I just had one of those days that makes you feel very thankful to be a windsurfer on Maui. The forecast was for no wind, and there was an advisory level swell on the way. My expectations for windsurfing were low.
I had work in the morning from 10-2 and the wind started to build by mid-day. When I got to the beach after work, I was welcomed with an uncrowded break and mast high waves peeling across the reef. The wind was blowing perfect side-shore at about 15-20mph. This was just enough to make it out with my 5.0 and 75L board. I sailed for over 3 hours, catching wave after wave. It was an epic day, considering I didn’t even expect to sail.
One of the first waves I had was a big one that peeled for what seemed like, forever. I probably got 6 or 7 solid bottom turns before kicking out to catch the next one. It was one of those days where you could just pick and choose any wave you wanted. On my last wave, I went for an aerial on a big one, and shot up to clear the breaking section. I landed in transition going down the face of the wave. Unfortunately, upon landing, my back foot came out of the strap and I was riding with only one foot connected to the board. I rode it out for a second, but decided it was better to bail, than to risk reinjuring my foot. I dove off and got tumbled for a bit. I had a short swim, but it was well worth it.
Check out these pics that Steve Hamman sent me. The shots are from a recent session I had with fun sized waves. Thanks Steve.
