Another Kuau Point

Yesterday I scored yet another Kuau point. In order to score a point, you must launch from the Kuau channel and intend to return through the channel but for whatever reason, miss the channel and end up coming back around the corner, down wind. 

My day started well, training for the 15K Harbor to Harbor, my training partner and I ran 9 miles of hills.  Then, when I saw the wind and waves were up, Russ and I didnt hesitate to quickly rig and charge.  I had a few great runs and I remember thinking to myself, "if I break down now, I will be happy because I am having so much fun now." Maybe that thought jinksed it because the next wave I went for wiped me out and held me under. I was already tired and couldnt seam to get back to my gear for a while and when I did get to it on the inside, I was so far down wind and around the corner where the wind is very light.  Looking at the sets coming in, they were at least mast high with little to no break in between sets. I counted my losses and just swam for the shore. Luckly there were some local fisherman to help pull my gear out of the shore break. 

None the less, it was a great day! :)

ps- yes, I am in the lead for the Kuau Cup :)

Solo Sesh

Today I got a few hours to myself out at Kuau.  Back on my old gear again is hard after having the opportunity to ride the new gear for the test. Hopefully soon I will have my own new gear :)

Video Action

Yesterday Jake Miller filmed for the test team.  The first part of the day were interviews about the board and the second half Jake was in the water filming. I caught my highest jump ever as he was following me with the camera. I was on fire! :) 

Helicopter Photo Shoot!

On Saturday, Windsurfing Magazine surprised the test team with a helicopter photo shoot. Thanks to Dakine I had my bright pink rash guard that was helpful for the photographer, Eric Aider, to see from the sky. Being that close to a helicopter was probably top on my list of coolest feelings ever! (for lack of better words). The wind was relatively light, just able to plane, and the heli was able to give that extra little boost to get going fast. I felt comfortable enough to smile and wave to the camera from most angles. I cant wait to see the pictures. 

When he was done in the air, Eric got in the water to take some shots. This was fun for the whole test team to do laps around him together. I think there will be some amazing pictures for the magazine. 

Board Test Continues

Yesterday the wind was back and we were able to get back on the water.  No waves and just enough wind. I was using a new Goya sail and once I had it rigged correctly, had a great time. Cant wait for today's photo shoot!

Yea DaKine!

I now have a new harness and a bunch of rashies from DaKine! Thank you Scott, Bill and Alan! Cant wait for the wind to come back so I can use them :)

Kihei Testing

Yesterday we drove over to Kihei for the second day of testing. I got an opportunity to try 5 boards, although the conditions were not as great as I would have liked. The wind was so far away from the beach that there was a lot of schlogging going on. But, non the less, it was another entertaining day with all the testers. 

The Board Test Begins

The 2010 Windsurfing Magazine Board Test has begun. Yesterday was our first day on the water. We got about an hour of schlogging before the wind really died. I'm looking forward to working with all the testers, it should be fun!

Paddle With a Pooch

Today was the first Naish Paddle With a Pooch. Thank you Dave for letting me paddle with Pettie! Barb was with Lani. What a fun day :)

No Wind

There has been no wind for almost a week now. Yes, I did get back in the water after the shark incident.  I was going strong the next day with the wind howling. Since then, just swimming and surfing.

Shark!

I saw my first big shark yesterday out past the waves at Kuau. I saw something in the water so I sailed over to it and sure enough, it was a big shark! Pretty cool but it did scare me out of the water for the day. :) Other than that, I had a productive day on the water, making tons of jibes and wave riding with both feet in the straps. 

Wave Sailing Lesson

Yesterday was a really nice day for me to work on my wave sailing. Not too big, but definatly big enough for me to see where the waves were building from. I also got to sail with my favorite sailing buddies, Mark, Dean, and Tom. Thanks guys!