tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262711722024-03-12T20:39:57.535-04:00Windsurfing the East EndA personal Windsurfing/SUP blog featuring beach and on-the-water photos/videos from the East End of Long Island. Updates every month or 6.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05507344231284073580noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-33566954725838493662012-07-06T16:41:00.000-04:002012-07-07T09:45:37.711-04:00Female Aquatic Humanoids - aka SUPing ChimpettesAcross these waters of Peconic and Shinnecock there shreds a small but fierce band of primal watermen known as the Windchimps. Public sightings of the chimps can be as rare as summer wind and waves, which is why last Sunday I nearly dropped my paddle on seeing 2 <i>female</i> standup paddle surfers in the lineup.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/7514970780/" title="Shelly's First Wave by Jeff Schultz Photography, on Flickr"><img alt="Shelly's First Wave" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7514970780_e2e2574524.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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NOAA recently announced that <a href="http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/mermaids.html">no evidence of aquatic humanoids has ever been found</a>, but today I present photo proof of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/7514970780/" title="Shelly's First Wave by Jeff Schultz Photography, on Flickr">the elusive Chimpette</a>! Knee-high waves and shorty weather seemed important to drawing her out. With the summer season hitting high gear, I'm hopeful we'll see more female aquatic humanoids catching their first SUP waves.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-31794375591247818502012-05-24T04:00:00.000-04:002012-05-24T07:57:37.901-04:00Destroyed at DitchMy <a href="http://peconicwindsurfer.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-attempt-to-slow-descent-into.html">4 year love affair with a Starboard Ultimate Blend 11'2" SUP</a> snapped to a sudden halt Tuesday in overhead waves at Montauk's Ditch Plains.<br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/7259337002/" title="The Ultimate Demise by Jeff Schultz Photography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7259337002_34f899a309.jpg" width="400" height="266" alt="The Ultimate Demise"></a></div><div>
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A combo of TS Alberto and other coastal systems heaved solid swell toward the Long Island coastline, enticing me and <a href="http://www.hamptonwatersports.com">Jon Ford</a> to hike east and meet <a href="http://abkboardsports.com/">Andy Brant</a> for some SUP-sailing. For the first 30 minutes, we sailed starboard tack in meaty head high waves, and caught some fun rides. Sadly the wind died, but with the building surf I de-rigged, grabbed my paddle and headed back out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g3SJvu5RkWOP9tLZRUIuAHz0Ekwp_uOmdPn_nEXnvstvBE8y1Pk2YM1TtD17WRh-eY8aVfmryiLgEQnNiiSa1sEBIdws-zdTtMSBhs9xNyg3u8ahsj6DTB8sfS93repDIJehDw/s400/Fire%2520Island%2520Buoy%2520waves%2520May%252022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g3SJvu5RkWOP9tLZRUIuAHz0Ekwp_uOmdPn_nEXnvstvBE8y1Pk2YM1TtD17WRh-eY8aVfmryiLgEQnNiiSa1sEBIdws-zdTtMSBhs9xNyg3u8ahsj6DTB8sfS93repDIJehDw/s400/Fire%2520Island%2520Buoy%2520waves%2520May%252022.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I reached the far outer break, which seemed further out than we'd ever seen, sets were rolling in well-overhead. I caught a couple half-ride wipeouts, and let one wave pass under me which felt like a small house. Suddenly, out of the fog, loomed Poseidon's monster. With glee I started paddling, trying to match speed with the hulking mass. Speed, though was not the problem -- the 1-2' overhead and now pitching wave: problem. I dove off to the side, held my breath and experienced a massive pummeling. After getting thrown like a rag doll and dragged under, I swam for the top, and swam more, and finally lungs bursting reached clean air. I had survived; my precious Starboard Ultimate, had not.</div>
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The Ultimate will be repaired and retired to flat water paddling. I now search for a new SUP surf board. I've ridden Starboard's 8'10" Wide Point, and 9'8" Element in solid surf, and next will test the Fanatic AllWave. I'm looking forward to changing up to something new, but will always miss the original.</div>
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The Starboard Ultimate Blend 11'2" standing ready for waves in better days:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/2890871956/" title="the Starboard Ultimate by Jeff Schultz Photography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3212/2890871956_b0750b8125.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="the Starboard Ultimate"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10Ditch Plains, Montauk, NY 11954, USA41.0406577 -71.917846241.028681199999994 -71.9375872 41.0526342 -71.8981052tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-31065306189032007802011-07-14T15:19:00.002-04:002011-07-14T21:23:09.077-04:00Freestyle FanaticsLovers of wind suffering through the Summer doldrums found major relief Monday, with windsurfers trekking from the NY Hudson Valley, CT and beyond to the place where the thermals blow: Heckscher State Park in East Islip, NY. Following a weekend of waves (12 hours on the water over 3 SUP sessions) I could only last an hour or two on my 5.9, attempting a couple vulcans here and there. At this point, I threw my rig on the beach and grabbed the waterproof camera to capture these action shots in the late day sun.