La Ventana Classic Week – January 18, 2012

The winter winds have been blowing all but 2 days since the first of January.  Most days have been classic 4.7-5.2 with a few days of 4.2 just to spice it up.  Last Friday and Saturday were exceptional with steady 4.2-4.7 and beautiful long and smooth swells, which we call “Margarita Smoothies”.  Huge smiles and high fives were shared by everyone on the beach at the end of the day.

 Another Day In Baja

This week the annual La Ventana Classic returns with four days of buoy races, freestyle, and SUP races.  Once again the highlight of the contest will be the 10 mile cross channel race from Cerralvo Island to La Ventana, which is the ultimate matchup between the kiters and windsurfers…winner take all the bragging rights for the coming year.  And for those who don’t need sleep there are parties, dances, and even Mexican Style masked wrestling at the baseball stadium Saturday night.  And since it’s, Mexico anyone who thinks they have what it takes, is invited to participate…lets see, that won’t be me!

Ezzy Rigging Clinic.  Introducing the 2012 Wave Tiger & Panther LTD

January is the peak season for windsports in southern Baja.  With the increased number of people on the water, everyone needs to be extra aware of the people around them.  La Ventana doesn’t have specified areas for kiting and windsurfing resulting in more and more kiters and windsurfers sharing the same areas on the water.  Tangled kites, collisions between people that don’t look before jibing or jumping (both kiters and windsurfers) are happening every week.  Most windsurfers head off-shore a half mile or more to avoid the near shore kiter zone where most accidents occur.  It can be pretty dicey getting out or returning to the beach, so always be on alert and stay UPWIND of anyone learning to kite!

A TRIBUTE TO TONY FOX

Yesterday’s epic session ended on a very sad note.  Our wonderful friend, Tony Fox, succumbed to an apparent heard attack after returning to the beach from his afternoon session.  Our hearts are broken for the loss of a beloved friend we shared adventures with both on and off the water here in Baja.  We will miss his passion for life and living each day and moment to the fullest.  Tony was part of the Ezzy family here in Baja and on his favorite Wisconsin lakes back in the US.  Windsurfing, fishing, mountain biking, and his wife Sandy were his passions; and everyone who was fortunate to share special times with him will always feel blessed to have been a part of his life.  Our hearts and sympathy go out to his wife Sandy, and the rest of his family.  Rest in peace our dear friend.  Gary