And as forecasted, the wind did pick up to wingable levels - but just barely. I brought out the NWFB so I could get the 1095 positioned and the footstraps adjusted (and I also didn't think there was enough wind for the 4'8" wing board - although that's debatable with the flat tail/square rails - but I also needed to limit the variables). I also brought out the newly repaired Ocean Rodeo A Series Glide 5.0.
I got the footstraps adjusted (moved everything 1 notch back - same indications I was getting from the last session). This spot is also pretty good for the 1095 - with all the adjusting I'm constantly doing, I'm realizing that for winging the mast position is not ultra critical like it is in prone foil surfing - just get it close and it's all good.
The wind was strong/weak enough that I was really riding the gusts. The repaired wing isn't just replaced bladders - the new bladders are thicker, has a backer near the valves and ends, and they also added taped on pull strings - all of these improvements so the bladder stays fixed in place more so than the stock version. The repair was not cheap, but I believe I paid for more reliability and that is piece of mind in an already dangerous activity.
You can see the wind had a more northerly swing to it today.
Like I said earlier - riding the peaks today. Good practice for getting up in low wind with a high aspect front foil (I really should use the 4'8" next time to see what the difference is - and if it is what I think it is, I'll likely be shaping another bigger wing board soon - with square rails and a straight tail).
Jim was out with a Blue Planet Alien 6.0m wing. He seemed to be up more than I was - but was further down wind.
Harris was there with his family - and when he was pumping up, his strut bladder blew. He showed us the bladder and it was right where most of the blown spots I've seen were - right on the seam along the head.
Fun to be winging again!!!
W:6/F:13/S:7
No comments:
Post a Comment