Forecast wasn't up to much but I was a-prayin' for the thermals... and they delivered.
Watched the webcam all P.M. until 5 when the wind turned and picked up. Rocked on down, decided to go with two TTs and the 21.
Was having an ok session... jumps still can't do well with that damned board. Foot-outs are easy though. Getting upwind fine if I slow it down.
Got stoked cos I was landing backroll board grabs :D so started trying to do backroll kite loops... but now I realize they were doomed from the start, because I wasn't thinking about the right way to do them and had used up the mojo on the triple front- and backrolls and grabs.
So I borked one up, was underwater and thought I'd let the kite finish the loop and then - SPROING - the kite is flying by the RH lines only :( the LH power pig tail has ripped in half. Sigh... kite spirals down onto the beach, with a tip in the water. Wrap up the lines and rescue the kite, bamboo tangled like a mother in the lines... and there's a broken line, so that'll have to be fixed too. Grr. And there's a boo-boo on my finger.
Oh well, I got nothing but time baby! Back to the P4 for light wind then :D
Moment of the day was landing the backroll grabs! The multiple backrolls were groovy too.
Mood of the session was ho-ho-ho-doh.
Weather was reported as 10 to 8 knots, gusts to 14; 30˚C at 71%.
Wind felt like an honest 15 knots, with a few knots on either side.
What I learned today...
• The FS pigtails aren't designed for the big boys to throw down the powered submarine moves.
• You can give yourself a lot of pain by smashing your own fist into your harness. Who knew?
• Backroll board grab! without a redirect so I gotta be careful... and they're tough on the starboard tack for some reason.
• Trimming the Z is a tough job.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Well ha bloody ha.
Iffy forecast, but I thought I'd go with GPV and head down the lake around 3. No wind, but people on the beach. Went over to the lake with the Dialer under one arm, the Z under the other and the 21 on my back.
Phew, wind coming in in squalls, nearly binned the kite with the stalls and jerks. Wind, no wind, wind, no wind... pissing with rain.
Gah.
Moment of the day was the hang time.
Mood of the session was uh-oh, ho-ho, hmm.
Weather was reported as 12 to 8 knots, gusts to 20; 32˚C at 68%.
Wind felt like crap. Initially I was bit worried, then it sucked, the it really sucked, then it was ok, then it really sucked again.
What I learned today...
• The "problem" with the Z is that it has very good bottom end for a "small" board, but you can't hold it down as the wind picks up. Well, I can't anyway.
• Going upwind is better done slowly on the Z. Which isn't so exciting, especially when you want to boost huge.
• Jumping to the Dialer feels like you're dragging a rope behind you, from all the fin-drag.
• Or maybe the Z is just too lose?
• The 21 is bloody heavy when it's soaked and covered in sand. Needed a wash anyway!
Phew, wind coming in in squalls, nearly binned the kite with the stalls and jerks. Wind, no wind, wind, no wind... pissing with rain.
Gah.
Moment of the day was the hang time.
Mood of the session was uh-oh, ho-ho, hmm.
Weather was reported as 12 to 8 knots, gusts to 20; 32˚C at 68%.
Wind felt like crap. Initially I was bit worried, then it sucked, the it really sucked, then it was ok, then it really sucked again.
What I learned today...
• The "problem" with the Z is that it has very good bottom end for a "small" board, but you can't hold it down as the wind picks up. Well, I can't anyway.
• Going upwind is better done slowly on the Z. Which isn't so exciting, especially when you want to boost huge.
• Jumping to the Dialer feels like you're dragging a rope behind you, from all the fin-drag.
• Or maybe the Z is just too lose?
• The 21 is bloody heavy when it's soaked and covered in sand. Needed a wash anyway!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Double skunkage
Forecast looked good for Machiya, so I headed over there aiming to be in time for the 3 o'clock 20 knots... we got - dick. Got a look at the construction going on... god, it's rooted. The construction has made a total mess of the beach and there's almost no parking within miles. God knows how crowded it will be when the new park is up and running. Idiots and assholes!
Drove back to Shiga and... WTF there's wind from the north! Head out to the lake - yup, people are riding. Looks light and they're walking on 10m and directionals, so out comes the 21. Er, think I'm going to be over-powered... nope it's fine!
Try the Z out again. Better, the water is flatter but boosts are still hard to edge into. Then the wind drops, and it's all over. A handful of jumps and rotations, but not enough to get my mojo going.
Head out for one tack on the Flydoor but even that's not doing it. Pack up... sigh, what a day!
Moment of the day was getting upwind on the Z :-/
Mood of the session was resigned exciting resigned.
Weather was reported as 12 to 6 knots, gusts to 30 about a 1/2 hour before I go to the beach. 33˚C at 66%.
Wind felt like I'd be over-powered on the 21 but was only just powered enough to work the Z upwind, to being unable to fly the kite.
What I learned today...
• Machiya is F-U-C-K-E-D.
• The 21 needs a wash - a golden brown from the dust on the beach. Goes to show how rarely it goes in the drink!
• The Z can be made to do things right... I'll keep persisting till we get back from Thailand but I think it's just too technically demanding for my dumb ass.
• Need to try new fins and different stance widths too...
• Some dickhead fisherfuck put nets across the beach - got my foot tangled in it.
• The 2012 Fusion is officially dead - straps have broken off the harness.
Drove back to Shiga and... WTF there's wind from the north! Head out to the lake - yup, people are riding. Looks light and they're walking on 10m and directionals, so out comes the 21. Er, think I'm going to be over-powered... nope it's fine!
Try the Z out again. Better, the water is flatter but boosts are still hard to edge into. Then the wind drops, and it's all over. A handful of jumps and rotations, but not enough to get my mojo going.
Head out for one tack on the Flydoor but even that's not doing it. Pack up... sigh, what a day!
Moment of the day was getting upwind on the Z :-/
Mood of the session was resigned exciting resigned.
Weather was reported as 12 to 6 knots, gusts to 30 about a 1/2 hour before I go to the beach. 33˚C at 66%.
Wind felt like I'd be over-powered on the 21 but was only just powered enough to work the Z upwind, to being unable to fly the kite.
What I learned today...
• Machiya is F-U-C-K-E-D.
• The 21 needs a wash - a golden brown from the dust on the beach. Goes to show how rarely it goes in the drink!
• The Z can be made to do things right... I'll keep persisting till we get back from Thailand but I think it's just too technically demanding for my dumb ass.
• Need to try new fins and different stance widths too...
• Some dickhead fisherfuck put nets across the beach - got my foot tangled in it.
• The 2012 Fusion is officially dead - straps have broken off the harness.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
A lament for the 'radical
Forecast looked crappy so I went out for a ride on the Duke. New brake pads and tyres... what fun! But noticed the wind was up... crikey, quite a blow!
Get home and yes, the wind IS up so I head down the beach. Looks a bit light so I go for the Flite with the Dialer and Z just in case.
Really nice play on the Dialer in light wind. Reading the article on ikitesurf helped to cement what I'm doing/trying to do. Wind seemed to be picking up so I went for the Z...
Man, I just can't get with that. Good blow on but I spent 2-hours tacking out, doing a trick, loosing ground, and basically just trying to get back to where I started from without having to walk.
