After nineteen days of no windsurfing...of being marooned, beached, landlocked and limping thanks to a dinged hoof, I got back on the water yesterday. I did not sail well, and there was some pain, but it felt very, very good to get back out on the water!
Meschutt was the call (maybe you saw us on the Meschutt cam?) with Peconic Jeff, John Ford, Jason, Scott, and Vanderwolf tearing it up in the bright sun on 5.2's -5.8's. We caught it at low tide, which on NW at Meschutt means perfect little halfpipe ramps on the inside, with good midsized rampage as you head further out. As I was nursing a torn ligament in my right foot, I could only keep that foot in the straps without pain by sailing conservatively and taking it easy. When an absolutely perfect ramp would appear in front of me, it took extraordinary self-control to not jump.
I do not have such self-control.
Over the course of the day I attempted half a dozen jumps. All but one was a mess, because as soon as I'd kick off my brain went into "how much did that hurt let's measure the pain" mode, followed by going into pre-flinch for landing. This did nothing for board or rig control in the air, though on a scale of 1-10 for pain I was scoring 4's and 5's, with one 2! And it was fun.
I sailed for two hours, then got off the water hoping I hadn't done any damage. I'm writing this the next morning, and I'm no more sore than I was before yesterday's session. I don't think I can wave sail, but I'm up for another bay session. I love windsurfing! The last time I didn't sail for nineteen days in a row was in February of 2006. That sucked.
Welcome back!! Glad to hear you're on the mend, and back on the water. Were you able to stay positive while laid up, or did you simply brood in a cloud of darkness? What an effect this sport has, huh? :)
Posted by: Andy | March 30, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I brooded in a cloud of darkness. Except on days when it wasn't blowing!
I may STILL brood in a cloud of darkness if a great ocean day comes and I have to slink off and sail on flatwater. I went for a few carving 360's yesterday so I'd have something extra to show for my day, but I'd rather be working the swell.
In the final analysis Puffins are optimistic, so I shall keep my beak up!
Posted by: Michael | March 30, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Good news! But be careful you don't want to go back to 'square 1' again!
Posted by: Bunty | March 31, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Does this mean we'll see you in Hatteras in a couple of weeks?
Posted by: Mac | March 31, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Mac, I hope so. Things are looking up. If I continue to mend, then yes I'll be there!
Posted by: Michael | March 31, 2008 at 09:17 PM