Sat 16th June

[Sue]

Lots of wind at Axbridge today - more than I was expecting.

Direction was S/ SSW - so almost onshore, and quite a lumpy/ swelly water state. Started on my 5.5 and 85litre and had a good powered up first session. Stopped for refueling, and the next run out I quickly decided it was too dangerous to continue with the 5.5. So derigged, and rigged the 4.7 which was much more sensible and comfortable, but I was still very overpowered when the 30 knot gusts came through.

There were lots of boats (enterprises) around - an open meet !. Sadly, it was too windy for them early to mid afternoon and they had to sit it out in the clubhouse whilst the windsurfers whizzed around . I was too tired to continue by the time they hit the water again ... but then the rain came in and the wind died a little.

Several other windsurfers around - the Axbridge regulars, and Nomads Keith, Mike and Molly, Martin, and ... new Nomad Luke from Frome (.... good to meet you Luke )

Bit achy now, but feeling chilled after a quite challenging, but highly enjoyable, sail today

Sue

[Matt]

I think 'challenging' is also how to describe Weston today. It was gusting to nearly 30knots SSW when I got there at 2.30 but as always in that direction it was going to be very up and down. Did some info gathering from NigelP among others and dithered a bit before settling on 96litres and 5.7.

Quite a few lulls to contend with so glad I hadn't gone smaller but it was fun hitting the waves on the way out and then catching rides on the way in. Wind died for a little while, dropping Adrian's kite out of the sky and sending him off towards the pier. Chatted a bit till the wind came back again, this time more SW'ly and then had a good time even if it was quite hard work. Packed up around 6 when I felt I'd been sufficiently exercised. Interesting to see Nomad Nic having a go on his Bic Techno which was probably 50 litres bigger than any other board out today!

[Adrian]

Challenging it certainly was.....

I had 35mph when I rigged so went for a 7.0 kite - think 4.0/4.7 in windsurf size sails - ok for a bit but very gusty then in an extended lull had the kite fall out of the sky and dragged a way towards the pier before getting going again - wind filled back in so decided to sail back not walk when i repeated in sight of Matt - this time never got going so dragged in then walked back - put up a 9.0 - think 5 or 5.5 size in windsurfing but remained uncomfortable either under or over powered Whilst the kites have great range you get a bit more wind as they are further up but I think in the extreme gusts you get this magnified as well.

Interesting day but Friday evening waqs better - still gusty but nicer waves and solid 7.0 kite for me with a bit of work in the lulls.

Adrian