Spray in the fucking face, unable to load and boost... man, I want my Flyradical back :(
Moment of the day was riding the waves into the marina beach like a BAWS.
Mood of the session was la-la yeaaaaah argh.
Weather was reported as 12 to 13 knots, gusts to 19. 30˚C at 66%.
Wind felt like just-under to nicely-powered... I'd say 15-18 knots in the good spots.
What I learned today...
• The Z is not the board for me.
• Dialer is a board for me.
• Riding on the stopper is a good way to build speed.
Get home and yes, the wind IS up so I head down the beach. Looks a bit light so I go for the Flite with the Dialer and Z just in case.
Really nice play on the Dialer in light wind. Reading the article on ikitesurf helped to cement what I'm doing/trying to do. Wind seemed to be picking up so I went for the Z...
Man, I just can't get with that. Good blow on but I spent 2-hours tacking out, doing a trick, loosing ground, and basically just trying to get back to where I started from without having to walk.
Spray in the fucking face, unable to load and boost... man, I want my Flyradical back :(
Moment of the day was riding the waves into the marina beach like a BAWS.
Mood of the session was la-la yeaaaaah argh.
Weather was reported as 12 to 13 knots, gusts to 19. 30˚C at 66%.
Wind felt like just-under to nicely-powered... I'd say 15-18 knots in the good spots.
What I learned today...
• The Z is not the board for me.
• Dialer is a board for me.
• Riding on the stopper is a good way to build speed.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Pick n' mix
Had some fun, made some gybes, ate some shit, missed the thermals. . . it's all good.
I knew the wind would only come in for an hour so I made sure I was there in time. Went with the Flite cos why not.
Started out on the Dialer, having a nice time. Some kids are waving and squealing at me - think I heard one of them say my name, wonder if they're students. Having fun riding waves.
Wind picked up some so I came back in to get the Z . . . ballsed up a gybe and things got weird - board downwind, me getting pulled at the pointy ends, body-english to avoid it, dive the kite a bit and get dragged up the beach so I half-heartedly hit the QR. Doesn't release so I think it missed it, but as I get my feet under me it goes - I'm hanging onto the kite with both hands but there's no way that I will be able to reset the QR so I just let go the kite. Now I think I could have put it to the edge of the window . . . doh.
So I reset the kite and got on the Z. Under-powered but it was actually feeling really nice . . . less chop?
That was good until the the pad slipped . . . WTH? Oh, the screw has come out - shit! Go back and get the Flydoor, but the wind has dropped.
Back on the Dialer ride around a bit but the wind has really dropped and we're all walking now. Let Miyachi take a run on the Flite and he seems to enjoy it. Thought he was bit over-powered but he seemed ok.
Stand around waiting for the wind to come up but in the end I give up and pack it in.
As I'm driving out of the carpark, it looks like the wind has come up some - could have been riding on the 17 maybe, 21 for sure. Sigh . . . maybe tomorrow.
Moment of the day was doing a flawless gybe like I wasn't a tard.
Mood of the session was rah ah? bah gah.
Weather was reported as 12 to 15 knots, gusts to 22 at 3:30pm; 31˚C at 78%.
Wind felt like just powered until I broke the board, to completely under-powered.
What I learned today...
• Probably shoulda waited for the thermals . . .
• Don't try tricky shit right next to the shore.
• Starting to feel comfy on the Dialer - finding the balance.
I knew the wind would only come in for an hour so I made sure I was there in time. Went with the Flite cos why not.
Started out on the Dialer, having a nice time. Some kids are waving and squealing at me - think I heard one of them say my name, wonder if they're students. Having fun riding waves.
Wind picked up some so I came back in to get the Z . . . ballsed up a gybe and things got weird - board downwind, me getting pulled at the pointy ends, body-english to avoid it, dive the kite a bit and get dragged up the beach so I half-heartedly hit the QR. Doesn't release so I think it missed it, but as I get my feet under me it goes - I'm hanging onto the kite with both hands but there's no way that I will be able to reset the QR so I just let go the kite. Now I think I could have put it to the edge of the window . . . doh.
So I reset the kite and got on the Z. Under-powered but it was actually feeling really nice . . . less chop?
That was good until the the pad slipped . . . WTH? Oh, the screw has come out - shit! Go back and get the Flydoor, but the wind has dropped.
Back on the Dialer ride around a bit but the wind has really dropped and we're all walking now. Let Miyachi take a run on the Flite and he seems to enjoy it. Thought he was bit over-powered but he seemed ok.
Stand around waiting for the wind to come up but in the end I give up and pack it in.
As I'm driving out of the carpark, it looks like the wind has come up some - could have been riding on the 17 maybe, 21 for sure. Sigh . . . maybe tomorrow.
Moment of the day was doing a flawless gybe like I wasn't a tard.
Mood of the session was rah ah? bah gah.
Weather was reported as 12 to 15 knots, gusts to 22 at 3:30pm; 31˚C at 78%.
Wind felt like just powered until I broke the board, to completely under-powered.
What I learned today...
• Probably shoulda waited for the thermals . . .
• Don't try tricky shit right next to the shore.
• Starting to feel comfy on the Dialer - finding the balance.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Enema much?
Forecast for more than yesterday and while that what the weather station said, it didn't feel like it.
Started out on the Flydoor just to see if it would splash me like the Z. It did, but it didn't stall like the other one. I'll have to try it again.
So pootled around on the 'door then when I had trouble going upwind, switched to the Dialer. Nice wee session, getting used to that. Managed a few gybes going from starboard to port but there was a lot of falling over.
Tried out the 2013 Fusion too . . . jesus wept, I hope that thing stretches out soon!
Moment of the day was a single semi-decent carving turn.
Mood of the session was whee! wah! ahh.
Weather was reported as 16 to 12 knots, gusts to 24. 28˚C at 69%.
Wind felt like under- to happy-powered but wasn't consistent enough for big fun.
What I learned today . . .
• Should probably wear the short john suit to stop the harness going so far up my ass I can taste neoprene.
• Getting a feel for riding the fins. Noice.
• The old Flydoor . . . what a great bit of kit!
Started out on the Flydoor just to see if it would splash me like the Z. It did, but it didn't stall like the other one. I'll have to try it again.
So pootled around on the 'door then when I had trouble going upwind, switched to the Dialer. Nice wee session, getting used to that. Managed a few gybes going from starboard to port but there was a lot of falling over.
Tried out the 2013 Fusion too . . . jesus wept, I hope that thing stretches out soon!
Moment of the day was a single semi-decent carving turn.
Mood of the session was whee! wah! ahh.
Weather was reported as 16 to 12 knots, gusts to 24. 28˚C at 69%.
Wind felt like under- to happy-powered but wasn't consistent enough for big fun.
What I learned today . . .
• Should probably wear the short john suit to stop the harness going so far up my ass I can taste neoprene.
• Getting a feel for riding the fins. Noice.
• The old Flydoor . . . what a great bit of kit!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Hmm...
Good wind forecast and we got it too. Left work just after 4 and trotted on down. Wind looked good...
