Dawn Patrol - 4/28/2024

I went to Hickam this morning for the dawn patrol.  Firsts was breaking nicely and there was almost zero wind.

I try to not make too many changes at once, so I can understand the nature of the change.  But for this morning I changed three things.

First I did not use the velcro straps - I used electrical tape to keep the motor cable in one place.  Electrical tape worked so much better - not once did I feel like I was stuck to the surface while trying to takeoff.

Second, I tried out the Skinny 365 rear stabilizer.  The stabilizer I normally use is the Progressive 375.  The Skinny is about 30 sqcm smaller than the 375P - but I did not feel like I was missing any lift (like I could push off of it or that it would just slip out).  I did feel like I was going a hair faster than I normally do on the Spitfire 960.

And third, I used the Project Cedrus Carbon 85cm mast instead of the 80cm aluminum one I normally use.  Here there were some multifaceted issues.  The extra length made it more difficult to pump (yet I did get three double dips), and the first few takeoffs were awkward.  But once I got used to it, the extra length did suppress breaching, it made carving hard and taking a steeper drop less worrisome (I could just focus on executing and not trying to make sure I wasn't going to breach).  I did not really notice any weight difference.

For as challenging as yesterday's session was, today's was simply perfect.

I really enjoy using the Foil Drive at the breaks I normally wing.  I already know the wave and I can anticipate the sections and setup for some awesome carving turns.  Firsts was firing for the first half of this session - shoulder to just overhead.  I would position myself to be able to pick up the wave well before it got critical.  And with the equipment, I could maneuver to stay in the powered section of the wave - even just right in front of where the wave was breaking (I normally try to steer clear of this section).  This is where I'm not sure of the effect of switching out the rear stabilizer - was I able to do this because of the faster tail, or was I doing it all this time but just didn't notice it?

This chart basically looks just like a winging session out here!

My count is 25 waves in 90 minutes.  Three of these were double dips.  

And I did not have to share this break with anyone!

Pretty darn fun this morning!!!

W:53/FD:28/F:4/S:9