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5935899102/" title="Mike's Shuvit by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike's Shuvit" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5935899102_3f6c9f61d2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Mike's Shuvit by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5935897898/" title="Frontside Flacka by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Frontside Flacka" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5935897898_f9941a49b1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Frontside Flacka by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5935336551/" title="Ponch Popper by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Ponch Popper" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5935336551_74fda75d42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5935336551/" title="Ponch Popper by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5935336551/" title="Ponch Popper by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr">Ponch Popper by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5935029623/" title="Petestyle by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Petestyle" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5935029623_096805a73b.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Petestyle by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr</a><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" height="225" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=70f49d6a43&photo_id=5938213365"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=70f49d6a43&photo_id=5938213365" height="225" width="400"></embed></object><br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5938213365/in/photostream">Mike's Flaka by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr</a></div><br />
Thanks to Mike Burns for the heads up on the wind, for entertaining my photographer's sweet tooth, plus for keeping my Dakine T3 harness safe and sound in his trailer since the EC Windfest last month. Here's his account of Monday's sesh: <a href="http://purewindsurfing.blogspot.com/2011/07/windsurfing-is-drug.html">Windsurfing IS a drug!</a>, where he's got photos of these moments as shot from the beach by Newsday photographer John Dunn.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-41126224972884772612011-02-22T13:43:00.002-05:002011-02-22T14:32:04.871-05:00SUP MemoriesA couple action shots from last November. Thanks to Bill Barber for finding these lefts, and to Scott Kielt for busting out the zoom lens and capturing these moments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5462836734/" title="Untitled by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5462836734_f1483cb5db.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5462237065/" title="Untitled by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5462237065_98df095802.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" /></a><br />
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Hoping for more waves this Saturday, <a href="http://www.swellinfo.com/surf-forecast/southampton-new-york.html">the forecast</a> is promising!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-74353506713839806432010-11-23T09:57:00.003-05:002010-11-26T12:13:15.491-05:00Ohhhh Tiana! - The Video<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">WSW side/side-on wave sailing at Tiana Beach, November 20, 2010. Blasting 4.7 to 5.4 on fun 3-5'+ waves, which Scott considered the best he's ridden in a long time. I generously spoiled my regular foot with some DTL rights, and worked on safely landing jumps tail-first. Wave sailors include: George Pav, Frank Bellucci, Chris Daniels, Scott Kielt, Bill Barber, Bruce Milne, Jan, Michael Alex, Steve Pinksy, & Jeff Schultz. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><object height="264" width="424"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CX1uqHLIS_s?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CX1uqHLIS_s?fs=1&hl=en_US&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="424" height="264"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">The video plays in 720p HD in fullscreen</div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><br />
Also see the report from the Peconic Puffin: <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2010/11/oh-tiana.html">Oh, Tiana!</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-65535441077993957972010-09-28T22:59:00.001-04:002011-03-24T21:49:55.842-04:00Tiana SUP and windsurfing wave sailing<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/5027913905/" title="Going up? by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Going up?" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5027913905_86bd1ed1b3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Glorious days like these pop up when you least expect them. Side-shore 5.8 and a south swell, first on the SUP and then on Scott's 98L JP. I mounted the GoPro HD Hero as a helmetcam, and here are the results:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hrK9iUftub8?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hrK9iUftub8?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-76280187111188253272010-09-14T16:03:00.000-04:002010-09-14T16:03:24.911-04:00Napeague Nor'easter - late August, 2010With winds a tad too offshore at the Bowl, we trekked eastward for a classic Napeague session, outside the harbor at Goffs Point. Overpowered 4.7 and then 4.2, the outgoing tide against the NE wind made for smooth, tiny waves on the inside, and smooth, head high swells near the red can and lobster traps outside.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4988603420/" title="Revvin' 4.7 by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Revvin' 4.7" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4988603420_bfe9b563d4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
See the full photoset (9 photos, 1 video) here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157624951350518/">Napeague Nor'easter - late August, 2010 - a set on Flickr</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" height="225" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=efd3f936e4&photo_id=4988933538"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=efd3f936e4&photo_id=4988933538" height="225" width="400"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-31747117174400433092010-08-31T12:23:00.001-04:002010-08-31T12:25:56.390-04:00SUP-Surfing Hurricane Danielle Groundswell<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4943853968/" title="Michael's Big-Wave Takeoff by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4943853968_4ca509ce9f.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Michael's Big-Wave Takeoff" /></a><br />