Went with the XB13 in case we get thermals. Have a tack or two on the Z-series, but it's too light. Go out on the Dialer. Great fun! Made one gybe too... beginners luck :)
Wind has picked up so I switch back to the Z. Should have been a good boosting session but I just can't click with the board. Everytime I edge hard, the spray is so great that the board stalls. Not to mention, any time I edge at all or put weight on the front foot, the spray is tremendous :( shame, cos it's really frustrating and otherwise, the board is a charmer - fast (too fast if you can't edge), carves like a knife, smooth as silk through the chop (when you weight the back leg) and the pads/straps are terrific.
Good long session... home for a cold drink. Been a shitty day and it took a bit of the shine off the sesh.
Moment of the day was actually setting up for a boost, slamming into a breaking "wave" and leaving my board behind. Amusing. I hope the guy with the camera on the shore got that shot.
Mood of the session was whee hmm gah.
Weather was reported as 10 to 7 knots, gusts to 20. 27˚C at 66%.
Wind felt like I comfy on the Dialer to I should have been boosting sky-high but the board just wouldn't let me.
What I learned today...
• Demo boards before you buy.
• The Flydoor2 is a total machine... or maybe it's just the outline. Or the fins behind the heels.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Mmm...
Supposed to be windy all day... but it wasn't. Contrary weather thankfully didn't rain, as the forecast said it would fine, so I had a dry ride in to RS Taichi to get new tyres.
Got home, went and checked the lake - southerlies. Came home, checked GPV—ah, now the forecast says wind at 5pm.
Go back at 5pm... oh ho! the wind has shifted and there's a blow line coming in...
Looks like it'll be light, so I take the 21 and the Dialer over to the beach... but by the time I arrive, there's fearsome white caps inbound. I dash back for the Z-series... probably should have got a different kite or at least the seat harness but oh well.
Wind was a gusty bitch for the first 20 minutes—lots of kites in the drink until the wind filled in properly.
Waist harness shits me right off, riding into my armpits every time I fall over or do a stunt. Jumping is not going well cos I can't adapt to the shorter and narrower board. But I keep slugging away at it...
The Z-series is a smooth ride. Carves really nice, going to be fun freeriding that. Pads are awesome... good board. But the spray... my god, it's constant. I figure my stance is to blame so I adapt and it seems better. Can't get the hang of edging for the boost, but I think the harness is the problem there...
Nearly dark but the wind has dropped a tad so I risk a run on the Dialer. Much easier to get onto it with some wind! I play with feet position, riding the fins and trying to gybe and tack. Nearly manage one of each. I still suck riding toeside... but it's fun. I shoulda done that with a smaller kite :( but then, I'd be fucking with the fucking harness even fucking more.
Pack up and in the car at 8:20pm... good long session but all the wrong gear!
Moment of the day was getting out on the new boards.
Got home, went and checked the lake - southerlies. Came home, checked GPV—ah, now the forecast says wind at 5pm.
Go back at 5pm... oh ho! the wind has shifted and there's a blow line coming in...
Looks like it'll be light, so I take the 21 and the Dialer over to the beach... but by the time I arrive, there's fearsome white caps inbound. I dash back for the Z-series... probably should have got a different kite or at least the seat harness but oh well.
Wind was a gusty bitch for the first 20 minutes—lots of kites in the drink until the wind filled in properly.
Waist harness shits me right off, riding into my armpits every time I fall over or do a stunt. Jumping is not going well cos I can't adapt to the shorter and narrower board. But I keep slugging away at it...
The Z-series is a smooth ride. Carves really nice, going to be fun freeriding that. Pads are awesome... good board. But the spray... my god, it's constant. I figure my stance is to blame so I adapt and it seems better. Can't get the hang of edging for the boost, but I think the harness is the problem there...
Nearly dark but the wind has dropped a tad so I risk a run on the Dialer. Much easier to get onto it with some wind! I play with feet position, riding the fins and trying to gybe and tack. Nearly manage one of each. I still suck riding toeside... but it's fun. I shoulda done that with a smaller kite :( but then, I'd be fucking with the fucking harness even fucking more.
Pack up and in the car at 8:20pm... good long session but all the wrong gear!
Moment of the day was getting out on the new boards.
Mood of the session was OH-YES-we-got-wind OH-NO-I'm-over-powered OH-GOD-fucking-harness.
Weather was reported as 12 to 8 knots, gusts to 18. 28˚C at 76%.
Wind felt like should have been fun over-powered to what would have been comfy powered. Except for the frickin' harness.
What I learned today...
• I am so not interested in waist harnesses.
• Despite the fact that it's SO much easier to move your legs!
• Z-series will take some adapting too. But it has potential.
• Starting with weight on the back foot seems the best way with the Dialer.
Weather was reported as 12 to 8 knots, gusts to 18. 28˚C at 76%.
Wind felt like should have been fun over-powered to what would have been comfy powered. Except for the frickin' harness.
What I learned today...
• I am so not interested in waist harnesses.
• Despite the fact that it's SO much easier to move your legs!
• Z-series will take some adapting too. But it has potential.
• Starting with weight on the back foot seems the best way with the Dialer.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Win some...
Supposed to be wind today, so I headed off to the beach. Looked like enough wind to try out the 2011 Slingshot Dialer… and nobody else was around, so it wouldn't be embarrassing. Much.
Not much wind... hot launch the 21 but run out of beach behind me before I get it up and inflated. Reset... try again. Success! REALLY freakin' light... I mentally prepare myself for a wet, messy kite...
Water is flat as, I've got a little bit of power in a dive... might just work.
Bit of a spaz getting the board near my feet and myself up onto it. Eventually get something to work and I get a nice long tack down to the marina. Success!
Walk and body drag back... repeat without as much success. I can get up on a plane sometimes but there's just not enough wind to keep it going. Plenty of mistakes and my shit going every which way but loose... but I had nice attempt!
More wind, please!
Moment of the day was that single powered tack to starboard. It lives!
Mood of the session was ho ho ho!
Weather was reported as 6 knots. 33˚C at 55%.
Wind felt like less than that! Tough job keeping the kite in the air... shouldn't have even been trying to ride.
What I learned today…
• It's a hard job getting onto a surfboard!
• With a bit of apparent wind, the bottom end is amazing.
• Strapless ain't so bad. Just wait for the wind though...
Not much wind... hot launch the 21 but run out of beach behind me before I get it up and inflated. Reset... try again. Success! REALLY freakin' light... I mentally prepare myself for a wet, messy kite...
Water is flat as, I've got a little bit of power in a dive... might just work.
Bit of a spaz getting the board near my feet and myself up onto it. Eventually get something to work and I get a nice long tack down to the marina. Success!
Walk and body drag back... repeat without as much success. I can get up on a plane sometimes but there's just not enough wind to keep it going. Plenty of mistakes and my shit going every which way but loose... but I had nice attempt!
More wind, please!
Moment of the day was that single powered tack to starboard. It lives!
Mood of the session was ho ho ho!
Weather was reported as 6 knots. 33˚C at 55%.
Wind felt like less than that! Tough job keeping the kite in the air... shouldn't have even been trying to ride.
What I learned today…
• It's a hard job getting onto a surfboard!
• With a bit of apparent wind, the bottom end is amazing.
• Strapless ain't so bad. Just wait for the wind though...
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Go with your gut, next time
Southerlies again, over to Mie I go.
