The plan was to SUP for about 90 minutes at the Heliport launch, then handle some work. Joining George Pav, Jon Ford and the Wolf I caught all of two waves (about ten minutes of water time) when on my third I rode in too far, jumped off the board in the beach break, and had my 11'4" get thrown into the air before it came down just above my left elbow. Much pain, big time "funny bone" sensation. After sitting on the beach for 20 minutes I thought I might be able to paddle through the pain (beautiful clean 3-4 footers rolling happy and wide) but every time I tried to catch a wave, I found I couldn't manage the strong stokes to get up to speed. Misery!
The other guys had all driven their 4WD's on to the beach, while I had a bit of a hike to the parking lot. With my old bad arm now my good arm, there was no way I could walk the board all the way back, and George generously loaded my gear onto his pickup. But a minute into the load a gust of wind ripped his SUP from the roof and sent it spinning right by my head! "What a post you'd have for the Puffin," George noted. Yeah...I arrived with a bad right shoulder. Then my dinged left arm made my shoulder seem healthy. Now if only I might have had my head bashed open by a board...
George's ride suffered a pair of dings, unfortunately, but at least the board was on land so no water was taken on. Me...I need to take a few days away from these dangerous SUP boards.
(I do not have bulging triceps. That's all bruise above my elbow.)
Sorry Michael, no way to start the season. At least those bulging triceps should impress the chicks. Combine that with typical windsurfing fashion and you'll have to beat them off with a stick - or an SUP paddle!
Posted by: Brian S | April 18, 2012 at 08:05 AM
Wow, that was quite a hit, your upper arm looks 2 to 3 times larger than your forearm! I'm no Puffin Dr., but with that much swelling I'd put that wing on RICE asap.
Posted by: Jeff Schultz | April 18, 2012 at 09:56 AM
S U P sup under pain! just when u were getting back into windsurfing!
Posted by: scott k. | April 18, 2012 at 07:46 PM
Wishing you a quick recovery Mike!
Posted by: Jon | April 19, 2012 at 06:29 AM
mike i hope u r ready for sun.mon.& tue!
Posted by: scott k. | April 21, 2012 at 07:39 AM
I see no bruise, therefore I deduce you must be concocting an story whereby to flash some muscle!
As I was watching mountainbikers beat the crap out of themselves this Saturday — a strong breeze in the woods reminded me I had miscalculated and blown an opportunity to score a USDA grade A Wind day — I was thinking I should be on the water; I'd be in less jeopardy, and much less gruelling right?
Well I guess ... unless you are ... Mike "water is a contact sport" Puffin.
Here's a head's up, Puffin, with your current luck, if you happen to sail or surf with Frank "Crash" (Drysuit2) Messina you should know there's a reason we call him "Crash." Just sayin' lol.
Speedy recovery.
Posted by: Phil | April 22, 2012 at 05:23 PM
Phil, I've had my near encounter with Mr. Messina thank you very much! However Frank gets a permanent pass from me, as he's part of my personal windsurfing mythology.
Posted by: Michael | April 23, 2012 at 08:39 AM
Ouch that looks nasty. Hope you feel better soon. Was going to suggest ice packs but from what I saw on the news and the weather you are having a roll in the snow should be as good as an ice pack!
Posted by: Bunty | April 23, 2012 at 02:09 PM