Monday, September 14, 2009

Trip Report 7-9 August 2009

Friday

Pern and AashishAashish, Gordon, and Pern took their beginner Worldwinds windsurfing class Friday morning. By the time Jennie and I arrived, the wind was gusty, but strong enough that I could plane 80% of the time on the one sail I own: a blue 6.5 Meter.

The Three Amigos got a solid three hours of surfing in their first day, maybe more. All three of the newbies successfully fought the wind to stay upwind without taking the "walk of shame", the dreaded upwind stroll while towing the board. Not bad.

For dinner, the five of us met Freddy and Pamela at the Ichiban Buffet. We ate a vast pile of sushi and seaweed salad. For a nightcap, I passed out a few bottles of my homebrew Texas Blonde Ale.

Saturday

Saturday morning Jennie and I ate the complimentary Best Western breakfast before driving down to the beach. Aashish, Pern, and Gordon sipped coffee at Agua Java and ate at La Bahia.Gordon Windsurfs

The wind was strong and reasonably consistent at the beach. The beginner rigs were reserved for a new batch of beginners, so Aashish, Gordon, and Pern had to rent smaller boards with larger sails: two 4.1 meter sails, and one 4.3 meter sail. The Three Amigos took turns sailing with the larger sail, which felt a little out of control to them with 20 MPH winds.

Jay, Dana, Freddy, and Pamela rented boards too, and Jason arrived late in the afternoon to sail his personal rig.

All ten of us met downtown at the Waterstreet Oyster Bar for a huge dinner. This was our largest Windaddict crew to date.

Sunday

In the morning Jay, Dana, Gordon, Aashish, Pern, Jennie, Jason, and I attacked La Bahia for Sunday breakfast. As usual, we ate large amounts of food for small amounts of money.

All of us except Jay and Dana returned to the beach for a few more sailing sessions. Like Saturday, the wind blew in the 20 MPH+ range. I felt lucky to have such strong wind three days in a row. I love planing!

I had noticed on Saturday that my downhaul line was getting frayed near the knot which holds it to the mast extension. Having heard rumors of Spectra line, I upgraded at Worldwinds. I'm not sure if it was just the newness of the line or the magical properties of Spectra, but the new line seemed to make downhauling much easier. The stuff just slithers and slides over the pulleys with no resistance. I'm going to claim that a Spectra downhaul is worth every penny of $6. Why wrestle with rigging to save $2?

I was on plane the entire day, sometimes even a bit overpowered on my 6.5 meter sail. At the peak of the wind, I didn't have to work hard to make the fin lose its grip in the water. The slipping fin was a new experience for me, so it was a bit fun, actually.

I attempted a few chop-hops with varying levels of success, and also tried a little down-wind sailing in preparation for eventually learning a real high-wind jibe. One or two of the chop hop tries seemed to work, I think. I'm sure I'll be looping in no time...

The kind folks at Worldwinds surprised me with a gift before I left: a Worldwinds gift certificate. They apparently wanted to thank me for getting so many people interested in the sport of windsurfing. Don, Angie, Olivier, and Randy are great. I feel undeserving: the Worldwinds folks are so generous with their time and knowledge. All I do is point my friends in the right direction (Worldwinds!) and tell them tall tales about my adventures sailboarding. Thanks guys!

After spending some quality time on the water, Jennie and I ate dinner at Island Italian. The life-size cutout of Elvis on the way to the restroom still startles me. If you ever visit, you'll get scared by Elvis too. The food tasted delightful and filled us right up, a perfect ending to another successful Corpus windsurfing trip.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Trip Report 23-25 May 2009

Friday

Freddy and Pamela were just coming off the water as Jennie, the dogs, and I arrived at Bird Island Basin. We had just driven through an ominous rain storm on the mainland, but the island was dry and slightly breezy.

Since the wind wasn't enthusiastic, Jennie spend her afternoon working with Basil and Mouse in the water. I assembled my windsurfing rig and had fun with light-wind jibes and fooling around.

Once the wind picked up a little, Randy taught Freddy the jibe, and instructed Pamela in the intermediate windsurfing class. Freddy was kind enough to give me a few jibe pointers afterward.

Jennie and I got dinner at Waterstreet Seafood, but had disappointing service. Disappointment seems to be the trend in the Corpus restaurants I pick.