Supposed to crank around 1pm... it's 15 knots when I arrive. My gut tells me the front came through early but I rig small (13m) to be ready for the 20 knots!
Mmm, looks cracking but there's no waves and I'm really not that powered. I can barely get any height from jumps, there's no float so I won't be able to do multiple rotations, even front-rolls and just hovers over the water :(
Kite-loop back-rolls are a joke, when they work - they're just back-rolls with a loop to keep moving. Or a face plant cos the kite is looping in the bottom half of the window.
I get fed up and try the Mako, cos the waves have decided to make an appearance. Not enough power... go back to the Flydoor.
And to think, I was thinking of rigging the 10!
Keep riding but the wind is right off. Do 4 hours though... should have sunblocked my lower legs. Dang.
Moment of the day was that kiteloop backroll that was perfectly timed and felt like an unhooked move looks.
Mood of the session was annoyed not-amused placated.
Weather was reported as 12 to 16 knots, gusts to 20 at 1230 - just as I was measuring the wind, you cheater. 25ºC at 75%.
Wind felt like just powered enough to ride upwind easily enough, but not enough to have any big fun.
What I learned today...
• Gotta fix my S3 15 - I would have been happier on that.
• Except for all the fucking wooden stakes on the beach for all the digging and construction they're doing... uh oh.
• XB doesn't loop worth a damn. For me, anyway.
• Really need a surfboard!
• Even with crappy wind, you can load up and boing pretty well...
• Except for all the fucking wooden stakes on the beach for all the digging and construction they're doing... uh oh.
• XB doesn't loop worth a damn. For me, anyway.
• Really need a surfboard!
• Even with crappy wind, you can load up and boing pretty well...
Thursday, June 27, 2013
You win some, you lose some
Low-wind forecast, hoping for a bit more but got what we got it was ok.
I was the only one constantly riding. Hooray for Jesus! Still, a bit of a struggle for a while, til the thermal kicked in, I guess. Even then it was pretty iffy - only a few double rotations, and even singles were a bit tough.
Then I discovered that by popping when doing hand-drag backrolls, you actually can do a kinda-backroll kiteloop :D so I did a lot of them.
Lost my Sharks doing one. Get this - they fell off my head, the strap looped over my heel and the force of the water pulled the strap off the glasses. So I found the strap, floating... but not the glasses. Gah!
Gave it up after the sun slipped behind the hills.
Moment of the day was landing the first kite-loop back-roll. Duh!
Mood of the session was dissapointed greatly amused.
Weather was reported as 6-8 knots, gusts to 16. 25ºC at 73%.
Wind felt like... well, I was only just going upwind most of the time. A trick per tack would be just holding ground, except for the rare occasions the wind picked up.
What I learned today...
• Really gotta secure glasses with a leash for them to be 100% loss proof :
• Kiteloop backrolls!!!
I was the only one constantly riding. Hooray for Jesus! Still, a bit of a struggle for a while, til the thermal kicked in, I guess. Even then it was pretty iffy - only a few double rotations, and even singles were a bit tough.
Then I discovered that by popping when doing hand-drag backrolls, you actually can do a kinda-backroll kiteloop :D so I did a lot of them.
Lost my Sharks doing one. Get this - they fell off my head, the strap looped over my heel and the force of the water pulled the strap off the glasses. So I found the strap, floating... but not the glasses. Gah!
Gave it up after the sun slipped behind the hills.
Moment of the day was landing the first kite-loop back-roll. Duh!
Mood of the session was dissapointed greatly amused.
Weather was reported as 6-8 knots, gusts to 16. 25ºC at 73%.
Wind felt like... well, I was only just going upwind most of the time. A trick per tack would be just holding ground, except for the rare occasions the wind picked up.
What I learned today...
• Really gotta secure glasses with a leash for them to be 100% loss proof :
• Kiteloop backrolls!!!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Variations on a theme
There wasn't supposed to be any wind at all, but there was a bit of a puff when I walked out the door at work. So I stopped off at home and grabbed the togs...
Just me and the skinny man at the lake - I reckon I could make a ride out of it.
Out with the great white lumbering Jesus... onto the water with the Flydoor, powered enough to have some yahoos.
Try to perfect my single front-rolls, but just can't get them sorted with big air... only the half-hearted low-level solos work. Doubles work fine :) Even nailed some mighty double back rolls!
Then I start playing with hand-drag back-roll transitions, and discover they're actually easier done as just as back-rolls, the loop being a proper kite-loop :o hmm, maybe I'll be able to dark-slide or back-roll kite-loop eventually!
So it was a loop and roll fest till dark-ish. Back in the car by 8pm.
Moment of the day was that double back-roll that was so totally under control. I might have it sussed now, or at least know what I'm looking for ;)
Mood of the session was LOL bah har.
Weather was reported as 10 knots, gusts to 14. 25˚C at 75%.
Wind felt like 10 to 15 knots :D just-powered, a few times we got close to having-fun-powered.
What I learned today...
• I'm out of shape... totally exhausted!
• Foot-out loop transition may be a bit ambitious when you've only ever landed two foot-outs on that side! An amusing splash, nonetheless.
• Foot-outs on my other side feel as awkward as trying to use chopsticks with your feet.
• Can kinda do one-handed backrolls, as a stepping stone to grabbed rolls... need a bit of work.
• Carve harder for front-rolls.
• More vertical launch for double back-rolls.
• For the back-roll hand-drag loop thing... just do it!
Just me and the skinny man at the lake - I reckon I could make a ride out of it.
Out with the great white lumbering Jesus... onto the water with the Flydoor, powered enough to have some yahoos.
Try to perfect my single front-rolls, but just can't get them sorted with big air... only the half-hearted low-level solos work. Doubles work fine :) Even nailed some mighty double back rolls!
Then I start playing with hand-drag back-roll transitions, and discover they're actually easier done as just as back-rolls, the loop being a proper kite-loop :o hmm, maybe I'll be able to dark-slide or back-roll kite-loop eventually!
So it was a loop and roll fest till dark-ish. Back in the car by 8pm.
Moment of the day was that double back-roll that was so totally under control. I might have it sussed now, or at least know what I'm looking for ;)
Mood of the session was LOL bah har.
Weather was reported as 10 knots, gusts to 14. 25˚C at 75%.
Wind felt like 10 to 15 knots :D just-powered, a few times we got close to having-fun-powered.
What I learned today...
• I'm out of shape... totally exhausted!
• Foot-out loop transition may be a bit ambitious when you've only ever landed two foot-outs on that side! An amusing splash, nonetheless.
• Foot-outs on my other side feel as awkward as trying to use chopsticks with your feet.
• Can kinda do one-handed backrolls, as a stepping stone to grabbed rolls... need a bit of work.
• Carve harder for front-rolls.
• More vertical launch for double back-rolls.
• For the back-roll hand-drag loop thing... just do it!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Flite 175 departing as scheduled
Two different forecasts online today: GPV said a nice peak at 1pm then falling off; JMA said 12-18 all day. Hmm… put my money on GPV and went early.
Arrived about 12:30. Hmm, tough call on the weather—people are out on 9 to 12s… it's supposed to pick up too. I'll go with the Flite, I think.
