The Peconic Puffin Windsurfing Blog

Foiling Sesh #3

Sally and I headed out to Napeague Saturday, for a post-Covid reunion with Wilson and Lili and family.   They foil out there, and my two previous foiling experiences in 2018 and 2019 were due for an update.   Wilson of course has gotten pretty good in the ensuing years that I've been off-wing, and gave tips that got me flying for up to 20 seconds a stretch (once).  Amazing to be planing (or whatever one calls it...flying?) on a 4.8 sail in what for "finning" would be 7.5 conditions.

Attempted on jibe...didn't come remotely close.

Finally, Returning to South Jamesport

"You know how many times we've been here this year?" Scott demanded?  I did not.

"Three!  This is the worst year for South Jamesport!"

Possibly true, but Scott, George Pav, the Wolf and your editor were out on 5.3's and small boards (93 for me, 85 for Scott por ejemplo) and the water was warm and friendly during the Friday afternoon sesh.

For my previous windsurfing session I'd had to wear my drysuit (cold at East Landing) as I don't have a 5/3.  This day at SJ I was needlessly wearing a 3.2 because I hadn't yet loaded my shorty into the van.  Could have worn one though!

A fine late Spring afternoon, and my first session with Lord vanderWolf in ages.  Good to see the Old Man of the Sea!

Six Years Ago By Comparison...

...there I am at South Jamesport, chasing the ever speedy Scott in the distance.  In a shorty.  Not a DRYSUIT!!!   I am ready for summer shortboarding.

A Memorable Session at East Landing

I don't think I've worn a drysuit on Memorial Day weekend before, but my choices were that or a 3/2, and 3/2 wasn't going to cut it.   It was nuking and about 50 degrees in rain at East Landing...when I arrived Scott was tailwalking in, to rig down to 3.7 whilst Christian kept it together on a 4.1.  Pav was leaving, while Artie and Joe Nat arrived right behind me.   Tiny sails it was, and I rigged my 3.7 for only the second time.

This time it dialed in.

East Landing at low tide has beautifully spaced swell with smooth jibing areas outbound...I planed fully through my second jibe (normally I'm happy just to stay dry when the sails are three meters.)  And the jumping was good on both tacks...I had a few nice long ones on port, and tried to imitate Christian's S turns up ramps on starboard.

The wind died (LOL) after an hour of my being there ("what did you do to the wind?" Scott demanded of me.)  I rigged up to 4.2 and life was good again.   Rigging up to 4.2...that's a problem to have!

As the tide came in the spot became quite bumpy, and I'll confess to my shoulders frying pretty quickly.

Next time the forecast is NE I'm heading to East Landing for low tide.

P.S.  re the drysuit...it was for the howling cool air.  The water was warmer than the air...summer booties, no thought of gloves.  Give me 70 degrees air and on comes the 3/2.

Friday Afternoon has Potential

Thinking Sebonac Inlet, with a long shot at Iron Pier.

I've missed several excellent days due to work.  You know the ABK adage "the windiest day of the week is Monday"?  For me it's whenever I have a gig!