Umm...windsurfing at Cape Blanco?

UPDATE: Check our previous post for some video action at the lake...

Well we tried. And we learned that just because there are nice looking waves and wind on the water, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's good conditions for sailing.

Regardless, we decided to ignore everybody's advice and rig up. Nobody else was around except for some lonely seals and a few campers who weren't sure what a windsurfer was.

I've sailed in some pretty gusty side-off shore conditions but this was above and beyond any of my previous experiences. One second we'd be fully powered, and the next everyone was sinking up to their waist in freezing cold water. Luke decided he didn't even need his board on one of the waves, (note the underwater bottom turn.)

Anyway, we all had fun, sailed a new spot that definitely has some potential. If you're ever in the area be sure to check it out. The more westerly the wind, the better!

Peace out!

-Ray

No Wind, No Problem

Driving north from the Pistol River area we made it up to Floras Lake in time to get together with a great group of friends who some of us haven't seen for 5 years. Unfortunately the valley inland heated up a little too much, blanketing the coast with a marine layer that shut down the

wind.

We took out the jet ski for some tow in windsurfing, something we've only done one time before in the narrow Chetco river which ended with me completely shredding one of Luke's nice fins on the river bar. The lake proved to be a much easier venue to tow, which gave us room to accelerate fast enough to pull some fully planning freestyle moves on a 5.0 in 5 knots of wind!

Regardless, Luke and I were determined to get our freestyle fix in the fog at the lake. Sometimes you can slog out in light wind and catch waves, and sometime you need 1000lbs of steel and burning gasoline to get yourself going.

The plan is to sail Cape Sebastian with a little north swell today with all our friends and then start heading south towards Cape Mendocino for the California portion of our adventure.

Onwards!

-Derek

All Smiles on the Southern Oregon Coast

We've had two day's with solid 4.2 wind and a little wind swell. After an excellent day of sailing at Pistol River, we decided to stick with what was working good and headed back there on Tuesday for another epic session.

Winds were cranking when we pulled up and the wind swell had built a little bit to give us some good ramps for jumping. Pablo snagged a pair of booties from Ray to keep his feet warm this time around and it seemed to keep him in the water a little longer, (but not by much!)

After this we're planning to venture a little bit north to Floras Lake to meet up with friends and family, and hopefully get some nice freestyle conditions.

Cheers!

-Ray

DD in the cold at Pistol River

Wow!!! Let me tell you beforehand that I grew up in a small island in the Caribbean with 80 degree waters. When I was 19 I moved to Hawaii and now I find myself on the west coast doing

The Trip, going in the water with this uncomfortable rubber suit to protect me from the cold, and wishing I had way more accessories to beat the low temperature

of the water.Before I decided to embark on this amazing and epic adventure I thought nothing would matter once I was in the water ripping the waves, but oh boy was I wrong!! I had to take short breaks yesterday to warm up my feet. They were so numb I didn't even know if I had them in the straps.

Regardless of the cold water for me, and I say

"for me" only because the rest of the guys and the locals thought the water temperature was great. The wind was perfect. 4.2 conditions and small ramps that allowed us to throw some sick

loops and other intense moves.
The session was great and like everything in life is just matter of getting familar to it. Today I hope to cope better with the cold water, and maybe we'll be able to get our masts separated a little easier after the session.
The Colombian ( Pablo )

On the Coast Again!

Saturday morning we decided to leave Hood River and head back to the beach again. Rush hour traffic seemed like it was never going to let us out of Portland, but after 2 hours of sitting through gridlock and an hour of winding through the

mountain pass we finally made it out to Pacific City. We lucked out and scored the last campsite in the whole town, set up camp and headed straight for the local pub, Pelican Pub and Brewery. Stop in if you get a chance, their Tsunami Stout is mighty delicious.

After a little breakfast the next morning and some jam'n on the ukulele, Ray and Luke headed out for a Stand Up session in the small but glassy surf. After swapping boards mid sessions, Luke had to keep up his reputation of destruction by somehow breaking a leash in 3 foot surf. Sweet!

The Oregon coast looks like it's prepared to deliver the goods after the weekend with 30 kt Northerlies and some good wind swell in the forecast. Sounds like a recipe for some epic jumping conditions at The Rock. Stay tuned!

-Derek

Chinook Headquarters

After sailing the Hatchery the other day, we decided to pack up camp and head for the coast (again).

On our way out of town we cruised by Chinook headquarters in Cascade Locks to see where all of the bits and pieces that keep the sport of windsurfing together are made.

Dan at Chinook was more than willing to show us around the place. Most of everything is made right there, from carbon extensions, carbon booms right down to the nuts and bolts.

Here's the plastic molding device that churns out boom heads, clamps, tail pieces, vent plugs, etc., etc., etc.

Plastic pellets go in one side, and windsurfing hardware comes out the other end.

Ever wonder where all those odd shaped bolts and washers and screws come from? Right here from this lathe, hand made.

Dan showing off some of the extensions we're going to be testing out for him over the next couple weeks...

If you get a chance stop by and say hi to the guys here.

Peace!

-Ray

Go Pro Sessions.....

Helllllloooo....

Quick post here. I stuck the Go Pro wide angle video on a helmet, strapped it onto my brothers head and watched him freestyle around Arlington/Roosevelt the other day.

Check it!

Aloha,

Ray