Hi everyone,

Steve, Darren and me kept looking at the forecasts the past few days. Then everything looked good for Xmas eve. So in anticipation of a nice Xmas wind surf session we all met at the car park. The waves were beautyful, much bigger than can be expected with a southerly wind (about 6-8 ft). The forecast announced a force 5. But when Steve tried out his 6.2 sail and the 88 l Score he found himself just bobbing out about 20 meters and drifting downwind about 50 meters at the same time (wind and usual strong current).

So we decided to wait some time. Meanwhile Derrik showed up as well. After another good hour Darren and Derrik decided to rig their big kites. Steve had another unsuccessful go and by about 1:00 pm Steve and me had enough and started to take the journey home again.

How the guys did with the kites I don't know. Maybe Darren can add this some time later.

As may people don't have to work until sometime beginning of January we'll just keep a watch on the weather. So if not Xmas maybe New Year will bring decent conditions.

Joe

Btw: Merry Christmas to all members and guests of this forum! Hope you all have lots of fun on the water in 2003!

[Edited on 25-12-2002 by Joe]

[Edited on 25-12-2002 by Joe]

6-8 foot????...Are you sure!!! I've only EVER seen it that big at Borth twice. Its rare to see it bigger than 4 foot really.

tongue3d:

Al.

The day went from bad to worse after you left Joe.
The wind picked up about an 1 1/2 after Joe left. I went planing out , the wind droped a short way out but I got back undamaged in the big sea's, went back out at good speed in the closely spaced waves, took quite a good jump off a steep wave a few hundred yards out, then straight away a seven foot wave jacked up and took me out breaking mast & sail.
How I wished I'd gone when Joe did!

Still don't believe it was 6-8 foot!!!

Maybe the faces were, but that only equates to a 3-4 foot wave....

Besides, how dare the surf be good whilst I'm away!!

Al.

I agree in both points Al:
Your bigest problem was that you weren't there yourself
And the faces were that size not the wave... Anyway as the wind continued to slow down, so did the waves. By the time I left they were much closer to the "normal" corresponding to the wind strength and direction.

Joe

PS: Are you available at Borth again as of today?

How does Steve do it??? That must be at least 5 masts he's broken since i've known him!

We're back in Aber now but there's no wind, but I'm sure Al is keeping an eye out and will let you all know if it's looking good.

See you all if you head out our way.
Anna

As I said, Steve just bobbed out 20 meters and did not get as far out as to where the waves were big. He was still well on the inside of the breakers. So no kit got bent.

Looking at the weather here at the moment I hope we all soon can enjoy a nice session with a little sun too

Joe

As I said Joe, I went out again after you left when the wind picked up and I was definitely out where the waves were big, as the one that took me out went well over my head .

Steve, Does that mean you have to buy yet another new mast, or was this one insured / guaranteed this time??.... You'd better start being more careful out there or you'll have no money left!!!

There was no wind today and no surf wither. I didn't go to the beach, but Adam was here and took a trip to Borth.... Not sure if theres much forecast for the next few days either...I'll have a look now

Al.

Just got back from Boardwise, I now have a 6.2 onshore wave simmer (2001) £199 and a Arrows lance 30 £100.
My old sail was patched up with tape anyway.

Steve, does that mean the wind actually picked up so you could get going decently?
I hope I did not miss out on too much fun?!


Joe