tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67475648200214160782024-02-18T22:45:29.224-06:00Wind AddictLearn How To Windsurf. Maybe Surfing Too.WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-7869860677118519932017-03-18T19:45:00.002-05:002017-04-11T14:52:14.740-05:002017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum Interior Measurements (Or: will my windsurfing gear fit?)Unlike windsurfers, I guess most folks don't buy Sports Utility Vehicles for their utility. Good luck finding measurements for the interior cargo-area of most SUVs. Yes, you can find the cargo area volume. But when's the last time you filled your car with a liquid? Did you even fill the whole thing up?
Thanks to this oversight, I had to visit car dealerships with a tape measure. Yeah, I was the WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com5Austin, TX, USA30.267153 -97.74306079999996729.828484 -98.388507799999971 30.705822 -97.097613799999962tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-74642107153754094022017-03-18T18:52:00.002-05:002017-03-18T19:49:33.909-05:002006 Honda Element Interior Measurements (Or: will my windsurfing gear fit?)Until very recently, my 2006 Honda Element has been my primary means of windsurfing transportation. One of the primary reasons I purchased the Element was to haul my windsurfing gear. The Element has the footprint of a compact car and the capacity of the Grand Canyon. Almost.
I physically made the following measurements with a tape measure. Beware: these measurements are rounded to the nearest WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0Austin, TX, USA30.267153 -97.74306079999996729.828484 -98.388507799999971 30.705822 -97.097613799999962tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-15600883828633736172015-07-18T19:04:00.000-05:002015-07-18T19:04:27.467-05:00Fixing a Slipping Mast ExtensionLast time I sailed, I noticed I couldn't keep as much downhaul tension on my sail as I like. The downhaul line slowly slipped as I sailed. By the time I returned to shore, I had lost more than an inch of downhaul.
At first I thought it was because the cleat on my mast extension had some sand and shells stuck in it. Next time I rigged up, I cleaned the cleat with a bit of driftwood. The downhaul WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-5619120848093341292015-07-17T09:20:00.000-05:002015-07-17T09:20:32.918-05:00Come Windsurf in July - Corpus Christi
Join us for some beach time July 24 - 26, 2015 at the Padre Island National Seashore. You don't need to know how to surf, windsurf, or sail. Worldwinds can train you -- as long as you sign up in advanced. Be sure to check out my advice on preparing for a Windsurfing trip here.
The general outline of one of these trips is this:
We all arrive late Friday morning. It's OK if you can't take WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-57324135227762956472014-11-22T14:50:00.000-06:002014-11-22T14:50:58.500-06:00Windsurfing Shoes and Knives
This post is of a slightly commercial nature. Since it can be difficult to find reviews of windsurfing equipment, I hope you find this kind of content useful. I've purchased all of the items mentioned below with my own money. Excepts the socks, which I've never tried. You can find a full disclosure at the end of the post*.
Footwear
Last year I had the unpleasant experience of falling off my WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-59310112054690173082014-11-22T12:19:00.001-06:002014-11-22T15:15:46.262-06:00Windsurfing in November
The Peconic Puffin is right, there is a lot of fun to be had in light wind. Two weeks ago, I enjoyed the lowest winds I've ever windsurfed in. Saturday’s winds were forecast in the 6-10 MPH range. Even the flimsy flag on that old mast over Worldwinds looked disappointed.
Clearly it was uphaul weather, not water start weather, so I initially wanted a lighter sail than my 6.5 Meter. WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-3211090760342149012012-03-04T16:49:00.001-06:002015-07-17T09:36:57.128-05:00Corpus Christi Hotel Wisdom for Windsurfers
My windsurfing buddies and I used to all stay downtown at a hotel like the Best Western Marina Grand Hotel, the Bayfront Plaza, or the Omni. All of these hotels are in walking distance of downtown restaurants and bars. You may wish to try bidding on a hotel on Priceline -- downtown Corpus is the "Corpus Christi Beach Area".
More recently, since some of my WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-60030507758374053302012-03-04T16:04:00.001-06:002012-03-04T16:04:05.401-06:00Windsurfing Expedition: March 2012
Mo Lands One
Are you curious about Windsurfing? Why not learn the same way that my friends and I learned? Take the beginner class at Worldwinds on Friday March 23rd, and spend the rest of the weekend playing on the water.
Details
March 23 - 25, 2012.
I'm staying at the Best Western Paradise Inn, which is about half way between Downtown and The Island. If you'd like to stay downtown WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-57340325422144290952011-07-28T23:07:00.000-05:002011-07-28T23:07:59.997-05:00August is Your Month to Windsurf
Holy smokes, August is almost here! Let's enjoy a beach escape while it's still Summer. Reserve Friday August 12 through Sunday the 14th for fun time.