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Last Sunday, the stars aligned. An offshore hurricane, full moon, and high pressure bringing warm, off-shore winds and sunny skies. Hurricane Danielle sent us shoulder to well overhead groundswell as it passed 1000 miles to our southeast. My cameras were charged and ready as I grabbed ride after glorious ride with Peter, Jon, Michael, and Steve in the biggest waves on Sunday. You'll find photos in this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157624724534809/">Hurricane Danielle Groundswell</a> photoset, as well as shots from previous weeks in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157624342418909/">Summer of SUP - 2010</a> photoset; handheld & paddlecam video from the weekend is compiled in this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlFQlWl5kmI">youtube clip</a>:<br />
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<object width="400" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MlFQlWl5kmI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MlFQlWl5kmI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4943858538/" title="Color Spray by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4943858538_5df9e7c078.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Color Spray" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-67270952707929346602010-08-13T09:50:00.001-04:002010-08-13T10:50:04.253-04:00Long Lefts at TianaGoPro HD Hero Paddlecam and Olympus 8010 handheld footage of myself and the crew catching waist to head-high waves on the outer bar at Tiana Beach last Sunday, which included many looong lefts:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="250" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zFTYwyYMAzo?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zFTYwyYMAzo?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object></div><div><br />
</div>and a few fun rights as well:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4886560237/" title="Sidewave by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Sidewave" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4886560237_b32792e404.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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</div></div>I left one wave out of the footage, which was probably the most beautiful, and most threatening, of the day. On one outbound paddle back through the channel, a giant set reared its head. Excited, I pulled out the handheld Olympus and started shooting. Joe Natalie scored a big ride, while an outbound Wolf dove for cover under 6' of whitewater. I was not spared as the shoulder reached right into the channel, knocking me off my SUP-photographer's perch. As I scrambled to my board, hoots and shouts of glee pulled my camera's lens to the next wave. There, in all its powerful glory, loomed a head-high, glassy-clean wave with a SUP surfer having the time of their life. All I could think about was how great would this footage be, and steadied the camera to capture the moment.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="250" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g2aAxBad6Lg?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g2aAxBad6Lg?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object></div><br />
It's best in life to not make assumptions, especially if you're a surf photographer. Even though a rider may seem to be looking right at you, and even though this rider has surfed past you on several waves already, when you're down in the water and they're on a big wave, it's best to expect the worst -- that they can't see at all, and might run you over. We were lucky to get this lesson for free - both boards and bodies were unharmed. But life is also about learning from mistakes, making adjustments and trying it all over again. May we all return to the waves, be more aware and respectful of other riders, and when in doubt, shout it out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-81146440273634489962010-08-09T09:31:00.002-04:002010-08-09T10:19:01.182-04:00Emerald Green Waves in Hampton Bays<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4869269067/" title="Happy Wave by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Wave" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4869269067_f98602bb4f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The magic arrived <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/archives/date-taken/2010/08/07/detail/">August 7th</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Check out these and other SUP photos from the growing <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157624342418909/">Summer of SUP - 2010</a> Flickr photoset.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4873240433/" title="Clear Green Right by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Clear Green Right" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4873240433_e470f819ca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
Also, check out the Peconic Puffin's report, which adds even more color to the day: <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2010/08/stand-up-surfing-extravaganza.html">Stand Up Surfing Extravaganza</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-79331693804790996092010-08-07T23:06:00.001-04:002010-08-13T09:19:16.752-04:00Speed Runs at North RaceScott, the Wolf and I caught some perfectly aligned speed runs off the northern sandbar of Robins Island the other day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4869720938/" title="Scott the Ripper by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Scott the Ripper" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4869720938_bc982e682b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Check out the full photoset here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157624549348311/">New Suffolk Flatwater</a> (5 photos, 1 video)</div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" height="300" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=1a419c3397&photo_id=4869142319"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=1a419c3397&photo_id=4869142319" height="300" width="400"></embed></object></div><br />
