The boys got here yesterday late in the evening, Just in time for some dinner and a few brews. We finished the night watching Trade Winds and R.I.P on dvd before going to bed.
We woke early and Scotty being the hero amongst us went for an early morning run, The rest were content with a stroll over to the beach. There was no wind so the morning was used for checking gear for damage and fixing the odd ding and then off to the shops for supplies. We lazed around for the day reading magazines before we decided to head for St Georges for the afternoon.
A light seabreeze came in and only tempted 2 of the guys out for a short blast, Scotty managed a forward for us and put on a little show as the evening came to an end, But really today was a non-event.
Tomorrow should be interesting as most of us have singed up with local Canberra freestyle guru Barnaby to teach us to forward loop tomorrow so that should be fun.....I'm actually crapping my shorts.
....Anyways we'll see what tomorrow brings, Armed with 2 GoPros and a Hi Def video camera and a 400 Zoom DSLR camera we should be able to bring some good stuff for you to see.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 4 - No wind at all
No wind at all today just waiting for the boys to arrive...Forecast looks OK for tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day 3 - Oops I think I rigged too small
When I got to the beach this morning I thought I was in for another day on my 4.7, It was blowing hard. I rigged and set out on my 95L....slowly, As I slogged out I did feel some what underpowered but my sail soon filled and I was off. Most of the swell has gone but there was still the odd wave that made a good ramp on the way out. The first one for the day was good, I launched and for the first time I felt real control while in the air and to be honest not shit scared about being up there. It was a simple rocket air and landed in a massive splash but I just held on, I popped up and was going again.
I had about 4 runs to the shipping lane marker and back before the wind really died off, I mean really died. There was not enough wind to keep me slogging along and no chance of a water start. I was a long way out and just drifting downwind with the swell, I did start to feel a bit uneasy, This place has shark written all over it. The water has been discolored for days due to the storm they had last week, I know if I were a Great White this is where I'd be looking for my next meal...
...After what felt like half an hour I got a gust and water started and headed back towards the beach but I'd drifted so far down wind I was in for a walk. After slogging in it put me north of the boat ramp which is not a good place to land, the reef is very shallow here and if you sail in you'll rip your fin box out or if you choose to walk over the reef you run the risk of stepping on a Cobbler and that will end you day real quick. I decided it was best to tack and head back out and make a bit more ground up wind to a point where I know I could land safely. After about three more attempts to get up wind I made it to the boat ramp and landed safely.
I changed to my 5.8 and the rest of my session was good, over powered at times but I'll put up with that, Just knowing that I have the power to get myself going if the wind drops again puts your mind at ease and you can get on with the fun stuff.
I got my days mixed, The boys arrive tomorrow late afternoon some time. Good timing as there is no wind forecast for tomorrow but it's on again for Friday. Looks like we'll have wind up until about Wednesday of next week and then a few days rest, There's a few 30 Knot days in there so I think everyone will be looking for a rest by then.
Anyways I hope we get a bit of an afternoon breeze....
I had about 4 runs to the shipping lane marker and back before the wind really died off, I mean really died. There was not enough wind to keep me slogging along and no chance of a water start. I was a long way out and just drifting downwind with the swell, I did start to feel a bit uneasy, This place has shark written all over it. The water has been discolored for days due to the storm they had last week, I know if I were a Great White this is where I'd be looking for my next meal...
...After what felt like half an hour I got a gust and water started and headed back towards the beach but I'd drifted so far down wind I was in for a walk. After slogging in it put me north of the boat ramp which is not a good place to land, the reef is very shallow here and if you sail in you'll rip your fin box out or if you choose to walk over the reef you run the risk of stepping on a Cobbler and that will end you day real quick. I decided it was best to tack and head back out and make a bit more ground up wind to a point where I know I could land safely. After about three more attempts to get up wind I made it to the boat ramp and landed safely.
I changed to my 5.8 and the rest of my session was good, over powered at times but I'll put up with that, Just knowing that I have the power to get myself going if the wind drops again puts your mind at ease and you can get on with the fun stuff.
I got my days mixed, The boys arrive tomorrow late afternoon some time. Good timing as there is no wind forecast for tomorrow but it's on again for Friday. Looks like we'll have wind up until about Wednesday of next week and then a few days rest, There's a few 30 Knot days in there so I think everyone will be looking for a rest by then.
Anyways I hope we get a bit of an afternoon breeze....
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Day 2 - Maxxxed 4.7
It's Hard work sailing a 4.7 fully maxed for a long period, I gave it a red hot go. The wind was already blowing southerly by the time I got up this morning and as keen as I was to hit the water I put It off until i'd got everything sorted for my stay.
I got to St Georges beach at about lunch time and got my gear ready, Pulled out my 5.8..No too big, Pulled out my 5.4 then 5.0 and finally settled on my 4.7. It's not that windy near the shore and can be deceiving but when you get out a bit from the wind shadow it really kicks in.
4.7 was on the money but hard work at times but to go any smaller would have left me under powered at times. Sailed all day and was shagged by 7pm when I packed up, A few beers and off to bed.
Scotty and the boys are due to arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to heading out to Coronations with them. I haven't been out yet but I've been told that It's a bit of a mess after the big storm last week.
And just in case you were wondering....Yes the lobster post are still there.
I got to St Georges beach at about lunch time and got my gear ready, Pulled out my 5.8..No too big, Pulled out my 5.4 then 5.0 and finally settled on my 4.7. It's not that windy near the shore and can be deceiving but when you get out a bit from the wind shadow it really kicks in.
4.7 was on the money but hard work at times but to go any smaller would have left me under powered at times. Sailed all day and was shagged by 7pm when I packed up, A few beers and off to bed.
Scotty and the boys are due to arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to heading out to Coronations with them. I haven't been out yet but I've been told that It's a bit of a mess after the big storm last week.
And just in case you were wondering....Yes the lobster post are still there.
Day 1
Arrived in Perth today and went to have a look at an 82 litre wave board just in case things get a bit full-on. It didn't turn out to be a very well looked after board so I gave it a miss but I'll be on the look out while in Geraldton.
I took the scenic drive through Lancerlin for a bit of a look, It was to good to pass up...Blowing 25+ Knots I rigged my 4.7 and blasted around for a few hours before I had to leave for Geraldton. I made It to Geraldton just on night fall and ready for bed, The forecast for the next few days is looking good so a good sleep is needed to refresh the body after 3 big days on the road.
I took the scenic drive through Lancerlin for a bit of a look, It was to good to pass up...Blowing 25+ Knots I rigged my 4.7 and blasted around for a few hours before I had to leave for Geraldton. I made It to Geraldton just on night fall and ready for bed, The forecast for the next few days is looking good so a good sleep is needed to refresh the body after 3 big days on the road.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Kimba-Half way across Oz
Made it to Kimba last night, it's claim to fame is being the half way point for crossing this great land of ours. 2600km to go and I am going to push hard today...I want to cross the Nullabor today and make it to Norseman tonight.
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