That I've missed a few windy days has only exacerbated my windsurfing fantasies. Peconic Jeff's flirtations with back loops now have me wanting to stick my first one...and the big-ticket item....the Forward Loop...is also on my mind. OBX Bill cracked the code a few years ago (and now is the Prime Minister of the OBX Loop Fests) and I took special interest in a recent post of his entitled "Breaking the Mental Barrier". You know what they say (those bastards)...the looping is easier than jibing, except for the fear part. I have my dreams and I have my doubts, but hey...I remember when duck jibes seemed out of reach. In any event, Bill posted this video of a 60 year old guy successfully learning to loop.
I am inspired.
I'll loop with you Mike! This is my year!
Posted by: Jill | March 23, 2009 at 05:44 AM
Attend the loop clinic at sailworld, and then sail with those guys. you can do it!
Posted by: george markopoulos | March 23, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Yea Michael! The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam 2009's "aerial artistry" component is specifically focused on the FWD Loop this Spring. See the updated web site (www.obxwindfest.com) for details. We are featuring TWO Loop clinics this spring, and refuse to let anyone committed to "committing," cross north over Oregon Inlet (aka returning home) without going for a spin first! 2009 is the year! We had two successes in 2008, including George M, who's next?!
Bill
Posted by: OBX Bill | March 23, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Let's do it!! Get your butt down to Hatteras, pronto! (with an emphasis on April 17th)
By the way- backloops are much easier to try (mentally) but insanely difficult to land.
EXACT opposite of forward loops!!
Posted by: Andy | March 24, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Plus, you can nail FWDs on just about any water from big surf to flat sound-side, once over the commit hurdle!
You will literally be kicking yourself in the arse once you make your first commit. Thinking...."damn, why didn't I try this earlier?!" : )
Posted by: OBX Bill | March 24, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Maybe we should add a loopfest to the LI festival???
Posted by: Jill | March 24, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Oh man...I was counting on the back loop. That's good to know, Andy...thanks. So I've got to suck it up and go for those forward! Bill: I've already heard from people about your post with the 60 year old looper...it's inspiring. Jill...sounds good to me re the East Coast Windsurfing Festival!
Posted by: Michael | March 24, 2009 at 09:33 AM