Rebecca and I headed over to Alameda on Saturday for some Spring cleaning and enjoyed a gorgeous, warm day. Temps were in the high 60s, and the consistent, gentle breeze beckoned me onto the water on the 14' Naish Glide Sup and 5.5 Naish Session. I couldn't quite bring myself to put on a full wetsuit (yes, Barbados and St. Lucia totally spoiled me this winter), so I opted for my 2mil top and shorts...and was plenty warm enough. I cruised around for a while, enjoying the relatively warm water for this time of year. The water was crystal clear as well...perfect for shallow water stand up paddling.
After enjoying my leisurely sail, I was happy to be surprised by our kite instructor Benjamin. He dropped in for a visit while in town, and it was just like the old days hanging out at "The Shack". Rebecca and I decided to open up officially on Sunday...as the forecast predicted good north west winds. We had a beginner windsurf renter come out. He almost got planing on the 12'6 Starboard SUP and 4.5 Hot Sails Maui sail...so once I saw him jamming along, I knew there was hope for some good wind. Around 3:30pm it picked up nicely, and before I knew it there were 25 kites on the water. Wind was averaging around 19 by 4:30pm...and later was gusting into the mid 20s.
Jesse headed out to teach our first Intro To Kiteboarding Clinic, and I pumped up my 12m Naish Cult and grabbed my 137 Nobile 555 board. Somehow I ended up putting my 3/2 wetsuit on (not knowing it wasn't my 4/3) and realized it out on the water. I was actually warm enough...which is a miracle for this time of year. When the Tahoe snow starts to melt, I imagine the water will get chilly, but for now it's blissfully warm for March.
All the usual suspects came out to grab the first great Spring winds. Arde was on his 19m Naish Raven all day and managed to hold it down. Tim was out riding on his 15m Naish Boxer, enjoying some solitude upwind by Ballena Isle. Sven, Tomomi, and Scott came out (Happy Birthday Scott!!!) to ride. Loud Mouth Charlie was out and was hoping his new puppy didn't eat his car while he was on the water. Thor was out on his new 12m North Rebel (nice kite Thor!!). Kevin came out later and rode his 8m North Rebel and was powered enough. That made me feel silly for riding my 12m. I am just so used to a big kite!
All of us are happy to be back out on the water to greet the Spring winds. Let's keep our fingers crossed that our good fortune continues. Jane
After enjoying my leisurely sail, I was happy to be surprised by our kite instructor Benjamin. He dropped in for a visit while in town, and it was just like the old days hanging out at "The Shack".
Rebecca and I decided to open up officially on Sunday...as the forecast predicted good north west winds. We had a beginner windsurf renter come out. He almost got planing on the 12'6 Starboard SUP and 4.5 Hot Sails Maui sail...so once I saw him jamming along, I knew there was hope for some good wind. Around 3:30pm it picked up nicely, and before I knew it there were 25 kites on the water. Wind was averaging around 19 by 4:30pm...and later was gusting into the mid 20s.