If you have trouble with that video, try the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7D55IjULpU">YouTube version</a>, though I wish youtube would default to 480p.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-844157487532388492010-07-28T00:05:00.000-04:002010-07-28T00:05:27.706-04:00Jon, we had a terrible time after you leftAfter taking a look at stiff offshore winds and a small knee-high wave yesterday at L Rd., Jon Ford made a wise choice and left all small-scale action to the Wolf and I. And we had a horrible time with it. Just the worst.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4836130949/" title="Fun at L by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Fun at L" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4836130949_a05804141a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NBDr5rYlfyg&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NBDr5rYlfyg&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-28448648602650577542010-07-23T20:35:00.000-04:002010-07-23T20:35:44.057-04:00Frontside, Down The Line, SUP-sailing NirvanaI (finally!) scored my first full-on side-off SUP-sailing session in waist-to-shoulder waves yesterday at L Rd. I rode the incoming tide, and... and... OMG I SCORED BIG TIME!!! :D :D :D WHOOHOOO!! :) No pics or videos this time (being hooked in on a board with no straps in gusty winds was too risky for the handheld camera), just sweet visions of bottom & top turns on windswept but building, sweet, sweet, sun-glistening waves, as seen from under the boom and through my fully-powered maroon 5.8 Maui Sails global. By the end the wind was cranking right off the beach, which was enough to clear out the remaining surfers and leave me with all the waves to myself! (I couldn't even get any Puffins or Windchimps to join me.) Sailed for 3 hours and caught dozens and dozens of waves. All-in-all I am fully stoked. Hopefully I don't have to wait another <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2008/09/windsurfing-ditch-plains.html">2 years</a> for these conditions.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/3850967938/" title="Last call at the sandbar by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="Last call at the sandbar" height="300" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3850967938_209081cf39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here are two SUP wave sailing videos that shows the basic rig setup I was on: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahfp7OoVOk8">Starboard Demo</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyOZZ_u9Jm0">RRD Demo</a>. My waves weren't quite as big, but you'll get the idea.<br />
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By the way, has anyone seen my <a href="http://horsesmouth.typepad.com/hm/2010/07/the-case-of-the-missing-hat.html">ABK hat</a>?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-75825420606840832282010-03-12T10:01:00.000-05:002010-03-12T10:01:04.900-05:00Dark and Sunny Waves at K Road and TianaGoPro HD Paddlecam footage of long overhead lefts at K Rd on March 4, 2010, and cloudy-to-sunny rights at Tiana on the 5th & 6th. Also SUP'ing were Michael Alex, Jon Ford, John van der Wolf, and C.D., with crazy Scott Kielt in the surf kayak.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i7H3FNxjOsM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i7H3FNxjOsM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br />
Please offer your opinions on music vs. natural sounds in these paddlecam videos so far. Personally, I like the natural sounds of waves and chimp hoots, but find the grip squeaks pretty annoying. The requisite-for-SUP reggea is my first <a href="http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/">garageband</a> experiment (my pursuit for royalty-free music suitable for youtube).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-28068966041577203992010-02-23T19:09:00.000-05:002010-02-23T19:09:09.139-05:00GoPro HD Clewcam - trial run at SebonacBright sun, low tide, and small but smooth waves at Sebonac - February 19, 2010. Gusty winds into the 20's, using 5.2 (blue Ezzy) and then 4.7 (lime Maui Sail). The 4.7 jumps were too jarring for the trial mounting attempt, but hey, at least I know the safety line works! Originally shot in 1280x960 (960p).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S8WAAxclrwE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S8WAAxclrwE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br />
Also see the Peconic Puffin's report for this day: <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2010/02/the-ice-is-gone-but-the-wind-remains-at-sebonac.html">The Ice is Gone but the Wind Remains at Sebonac</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-53565723882767721552010-01-28T13:19:00.001-05:002010-01-28T21:31:05.956-05:00SUP Paddlecam!In my last blog entry (a way-too-long 4 months ago!), I introduced the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE5tWHRlIds">Clewcam</a> to East End waters. Along with stints as a <a href="http://peconicwindsurfer.blogspot.com/2009/01/more-boom-cam-fun.html">boom cam</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWSoTFR0gc">ice cam</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMk8Ilg6mZU">free-hand cam</a>, the Olympus 790 & 8000 took decent stills, but only marginal video. The field of vision also missed a lot of close-range detail, and the cameras often took in sand and water, which is why I soon found myself drooling over <a href="http://www.goprocamera.com/">GoPro's new HD Hero</a>. With up to 1080p, 5 Megapixels, a 170° wide-angle view, and a tiny, indestructible waterproof housing, I was in business for capturing surf action from a new perspective... introducing the Paddlecam!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BvT-57z4gXY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BvT-57z4gXY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