Sunday

Jennie and I drove to the beach early to find no wind. I purchased a copy of the Tricktionary II from Worldwinds so I could get some book learning done. Jennie took turns exercising each of the dogs in the water while I looked at the pretty pictures.

After about a half hour, the wind picked up to the 10-15 MPH range, allowing Jennie and I to enjoy some sailing. Noting the black clouds brewing on the horizon, I kept my tacks close to shore. After surfing for a half hour, I joined Jennie in the shallows to give her some pointers. This went on maybe ten minutes before distant lightning and thunder prompted us to drop our carbon lightning rods and get off the water.

I walked into Worldwinds to avoid the rain and noticed that they were listening to sever weather warnings on the radio station. Severe weather means business in Corpus Christi.

With some sense of panic, I ran back outside to re-evaluate the conditions. Black clouds: check. Forks of lightning: check. Gusty winds: check. OK, that might be severe.

I ran back to my board, detached my sail, and threw it on the beach. I could hear the occasional drop of rain pocking into the sail as the black clouds crept closer. I crossed my fingers that I could de-rig before the winds got too strong.

I unfastened the outhaul, removed the boom, and threw it aside. Meanwhile, the thunder and lightning had moved to within a few miles of us. I loosened the downhaul and started to pull the mast from the sail. The sail material crinkled and slapped in the increasing winds.

To prevent my sail from flying to Madagascar, I pulled the mast out in stages, careful to keep the sail close to the ground. I rolled the sail as I removed the mast to keep it from blowing away.

As cold rain poured on my back, I rolled my sail into a dirty tube, jammed it into the bag, and threw it into the back of the Orange Toaster. The rain mixed with tiny bits of stinging hail. I pulled the mast apart and jammed it next to the sail. Thunder thundered, wind howled.

I rolled up the Orange Toaster's windows before running to the Worldwinds building for shelter. The storm passed over us within a just a few minutes, clocking a peak wind speed of 40MPH.

Freddy and Pamela arrived on the beach not long after the storm hit, just in time to enjoy a little time on the water before dinner.

For Dinner, Freddy and Pamela met Jennie and I at a new restaurant for us: the Ichiban Buffet. This wonderful establishment probably didn't factor hungry windsurfers into it's $13 per person, all-you-can-eat price. It really is amazing how much sushi a sailor can eat after a day on the water. Freddy ate half his weight in crab legs, I ate three or four plates of Sushi, and we were the last patrons to leave that night. The staff was quite gracious considering our enormous appetites.

Monday

Jennie and I met Freddy and Pamela at La Bahia for a Mexican breakfast. As always, the food was tasty and inexpensive.

At the beach Pamela, Jennie, and I all windsurfed while Freddy spent the majority of his time kayaking the Laguna Madre with Gumbo and Bitsy. The winds started light and gradually increased until I could consistently plane. It grew to the point that Pamela and Jennie felt overpowered even after dropping to sails in the 3 square meter range.

On the bright side, this meant that Freddy got a chance to swap the kayak for a windsurfer. He sailed out and practiced his beach starts and harness work.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Things To Do In Corpus: Ichiban Restaurant

Fin FirstLast windsurfing trip, Jennie, Freddy, Pamela, and I discovered Ichiban Japanese Seafood. Ichiban should probably change the name to "Giant Buffet That Had Sushi Until Very Recently When I Filled My Plate". Or maybe in Freddy's case "I Just Ate Ten Pounds Of Crab Legs. You Didn't Want Any Did You?"

OK, we didn't really eat all their crab or sushi, but we were quite satisfied. Some might say stuffed.

Is Ichiban beautiful? No. Is it clean? As clean as any other buffet. Does it have lots of tasty food? Yes. Is the staff nice? They're so nice that they waited to close until we had our fill of food.

Needless to say, the windsurfing group will definitely stop for dinner here again. I think this might be the only dinner place in Corpus that Jennie has liked so far. When Jennie likes a restaurant, it means something. You can read her review here.

Ichiban is located at 1933 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

August 2009 Windsurfing Adventure

Jason WaterstartsWind Addicts, you know the drill. Our fourth expedition to Corpus Christi starts Friday 7 August, and ends Sunday 9 August.

We'll be surfing near Worldwinds at the Padre Island National Seashore. If you need lessons or rental gear, they'll take care of you. Beginners should sign up for intro class on the first day, and everyone should reserve a rig for the days they want to sail (see the 5 simple steps link below).

