August News from DelMarVa Board Sports

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Hood River, Oregon

Here are a few shots from the Gorge. Action shots from Thursday at The Wall

Stoked!

Thanks Alan!

Hood River - The Hatchery

On Sunday the Hatchery was firing, classic gorge conditions I'm told, although the swell was not as big as it normally gets. Still, I was goo-goo eyed at the venue. Hallowed ground (err... water) for sure!
Picture this: you're Sailing the Gorge, THE HATCH, its blowing 3.5, a lot of guys on much smaller gear, I saw many 2.5s!. I'm riding a brand new RRD quad limited edition, there are over a hundred sailors out ripping the place to shreds, busting out big moves..the jagged Gorge walls on either side of the river funneling that wind, and it also carves out an exquisite outline for the sunlight that's backlights the white caps and texture on the water. MAGICAL! I was in heaven, well as close as you can get anyway.

That being said, I have to say I found the conditions at The Wall the day before much more fun. If I could draw an analogy, the hatch on a nuking day is like being on 495 IN gridlock, only all those cars are flying at Mach speed, very close by! Jaaaa just a little bit unnerving, and I couldn't seem to get dialed. Also, the prospect of a high altitude ejection off one of these swells could go bad quick, especially considering your kit is gonna fly downwind a considerable distance. So i kept it close to deck until the crowds thinned out later In afternoon.

The Wall on the other hand was much saner, with only a dozen or so friends there to share it with. Less crowded plus the swell at The Wall was allot smoother, allowing for a better setup and approach for aerials. Ahhhh :). In contrast, on this day, the Hatch was more psycho chop than I care for. To be fair, it was my first time at this venue so I'm sure there is a learning curve to understanding how the spot works. That said, I spent most of this day taking it all in, and realizing how very thankful I am for all of the blessings I have in my life. The Gorge, a very very special place for sure. I'll be back.

Alan and Donald, thanks so much for the call on Friday. Sailing with you guys, and dinner afterwards was one of the highlights of my trip. Good stuff, and hope to see you guys in Hatteras next month for the Jam.

Here are a few shots i took with my phone..

View of Mount Hood from Washington as we where driving to the Hatch

View of the Hatch from the parking lot 

Click on this picture to see the full screen view. Ahhhhhh

Big wind and fun rolling swell that I was told was average size by Gorge standards.

Allot like the Secret Spot on a really good day. Just add another hundred+ sailors

Another pic to enlarge. such awesome conditions

Heaven on Earth

So many sailors

rigging areas at the Hatch are plentiful. No sand!

my kit-I was lit all day 

RRD toy box ;) 

Cars lining both sides of the hatchery parking lot-goes way back 

the rigging area Tony and I choose

Great vantage point for spectators 

After my sesh, I discovered a better launch where you toss the board into the water, holding the boom you pull the board up to you, wait for a puff, and jump on. Good stuff   

The view looking east 

Very interesting when the barges come thru

live2sail Hood River

Tony, thanks again for everything. We'll be back for sure.

Hood River - The Wall

The venue Friday was east of Maryhill, an awesome place to sail  called The Wall

(Photo courtesy Alan White)

I was stoked when a couple friends from The Charlotte crew called to let me know they where in town. They've come to the gorge many times and have the placed dialed. So when they told me to come to the Wall, I was there!

My ride yesterday

RRD 75 ltr Wave Cult Quad Ltd 

Adventure awaits 

This is the launch, swim your gear out to the river, waterstart and blast off 

This guy is coming in for a break 

Donald Obst-great sailing with you-hope you can make it to Hatteras next month

Looking west 

So cool to have the blast way off wind with no regard for getting back, the current is that strong. 

The Hatch is on tap for Saturday.

live2sail

Hood River, Oregon

I've been out here since Monday on a business trip, and beleive it or not, tonight was the first time I got out on the water! Trust me, it hasn't been for lack of wind, this place is a machine....Unreal really. A veritable wind tunnel.  The climate is amazing, no humidity, temps mid 80s, just fabulous. Very Maui-esq. in that regard..

Mount Hood

Any how, finally got out this evening for a sunset sesh at Rowena, and sailed till sunset.. So cool to be sailing in between these tall mountains, with vertical cliff walls rising up on either side of the river. The wind just rips thru this place..

I was lit on the RRD free style wave 80 and a Loft Lip Wave 5.2.

Feels like you're rigging on the set of an old western 

My ride, a jeep 

T

I came in just in time to snap this shot of the sun going down between the chasm 

I'm here thru sunday and the forecast is for alot more wind. Looking to hit the Hatch.

Stoked for sure..

live2sail