</div><br />
Perhaps most surprising was how well the battery performed in 38° air / 40° water temperatures. I bought 3 batteries in anticipation of them succumbing to the cold, but just 1 (a rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion) held its own over the multi-hour sessions. For those looking to make their own GoPro Paddlecam, follow these <a href="http://www.paddlesurf.net/2009/02/making-go-pro-paddle-cam-easy-way.html">excellent instructions from PaddleSurf.net</a>. Here's a photo of my camera and mount prior to some early testing at Tiana Beach:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/4311300173/" title="GoPro HD Hero Paddlecam by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img alt="GoPro HD Hero Paddlecam" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4311300173_1a7bfca947.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-54217503639612699842009-09-13T16:25:00.007-04:002009-09-14T23:00:41.087-04:00Epic Bowl Wave SailingEPIC conditions at the Bowl, down-the-line frontside wave sailing, jumping off of 12' waves fully juiced on 4.2, riding logo to mast high waves with the crew and even getting treated to a <a href="http://www.pwaworldtour.com/index.php?id=7&tx_pwasailor_pi1[showUid]=634&cHash=8c94d0a53c">Graham Ezzy</a> backloop just 50 feet away! It all came together on September 10th & 11th, 2009 when a weak low off of Hatteras ran up against a Maine/Nova Scotia high and sent us several days of side-off Northeasterlies. For a complete rundown, check out the Peconic Puffin's excellent reporting: <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2009/09/land-of-the-giants-at-the-bowl.html">Land of the Giants at the Bowl</a> and <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2009/09/from-the-bowl-more-waves-more-wind.html">From The Bowl: More Waves, More Wind</a>.<br />
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I know the word "epic" can get overused after an inspirational session. This session blew away all previous contenders by far, and was definitely epic for me, but I've only been wave sailing for 3 years. When I heard the 10-20 year veterans, however, raving in disbelief with looks of euphoria on their face, I knew it was indeed a rare, special event.<br />
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Video footage shot from the beach, Days 1 & 2:<br />
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<div style="width: 425px; height: 344px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rHGJdLfMkPo&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rHGJdLfMkPo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157622209859583/">Photos from Day 1</a>:<br />
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<div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622209859583%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622209859583%2F&set_id=72157622209859583&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622209859583%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622209859583%2F&set_id=72157622209859583&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157622218709809/">Photos from Day 2</a>:<br />
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<div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622218709809%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622218709809%2F&set_id=72157622218709809&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622218709809%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622218709809%2F&set_id=72157622218709809&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div><br />
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I got the idea for the following video from Andy McKinney's <a href="http://lostinhatteras.blogspot.com/2009/09/lighthouse-video.html">Lost in Hatteras: Lighthouse Video</a>. He found the best spot to mount a boom cam - the clew! I gave it a go on the second day about 20 minutes before the thunderstorms hit (missing the big stuff), and caught a couple interesting moments. One thing is for sure - wide-angle is the way to go - I may get one of those <a href="http://www.goprocamera.com/">GoPro's</a> after all....<br />
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<div style="width: 425px; height: 344px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iE5tWHRlIds&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iE5tWHRlIds&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-45400772676057626042009-09-08T12:45:00.001-04:002009-09-08T14:35:19.365-04:00Ponquogue Summer WavesPicture perfect side-shore, warm day, nice waves, big air, but most incredibly, an East wind and sunshine? Score!<br /><br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622276930948%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622276930948%2F&set_id=72157622276930948&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622276930948%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622276930948%2F&set_id=72157622276930948&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div><br /><br />Video via Youtube in case the Flickr video doesn't work. I'm trying to figure which looks/works better.<br /><br /><div style="width: 425px; height: 344px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AMk8Ilg6mZU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AMk8Ilg6mZU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br /><br />For more in-depth reporting, check out the Peconic Puffin's recap of this spectacular day: <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2009/09/theres-still-sand-on-my-boom.html">"There's Still Sand On My Boom"</a><br /><br />Plus, it looks like more potential wave-sailing action later this week, but bigger, meaner and wetter: <a href="http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/fmtbltn.pl?file=forecasts/marine/coastal/an/anz350.txt">NOAA Marine Forecast</a> - stay tuned!