July 23 - HR Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park, Hood River.  Sailworks Retro 5.5, MR104, 20 17G24 knots

9.5 miles. Got some good runs. Best speed today was 28.8 mph. Had one run toward the beach where board was 'flying' to provide an extra thrill. What I find amazing is that I'm attempting to jibe in the middle of the river in almost exactly the same spot each time even though I'm not trying to... Met David, from the Seattle area – has a small trailer outfitted with furniture quality cabinets.

July 22 - HR Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park, Hood River.
18 12G25 Sailworks Retro 5.5, MR104
20 15G28 Naish Chopper L(4.7), FW77

First session on MR104 made some jibes, had good speed. 2nd and 3rd sessions on FW77 were more work. Had plenty of power in the gusts, too much at times but could fairly quickly fall off a plane in the lulls. The main fin is 21 cm long, I think I need something bigger in order to be able to point up-wind. I put the first major ding in the FW77 carrying the gear to the water. In trying to avoid people sitting close to the 'ramp' on the east side of the steps down to the water I stepped off the ramp, fell and dropped the board on the concrete ramp resulting in major scrape marks on the side of the board.

July 21 - HR Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park, Hood River.
17 12G22     16 12G21
6.5 Retro 5.5 Retro
MR104

The 6.5 was about right for the first 15 minutes but then the wind picked up close to 20G25 and I was very close to being overpowered. Was able to water-start in these conditions! Made a couple of good runs (made no jibes). Came in and rigged down to the 5.5, went back out just as the wind died back to about 16 knots. Made one slog run and called it quits. Dale Brown sailed today (first day after the stitches in his ankle, about 8 stitches. He gently suggested that if I have the gear, I should have had the 6.5 AND the 5.5 rigged to make switching quick and easy. I have the gear so will do that next time. Also, bought tent stakes to hold down the unused sail.

July 16 - HR Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park, Hood River.
18 15G24      16 10G21     5.5 Retro                  MR104
21 15G30                           Chopper M (4.3)      FW77

Met Edward who was out on the water at 7:45 AM. Later in the day he sailed his 75L board for the first time. First session was at 8:30am. Starting to get more comfortable sailing – the MR104 helps as it is floaty enough to keep me up even if the wind dies, yet maneuverable enough to handle the chop and waves. Second session was at 11:30 am. Wind was more gusty with bigger holes. Got some good speed runs in towards the Oregon shore. Went back out in the middle of the afternoon on the FW77 and Chopper M. Some holes and then hang-on powered. Seemed like it took a lot of power to get the FW up on a plane. Obviously doesn't point upwind like the MR and it is much more 'twitchy'.

July 15 - HR Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park, Hood River.
22 19G30   Chopper S (3.7)   FW77

With the Chopper S, powered in the gusts but did a lot of slow slogging. First time using the Garmin FR310XT so now can log the sailing. Got on a plane but only once really solidly locked in. The FW77 is pretty twitchy...

July 11 - HR Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park.
20 15G25       5.5 Retro       MR104

Well powered. Made some jibes, starting to get rid of some of the sailing anxieties. Had a decent sailing session. Got tired quickly but felt like I was making some progress. Had enough wind that water-starting wasn't an issue. The gusts would get me quickly back on a plane.  Harness lines for the 5.5 were halfway between the 2nd and 3rd marks on the booms and then '3 marks distance from that'. Dale Brown slashed his leg on his fin. He thought would take multiple stitches and would probably out of action for a few days.

July 10

Waterfront Park.
18 12G28  Chopper XS (3.3)  FW77

Could barely waterstart. Rigged for 25 17G33 but got 18 12G28 by the time I hit the water. Basically made no sailing runs. My anxiety level too high after my previous experience with high, gusty winds and the FW 77. Met Dale Brown (long gray hair, sails Hi-per Tech boards, Sailworks NX sails). Nice guy. He suggested I stay overnight on the road next to the slew by the event center since Viento was full. Did that, no hassles from the Port of Hood River. Bought a 'pee bottle' at Wal-mart.