2024-06-19 Easterly Winds at Stevenson

Lots of gear on the beach, most of it from Alberta!

I-Kitesurf and Timera's forecasts agreed today, that there would be east wind at Stevenson, peaking between 10 and noon.  They got it right - except that the peak extended to around 1:00 and people were able to sail until 2:00ish. 

The day started with Dog River Coffee as usual for Brad, Blaine, Handré and a few others.

By 9:00, people were heading for Stevenson.  I had another Seniors moment when I realized I had forgotten my electric pump charging in the living room.  I then tried to call Kent to ask if he was still at the Condo, but then I realized I had left my phone on the dining room table.  Oh well, neither were critical as I still had my hand pump.

I got to the Stevenson Boat Launch first, and rigged my 5.5 and 899 wing.  I had a blast going upwind and then doing S turns back to the red buoy and then doing it over again - and then sailing with and around everyone once they got out!  On the wing I am a lot slower than the Windsurf Foilers, but I usually turn more and Kent noticed that my speed does not really drop at all when jibing.

Everyone from our group got out - I think for the first time all together at one launch site!

Vadim was on his 6.5 and windsurfing, getting some good runs.  

Vadim had a good session on his big board and his 6.5 Sail

Ross was on his 5m kite and kite foiling.   He was trying a lot of new maneuvers involving faster foot switches and was hitting the water much more often than his normal "never".

Kent, Brad, Blaine and Big Air Jim were all on their 5.2m Flyers.  Blaine said he had his longest session ever (distance wise - at over 70km).  Now he has to shoot for 100.  As usual, Kent got the most miles.

Cynthia was on her 4.5 and blasting back and forth chasing Kent.  Kent says that she needs to slow down a lot and is willing to sabotage her to maintain his speed advantage

Cam was on his 5m Wing and sailed way upwind to be with Kent and Blaine.  Too much fun!

John told me he was starting to feel really comfortable on his Windsurf Foil and that he had some great runs.

John and Big Air Jim

Big Jim and Handré were also Windsurf Foiling, and both were making their Jibes.  Handré was on his 5.2 Sail and said that he got six - a record for him.  He did manage to nick his shin with the foil and got a decent cut, even through his wetsuit.  

Handré got nicked by his foil!

I came in for a break after 33km thinking the wind was coming off a bit - and I really needed some water.  After watching for a while, I decided to go out again on my same rig.  That was a mistake.  I got foiling going across the river, but slogged all the way back and landed at the kite beach, so had to do a short walk of shame.  Hey - my total was over 35km - my longest of the trip.

We were all off the water by 2:00ish.  I think all were tired and sore by the time we got back to shore but everyone was smiling.  It took us a long time to de-brief and store our gear.  It was a perfect day with warm temperatures and a nice breeze so it didn't get too hot.

Big Jim and Brad - great day!

After the debrief everyone packed up and headed back to hood river.  Some of the guys headed to Sailworks for another purchasing frenzy.  

Big Air Jim, who had purchased the 5.2FR, mast, and mast base a couple of days ago, must have really liked the 5.2 because he purchased a  new 3.9 Flyer, a 3.4 Flyer and another new mast.  Brad purchased a 6.0 Flyer FR (Race Sail) and traded in his old one.  Brad did show a lot of restraint as he resisted purchasing a new mast to go with the sail, even though the Sailworks guys brought it out and rubbed his hand on it.  Kent said he just stood back amazed, and watched the guys take out their visa cards....(as if he hasn't done the same on many occasions.)    

Not to be outdone, Cam frist brought his 6m wing in to Air Time to have it repaired and paid the extra fee for overnight service, and then went to the shop and bought a new Duotone Hard Handle 6m wing.  I guess he figures he needs a spare.

What a year for spending on equipment!   Ross was so traumatized when he added up what he spent this week on kites, boards, and bars - and his Hood River Taxes, that he had to go for a walk before dinner.  

John - de-rigging after a great day!

Cam decided that he was cooking dinner.  First, he baked some bread, and then when he began cooking dinner he had to tell Cynthia to make herself scarce...

Cam's dinner turned out really well.  His Sour Dough bread was amazing as was his pasta sauce; and the salad prepared by Ross with the salad dressing prepared by Handré were excellent.  A great team effort.

Great evening with great friends!  Can't get better than that!

What a great trip.  I sailed 11 days out of 11, and had three great bike rides with Louise before that!

I am all packed up, and will leave Thursday morning for home.  The guys are all hoping to get another session at Stevenson.  Kent has told me he will send me an update for the last few blog updates.