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-50365984977891167022009-09-07T20:46:00.006-04:002009-09-07T21:02:53.482-04:00LI Summer SUP Part 3 - Clark Bar BonanzaShoulder to head-high+ came out of nowhere to make for a delicious day of standup paddle surfing and kayaking at the Clark Bar. Joining the Wolf and myself on SUP and Scott on his 'yak was <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/">Michael</a> riding a demo Naish SUP from <a href="http://www.w-surf.com/">Windsurfing Hamptons</a>. This was Michael's second time standup paddling in the surf, and first time in surf greater than knee-high, and wouldn't you know he was catching long and big waves right from the start!<br /><br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622257789562%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622257789562%2F&set_id=72157622257789562&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622257789562%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622257789562%2F&set_id=72157622257789562&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-27621504051412454812009-09-06T09:05:00.006-04:002009-09-07T13:22:56.706-04:00LI Summer SUP Part 2 - Danny's WavesOur next round came one weekend later from another offshore storm- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Storm_Danny_(2009)#Tropical_Storm_Danny">Tropical Storm Danny</a>. Danny petered out and threw its energy into a frontal storm off of Hatteras, though he still managed to send meaty 6' to 9'+ waves into the Bowl. I somehow grabbed a couple of these giant waves amidst a crowd of 25 surfers on my 11'2" Starboard SUP, an utterly thrilling and exhausting experience (I think I experienced endorphin fatigue!).<br /><br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/3886172570/" title="Going Up by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3886172570_1de1bfefed.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Going Up" /></a></div><br /><br />The next morning we took refuge and long rides on the bay side of the inlet. This session was a total blast and excellent workout. A mix of surfers, kayakers and SUP'ers shared in the wave bounty, often in "party waves".<br /><br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/3889997711/" title="Party Wave by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3889997711_8431b4d676.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Party Wave" /></a></div><br /><br />The next day, winds went off-shore and cleaned up long-period left-overs. I joined Jon Ford and John van der Wolf at the Cut for some beautiful glassy waves in the chest to shoulder-high range.<br /><br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/3890106721/" title="Jon Ford at the Cut by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3890106721_af5da8f784.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Jon Ford at the Cut" /></a></div><br /><br />Check out the full photoset (with 2 videos) in this slideshow (can be made to fit full-screen):<br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622109454635%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622109454635%2F&set_id=72157622109454635&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622109454635%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622109454635%2F&set_id=72157622109454635&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-45798302018284429862009-09-04T11:48:00.005-04:002009-09-07T21:20:59.916-04:00LI Summer SUP Part 1 - Hurricane Bill<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/at200903.asp" rel="nofollow">Hurricane Bill</a> passed 275 miles off our coast August 22/23, sending big waves to our southern shores. Erosion was bad in spots, but in some cases sandbars improved for surf and SUP. The first couple days we hid from Bill's fury on the inside of Moriches Inlet, catching mellow 1-3 ft waves that would run for 100-200 yards. Here's one of those rides:<br /><br /><div style="width: 425px; height: 344px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eq-lXkcYsjA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eq-lXkcYsjA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br /><br />Later in the week we were scoring shoulder to overhead-plus at Dune Road ocean beaches in Southampton. I shared one of my favorite sessions at K Road with the Wolf and C.D., where we found waist to head-high waves, a warm, peaceful sunset, frosty beers and good company:<br /><br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/3860261575/" title="John & C.D. by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/3860261575_0f644c3c48.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="John & C.D." /></a></div><br /><br />This post also marks the introduction of my new waterproof camera, the <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=Olympus+Tough+8000">Olympus Stylus Tough 8000</a>. The photo quality is sadly subpar (see above), but it should make up for that in durability -- I'll post a full review later this fall. For now, enjoy these pics from LI Summer SUP Part 1:<br /><br /><div style="width: 400px; height: 300px; margin: 0 auto;"><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622000386841%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622000386841%2F&set_id=72157622000386841&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622000386841%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fpeconicwindsurfer%2Fsets%2F72157622000386841%2F&set_id=72157622000386841&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-60503390151241946232009-07-24T13:10:00.010-04:002009-09-14T14:03:43.094-04:00Ponquogue BestAmazing day yesterday, easily one of the top 5 Ponquogue best for me, perhaps even the best. First, a round of applause to the meteorologists at <a href="http://www.iwindsurf.com/">iWindsurf.com</a>:<br />
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<blockquote><b>Noon Update</b> Forecast is on track so far, but the low looks to be strengthening further today. The late day winds could push much stronger then originally forecasted, with gusts pushing into the 30s. Watch trends.</blockquote><br />
