Foolish Rigging Syndrome

What to rig what to rig what to rig?  Folks were in a tizzy at the Bowl on Friday.

Anticipating Igor’s waves and the forecast of  solid winds, there was a decent turnout at the Bowl.  Peconic Jeff (who seems to spend more time in the ocean than the bays these days…perhaps we should call him Atlantic Jeff?) was on it first…SUP board and a 5.8, looking good on some waist high swell.   Fisherman (“I say no to 6.0” sayeth the wind snob…good thing he’s efficient) was also on a high fiver and whatever his biggest short board is, sometimes planing, often not.   I joined them with my mighty 6.2 and the 109 (freshly repaired…the subject of a future post) and was soon planing most all of the time.

Soon Scott and the Wolf were on 5.8’s, and then the wind freshened for a moment.  Boldened.  Got stronger.    It was only for two minutes, but that was enough to induce Foolish Rigging Syndrome on nearly all in attendance.   Consider:

Patient #1  (CD) had been rigging a 6.2, but when the whitecaps began to fill in he slammed on the breaks and put up a 5.3.   CD never launched.

Patient #2 (the Wolf) sailed to shore, and endeavoring to select the perfect rig he went right past his 5.2 and rigged a 4.7.   “I’m embarrassed,” said the usually unflappable Wolf.

Patient #3 (Bill) was rigging a 5.2 when I came upon him in the parking lot (I decided to try boarding down to the 93 instead of rigging down.)   Bill is larger than me, and usually takes half to a full sail size more wing.   I said “if I’m on a 6.2 and you’re on a 5.2, one of us is going to be in trouble.”    It was you, Bill…it was you!    Bill launched, gagged on a broad reach for about 75 yards before exiting the water for a short Walk o’shame.

And Scott?   Scott grumbled a lot but actually caught most of the wind before it died.   Jon Ford missed the sesh completely on account of a dog making a chew toy of his arm the day before.

And me?   How did I kook it, you ask?   I actually did just fine at the Bowl.  Earlier in the day however I drove half an hour to a SUP session at Road L, without any wetsuits in the van.   Doh!

Comments

[scott k.]

what a tease......grumble grumble.

[RussH]

Hey Puffin - whats the chances of wind and waves around that way in October - I am in new york for 9 days 21-31st have afew free days and will be hanging for some SUP or Wave sailing action - being land locked from AUST for 4 weeks I will be trying hard to get on the water somewhere

[Michael]

Russ, if you're here for nine days you'll definitely catch some wind. October can be outstanding. Re waves, it's towards the end of the hurricane season, which may well account for some excellent swell.

If you can get out east give a call to Hampton Watersports (631-283-9463) and explain your situation...they can hook you up both with rental gear and recommendations for the best days for you to hit the water.

[Russell]

Cheers Puff - been looking at the next 7 days forecast - I am at 6th and 26th West in NY and will se if I can make my way to Hamptons - looking good for Fri Sat - keen to get on the water - Russ