No wind in Shiga this weekend but Mie was supposed to have some… with some rain too. Thought I'd chance it and dragged the wife out the house early and got to Machiya about 12. Measured the wind—20 to 25 knots, yup that's how it feels… out comes the 10m.
Sketchy launch, assisted thank god cos the beach is crowded and strewn with shells 'n' shit and the other side of the drain-thing is under construction… looks like they're building a seawall, neat!
Powered ok on the big board, some amusing jumps but very soon I wish I had the 13 up. Wife has gone walking with the car key so I just keep riding. Small kite is fast and entertaining, especially with the loops—some amusing yoinks horizontally that I'm not used to.
As the wind keeps dropping, I start playing with the waves more. When I can—the windsurfer-kooks keep falling over! Get some nice carves and rides in, once or twice carve toe-side then heel-side etc like a real surfer.
Rain starts early, around 1:30 but I keep riding anyway. Finally give up when the wind has dropped to the point where it's a nuisance to get back upwind.
What a groovy session!
Moment of the day was snap-popping a transition and landing on the crest of a wave, actually surfing it and then, as the kite caught up, riding out the other way under power… magic!
Mood of the session was amused entertained satisfied.
It sucks when you realize you might need a surfboard too.
Weather was reported as 22 to 13 knots, gusts to 26; 74% at 19˚C.
Wind felt like what they said. Measured 20 to 25 knots before I set up but it dropped steadily… ok-powered to only just. Was pretty shocked I could still ride a 10m at the end of it there!
What I learned today…
• The ocean is rough!
• The kickers are nice though - gliding up a big ol' wave and riding out the top is awesomesauce.
• Small kites are quick and seem to make more power when they're moving quick… so if you don't choke the kite with the board, it's gravy.
• You can get face-slapped like a BI-ATCH on the smallest waves when you dig a tip in. Like, insta-slap!
• Ninja-waves are getting better at hiding themselves… sneaky buggers!
• I might need a directional :o for the ocean, the bouncing around gets annoying but the waves are just so much fun!
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