As for the feeling I'm still at the "where the hell am I" stage
Desperate to get back out and do more though
[Edited on 11-10-2004 by IainO]
On 7th October 2004, IainO wrote:
quote:
Windsurfing: Ballephetrish, Tiree
Wind Direction: NE
Wind Stength: F4-5
Surf / Sea State: 2-3ft
Air Temperature: OK
Sea Temperature: OK
Weather: Sunny
Last day of wind forecast for the trip so it was loop or bust. Rigged up a 6.2 and was nicely powered in the on shore conditions but I needed smaller to go over the handlebars. Sure enough the wind picked up and I rigged the 5.4 - now all I need was the impetus.
Pestered one of the lads who is a competent looper and he duly demoed in front of me, all that was left was to go for it. A couple of runs, some serious words with myself and after 10 years of bottling out at the tender age of 40 I launched into my first forward - unfortunately I neglected to bring the board with me. Next attempt was much the same but at least I was doing the right thing with the rig. 3 more attempt and I was landing on my back, disorientated, but having got everything around. I was over the moon though still scared of initiating the rotation but after chatting with the lads on the beach they agreed that it wasn't ideal conditions as, with very few ramps, I was having to pop the board out of the water.
Decided to rest on my laurels and spent the rest of the day going for Vulcans or just blasting. Just have to keep going at loops now I've finally started.
Cheers Al. I must admit that I thought the self preservation instinct would abate once I'd been over the front but I still feel quite
nervous about it
As for the feeling I'm still at the "where the hell am I" stage
Desperate to get back out and do more though
[Edited on 11-10-2004 by IainO]
I know what you mean, I've tried quite a few now but I'm still scared of them. Actually I haven't made any successful ones since
snapping my mast mid-rotation. I'm still quite often making excuses for NOT going for them too... too onshore, wrong tack, board too
big etc etc.
Al.
Ian,
Sounds like a neat trip.
Were all the competitors gathering before the UKWA FreeWave event?
Andy,
Yes they were all training for the event. Proved to be quite inspiring as you realise that you can only blame yourself every time you
come in and miss all the waves. They caught perfect waves every ride in. Also quite humbling (and rather sexist I know) when you see
a girl out there putting a lot of us blokes to shame.
Hopefully the wind will pick up again as there wasn't much when we left on Saturday.