Autumn is the wind season here on the Hudson River. For a low-wind sailor like me it can get intimidating at times. When the winds get to be over 20, I get a little outclassed. (I know: that sounds wimpy. I'm working on it.)
I put this all down to my vision issues. I know that sounds like a cop-out, but I'm pretty hesitant to get out in higher winds because a serious crash just knocks those contact lenses right out of position, usually deep in my eye sockets. Man, you haven't lived until you've done a catapult, then suddenly you're blind in both eyes, then you have to adjust them in the chop, praying a lens won't fall out while you're doing so. Sometimes, even after I've slid the lenses into position, a lens will keep sliding back into the recesses of my skull. Try fixing that while on a plane.
Some pictures of a recent session at Swamp Hole.
Ben (a new fellow), Rick and Andy
You see! I'm not the only person who's still uphauling! Andy is a good intermediate sailor, but this session he got blown down to Senasqua Park in the gusty (almost 30 mph) winds.
I got the most humbling comment a few weeks ago. I had a few sessions with Ned, who is one of the best windsurfers I know, and a good teacher of the sport. He's very generous with his time and he spent an hour or so teaching me how to tack and jibe correctly. He also enjoys teasing me. As a teacher myself who enjoys teasing his students, it's kind of funny to be on the other side. (I certainly can't complain.) At one point during the session he said, “I've been reading your blog. You know, you're a much better writer than you are a windsurfer.
Ouch!
3 comments:
Nice Ian, actually you're pretty good windsurfer for the lessons and TOW that you have. Like writing, technique rules. Good to see you out there. Take the time to beach start and water start this fall. Can't do it in June, July, August but can do it in spring and fall.
Waterstarting is over rated.
Ned, everything you say, I'll do.
Okay, maybe most of everything.
-Ian
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