fairly smooth as I fly off the beach but pretty big out to sea, The sail was fine although the wind did pick up as did the sea so I could have used 5 probably! I still had a good hour and a half just me with a couple of fin sailors and loads of kitesurfers just up the coast! Then with the sea getting big and the sail a bit of a handful I decided to call it a day as the NE breeze to set for a few days now! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] Saturday 11th July - walk **** – Levington Marina to Trimley foreshore – cloudy morning and cooler before the sun came out in the afternoon! We drove over to Levington to see the 64th Thames Barge Match which starts just up the River Orwell near Pin Mill arriving at the marina around 9.30 being much cooler than of late due to lots of cloud which sadly meant the pics were fairly dull shame really as all its a great sight to see so many old boats out with all their sails up! We parked at our windsurf launch spot and there was not much action up river in the start area with only one boat with its sails up, then a blast from the past walked over to say hello, Neil Goldie a windsurfer many years ago who we haven’t seen for years, he is a tug boat driver and has huge nautical knowledge and we spent a lovely couple of hours watching the starts of the various classes make their way down river and past Felixstowe docks, we learnt many new boat terms:) The last barge passed at 11.40, Neil left and I had my breakfast, somewhat late, I was hoping to go windsurfing but the wind looked marginal here on the river so Mag and I decided to go for a walk as the sun made an appearance! Heading out the back of the marina leading to the cafe by the entrance and onto Loompit lake before taking a minute on the large piece of driftwood on the beach! We then return to the van to return to Felixstowe via St Andrews to see if a hobbit kids Wendy they were giving away was still there and would it fit in the van! Yes it was and we could get it in just, with the side door open and quite abit sticking out but we managed to get it to Maeva’s and put it in her garden, we left her filling it up with toys:) I then went to check the conditions at The Dip and there were several out in the sunshine in lovely conditions so I quickly returned home to load up the van! [url=https://www.pmsc.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24:pin-mill-sailing-club-thames-barge-match&catid=55&Itemid=138]Barge match race here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20931/squiz/The%20Dip%20at%20Felixstowe Thu, 11 Jun 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20930/squiz/Levington%20to%20Trimley%20foreshore 11th, July 2026 - Saturday 11th July - walk **** – Levington Marina to Trimley foreshore – cloudy morning and cooler before the sun came out in the afternoon! We drove over to Levington to see the 64th Thames Barge Match which starts just up the River Orwell near Pin Mill arriving at the marina around 9.30 being much cooler than of late due to lots of cloud which sadly meant the pics were fairly dull shame really as all its a great sight to see so many old boats out with all their sails up! We parked at our windsurf launch spot and there was not much action up river in the start area with only one boat with its sails up, then a blast from the past walked over to say hello, Neil Goldie a windsurfer many years ago who we haven’t seen for years, he is a tug boat driver and has huge nautical knowledge and we spent a lovely couple of hours watching the starts of the various classes make their way down river and past Felixstowe docks, we learnt many new boat terms:) The last barge passed at 11.40, Neil left and I had my breakfast, somewhat late, I was hoping to go windsurfing but the wind looked marginal here on the river so Mag and I decided to go for a walk as the sun made an appearance! Heading out the back of the marina leading to the cafe by the entrance and onto Loompit lake before taking a minute on the large piece of driftwood on the beach! We then return to the van to return to Felixstowe via St Andrews to see if a hobbit kids Wendy they were giving away was still there and would it fit in the van! Yes it was and we could get it in just, with the side door open and quite abit sticking out but we managed to get it to Maeva’s and put it in her garden, we left her filling it up with toys:) I then went to check the conditions at The Dip and there were several out in the sunshine in lovely conditions so I quickly returned home to load up the van! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] [url=https://www.pmsc.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24:pin-mill-sailing-club-thames-barge-match&catid=55&Itemid=138]Barge Match Race[/url] Saturday 11th July – Windsurf **** The Dip at Felixstowe – sunny. Foil – 17.98 knot max, 17.00 knot ave., 11.87 knot hour, 14.58 knot mile, 29.65 km., 12.92 knot alpha. Starboard Freeride 150 and a Tushingham Bolt 5.75. After a great morning watching the Barges race past Levington this morning before going on a nice walk I was a bit late arriving at The Dip, in fact the wingers were calling it a day and eating ice cream but the conditions still looked good so I was keen to get out. Our little car park was full but I was lucky enough to get a spot across the road. The foil board was quickly on the beach and I took a chance with my 5.75 even though the wingers had been out with 4m I think? I think the tide must have turned now which meant wind with tide which started to pick the sea state up but it was still fairly smooth as I fly off the beach but pretty big out to sea, The sail was fine although the wind did pick up as did the sea so I could have used 5 probably! I still had a good hour and a half just me with a couple of fin sailors and loads of kitesurfers just up the coast! Then with the sea getting big and the sail a bit of a handful I decided to call it a day as the NE breeze to set for a few days now! Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20930/squiz/Levington%20to%20Trimley%20foreshore Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20929/squiz/Newbourne%2C%20Hemley%20and%20Pin%20Mill 10th, July 2026 - Friday 10th July - walks **** – Newbourne, Hemley and Pin Mill – sunny periods and very hot :( Our favourite day of the week again, Maeva Friday, we pass on the early walk today, I do a few exercise, have breakfast in the garden with Mag before I pack picnic before picking Maeva up. I have a plan and we drive over to a pretty hot Newbourne park to have a go on the swings before walking down the wooden walkway to the stream to play poo sticks before heading back to the van and driving over to Hemley Church to park under the trees for lunch and with all the doors open it was very pleasant with a nice breeze blowing! We have a nice picnic lunch and Maeva spends ages washing her hands, then a look at the inside of the church before walking down to see the horses before taking the scenic route to Katies plants still looking for a combine where Mags pays several plants before returning home for some quiet time with Peppa Pig as Maeva is shattered! Then Maeva has fun with a block of ice with toys in before taking her home. I had arranged to pick up a mast from a windsurfer up from Kent to watch the Pin Mill barge race so we drive over there and meet in the car park entrance before parking up and walking down to the river which is really busy both the sailing club and pub are heaving! I walk to the , to the end jetty before walking the length of the National Trust Plantation lovely woods which run along side of the Orwell which is quite a long way and was very hot to see some barges moored in readiness for tomorrow’s race which we hope to watch from Levington! Then all we had to do was walk back for Mag to drive us home! Top day again:) [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20929/squiz/Newbourne%2C%20Hemley%20and%20Pin%20Mill Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20928/squiz/Levington%20 9th, July 2026 - Thursday 9th July - walk *** – Levington Creek circuit – sunny and very hot :( Once again Mag and I decided to get in the van early heading out for a walk before it got too hot as the heatwave continues. This time we drove over to Levington, parking near the church at 6.50 walking over to the bench with nice views down to the River Orwell for our cuppa and breakfast bar, sadly no deer in sight! We then headed down to the wooden walkway to the sound of sky larks coming out by the River Orwell, there was an old barge moored up river in readiness for the race this coming Saturday which we will watch from Levington! Then back along the river, up the creek and to the van, we then take a scenic long route back via Bucklesham looking for a combine working but once again none were seen even if a few fields had been harvested! Home via a quick visit to Lidl for breakfast in the back garden before doing my exercises. I did have one eye on the wind as the onshore breeze looked like building so I headed down to The Dip around one and a kite foiler was out in about 8mph having a great time and a couple of paraglilders were having fun on Bawdsey cliffs. A couple of wingers came down but it was not windy enough to get going so I came home for a cuppa in the garden in the shade now much cooler! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20928/squiz/Levington%20 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20927/squiz/The%20Dip%20to%20Felixstowe%20Ferry 8th, July 2026 - Wednesday 8th July - walk **** – The Dip to The Ferry for a cuppa – sunny and very hot :( After Mag had done her early watering she suggested taking the flask down to The Dip and walk to Felixstowe Ferry to avoid the worst of the heat! Parking at 7 in wall to wall sunshine with a gentle offshore breeze and we ambled along the prom which was very pleasant. Reaching the Deben we noticed a yacht that had run aground near Bawdsey beach, we thought he was in big trouble with a dropping tide but after much raving of the engine he was very lucky to get free and then sped out to sea! We reach the bench by the jetty for our cuppa and enjoy the views up the Deben before returning to the van as the temperature rises! We then take the scenic route back along Ferry Lane, down Marsh Lane as well looking for a combine out in the fields! Then home for a quiet day at home keeping out of the heat ending the day with tea in the garden as it gets cooler but supposed to be 20 degrees tonight! Was chuffed when Kate Kinsella used one of my pics of Mags back on the telly this evening:) [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236846437953402]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20927/squiz/The%20Dip%20to%20Felixstowe%20Ferry Wed, 08 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20926/mas/Bradfield 6th, July 2026 - Monday was another top day at Bradfield. High tide was around 5pm, so I rolled in about 2 after aborting winging at Alton Water. The shoreline was packed — wings, windfoilers, and a few fins, though wings dominated as usual, with two learners heading out as well. Bright sunshine pushed the temperature towards 30°C, and at first it was properly windy. The general consensus was 4m to 5m wings, 6 to 7m for fins and windfoiling. Then, within twenty minutes, the wind swung and dropped. The lull set in for about 15 to 20 minutes. I’d part?rigged a 5.8, but with the wind fading I switched to the 6.6 and kept the 1300 front wing on. Those who launched early had a great 20 minute window — especially the lighter sailors — before coming back in to change up. Wind was NW, but at times swung offshore, which is southerly at Bradfield. I had a feeling Lord Sod would get involved, and sure enough, as soon as I launched the big wind returned and blasted me straight across to the far side of the Stour. I took shelter and shoved the mast foot right to the front to pin the nose down. No idea how DC hung onto a 9.5 on the raceboard — it must have been blowing 25 knots in the peaks, with plenty of white water. The fin sailors loved it, and the wingers were flying too. I could only really sail in the lulls, but when it worked it was excellent. I went through the front door more times than I’ve got fingers, so I’m probably on video again demonstrating my signature “front?door exit technique”. AI had told me previously to rig for the gusts: smaller sail, 1100 front wing. Had I followed that, I’d have had a cracking session. Most sailors seem to be out all week with the wind is funnelling through the river in its own little micro?climate. I definitely dehydrated a bit; I reckon I drank about three litres of water between leaving the field and stepping out of the spa steam room at 9pm! Rating: 5 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20926/mas/Bradfield Mon, 06 Jul 2026 01:05:00 +0100