Hmm, crowded beach—lots of non-regulars. Launch and go, making my way through the gear.
Out with the Flydoor, easy powered but could do with more power. Jumps aren't massive and I can't get double-rotations done. After a few minutes, it picks up though and I'm enjoying myself.
Good double front-spins, definitely different feel to the S3—more direct which shouldn't surprise me. Seems a bit easier to time it too, but it's also easy to send it back too far. Splash!
Had fun for a while then decided to get on the Mako before the wind dropped. Had a nice time playing out there, then decided to head back and get the Flydoor and a drink again, but could hardly get back to the beach, so had to walk a bit.
Went back out but it was light, so I gave up and headed back to the beach. Hironobu was doing his TV thing in the Shiva suit; very amusing! Stood around watching that and waiting for the wind, but I don't think it's going to happen so I pack it in. First back to the showers, that's a first!
Moment of the day was… well, there were the perfect 720 front- and back-spins, but I think the long ride into the marina beach on the mutant was the winner.
Mood of the session was well-satisfied.
Weather was reported as 8 knots with gusts to 15; 28˚C at 60%.
Wind felt like 15 dropping to 10, gusts to 18—happy-powered at best, just under-powered when I got off the water.
What I learned today…
• Flite likes speed into the jump with enough edging to load and pop but not so much that your stop the board. Sheet in, ride downwind a while until you build speed then send the kite and edge.Be gentle with the board!
• Front 720 down-loop transitions. Easier than 360s!
• Hand-drag back-spin transitions… watch the loop! Hand further out.
• Sunburn season is here :( glad I wore my hat!
• Sand burning feet season is here too!
• Accidentally did a kite-loop back-roll and I didn't die. Not sure I want to try it again just yet though.
• Mistress of Disaster is just u-s-e-l-e-s-s: she can't even transition properly. And she nearly dumped her kite on top of kids swimming at the YMCA beach zone. Stupid cow.
• Turkey just can't relaunch any kite. He got blown down to the marina beach and his kite dragged over the rocks on the drain. I spotted 2 holes in his canopy when he tried to relaunch later on…
• Back foot pad further back on the Mako… sticks better into the water but also feels vaguer. Which is odd, cos with it further forward it feels less vague but more slide-y.
• No problem with upwind again.
• The thing with the bottom end Flydoor vs. Mako mutant—the 'door will park 'n' ride for longer but the angle is about the same. You gotta work the kite sooner on the Mako and so you sink. Not much sooner though…
Arrived about 12:30. Hmm, tough call on the weather—people are out on 9 to 12s… it's supposed to pick up too. I'll go with the Flite, I think.
Hmm, crowded beach—lots of non-regulars. Launch and go, making my way through the gear.
Out with the Flydoor, easy powered but could do with more power. Jumps aren't massive and I can't get double-rotations done. After a few minutes, it picks up though and I'm enjoying myself.
Good double front-spins, definitely different feel to the S3—more direct which shouldn't surprise me. Seems a bit easier to time it too, but it's also easy to send it back too far. Splash!
Had fun for a while then decided to get on the Mako before the wind dropped. Had a nice time playing out there, then decided to head back and get the Flydoor and a drink again, but could hardly get back to the beach, so had to walk a bit.
Went back out but it was light, so I gave up and headed back to the beach. Hironobu was doing his TV thing in the Shiva suit; very amusing! Stood around watching that and waiting for the wind, but I don't think it's going to happen so I pack it in. First back to the showers, that's a first!
Moment of the day was… well, there were the perfect 720 front- and back-spins, but I think the long ride into the marina beach on the mutant was the winner.
Mood of the session was well-satisfied.
Weather was reported as 8 knots with gusts to 15; 28˚C at 60%.
Wind felt like 15 dropping to 10, gusts to 18—happy-powered at best, just under-powered when I got off the water.
What I learned today…
• Flite likes speed into the jump with enough edging to load and pop but not so much that your stop the board. Sheet in, ride downwind a while until you build speed then send the kite and edge.Be gentle with the board!
• Front 720 down-loop transitions. Easier than 360s!
• Hand-drag back-spin transitions… watch the loop! Hand further out.
• Sunburn season is here :( glad I wore my hat!
• Sand burning feet season is here too!
• Accidentally did a kite-loop back-roll and I didn't die. Not sure I want to try it again just yet though.
• Mistress of Disaster is just u-s-e-l-e-s-s: she can't even transition properly. And she nearly dumped her kite on top of kids swimming at the YMCA beach zone. Stupid cow.
• Turkey just can't relaunch any kite. He got blown down to the marina beach and his kite dragged over the rocks on the drain. I spotted 2 holes in his canopy when he tried to relaunch later on…
• Back foot pad further back on the Mako… sticks better into the water but also feels vaguer. Which is odd, cos with it further forward it feels less vague but more slide-y.
• No problem with upwind again.
• The thing with the bottom end Flydoor vs. Mako mutant—the 'door will park 'n' ride for longer but the angle is about the same. You gotta work the kite sooner on the Mako and so you sink. Not much sooner though…
Friday, June 14, 2013
Ehrma-gerd! Ar lurve Jesus!
Fuck work. Let's just get that out of the way.
Got to the lake just after 5, rolled over to the beach with the 21 on my back, the Mako and the 'door under my arms. Wind looks lighter than yesterday, and it's supposed to drop—like yesterday. We'll see…
Yeah, it's fine. Some boosts, rotations etc but I'm worried the wind will go before I get a chance to use the Mako. So I swap board… what a hoot!
Do that for a bit, then the wind drops off—leaves the 10m surf boys with kites in the water, and me looping to get back to shore. Walk up the beach, watch the front come in, head back out on the Flydoor.
More silliness ensues… there's wind "up there" and down that end of the beach; it's shifted to the east. I do all kinds of flukey stuff but get increasingly paranoid about the wind dropping right off and leaving me swimming, so I call it a day.
90 minute session—not bad! Quality, not quantity today! Unlike work, which is just a mountain of shit.
Moment of the day was landing the first ever front 1080 down-loop transition :D
Mood of the session was aah rah ooh-er.
It sucks when you're just getting into the zone and the wind dies.
Weather was reported as 4 to 8 knots, gusts to 14; 26˚ at 76%.
Wind felt like 10-15… comfortably well powered.
What I learned today…
• Bottom end of the Mako Mutant is astounding!
• Carving to toe-side, then popping off the lip to switch back to heelside… roolz!
• The board carves so hard and throws such as solid wall of water :o
• It's actually quite a workout riding that board—end up breathing hard on a really fun tack.
• The sets (is that the right word?) of waves go into the crappy beach. So long as the wind is up, it's easy enough to get out…
• It *IS* possible to do hooj phat single front-spins… just not sure how :o
• It is also possible to do hooj phat triples :D
• The line extensions make it possible to catch that good air up there…
• Mako wants MOAR SPEED!
• Jesus saves!
Got to the lake just after 5, rolled over to the beach with the 21 on my back, the Mako and the 'door under my arms. Wind looks lighter than yesterday, and it's supposed to drop—like yesterday. We'll see…
Yeah, it's fine. Some boosts, rotations etc but I'm worried the wind will go before I get a chance to use the Mako. So I swap board… what a hoot!
