Wow – the feeling of zooming across a rippling body of water powered only by a lofting wing that you hold onto while directly powering your board – nothing like it…… until you realize how far you’ve gone from your start point. I have actually brought my SUP paddle along with me many times because I haven’t got tacking, jibing and sailing upwind mastered yet. Because of a much needed dose of instruction, I went to Jonathan at Cascade Kiteboarding for a lesson.
I have been waiting for the time and the wind to get my Starboard 4 in 1 wingboard and Freewing AIR V2 back on the water for some practice.
This past Friday up at Elk Lake Resort the wind off shore was steady and maybe 8 kn with some stronger gusts. It gave me a chance to get some of the longest rides I’ve had so far. It was also steady enough that I could practice lots of jibes. Tacking is still not in my skill set! Need more water time.
I did find myself far from the start point with the wind charging directly out of the marina area. Try as I might I couldn’t track upwind enough to zig zag my way back. So yup, I let the wing trail behind me as I paddled to a more advantageous position. There, upwind from the marina I ended my hour or so on the water with a sweet reach! I felt as relaxed as that guy on the floating dock!