FROSTY THE WINDSURFER - DEC 2010
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Frosty the Windsurfer
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2011 Plans
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Stuff the End
FROSTY THE WINDSURFER
It's been a tad chilly recently - and then some. Hence reports of windsurfing have been rather rare since we all stood around like lemons in a somewhat windy Donegal. I've heard a few tales of brave people on the water - Wookie and Ming in Ballyturd, Andy ramming the odd iceberg - that sort of thing. But I must admit that I thought this year's windsurfing was over.
But not so. Just after Christmas the texts lit up as a rather frustrated Wookie decided enough was enough and someone was going to have to admire him in his new (pink, naturally) Christmas present jumper. Andy, Bin Laden Junior and I answered the call - Shipman nearly got out but was caught at the last moment and hauled back by his relatives. The venue was Whiterock and there was much sucking of breath and tut tutting as we decided what to rig. The problem was that it was near windless, but we could see tempting wind out past the moorings. In the end Wookie and I went for 7.5m and Andy took out my light wind kit - 9.4m on my FV1. And we all got it right. Did I mention that it was cold?
Actually, it was so long since I was last out that I had my wetsuit half on before I realised it was inside out. Cold obviously affecting the brain...
There's something nice about windsurfing when there's snow on the ground - the looks of total incredulity from the Muggles as they drive past in their warm cars for a start. Or the sight of Mr Wookie with his marigolds on - fortunately not just his marigolds though. Actually, clever Wookie had marigolds, mits and some of those heat pad things that you twist and they give out heat. We're not quite sure where he stuck them, other that we're fairly sure it was somewhere the sun doesn't shine.
So we wobbled out and sure enough once out in the islands there was wind. Some huge wind shadows behind some islands but some lovely funnels between others.
Andy, as you know, is a good sailor but he's a tad out of practice with big kit and so there were a few splashes to begin with and some very good impersonations of Turrettes. His version of this was that he needed to get the kit tuned before he could sail it - whatever, but once he'd re-learned/tuned he was flying and giving the speedie Wookie a great run for his money. It was mostly flat water and of course rather cold, but it was just great to get out and start to work off the excesses of Christmas. And knowing how bitter it was to fall in, just improves your tacks and gybes no end. Fear is an option.
We were out for around 2 hours, with Thomas joining us later on. Fatigue and in my case cramped arms drove us in for the horrible windless wobble back into the shore and a reviving coffee chez Wookie.
So next time you think it's too cold, it isn't and, unless you hit an iceberg, you can have a great sail.
2011 PLANS
Our evil minds are already turning towards 2011. After a lot of discussion, well a lot of pints and a little discussion to be honest, we've decided not to run a warm water holiday in 2011 - well, sort of. The current thinking is to run a fixed week in May which is intended to be an Ireland tour. So we'll get people to book the time off, pay a deposit (to commit) and then we'll drive to where ever looks best - Donegal, Bellmullet, Kerry. No accommodation booked in advance - mobile and flexible. After all, why fly when we live on an island with outstanding waves and sailing at that time of year.
But - and here's the clever bit - a couple of days before if the forecasts look good, we'll all up sticks and jump on a plane to Malaga. If the right wind is on, then Tarifa is the place to be.
So it'll be Ireland - unless it's Spain. Dear love whoever is going to organise this - oh, s**t, that'll be me then.
And we're also going to run a Donegal wave clinic. This time it'll be a full week and it is more likely to be September than October, but that'll be sorted out soon.
So expect to hear some dates soon and start booking your time off work and a few sessions with your psychotherapist to be ready...
2011 is going to be a good year - especially for me since I'm about to join the medical crew for the windsurf every Wednesday sessions.
CHRISTMAS STUFFING AT THE END
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