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And the result?<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJpt2dqOXEduh_4ik5reY4OyfO2u5aOneGsTUnz9UvJ1k_c4xzdK3Mxvh0-ddInFtF9ccgIRhiPV9Od2AYSEzGarII0LVtn2CmQh4SDlsPA7T7T9kvpVY6AJrVAXS9aNOmgUT/s1600-h/Shinnecock+meter+7-23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJpt2dqOXEduh_4ik5reY4OyfO2u5aOneGsTUnz9UvJ1k_c4xzdK3Mxvh0-ddInFtF9ccgIRhiPV9Od2AYSEzGarII0LVtn2CmQh4SDlsPA7T7T9kvpVY6AJrVAXS9aNOmgUT/s400/Shinnecock+meter+7-23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362077440491340802" /></a><br />
When I arrived after 3pm and found the Wolf & C.D. heading out on 5.8/6.2, I knew they'd be back soon. I went straight to 5.2 / 93L, and with the recent low tide, shorebreak was gentle and wind aplenty. Waves were 3' and building, and I went at them full-steam, jumping high, crashing backloops and devouring big air after such a long drought. This led to gluttonous over-consumption and eventual intoxication as I hung on to the 5.2 for far too long. Re-rigged to 4.7 and spent some time playing on the clean 3-6'+ waves, but was already too spent to really enjoy it. The waves were more on-shore than usual, coming in SSE to the E-ENE wind, and they served up a playground (more like amusement park, or even NASA training facility) for jumping and riding.<a name='more'></a><br />
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Jimi Sobeck rocked it both from the wave and air. His high-altitude bailouts thrilled the crowd, and his surfing skills showed on the wave. Also putting the surf in windsurf were John Natalie and Jon Ford, who slashed and carved the lips on some niiice waves (too bad no one manned a camera!), along with the Fisherman and C.D. The rest of us were happy to gain experience and make progress in the ocean, and occasionally pull off a sweet move.<br />
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As the tide came up, the ocean showed us who was in charge. Many of us spent time getting schooled by the shorebreak and sweeping side current. Even John Natalie took a trip in the ripping rapids, easing the pain felt by us lower wave mortals. Besides Jimi's high air bailouts, we had another Maui moment when Michael Alex <span style="font-style:italic;">almost</span> made it over a 5' shorebreaker. He had barely gotten over the first wave, but was at least moving forward in the light near-shore winds. As the next wave started building, I knew it was going to be close -- I started yelling "Go! Go! Go!", but the light wind had failed him. The wave reared its mightiness, the onlookers braced to take Michael's pain and let forth a groaning "OOOHHH!!" as the wave consumed both him (having bailed left) and his gear in one crunching bite. You could see his gear inside the wave as it went over the falls, but fortunately it escaped destruction (Michael too). <br />
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I'm getting my waterproof camera fixed ASAP- we can't miss out on moments like these.<br />
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More details on the session from the Peconic Puffin: <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2009/07/whipped-at-ponquogue-but-we-lap-it-up.html">Whipped at Ponquogue, But We Lap It Up</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-17853990201792142382009-07-12T14:48:00.013-04:002009-09-14T14:04:19.936-04:00Wave sailing at Democrat PointMy "full report from a Demo newbie" as posted to the <a href="http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/LongIslandWindsurfer/">LongIslandWindsurfer Yahoo Group</a>, describing my first wave sailing session at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109240215979021480612.00046e86ca37d7082022d&ll=40.646262,-73.310738&spn=0.164112,0.280151&t=h&z=12">Democrat Point</a>:<br />
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Well it wasn't classic Demo as per the regulars, nor did world-class wave described by Graham Ezzy show, but I'm more than glad <i>I</i> finally showed up to scope out the scene and see what all the fuss is all about. It took me just under an hour to make the drive from Hampton Bays, where the trees and wind chimes were going off next to Peconic Bay, but very little action on the ocean. I tried convincing the Peconic crew to join me in the pilgrimage: Scott Kielt was at Cupsogue beach with his family, on the other side of Moriches Inlet from Fire Island, and he reported "12mph at best". Michael Alex opting for time with his wife at Mecox bay was stuck searching for a plane on his 7.0. The Wolf also hung with his family, and when I spoke to him this morning, he said "so you got to Demo and the wind died, right?"<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109240215979021480612.00046e86ca37d7082022d&ll=40.646262,-73.310738&spn=0.164112,0.280151&t=h&z=12"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqT2kyK_OO8LoDeZckP6lMJyg0wHwq5C8UN1Rh4BuB6lxf5e2rJaGxF0ueSTNxoUeSYPxvc6Z8S777hl62nJO6waXHsiibFK-KR8LHhMO0qPwG-g3uqojxwjxfz1pa_zHIwp5/s400/Demo+Map.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357653512909186162" /></a><br />
Not at all. Driving along the Robert Moses Causeway across the Great South Bay, I could see the wind was cranking 6.0 or better. I almost felt blinded by all the water as I sped across the long bridge, even though the sun wasn't out - or maybe it was just my wind-starved senses getting overloaded. I got to Cedar Beach just after 5pm, and within 10 minutes the crew had assembled, choosing sails from 5.6(?) to 5.9. It was good to see Brook, Joe, Steve, Pete and George, all of whom I either knew or met once previously. Brook and Pete started schooling me on the Demo do's and don'ts ("stay upwind of the channel" was the tip that sunk in), when jolly George Marr came over to say "bah, don't listen to those guys, just go have fun!"<a name='more'></a><br />
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The fun began shortly after catching my breath from the "Bataan Death March" across the beach - fortunately most of the sand was hard enough for solid footing during the long journey. I approached the water last, and was glad to see the other sailors nicely powered and planing toward the point in a hurry - I'd have no problem with my 5.9 / 109L kit. The shorebreak was non-existent at low tide, and with an easy beach start I was underway. I immediately felt a surge of joy to be back on the ocean after weeks of flatwater. I found the swell and waves from the beach to the channel to be bumpy and disorganized, but hey at least they were waves! Closer to the channel, the swirling currents occasionally produced some psycho-swell, but once into the channel and toward the point, the real fun began.<br />
