You
want rain AND wind? Come on, some people are never happy.
In this case, one out of two ain't bad --I was sooooo glad
to get the rain. The summer solstice is supposed to turn
off the wind spigot anyway till September, at least as far
as the wind snobs are concerned. On the other hand, we've
actually had more than our fair share of 5 to 15 mph days
in 90 degree plus heat -- perfect conditions for beginners.
Come
On -- Rent Some Gear!!!
And
to eliminate the "But I don't have any gear" excuse, Whitecap
is RENTING. From beginner boards and rigs to higher performance
centerboard-equipped boards to a 137 liter slalom board
for those stoked advanced beginners--intermediates out there
wondering if its time to go to the next level. Heck, I even
have one of those inflatable Windgliders for the kids, a
great, fun, safe learning platform. (And I even give "windchecks"
if there's no breeze!)
Speaking
of NEW BOARDHEADS, let's welcome to the tribe Jill O'grady
of Augusta; Caroline Buckley and Julie Rossi of Charleston;
Cassandra Dean, Bill Deal, and Tony Hawkins of Aiken; and
Tonya Jordan of N. Augusta.
Fall
Hatteras Trip
There
has been tons of interest, so better commit soon. Dates
will be October 21st to 28th. (This also happens to be the
week of the Hatteras Island Windsurfing Championships.)
Isn't that a bizarre time for a vacation? That's one reason
why an Outer Banks trip is so DIFFERENT. No crowds, remoteness,
dodging hurricanes -- it's another world, but a windy, shallow
one (at least on one side). Response may dictate the house(s)
but we'll go for prime soundside in Avon or Frisco. These
trips are great for all levels, beginner to expert. (Lessons
for newbies can be had there from Whitecap while there).
Practice in miles of knee-to-chest deep water. Let me know
now if you're seriously interested.
Windtalker
Update
Thurmond
and Murray, too! You guys think I'm making this whole thing
up, don't you? But this is not a fig newton of my imagination.
IT WILL HAPPEN. In fact, the SECOND windtalker in this National
Weather Service program is tentatively approved at LAKE
MURRAY (near Columbia, SC). The Coast Guard Auxillary and
U.S. Power Squadron are the co-sponsors. They are investigating
an installation site nearer the dam but the fall-back position
is their 25' communication tower at the end of Johnson Marina
Rd. between Ballentine and Chapin. The planned reconstruction
work at the dam is presenting many difficulties at this
time, but whatever the final location, it's got to help.
At Lake Thurmond (Clark Hill to the natives), the 1000'
run of telephone cable from the sensor's computer to the
telephone switching room turned out to be as easy as we
anticipated -- if you could fly like a hummingbird and simultaneously
spit shielded, two-pair telephone cable out of your rear
like a spider. So, we're getting a $1500 wireless modem.
Relax, the Columbia County EMS already got the county commissioners
to add half its cost to their budget and the Columbia, SC
NWS/NOAA Weather Radio office is paying the other half.
Yes, this is your tax $$ at work. Sure beats the heck out
of the other crap they spend it on. Whitecap has paid the
$67 telephone service application/hookup fee and will be
paying the monthly service costs of $30.23 which is $362.76.
Donations will be accepted to defray this cost; it ain't
in the Whitecap budget. Remember, initially this system
is only internet accessible, but it will be virtually real
time and should be very accurate.
Local
Swap Meet and Party Put it on your calendar: evening of
August 26th. At the home of Whitecap, my house, in Evans,
GA just off Interstate 20 - easy to get to from anywhere.
Lot's of food, fun, fellowship. That's all you need to know
now 'cause that's all I know now. Details to follow in August's
newsletter.
Stuff
You Need -- Yes you really need this stuff!!
Wetsuits
and Drysuits -- Think about it That's what's on my mind
when it's 105 heat index outside. But, THE SEASON is coming
-- Fall cold fronts are the best. Shorties, wetsuits, semi-dry,
or dry -- think about what you need. NOW is the time to
see if you really can get one more season out of that piece
of crap suit. IF you need to get a new one, it's a good
time to shop for CLOSEOUTS. Call me and I'll get to work
on it.
Training
Videos This is the Tip Of The Month for all levels.
Four words: Get an instructional video. Accurate, simple,
VISUALIZATION is the proven key to fast improvement. For
about $25 (available from Whitecap), its a no-brainer --
not only will your on-the-water ability be greatly enhanced,
but you will learn stuff about wind, your equipment, and
the sport in general that most people take years to pick
up. Here are my opinions of the best (for what that's worth):
Windsurfing
101 -- beginner, entry level by Naish Hawaii. Covers everything
-- safety, gear, wind knowledge. stance, balance, up-hauling,
steering, tacking, pivot jibing, and beach starting. Recommends
a front-hand-on-the-mast method for your first day of sailing
that differs from what I teach, but it works. I used info
from this video to tweak my instruction for my 13 and 11
year old daughters with wonderful success. 60 minutes.
(In
stock) Steppin' Up -- intermediate to advanced intermediate
lesson by the Pritchard Brothers. I love this video! It's
so unique. You'll laugh most of the first viewing at the
entirely goofy, surf dude repartee between Kevin and Matt
Pritchard. By the second viewing, these guys seem like your
best buddies on the beach -- once you realize how fantastic
the instruction is on this tape. It only covers 5 fun and
functional transitions beyond the regular jibe: quick tack,
one-handed jibe, duck jibe, helicopter tack, carving 360.
60 minutes.
(In
stock) Jibing with Alan Cadiz -- for seekers of the elusive
jibe. This video has created a huge buzz in the windsurfing
world. I haven't seen it yet, but it must be awesome; everywhere
I turn it's being talked about. Word is, the big difference
is the "helmet cam" shots are perfectly executed such that
the viewer sees through the windsurfer eyes as the moves
are executed. A comprehensive study of jibing from the non-planning
pivot to carving and beyond by a highly respected master
instructor. More basic than Steppin' Up but also covers
the duck and jump jibe and the Vulcan, whatever that is.
45 minutes.
New
FOAM Helmet -- It "works" and looks cool! Why don't
we wear helmets on those nuking, scary days? Because they
fit poorly, are too heavy, obstruct hearing and vision,
and rattle around your head and face distractingly. And
then there's the real reason: they look too dorky. (No,
Dr. Gossage, this does not mean you.) Well, excuse-breath,
North Shore, Inc. has introduced the all foam windsurfers
helmet. Incredibly light, formfitting, non-absorbant dual-density
foam with a removable neoprene liner (for colder days).
Jim Gross, definitely a talented, cool dude, was the first
to order one and is wearing it kite surfing around Sullivans
Island -- says it's a vast improvement. No face guard, but
has an optional visor. Whitecap stocks them -- $39 w/o liner,
$42 with liner.
Area
Happenings: "Learn to Sail" Clinic @ Lanier Atlanta
Bordsailing Club's clinic, part 2. Saturday July 22 at Vann's
Tavern Park on Lake Lanier 5 miles form downtown Gainsville,
GA. Call Dave Delmonte (404-869-4396) to let then know you're
coming. Cost is $30. Worth the drive for the beginner to
just-beyond-beginner instruction and great fellowship. More
info and directions at the ABC website: www.windsurfatlanta.org
Gear for Sail
That's
all till next month ... or when I get around to it.
