We just returned from the annual beach vacation with the in laws. It was fun. There was no drama, everyone just relaxed and I got in some much needed windsurfing in Duck, NC. I also, finally, got a bran spanking new harness (KaKine Tabu) so now I can donate the circa 1980something, pink and yellow, Windcatcher harness to the VIMS Sail and Paddle Club.
Over the course of the week I sailed three times. The first was Sunday the 6th. I went to Currituck Sound and launched from the deck of North Beach Outfitters (NBO). According the the WET site, this is the only launch in Duck. It was a little tight getting my longboard around the hairpin turns of the wooden stairs and wheelchair ramps to get to the gate that the very nice young lady from NBO gladly unlocked for me. It was a little weird because the launch consisted of a set of stairs that descended from the shopping deck directly into the water. The last step was treacherously slippery with algae. Once in the warm Currituck water there were patches of emergent vegetation where I wedged my board, while I fetched my sail. Then I had a fun session on the sound in the 15 to 20mph SSW wind.
The NBO is a kayak supply and rental store. We also brought a kayak and so we didn't spend a dime there. My boy didn't have his personal flotation device (PFD), but the nice lady (didn't get her name) at NBO gladly lent us one. I offered to rent it but she was totally cool and maintained that I should just borrow it. I'd really like to go back to her store sometime and spend some $$ merely because she was so helpful.
The other two days that I windsurfed were in the ocean. The first was Monday, July 7th. The wind was side shore (SSW at 10 - 20mph) at the Bayberry Street access. The water was chilly and blue. This was my first time windsurfing in the ocean and I was a little nervous but I got out and had a splended time without incident. I sailed from 11 to 1 and then 2 to 4. The swell was beginning to build from Bertha and I thoroughly enjoyed the ascents and descents. I quickly found myself far from shore in inky blue water with dolphins and several cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris). When I came in I caught some nice wave rides and got back out every time without incident.
The only downside to my session at the beach was the sand. I got sand in between my mast extension and my mast and they are still currently stuck together. I tried to use the boom for leverage to twist them apart with fruitless results. When I get the time, I'd like to try the same technique, but this time with a strap wrench on the mast extension. I'll post the results of these efforts later.
On the 10th the swell really started picking up to overhead. The wind became light at 5-10mph from the SW, which in Duck is directly offshore. So, against my better judgment, I rigged up and went for a sail. I waited for the sets to subside into what I thought was a lull. I jumped in and then came another BIG F-ing set. I greeted the first breaker in the water, on the wrong side (inshore) of my rig. My UltraCat hit me like a Lincoln Navigator. I quickly caught my breath and re-positioned myself to the offshore side of the rig for the rest of the waves. My wife and father-in-law tried to help, but I told them to get clear, so they wouldn't also get plowed over, and they did. I held the rear footstrap and waited out the set. Then I got on for a lazy sail over huge swells. After about an hour of that I called it quits and went in.
I regretted not having my old surf board, but there were plenty of boogie boards available so I went for some boogie time for the rest of the week. The wind remained light and there was frequent rain.
Now I just gotta get back out so I can get my new harness wet! I got it at the Hatteras Island Sail Shop in Waves. The father and son windsurfer/kite boarders were super helpful and their shop had a TON of gear. The place is on the sound and they have rentals, lessons, and all kinds of cool stuff. My only recommendation is to call first, especially if you have to drive from afar. Their hours are a little wacky, but I think it's worth it since the next shop in Avon is another 50 miles south, which is quite significant with todays gas prices.