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While this day was not classic Demo due to South wind (not the preferred SW or NE), it was still possible to grab wave rides and the occasional jump. The outgoing current against the incoming waves made for 2-4 ft ramps, and when the waves broke, the whitewater was gentle - nothing like the punishing waves at Ponquogue, the bowl and Cupsogue. A couple waves jumped up to the 4-6 ft range, one which I caught for my memorable ride of the day. I also had fun riding down waves just inches ahead of the whitewater, trying to not get taken down. Near the point the wind lightened up, and when some whitewater knocked me off balance, I was surprised to find myself standing in waist-deep water. The water was warm and clear, though the current spewed out a couple weeds and occasional chunks of floating plastic. Later on I followed George past the rock jetty, and rode several waves on the return. Now I feel prepped for the next sesh when "the wave" actually shows up.<br />
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After two solid hours, dark clouds appeared from the west, and the other sailors headed back to Cedar. The walk back across the beach wasn't too bad at first, with my muscles pumped and warmed from the sesh, though the last 50 yards of soft sand was punishing. After a refreshing shower I joined the BS sesh in the parking lot, topped off with an organic Goose Island beer (thanks Joe!). All in all, a good day, good exercise, and a good low-level intro to Demo. Can't wait to return for a taste of Demo Classic.<br />
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[This and many other LI spots can be found on the <a href="http://peconicpuffin.typepad.com/the_peconic_puffin/2006/12/windsurfing_pec.html">Peconic Puffin's Long Island Windsurfing Map</a>.]Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-24566465617479295212009-05-11T14:34:00.002-04:002009-05-14T16:34:10.417-04:00North Boom Goes BustOn rolling up to Sebonac Inlet early Sunday morning and hearing the 4.2 sail call, I knew I'd be entering risky waters. My small sail boom, an aluminum North Sails Red Series, was oozing a salty pus from the pins near the head. The next catapult could take it out - a feat I managed within only 5 minutes of sailing:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/3520210735/" title="Broken Boom by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3520210735_4a4df2d204.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Broken Boom" /></a><br /><br />It was the first run out, where I usually make sure everything is balanced. While struggling with harness line positioning on the return tack, I hit a classically sweet Sebonac ramp and landed too far downwind and off-balance. Scott caught a good view of my slow-motion catapult seconds later. As he swung around to shout something at me (probably "Hahahhaha -- are you okay? -- Hahahaaa!"), I began to waterstart in the waist-deep water and suddenly heard the boom pop apart in its final corrosive gasp. Ugh! I wasn't too far from shore, but definitely a long way from the launch. Scott yelled something like "[blah blah whoosh blah] walk to the beach", which without the wind whistling through my helmet apparently translated to "flip the boom and sail back or you'll have to walk to the beach". Not hearing him, and forgetting this useful tip taught by <a href="http://www.abkboardsports.com/">ABK Boardsports</a> and highlighted in the <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2007/03/bad_break.html">Puffin's account of my previous aluminum cracking catapult</a>, I ended up walking the whole way back. I payed my dues, complete with self-created suffering and sacrifice (though the <a href="http://peconicwindsurfer.blogspot.com/2009/05/sebonac-joy.html">later reward</a> was well worth it!).<br /><br />As for my North Sails boom? Well, I had purchased it brand new at the Fall '07 swap meet at Windsurfing Hamptons, and one year later at the Fall '08 swap, Jon Ford noticed the oozing pus. I asked about the warranty, since the boom had malfunctioned barely after a year. Jon said he'd ask North Sails, but the answer came back negative. Jon suggested I might get one more season out of it, which I did. Sunday's boom busting session marked the end of the cold, high-wind season, and also the end for my use of aluminum booms. From now on, it's <a href="http://www.mauisails.com/boom.php?id=18">Maui Sails carbon</a> (just gotta start saving)!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26271172.post-43290504751506378232009-05-11T10:07:00.005-04:002009-05-11T10:59:47.729-04:00Sebonac JoyNothing like a sunny and warm, full-blast Sebonac session to spark the blog back to life! I've had a busy period the past month or so, which included a fun and blustery trip to Hatteras, a breakdown and untimely death of my aging windsurfing van in Delaware, a trip to Vegas for a surprise birthday party, and a presentation to 150 Miller Place HS students. Fortunately, the wind arrived on a weekend (Mother's Day no less!), and I was able to grab 4 fully lit hours on 4.7 / 77L, often reaching moments of nirvana after getting dialed in.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/3520215729/" title="Jan at Sebonac by Peconic Windsurfer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3520215729_6180ccd7d8.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Jan at Sebonac" /></a><br>9 more photos from the day: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peconicwindsurfer/sets/72157617885871163/">Sebonac - May 10, 2009</a></center><br /><br />Also see the Peconic Puffin's report: <a href="http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2009/05/who-wasnt-tearing-it-up-at-sebonac.html">Who WASN’T Tearing It Up at Sebonac?</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3