00067 Catching sunshine

Catching sunshine,
originally uploaded by Lenny & Meriel.

Two beaches today, Petit Port followed by Port Grat (where I got this image). I think I'm slowly running out of normal everyday subjects to take an interest in. I either need to swim out with the rig more, get nearer the airport, or get out in a boat with the gear (not that gear).

00066 Nailing the tacks

IMGP2300adjusted2,
originally uploaded by Lenny & Meriel.

Looking back on todays session, I guess I'm quite satisfied with the progress. I got the port tack down a bit better and learned alot about kite position and power management (in that I had it wrong and I don't have a clue repectively). It seemed a little frustrating at times, but I think it's because I'm getting tired of walking up the beach. Just a little while longer and I feel like I'll be spending much more time in the water.
Spoke to Dan about the going upwind thing and he said that it's all down to board skills. Bummer, I don't think I have any.
Still, got some cracking runs in and did pretty much what I set out to do. It's all good, but I did get spanked a bit - only to be expected.

00065 Paper modelling

Should I ever find the time to master 3D modelling software, I'll be trying this. Being a sucker for anything "flatpack" I truly believe this will make my dreams come true.

http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/

Well, maybe the really crap dreams about trivia and rubbish.

00064 Perfect conditions

It was Sunday the 14th (that's yesterday) at Ladies Bay when I got out of the water and shook Griff's hand and he said "welcome to kitesurfing". The conditions were spot on for me.
Powered up on the 11m I could have gone for miles (in one direction). The speed was amazing - I don't know if I was going as fast as I thought, but the perception was there.
Still got to work on the Port tack, but the feeling of progression was there again - I've definately cracked the Starboard tack and the Port is up to the same standard as my Starboard was last session. Next thing is to return to the starting point. I can go upwind on the Starboard, just need to nail the Port.
Pictures coming soon when I get the chance to nab someone to take them.

00063 Rakes n' outlets n' boats

I'm catching up here. Had a two flight day with the camera on Monday 8th August. George and Imogen were here and Jo was at pre-school, so lots of adults and one child means more airtime in my books. Quick doodle in the sand by the Richmond kiosk outlet (water, not sewage) and bob's your uncle. Quite pleased with this one as it goes.

Got down to Portelet later on and just managed to catch Duquie, Marley, Boz and others setting off from Portelet in their boats bound for town. Missed Duquie's boat, but swam out with the kite to get the second one - just got it.

00062 Engaging the rail

Mike at Ladies Bay,

Off to ladies bay again. Another progression with the 11m. The beach was a little busy, but not so much as to be dangerous (that's how it felt anyway). This time the wind increased while I was out, so even though I began underpowered and had to work the kite to generate enough pull, later on I had a couple of half beach runs on the starboard tack which were so good that I can see, given the right kite in the right wind, I could work on sussing the going upwind thing.

As for the doorbell rig - well, the new batteries seem to give it a range of about 2-6 meters, so I'm going to play around with the power source to see if I've muffed the battery thing and will have tro go back to AAs.