As usual, we're staying in hotels located in downtown Corpus (e.g. the Best Western Marina Grand, the Omni, etc.) This allows us to walk to some of the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the city. Nothing beats a stroll along the city sea wall before sipping your morning coffee at Agua Java. I suggest booking sooner rather than later.

If you'd like to come, just follow...

...The five simple steps.

I hope to see you on the beach! Feel free to invite your friends. Call, comment, or email me if you have questions.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Trip Report 1-3 May 2009

Jason and I rode down to Corpus Christi in the Orange Toaster, my tangerine-colored Honda Element. For the first time, we stacked boards two high on the roof rack.

On the bottom, we strapped Jason's 160 liter board directly to the rack. On top of that, we used another set of nylon straps to secure my 145 Liter board to the car. Between them we stuffed Jason's rack pads and then cranked down on the top straps. As a failsafe, we tied the excess strapping to the two board's footstraps.

The stack of boards worked, but had a noticeable impact on the Toaster's fuel economy. We probably used 1/3 more fuel to get from Austin to Corpus that Friday. The car also stood a bit tall with a pile of surf boards on top. No low bridges for us.

At Worldwinds, the anemometer spun like a helicopter blade. The winds were blasting in the 20 to 30MPH range. I quickly decided that my 6.5 meter sail would be unmanageable. Since I only own one sail, I rented a 5.3 meter sail from Worldwinds. I kept my 145 liter x-cite ride. Jason opted to stick with his personal rig, the 160 liter x-cite ride and a 6.3 meter from Maui Sail.

Needless to say, neither Jason nor I had any issues with water starts. Not unless you count getting flipped to the other side of the board. But playing human catapult is half the fun, right?

My first sailing session was fun, but I realized that I was sailing too cautiously. Instead of rocketing with the gusts, I sailed like a big wuss. I tended to over-sheet and aim upwind to the point of stalling.

For my second session, I was determined to get over it. I hooked in, strapped in, and let 'er rip. The second session was much faster, more fun, and surprisingly relaxing. Speed isn't scary unless you try to fight it.

After windsurfing, Jason and I desalinated and grabbed dinner at Waterstreet Restaurant.

Jason RacesSaturday's beach weather was crazy. The highest recorded gust hit and insane 42 MPH. Otherwise the winds bounced in the high 20's and mid 30's. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see my 145 Liter board and 6.5 meter sail wouldn't be much fun. I rented a Fanatic Hawk 123 Liter board and a 4.5 meter Ezzy sail from Worldwinds. Jason rented a similar rig.

Like Friday, waterstarts were easy. My tacks, however, were a different story. I might have completed one tack successfully that day. Maybe not. Otherwise the wind and choppy water always dumped me off the board.

Necessity is the abusive parent of invention. I invented the following Windsurfing trick:
  1. Achieve an overpowered plane on a too-large board
  2. When you've gone as far as you like, turn upwind and begin a tack
  3. As you nose upwind, let the chop flop you off the board
  4. Finish turning the board from the water -- extra points for using the sail
  5. Water start and sail away in your new direction
I call this the "Falling Tack". Be sure to give me credit.

For dinner, Jason and I feasted at Aka Sushi.

On Sunday, the wind calmed down to the 18-25 MPH range. This meant that I was finally able to use my own 6.5 Meter sail and board. It also meant that I was able to tack and waterstart with ease, although I do admit that I missed the 123 Liter Fanatic a bit. It was a fun little board!

The more relaxed weather was the perfect conclusion for our three-day weekend. After a few hours of sailing, Jason and I made the long drive back to Austin.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Trip Report 27-29 March 2009

Tug BoatJennie and I spent Friday morning stuffing an unbelievable quantity of dog and windsurfing equipment into my bright orange Element. This feat was followed by actually stuffing two dogs and two humans into the same tiny vehicle, and then driving for three and one half hours down to Corpus Christi.

We arrived at the beach a few minutes late for Jennie's beginner class appointment, but luckily 30 minutes earlier than the rest of her class. While waiting for them to arrive, Jennie played with Basil (tiny dog) and Mouse (giant dog) in the water.

Beginner ClassThe windsurfing lessons appeared to go well until the wind moved from gentle to dead. Then the windsufring lessons became balancing-floppy-sails-on-tippy-platforms lessons.

The weak winds didn't last long though. After an hour or two, the wind jumped to planing speeds. That was my cue to rig up and remember how to windsurf.

