Four of the Best Days of Sailing, EVER!!!!

I just wrapped up four of the best sailing days I've ever had. I've said it before, Hatteras is a special place; and I'll be back, very soon. We had a great time at the Hatteras Loop Fest. Thanks to everyone involved. It was just what the doctor ordered to reach the rotation I've been longing for. I've really taken my sailing to another level and I'm so stoked!

First thing this morning we checked out Old Lifeguard Beach. Great spot. Epic Epic sesh yesterday that won't be forgotten soon.



Then over to Ego to check out the conditions. It looked pretty sweeeeet!






I rigged my 5.8 with the 91 ltr. Ken and I hit some nice jumps. There wasn't much wind on the inside, but the outside was magical with a fun little peep from a seal, who poked his head up, only to see me bearing down on him. He took the deep dive, quick.

I must have had an hour and a half sesh without coming in once because I knew as soon as I hit the beach, this epic trip would end and we'd have to hit the road for our trek back to Delaware, so I wanted to savor a little solitude on the outside, and make it last as long as I could.

Ken is slammin' through the break and catchin' a little air.






I purposely sailed today with my back hand further back on the boom all day today. This will position a jump like this to rotate much easier. Jumps were floaty and nice on the outside.









It takes us about 6 hours to scoot up the eastern shore to our Delaware house. A couple cool shots along the way.





What's the forecast for next weekend?

Sunday - Old Lifeguard Beach

I've been to Maui many times, but the sailing yesterday at Old Lifeguard Beach was about as good as it gets! The outer bar was breaking, waves were chest to head high, and the wind was solid SW mid twenties, water was warm and the UVs were beamin'.




What a cool venue to hang out with some great sailors.



I'm really honin' in on my well earned, new found foward skill with my two best rotations attempts yet. Bill commented that the sail rotated perfectly, landing in the water start position.





I'll be working on gettin' that back hand back, pulling in with the back hand, and lookin' back. Bill and Keith, thanks for all the encouragement and coaching. I'm deeply gratefull.

Bad fall today. Going into a bottom turn and my footstap yanked out of the insert. I'm talking the entire screw just popped out. Needless to say I wiped out pretty bad. My hand is pretty swollen, but its all good. war wounds.

Ken also had his best rotation while Bill, Janis and I stood on the beach cheering! This event has been completely awesome for both of us as we both achieved our goals!

Here's Ken's best forward to date:







The are so many good photos of me and my friends. My wife is so awesome!




Ken


Keith






Bill Havin' an Absolute Blast!


One of the best bail out shots I've ever seen. So much fun!










There are too many photos. Check out this slide show to see a few more.

More of my friends:














The end of one of the best days ever.


I have lots of GO PRO footage to go thru and edit so check back later for video action.

The Main Event - Loop-Off Day

What an amazing day! The conditions were almost perfect for the Main Event. South West mid-twenties.

While I have yet to sail away from a forward and am not a serious competitor (this year anyway), it was still a lot of fun to participate. I feel so fortunate to be part of the first ever Hatteras Loop Fest.

With the gallery up on the beach and dunes watching and photographers documenting the action, it felt like a PWA event.

Bill smacking a lip:+


Bill again:


and again:




Loop off King Keith McCulloch




Keith again


Just having a blast!




Andy setting up to smack the lip and...

throw some spray





One of the few times I tried a forward today:


Here I'm trying again






One of my better wave rides:










Andy McKinney won the trophy for most loop attempts:


Ken Kellar on a nice one:




Here are some shots from the after event party at Ocean Air

Ken made the commit today!


and scored a new Go-Pro camera

Fitting sunset to an epic day