Hey, don't you guys know the exploits of ABC windsurfers are followed all over the ws-ing universe? Where's the follow-up reports after a good day of sailing at Lanier, Allatoona, Juliet? I never see a hint that anybody windsurfed at all -- just business as usual on the forum come Monday morning. Over here in Augusta-Columbia area, that's half the fun --- finding out who broke what, who got hyperthermic and almost died, who got in the straps for first time and had the most spectacular over-the-handlebars crash. Of course, it requires someone(s) with time on their hands to type it up for the vicarious windsurfers who can't make the scene. And there are more out-of-town members than you might imagine. I mean, really, inquiring windsurers want to know -- What was going on at the lake while I had to paint momma-in-laws bathroom and pick up Jr. at practice. A regular follow-up report after the bigger days would be a helpful cyber-brick in this e-clubhouse of ours.
Chuck Hardin
Whitecap Windsurfing, Inc.
c:706-833-WIND (9463)
Ok, Chuck --- I'll bite (but does it really count since I sailed Clarks Hill with you Augusta sailors though?)
Saturday turned out to be an excellent day of winter sailing. Sails from 4.5-5.8 seemed to be the call, but a 5.0 was dead on most of the time. The temps made it into the low 50s, the sun was out part of the time, and water temps noticeably warmer than Lanier -- although still quite COLD.
No doubt -- Clarks Hill is the BEST lake in all of Georgia for windsurfing. A very user friendly launch, no wind shadow on West winds, big ramps and warmer temps.
OK, here's my story. I skipped out on the baby pool meet to go the Lake Lanier at Van Pugh. I met Tim Carter there to pick up a new mast track for one of my boards. (Some of you may remember my "Victory at Sea" post recently...). Anyway, I looked at the water which suggested wind something like 20 kt (at least in the gusts). I knew from the the temp gauge in my car that it was around 34 degrees. I thought to myself -"It feels really cold out here. 34 didn't seem so cold when I was in my car, but now it feels really cold out here. I guess I'll wimp out."
Without any fanfare I headed home defeated by cowardice (or was it common sense?). In the end, I had to be satisfied knowing that at least 3 brave souls took on the worst that nearly freezing temps, and brutal winds had to dish out at the baby pool.
Randy
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Hi Chuck, here's the report from the baby pool. There were 3 of us: Patrick, Al and myself. I had the smallest sail, 5.8, Patrick and I were on a Start, (me, so I don't fall into the cold water...) and Al on on a pretty fast (old) longboard. It was about 15-18 mph with gusts into the 20's. It was so cold that I had to stop twice to warm my hands up. Patrick had the same problem. Otherwise, we would have been out there non-stop. I have to say that it was weird sailing at breakneck speed with flurries smacking you in the face. By the 3rd cold hand instance, I packed it in. I used the neo gloves you sold me. They were fine a week ago Sunday, never got cold hands, but this time, I must have gotten some water inside to render them less effective against the cold. We must be really desperate to go sailing in those conditions.
Mimi
Mimi
I have sailed every full winter for the past 6 or 7 years but I have finally thrown in the towel. Jan and Feb are out for me unless it is really warm and sunny. By the way, one day many years ago it was 78 degrees at Van Pugh in February. I feel it is my job to keep an eye on Fred Howard and Cape San Blas. That is why I post the weather conditions there. I have been know to drive down to thess spots by myself when the fronts come through. Everytime I have and none of the ABCer's have gone there has always been someone to sail with, especially at F/H.
I'll keep posting, you keep watching and we can all go sometime.
I changed my hot water heater instead of freezing my hands. Seemed like a good thing to do....(hot water heater or having really cold hands? - hot water heater won)
I'll spend my windsurfing tokens on warmer days.
My hat off to those who were brave enough to go for it last Saturday.
Marek
Hey Chuck - I finally sailed on saturday. Took a mast track over to Randy Falkenberg in the morning - it was core-chillin' cold and the wind just wasn't quite there. Kristian showed up with boards strapped to the roof and Nick Maher pulled in on his motorcycle. nick had 80-mph wind chill and headed for Kristian's car to try to warm up. Still too cold and flaky looking wind so I decided to go home to coffee, but found a familiar (thank god woman running a vaccuum cleaner and decided to go back to Van pugh. about 2 pm it had warmed to about 34 degrees and the wind was solid 5.5. Greg, Eddie, Pat and Jamie were the only other fools there, but we had a blast for a couple of hours.