Freddy and Pamela arrived later in the day, and opted to take their tiny dogs on a Kayak tour of the choppy laguna madre.

As the sun started to set, we all got off the water and checked into the usual hotel: the Marina Grand.

For dinner, Freddy and I advocated U & I Restaurant. We spoke of the great steaks we ate there, which was no lie. Unfortunately, we forgot how mediocre the rest of the food was.

As we were ordering our food, we learned of a salad dressing called "Green Goddess". With a name like that, of course we all had to order it. In windsurfing parlance, this was a mistake.

Green Goddess turned out to be a flavorless green gel with the consistency of mayonnaise. If you felt generous you might call it salad lubricant, but probably not dressing. I enjoyed my steak and shrimp quite a lot, but the rest of the meal only tasted good when compared to the Green Goddess. At least it was good for a laugh.

Saturday morning, Jennie and I walked along the Corpus Christi sea wall with the dogs before returning to the beach. The wind was already starting to pick up, even in the morning.

At the beach Freddy and I windsurfed, but Jennie and Pamela opted out. The wind made for tricky conditions on the Laguna Madre, at least for beginners.

For dinner, Freddy and I chose Havana. Unfortunately, this wasn't their finest hour either. Although "El Infidel" didn't fail to impress, the rest of the meal wasn't quite as tasty as Freddy and I promised. I guess we're slow to learn. Pamela and Jennie are now certain that Freddy and I have no taste.

Sunday morning, conditions were perfect for Pamela to take the windsurfing beginner class. Jennie also was able to join her on the water to enjoy the more moderate wind. It was a great way to end the trip.

Overall, the trip was a success. Everyone got to surf, and Worldwinds successfully taught two new beginners how to windsurf. The only challenge left was stuffing the dogs, humans, and luggage back into the car and returning to Austin.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Memorial Day 2009 Windsurfing Adventure

Wind Addicts, the third excursion to Corpus Christi starts Saturday 23 May, and ends Monday 25 May. You can see photos from previous windsurfing trips here.

We'll be surfing near Worldwinds at the Padre Island National Seashore. We love those guys (and gal). If you need lessons or to rent gear, they'll take care of you. Beginners should sign up for intro class on the first day, everyone should reserve a rig for the days they want to sail (see the 5 simple steps link below).

As usual, we're staying in hotels located in downtown Corpus. This allows us to walk to some of the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the city. Nothing beats a stroll along the city sea wall before sipping your morning coffee at Agua Java. I suggest booking sooner rather than later.

If you'd like to come, just follow...

...The five simple steps.

I hope to surf with you! Feel free to invite your friends. Call or email me if you have questions.

Friday, April 17, 2009

May 2009 Windsurfing Adventure

Wind Addicts, the second excursion to Corpus Christi starts Friday 1 May, and ends Sunday 3 May. You can see photos from previous windsurfing trips here.

We'll be surfing near Worldwinds at the Padre Island National Seashore. If you need lessons or to rent gear, they'll take care of you. Beginners should sign up for the class.

As usual, we're staying in hotels located in downtown Corpus. This allows us to walk to some of the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the city. Nothing beats a stroll along the city sea wall before sipping your morning coffee at Agua Java.

If you'd like to come, just follow...

...The five simple steps.

I hope to surf with you! Feel free to invite your friends. Call all or email me if you have questions.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Late April / May Windsurfing

Beginner ClassWho wants to join me for a trip to Corpus Christi in Late April or in May?

Let me know which weekends you're available for trips in the comments below. If you can't take a Friday off, let me know that too. Thanks!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

March 2009 Windsurfing Adventure

Angela's HelitackWind Addicts, the first windsurfing trip of the year starts Friday 27 March, and ends Sunday 29 March. We'll be visiting Corpus Christi, as usual. You can see photos from previous windsurfing trips here.

We'll be surfing near Worldwinds at the Padre Island National Seashore. If you need lessons or to rent gear, they'll take care of you. Beginners should sign up for the class.

As usual, we're staying in hotels located in downtown Corpus. This allows us to walk to some of the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the city. Nothing beats a stroll along the city sea wall before sipping your morning coffee at Agua Java.

I'm staying at the Best Western Marina Grand -- they have a good deal if you book 2 weeks in advanced.

If you'd like to come, just follow...

...The five simple steps.

I hope to surf with you! Feel free to invite your friends. Call all or email me if you have questions.