Details
I'll be staying at the inexpensive Best Western Paradise Inn this trip, which is about half way between North Padre Island and Downtown Corpus Christi.
If you have not windsurfed before, you'll want to schedule classes at Worldwinds. WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-59095264209900183632011-04-07T08:56:00.000-05:002011-04-07T08:56:07.508-05:00You'll Learn how to Windsurf in April if You Join UsThe first Wind Addict trip of 2011 is April 22-24 in Corpus Christi. If you don't yet know how to windsurf, this is your opportunity to get introduced. If you do know how to windsurf, you should get out of town and enjoy the water.
Details
If you have not windsurfed before, you'll want to schedule classes at Worldwinds. Almost all of my surfing friends have learned how to windsurf from them. WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-22249367424928444932010-09-13T08:38:00.002-05:002010-09-13T08:42:17.477-05:00Trip Report: Labor Day 2010WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-70402113229090177652010-08-30T23:00:00.004-05:002010-08-30T23:21:27.234-05:00The Beginner ExperienceJanet Jay joined us a few months ago for a windsurfing adventure. She wrote a fun article (with cool photos!) documenting the experience.I think it nicely captures the experience of learning to windsurf. Best of all, I'm quoted in it! Ok, that isn't really the best part. I really liked her reasons for windsurfing. Try windsurfing, you will have fun.WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-30425972799340237232010-08-24T17:34:00.005-05:002010-08-24T17:57:58.429-05:00Labor Day in Corpus ChristiSeptember 4th - 6th in Corpus Christi.To preserve my mental health, I need a windsurfing trip ASAP. No more procrastination. No more excuses. Labor day weekend is now windsurfing weekend.I'll be staying at the economical Motel 6 near the island again. Is it luxury? No! But it is a few blocks from excellent breakfast food. The big 6 isn't far from a big dinner at Ichiban either. And on the way WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-4551860009194492512010-04-13T16:55:00.003-05:002010-04-13T19:21:15.249-05:00Upcoming Trip: May in Corpus ChristiThe first windsurfing trip of the year was a blast. Jason, Julie, Janet, Mo, and I had a great time. Let's do it again. The second trip of the year is May 7th - 9th in Corpus Christi. I'll be staying at the Ikea-styled Motel 6 near the island again, but you can stay where you like. The Motel 6 isn't luxury, but it does bring back fond memories of dorm living. This time you don't have to worry WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-58894285779057708392010-03-02T22:44:00.002-06:002010-03-04T11:14:51.655-06:00Upcoming Adventure: April 2010Wind Addict season starts on April second. No, not Wind Addict hunting season. Windsurfing season. This time we're changing a few things though.As before, we're staying for a three day weekend. Unlike previous trips, we're not staying downtown. Instead, we're staying closer to the island. We're staying at Motel 6!Before you get too judgmental, this motel 6 has been remodeled to look like an Ikea WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-87915540175017116372009-09-14T23:50:00.000-05:002009-09-14T23:52:00.457-05:00Trip Report 7-9 August 2009FridayAashish, 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-75051614655887695642009-08-16T18:34:00.000-05:002009-08-16T18:36:52.845-05:00Trip Report 23-25 May 2009FridayFreddy 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-66799197574940089412009-08-05T17:56:00.003-05:002009-08-05T18:18:40.175-05:00Things To Do In Corpus: Ichiban RestaurantLast 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-12772746709136650162009-07-22T08:20:00.004-05:002009-07-22T08:29:46.470-05:00August 2009 Windsurfing AdventureWind 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 simpleWindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-32929076863306624172009-05-27T23:01:00.000-05:002009-05-27T23:09:36.375-05:00Trip Report 1-3 May 2009Jason 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-14975083050859699372009-05-08T17:50:00.000-05:002009-05-08T17:52:56.727-05:00Trip Report 27-29 March 2009Jennie 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-9951919746836738742009-05-05T11:55:00.003-05:002009-05-05T12:04:10.374-05:00Memorial 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-90714772929494427282009-04-17T09:27:00.005-05:002009-04-17T14:24:57.918-05:00May 2009 Windsurfing AdventureWind 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-10921210714712996912009-04-07T09:32:00.002-05:002009-04-07T09:44:27.758-05:00Late April / May WindsurfingWho 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!WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6747564820021416078.post-21583630560724837932009-03-12T11:33:00.004-05:002009-03-12T11:39:01.653-05:00March 2009 Windsurfing AdventureWind 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 WindAddicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842543518651197297noreply@blogger.com1