Hayling Island on 09/11/08

Rating:
Board:	70 litres
Sail:	3.7

THE BIG DAY OUT
Well it started out a comfortable 4.4 on the 78L, but I didn't even get to ride my favourite combo - Juan did one run on his 5m and 90L, came back and stole them! A quick change led me to my JP70L and, in a poor choice my 3.7 - would have preferred my 2.9m it turned out- with a quick sail patch for Tom and his dad Chris in between - whose 2nd hand sail didn't quite make it to the water. I think I would have preferred my 2.9m as I seem to have lower power to weight ratio nowadays that I am not so fit, and cranking the boom down to slip the harness lines over the harness is no mean feat when starting in the footstraps and overpowered on a 3.7m. Anyway, I am now too busy to worry about changing sailsy yet again, and stick with it - the up side, literally being an up side - I can hardly keep my old favourite JP on the water, and found myself wishing I had an old heavy glass fibre lemon yellow Strapper waveboard, just just like I did when I started sailing. So to make do - I got in a few long high jumps (wow that was scary) and then another tip over back loop trial. But mostly survival sailing. I think I could have done with a flatter sail. Maybe even inverse camber?

Beth had a great time sailing the waves. After a couple of sail changes. I found it got too windy for me as I went further out, so was stuck in the middle. Juan reckons he did his highest jump ever - but had to bail out it was so high. The Kiwi was actually seen flying and an enormous endoverend forward! Steve had a great day out, and was smart to get out early on his 5m before the wind really kicked us all about. Dave and his son had a great day out as well and it was really cool to see them again. Mike P had an excellent day, and is really pleased with his gear, especially his board which he is getting on with really well. Heather and Bill held on until they couldn't anymore, as they couldn't be bothered to change down, but enjoyed themselves immensely. Apres-beach: Lots of tea at the avenue made us all feel nice and cosy in front of the fire - Thanks guys!