Do that for a bit, then the wind drops off—leaves the 10m surf boys with kites in the water, and me looping to get back to shore. Walk up the beach, watch the front come in, head back out on the Flydoor.
More silliness ensues… there's wind "up there" and down that end of the beach; it's shifted to the east. I do all kinds of flukey stuff but get increasingly paranoid about the wind dropping right off and leaving me swimming, so I call it a day.
90 minute session—not bad! Quality, not quantity today! Unlike work, which is just a mountain of shit.
Moment of the day was landing the first ever front 1080 down-loop transition :D
Mood of the session was aah rah ooh-er.
It sucks when you're just getting into the zone and the wind dies.
Weather was reported as 4 to 8 knots, gusts to 14; 26˚ at 76%.
Wind felt like 10-15… comfortably well powered.
What I learned today…
• Bottom end of the Mako Mutant is astounding!
• Carving to toe-side, then popping off the lip to switch back to heelside… roolz!
• The board carves so hard and throws such as solid wall of water :o
• It's actually quite a workout riding that board—end up breathing hard on a really fun tack.
• The sets (is that the right word?) of waves go into the crappy beach. So long as the wind is up, it's easy enough to get out…
• It *IS* possible to do hooj phat single front-spins… just not sure how :o
• It is also possible to do hooj phat triples :D
• The line extensions make it possible to catch that good air up there…
• Mako wants MOAR SPEED!
• Jesus saves!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wanna see my stiffie? It's huge!
So the forecast was for 5 to 10 knots… we got more like 18–20 solid. Well, after I got out on to the water with the S3-21 anyway.
Was light-ish when I got there. Hironobu was being interviewed by a TV crew (of one) and Grandad was showing off.
Beach was crowded so I had to launch in the middle of people's shit, but it went up easy enough. Once it filled, sheeting in with the kite at zenith was an up-lifting experience :D paraglider time!
On the water with the Sumo for shits'n'giggles. Kinda feels like the Mako, sorta skatey unless you get the edge right. Work up to some multiple rotations when…
… I go for the first 720 and halfway through, I here someone whistling. I look around thinking the shit is about to hit the fan, but it's only Miyachi trying to get a beginner under control. The distraction is enough for me to leave the kite out of position, stall it and… twist the tip.
Can't relaunch it, have to drag it across the shore. Get it emptied and the bridle sorted then go to launch and MOTHER FUCKER that beginner has just crashed his kite on the shore right next to where I'm trying to relaunch. So I have to wait for his dumbass… thanks Miyachi.
Kite seems ok, except for a twig stuck in the bridle. I go back and get the Flydoor.
And so, over-powered, I proceed to noodle around lazily and boost some good airs. A few make me go woo-hoo but mostly it's just days of hangtime, grabs and giggling. A few back- and front-spins but mostly it's about the air time. And silly bugger wave-riding…
Ride until dark. I'm so over-powered though that I can't land the kite by backstalling. Was about to do the WTMW method but Hironobu grabbed the kite for a perfect foil landing. Nice!
Grandad is looking old and thin though :( hope he's ok.
Moment of the day was jumping right out of the board. It was funny :)
Mood of the session was annoyed lazy amused.
It sucks when you're sure it's not your fault.
Weather was reported as 13 to 15 knots, gusts to 24; 23˚ at 68%.
Wind felt like about as far as I'd want to push the 21. I can't have lost that much weight… maybe it's just tuned better? cos it's a fucking beast now.
What I learned today…
• I need to fix the S3-15.
• I need a smaller board.
• Gotta check over the 21 for damage, but it seems fine. Seems to have stretched in a few places… we know the lines shrink, does the fabric stretch?
• Found a bloody loop knot in a bridle line—cheeky bugger!
• Loops on landing to save a jump… not a good idea when the wind is up. Warp speed, Mr Sulu!
• Can wave-ride ok with the 21, if you don't ride down-wind too much.
• That feeling. When you pendulum under the kite, redirect then sheet in hard and just sorta hover there, with the board just about the water… magic!
• The above is the best way to land a jump. Spend most of the time with the kite behind you!
• Learning that a trick you can do is called a "stiffie"… priceless!
Was light-ish when I got there. Hironobu was being interviewed by a TV crew (of one) and Grandad was showing off.
Beach was crowded so I had to launch in the middle of people's shit, but it went up easy enough. Once it filled, sheeting in with the kite at zenith was an up-lifting experience :D paraglider time!
On the water with the Sumo for shits'n'giggles. Kinda feels like the Mako, sorta skatey unless you get the edge right. Work up to some multiple rotations when…
… I go for the first 720 and halfway through, I here someone whistling. I look around thinking the shit is about to hit the fan, but it's only Miyachi trying to get a beginner under control. The distraction is enough for me to leave the kite out of position, stall it and… twist the tip.
Can't relaunch it, have to drag it across the shore. Get it emptied and the bridle sorted then go to launch and MOTHER FUCKER that beginner has just crashed his kite on the shore right next to where I'm trying to relaunch. So I have to wait for his dumbass… thanks Miyachi.
Kite seems ok, except for a twig stuck in the bridle. I go back and get the Flydoor.
And so, over-powered, I proceed to noodle around lazily and boost some good airs. A few make me go woo-hoo but mostly it's just days of hangtime, grabs and giggling. A few back- and front-spins but mostly it's about the air time. And silly bugger wave-riding…
Ride until dark. I'm so over-powered though that I can't land the kite by backstalling. Was about to do the WTMW method but Hironobu grabbed the kite for a perfect foil landing. Nice!
Grandad is looking old and thin though :( hope he's ok.
Moment of the day was jumping right out of the board. It was funny :)
Mood of the session was annoyed lazy amused.
It sucks when you're sure it's not your fault.
Weather was reported as 13 to 15 knots, gusts to 24; 23˚ at 68%.
Wind felt like about as far as I'd want to push the 21. I can't have lost that much weight… maybe it's just tuned better? cos it's a fucking beast now.
What I learned today…
• I need to fix the S3-15.
• I need a smaller board.
• Gotta check over the 21 for damage, but it seems fine. Seems to have stretched in a few places… we know the lines shrink, does the fabric stretch?
• Found a bloody loop knot in a bridle line—cheeky bugger!
• Loops on landing to save a jump… not a good idea when the wind is up. Warp speed, Mr Sulu!
• Can wave-ride ok with the 21, if you don't ride down-wind too much.
• That feeling. When you pendulum under the kite, redirect then sheet in hard and just sorta hover there, with the board just about the water… magic!
• The above is the best way to land a jump. Spend most of the time with the kite behind you!
• Learning that a trick you can do is called a "stiffie"… priceless!
Friday, June 7, 2013
I'm a mutant lover
Good forecast, hit the lake after playing table tennis at school. Musta got on the water about 5pm.
Rather powered with the Flite and the big board, not really feeling in the mood for boosting though. So I land the kite and run back to the car for the Mako.
Have a hoot on that! Likes being so powered up cos it just sinks when you stop it, but it's great fun. Good lord it's fast and stable! Slices up the lake like a katana.
Wind drops off, and I have to walk up the beach. Go back out on the Flydoor but WTF, I have to walk again? Give up and go home. Get in the car about 8pm, musta had a good 2 hours on the water!
