Windsurfing & Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Michigan
It’s official, the 2020 season is underway
I planed in the straps today, so I’m calling it opening day. Conditions on Lake Lansing were far from ideal, gusting from 10 to 30 knots and shifting at will between W and NW. Still, it was good to knock the rust off, and prove that I still remember how to rig, water start, tack, jibe, and manage to return to the launch under extreme conditions. I cannot call it a fun day, more like paying my dues.
My body was toasty in my Bare semi-dry suit, but my exposed face was subject, at times, to horizontal hail, stinging my upwind eye, and forcing me to sail with one eye shut, feeling like a pirate.
Next session, I would like warmer conditions, so I can wear a regular wetsuit, steadier wind, and less hail! On the other hand, more wind is forecast for tomorrow...
Views: 111
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Lawrence T Hoff on
-
I read the Governor’s new stay-at-home order. It allows leaving the home for physical activity, including canoeing, kayaking, and the like. While windsurfing was not explicitly listed, I choose to believe that windsurfing is a physical activity at least somewhat like kayaking. I think we’re on solid footing. I am not so sure that jet skiing qualifies as physical...
-
Permalink Reply by Randy Bass on
-
Congrats on getting out. Did not sound fun to me. I streetsailed this week in a short sleeve shirt. No rain, no sleet, no water starts. 8 miles of sailing and hundreds of jibes. I didn't even have to close one of my eyes! I am going to keep to the pavement a while longer.
-
Permalink Reply by Brian on
-
Good on you for getting out. Wiindsurfing is also good for the soul.
I'll be getting the gear out soon, and also christening a new foil board.
Brian
-
-
Keep us posted on the foiling. I tried once in Turks and Caicos but the guy had it on a small narrow board. I could not get up. I think if I had a larger board I could have done it.
-
-
I finally nailed the trifecta of wishes from my April 9 session report. With the air temp in the 70s this weekend, not only could I forgo the dry suit, I didn’t need gloves or a hood either! Just a wetsuit and summer booties. And no hail! I sailed a 6.3 and 103 liter board. Other sailors were on 6.0-6.4s. I counted 5 other windsurfers and two kiters enjoying the wind and warm weather on Lake Lansing. For many, it was their first time out of the year.We all had to dodge the motorboats and jet skis that are now allowed under the revised stay-at-home order. I am pleased that so many folk can now enjoy natural beauty, but I also must admit that I selfishly enjoyed the absence of motorized watercraft, albeit for a brief period.
-
-
Larry,
Glad you got out. I was strapped to my computer, but I'm breaking the windsurf gear out of storage this week. I was supposed to be in Hatteras on 5/2, so I'm still feeling a little bummed by that. We had crazy winds yesterday in Caseville but I missed it.
Brian
-
-
I need to make a road trip to Caseville one of these days. Google maps tells me that it’s a couple hours from here. It looks like the launch faces NW, good for all but SE winds. Is that right? Anything else I should know? E.g. parking, underwater hazards, etc.?
Forum
Windsurfing Launches
Post Info, Directions, and Photos about Launches in MI and the Great Lakes
19 discussions
DaNews
Windsurfing Links:
Hit Count Since 4-7-2010
© 2023 Created by Brian.
Powered by
.ningbar {background-image:url("http://webdeveloper.com/animations/holiday/christmas/gifs/xmas_light.gif");background-repeat:repeat-x;}
div#xn_bar_menu:before{
content: ""!important;
position: absolute!important;
width: 100%!important;
height: 35px!important;
left: 0%!important;
z-index:9999!important;
background: url(http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/964749975?profile=original);
background-repeat:repeat-x!important;
top: 25px!important;}