Light Air Wavesailing, Gaining Ground in Your Area?

[outcast]

Well if you are waiting for overhead....good luck.
But Peter K, Rad Brad and I had it pretty fun 2 days ago at around head high side off, and it was a triple header of shortboard sailing, sup sailing and supping, all possible during the same time/conditions.....just nice to have more options.....

Paddling is OK into the mid/upper teens, and enjoy sailing OK to the 5 knot range......sup killed the kite

And yes Brad, that certain very competent and attractive surfer was out there again yesterday in very nice waist + She Abides and schools.

[Bluejaytoo]

I live in northwestern Pennsylvania and spend a lot of time at Presque Isle, on Lake Erie. We often get side/side off winds, and there are many days where the wind is light, but the waves are rideable, sometimes waist-high. Last summer I was out on my Fanatic Viper L on a light day with a 7.5 rigged and I was having a blast riding the wave faces with it. What are y'all's thoughts about surfing a big floaty board like the Viper, or my fiancee's Mistral N.Trance? The kids often use them for flat water SUP.

[kajTEK]

the viper L stats says its 199Liters.. and the exotec supwind is like 220 liter..
so im sure by looking at its fun profile shape.. and the fact ya said ya had fun on it on small waves sounds like its a good ride to be had!

[jingebritsen]

i've found that forcing a front side section is way easier when having a larger sail. also helps with building up speed better to grab waves or set up a front side section.

those that swear by smaller sails may be passing along only half validated observations. i've gone big some times with a 9.0m sail in really weak swells where i know i won't break masts or battens. more juice is better in most cases when the surf is small.

7.5 or 6.8 sails are my bread and butter light wind sails. if i lived in a side off spot, i'd still probably want 6.8 in the lightest of winds. 5-12 mph can be very good with my 7.5 and curve 11'5. i like to have lots of speed to get some aerials or great cut backs. oh, foot straps help with those too.

[btbill]

here are a few recent galleries shot over the past few weeks of FUN times in Hatteras Light Air wavesailing!

Side Off at Billy Mitchell Airfield in Frisco

More Billy M side off from another day

[Number-nine]

John I

Seems to me that 5 years for messing around with sups and small sails it a bit more than a half validated observation.

I am just as avid about my means as you are for your.
I just do not crow about it in every post.



All ways to ride are good.
If you are smiling it must be fun

[jingebritsen]

yes, i crow on about it. sucks to see folks passing along advice that works in a very narrow set of conditions.

i guess you are telling me i should join the ranks of sailors that choose not to give advice? maybe you should ignore mine?

lots of folks thank me in pm's and the like saying how much they appreciate my tips. torn over this issue. most of the folks that sail better than me choose not to get involved in these forums. wonder why that is?

when someone asks about what to do in a humble venue and they get gorge or other high wind oriented advice, i feel as though i need to step up and say something. this is a light wind thread, is it not?

i've done the time. paid the dues. i'm asking others to re validate what i've learned and this is your response? so encouraging for me to continue....

[Number-nine]

John

The pit fall of forums rises agian

My point was not to dismiss your opinion
Sorry to get you so riled up about it

It is great that you have found a way to enjoy and share our great love of windsurfing
It is great that you are willing to share your experience.

I can only say that there is more than one way.
You were the one that noted that Others are giving bad advice
"those that swear by smaller sails may be passing along only half validated observations"

I can assure you that my "observations" Are equally valid to yours.
That is all.

My advise to others is get out and ride what you like where you like and how you like

It is the way of Team Abide.

[outcast]

Please note that Rodney King died this week.

[crazyfingers]

"Rodney King" was he a windsurfer?

Hey jing, what do you ride when it's glassy and peeling?