Jonesing to get out and ride!

Bad weather and light wind has me chomping at the bit to get back on the water! Current weather forecast is overcast skies and cooler temperatures.  Wind is blowing 9 MPH side shore from the South/Southeast.  Current forecast model is calling for mild wind in Belmont from the South.  All though these numbers are better than what we have been seeing the past few days the Southern direction of the wind isn't great for riding.  Some people may say it's the wrong direction for Belmont which is sort of true, but I would rather say it's not the dominant wind direction for Belmont. You can still ride in South winds, but what you'll find is there is usually a current along with it that travels the same direction as the wind. When you have water current and wind current traveling in the same path it dampers your power on the water.  For example if you have a 15 MPH wind with a current traveling at 3 MPH while riding it'll feel like the winds closer to 12 MPH.  I know that math is a bit more complicated, but that's pretty much what it breaks down to. I've been out in Belmont when the wind is blowing in the high teens, but to stay up wind I've need to use large kites or ride my foil to deal with the current. My take on the forecast is we will have the mild winds they are calling for which should work for the foilers.  Foilers beware though of the amount of debris that may be in the water from all the rain coming in and washing the river beds out.  Twin tip people I think we are going to have to keep waiting these storms out for a decent clearing wind day. 

I hope everyone enjoyed yesterday's goofy post about Chip.  I'd like to keep making goofy videos showcasing him so be on the look out for more Chip action over the summer. Who know's maybe you'll see him shredding his kneeboard in Belmont in the next few weeks ;) For today's fun I've included some older videos Carter Thomas my brother in law/instructor/video editor put together a few years ago.  They're two fun short edits of some winter/spring days from the past that get me stoked to get back out on the water soon.  Please enjoy and happy kiting everyone!