Moment of the day was actually smacking the lip of a wave. SMACK! it went, in a wet way.
Mood of the session was unconvinced amused impressed.
Weather was reported as 14 to 8 knots, gusts to 20; 23˚C at 61%.
Wind felt like just about to get uncomfortably over-powered, falling to under-powered (no white caps) with the Flydoor.
What I learned today…
• Right time for the short john suit.
• Bottom end of the Mako… pretty impressive ackshully. Couldn't get upwind on it, and couldn't on the Flydoor either!
• Want to try the back foot back as far as it'll go.
• Want to try it as a TT again too!
• Want to try a King too.
• Goddam! the Flite is a great kite for noodling around under… but it really doesn't get a lot of altitude.
• So I'm thinking I might keep the XB16 for boosting in 15-20 knots.
• Buying Cab lines in Japan is expensive.
Rather powered with the Flite and the big board, not really feeling in the mood for boosting though. So I land the kite and run back to the car for the Mako.
Have a hoot on that! Likes being so powered up cos it just sinks when you stop it, but it's great fun. Good lord it's fast and stable! Slices up the lake like a katana.
Wind drops off, and I have to walk up the beach. Go back out on the Flydoor but WTF, I have to walk again? Give up and go home. Get in the car about 8pm, musta had a good 2 hours on the water!
Moment of the day was actually smacking the lip of a wave. SMACK! it went, in a wet way.
Mood of the session was unconvinced amused impressed.
Weather was reported as 14 to 8 knots, gusts to 20; 23˚C at 61%.
Wind felt like just about to get uncomfortably over-powered, falling to under-powered (no white caps) with the Flydoor.
What I learned today…
• Right time for the short john suit.
• Bottom end of the Mako… pretty impressive ackshully. Couldn't get upwind on it, and couldn't on the Flydoor either!
• Want to try the back foot back as far as it'll go.
• Want to try it as a TT again too!
• Want to try a King too.
• Goddam! the Flite is a great kite for noodling around under… but it really doesn't get a lot of altitude.
• So I'm thinking I might keep the XB16 for boosting in 15-20 knots.
• Buying Cab lines in Japan is expensive.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Back in the saddle
Didn't seem like there'd be much wind today, but the forecast filled in as the day progressed so I headed down the beach after work. Looked like I'd be able to get away with the Flite…
Well, just. Losing ground if I don't work it hard and go without stunts on at least one tack. But I have a good time doing rotations; get some good ones in, bork up some too.
Brain is getting in the way sometimes and I forget which hand I'm supposed to pull to redirect—very nearly do a double front spin kite-loop by accident :o got me thinking though… which is dangerous!
So good session, bit under-powered but happy to be riding again!
Moment of the day was that first perfect double front-spin.
Mood of the session was ho-ho-ho! oof!
Weather was reported as 11 knots falling to 4, gusts to 18. 23˚C at 66%.
Wind felt like 15 knots falling to 10 with gusts to 18. Just powered 50%, comfy powered 50%. 100% wanting more!
What I learned today…
• Redirecting the kite gives it some sink when doing front spins.
• Gotta really whip yourself around with the less-floaty kites.
• Power in the kite determines what stunts you can do, or how cool they look.
• Very incomplete front-spin down-loop transition, landing with the board almost backwards upwind, can result in cool powered carves into the other direction!
Well, just. Losing ground if I don't work it hard and go without stunts on at least one tack. But I have a good time doing rotations; get some good ones in, bork up some too.
Brain is getting in the way sometimes and I forget which hand I'm supposed to pull to redirect—very nearly do a double front spin kite-loop by accident :o got me thinking though… which is dangerous!
So good session, bit under-powered but happy to be riding again!
Moment of the day was that first perfect double front-spin.
Mood of the session was ho-ho-ho! oof!
Wind felt like 15 knots falling to 10 with gusts to 18. Just powered 50%, comfy powered 50%. 100% wanting more!
What I learned today…
• Redirecting the kite gives it some sink when doing front spins.
• Gotta really whip yourself around with the less-floaty kites.
• Power in the kite determines what stunts you can do, or how cool they look.
• Very incomplete front-spin down-loop transition, landing with the board almost backwards upwind, can result in cool powered carves into the other direction!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Enough already!
Another light wind session. Seemed a tad more wind to begin with so I thought I could get out on the Flite. I could but it wasn't inspiring so... Praise Jesus!
4 days in a row; one the same as the other... and sometimes that's not a bad thing.
Golden moonbeams on the water to guide me home… magic!
Moment of the day was landing the triples.
Mood of the session was yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…
It sucks when the kite you want to be out on just ain't enough.
Weather was reported as 4 to 8 knots, gusts to 12 (?) 22˚C at 59%.
Wind felt like 10 to 15 in the good bits.
What I learned today…
• Rolls are body more horizontal than vertical; flips, board goes over the head; spins, body more vertical that horizontal. I'm a spinning fool!
• Using your legs for maximum pop is good for jumps and…
• doing the same when going for rotations is the best way to ensure vertical travel instead of flying downwind.
• Timing of the redirect is more important with front-rolls. Sorry, front-spins.
• Double-spins are easy with the Flite too but watch the timing of the redirects.
• Might be over-doing it—my ribs hurt :(
4 days in a row; one the same as the other... and sometimes that's not a bad thing.
Golden moonbeams on the water to guide me home… magic!
Moment of the day was landing the triples.
Mood of the session was yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…
It sucks when the kite you want to be out on just ain't enough.
Weather was reported as 4 to 8 knots, gusts to 12 (?) 22˚C at 59%.
Wind felt like 10 to 15 in the good bits.
What I learned today…
• Rolls are body more horizontal than vertical; flips, board goes over the head; spins, body more vertical that horizontal. I'm a spinning fool!
• Using your legs for maximum pop is good for jumps and…
• doing the same when going for rotations is the best way to ensure vertical travel instead of flying downwind.
• Timing of the redirect is more important with front-rolls. Sorry, front-spins.
• Double-spins are easy with the Flite too but watch the timing of the redirects.
• Might be over-doing it—my ribs hurt :(
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Make mine a triple!
Cracking forecast on both JMA and GPV but the hourly updates aren't looking good. You know I'm going to head down there anyway though… fucking traffic jam on the Kogan Doro! Some dick-tard has had a car accident. Morons.
Only delayed 10 minutes at most but it feels like all day, of course. Oh damn, where's the wind? Not looking good… hump the Flydoor, Flite and S3-21 over to the lake. Not much wind on the horizon, nobody is riding, everyone is setting up their big kite—12s and 14s LOL.
Head out and am surprised that I'm actually going upwind—Jesus saves! Again!—while Taki (50kg) on a 12m RPM and 150x48 board is walking. Hey I think I'll throw some double rotations just to rub your noses in it. Fnar!
Ooh bit more powered now… the doubles are turning into triples and—aw yeah! landed one!
Even more power, so I boost and do foot-outs. I'm extra-careful to clear all around me and make sure I'm not going to scare the sissy-bitches… needn't have worried cos the cry-baby has dumped his kite again, trying another trick he never lands, and can't relaunch it. No wonder he's always in a foul mood.
Start to worry that I should rig a smaller kite, but the wind drops and soon it's just me on the water. Even I can't ride in nothing though, so I come into shore. There's literally no wind, the flags aren't moving but the kite is riding at zenith fine… sweet!
Land the kite then pack up and head home. Ask Miyachi about lines and parts for the Cab bar, and a ride on a directional. He reckons he can get me a demo…
So, not what I was hoping for but still pretty damn good!
Moment of the day was landing and riding away from the triple. Hell yeah!
Mood of the session was ooh aah aww.
Weather was reported as 16 knots in the good bit then falling to nothing. 19˚C at 59%.
Wind felt like it was heading to being uncomfortably over-powered but stopped short at too much power for rotations (check out the triples!) but enough for big air and foot-outs.
What I learned today…
• Triples are just as "easy" as doubles, although easy may be an overstatement as I don't seem to land them properly too often any more :D
• Forgot I have the Airstyle DVD! Time to watch for inspiration!
• The Great White Lumbering Jesus is an incredible machine!
Only delayed 10 minutes at most but it feels like all day, of course. Oh damn, where's the wind? Not looking good… hump the Flydoor, Flite and S3-21 over to the lake. Not much wind on the horizon, nobody is riding, everyone is setting up their big kite—12s and 14s LOL.
Head out and am surprised that I'm actually going upwind—Jesus saves! Again!—while Taki (50kg) on a 12m RPM and 150x48 board is walking. Hey I think I'll throw some double rotations just to rub your noses in it. Fnar!
Ooh bit more powered now… the doubles are turning into triples and—aw yeah! landed one!
Even more power, so I boost and do foot-outs. I'm extra-careful to clear all around me and make sure I'm not going to scare the sissy-bitches… needn't have worried cos the cry-baby has dumped his kite again, trying another trick he never lands, and can't relaunch it. No wonder he's always in a foul mood.
Start to worry that I should rig a smaller kite, but the wind drops and soon it's just me on the water. Even I can't ride in nothing though, so I come into shore. There's literally no wind, the flags aren't moving but the kite is riding at zenith fine… sweet!
Land the kite then pack up and head home. Ask Miyachi about lines and parts for the Cab bar, and a ride on a directional. He reckons he can get me a demo…
So, not what I was hoping for but still pretty damn good!
Moment of the day was landing and riding away from the triple. Hell yeah!
Mood of the session was ooh aah aww.
Weather was reported as 16 knots in the good bit then falling to nothing. 19˚C at 59%.
Wind felt like it was heading to being uncomfortably over-powered but stopped short at too much power for rotations (check out the triples!) but enough for big air and foot-outs.
What I learned today…
• Triples are just as "easy" as doubles, although easy may be an overstatement as I don't seem to land them properly too often any more :D
• Forgot I have the Airstyle DVD! Time to watch for inspiration!
• The Great White Lumbering Jesus is an incredible machine!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Hey bartender, hit me with a double!
Forecast was for N-O-T-H-I-N-G… nothing at all! There was a tickle after work though so I thought I'd chance it. Down to the lake!
Hmm, looks a little lighter than yesterday. Oh well why not? Same gear over to the beach… launch the 21—oh yeah, that'll do nicely!
Straight back into the double rolls like yesterday :D little less power actually makes it tricky, cos it's too easy to stall the kite being ham-fisted. So the success rate is down but the fun rate is off the charts!
Even manage a double back-roll at one point, and very nearly land several triple fronts—having trouble getting the kite in the right place for them on landing though.
The wind seems good so I switch boards. Bit of diddling around then I click with the Mako. Oh wow, it really does fly upwind! It loves the magically flat water though, slices through the chop, and just carves lovely. Can get skatey when you do… something… and carves wicked fast when you edge. It'll be surprisingly floaty as a mutant, I think…
Wind has dropped and I have to walk. Get the Flydoor and… what the hey—I'm not actually making that much more ground upwind! Struggle for a bit, worry about dunking myself and the kite, throw a stunt per tack but lose so much ground that I'm thinking of giving up.
So's arrived and… he's bought the wind with him! Keep on riding, throwing some one footers, till after dark again. The moonlight on the water is magic and I'm having great fun stunting but I'm getting tired and hungry. Fight back upwind to the start and call it a night.
A session from nothing… Jesus saves!
Moment of the day was the double back-roll.
Mood of the session was aw HELL yeah again!
Weather was reported as 6 to 12 knots, gusts to 20 (!) at 6pm; 22˚C at 49%.
Wind felt like 10 to 15 knots, and less: walked a couple of times but never felt over-powered like 20 knots worth!
What I learned today…
• I can do double back-rolls too!
• Might even be able to do triples :o
• Mako rocks upwind and slices through chop but needs board speed—flat water helps, it really doesn't like bouncing around. You can ride it pretty flat too.
• Would I like a King more than a directional?
• Kite skills for landing the stunts are vital. Lost it a bit as I got tired… but was still chuckling!
• Nearly landed an accidental double front-roll kite-loop :o
• One-footers are so easy when you have days of hang-time! Getting used to doing tail grabs the other way too.
• Shore water is warm but it's still chilly out in the depths.
Hmm, looks a little lighter than yesterday. Oh well why not? Same gear over to the beach… launch the 21—oh yeah, that'll do nicely!
Straight back into the double rolls like yesterday :D little less power actually makes it tricky, cos it's too easy to stall the kite being ham-fisted. So the success rate is down but the fun rate is off the charts!
Even manage a double back-roll at one point, and very nearly land several triple fronts—having trouble getting the kite in the right place for them on landing though.
The wind seems good so I switch boards. Bit of diddling around then I click with the Mako. Oh wow, it really does fly upwind! It loves the magically flat water though, slices through the chop, and just carves lovely. Can get skatey when you do… something… and carves wicked fast when you edge. It'll be surprisingly floaty as a mutant, I think…
Wind has dropped and I have to walk. Get the Flydoor and… what the hey—I'm not actually making that much more ground upwind! Struggle for a bit, worry about dunking myself and the kite, throw a stunt per tack but lose so much ground that I'm thinking of giving up.
So's arrived and… he's bought the wind with him! Keep on riding, throwing some one footers, till after dark again. The moonlight on the water is magic and I'm having great fun stunting but I'm getting tired and hungry. Fight back upwind to the start and call it a night.
A session from nothing… Jesus saves!
Moment of the day was the double back-roll.
Mood of the session was aw HELL yeah again!
Weather was reported as 6 to 12 knots, gusts to 20 (!) at 6pm; 22˚C at 49%.
Wind felt like 10 to 15 knots, and less: walked a couple of times but never felt over-powered like 20 knots worth!
What I learned today…
• I can do double back-rolls too!
• Might even be able to do triples :o
• Mako rocks upwind and slices through chop but needs board speed—flat water helps, it really doesn't like bouncing around. You can ride it pretty flat too.
• Would I like a King more than a directional?
• Kite skills for landing the stunts are vital. Lost it a bit as I got tired… but was still chuckling!
• Nearly landed an accidental double front-roll kite-loop :o
• One-footers are so easy when you have days of hang-time! Getting used to doing tail grabs the other way too.
• Shore water is warm but it's still chilly out in the depths.
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