12/12, Grants, 5.2/86L/76L

[kenonstott]

Couldn’t resist 2 days in December. Started in sun then it clouded over and felt colder. The Salt Flats were at 58 degrees compared to 34 the day before but it didn’t make much difference in the temp at the lake. And the water was still brutal cold but I kept pouring warm water in the booties which helped. Very gusty like yesterday but add holey to it before 11:00. I sank tail first in holes twice in the first 10 minutes then made it 2 hours without going down again; avoiding brain freeze is quite an incentive to make jibes. The wind speeds really jumped up about 12:30 and I rigged down a board size instead of fooling with the small sails. It was so gusty that I finally quit (the wind meter was 35g37 by then). Ended with a big smile on my face; is this really December? Just about every time I went across I would hit a wind streak that would make it feel like I got shot out of a cannon. Like yesterday, a great day for absolutely screaming reaches. Sometimes going so fast at the shore or dike that I panicked about sailing up the shore before I could get it turned. The FreeRide part of the crew didn’t show up either day; not the best water temps for practicing Vulcans. Now to thaw out and maybe start skiing. Or I will be an hour from Mojave in a couple of weeks, maybe take the gear along.

[duanekarren]

I had a little time today and decided to check the UWA site. I cannot believe it! We have another Emperor Penguin in addition to Jim Southwick. I admire your commitment to the sport!

[JimSouthwick]

Wow! Ken, you really owe it to yourself to get a drysuit.

[MikeWhite]

Save yourself some money and get a steamer and a zip up neoprene hoodie. Guaranteed to keep you warm, and won't get ruined if you rip or put a hole in it (plus peeoprene is better than having to head to shore to relieve your self while wearing a dry suit...for those of us that drink too much coffee and hate to take breaks when the conditions are good). Here in upstate NY, we kited until January 4. And, I don't like to be cold. http://vimeo.com/115937027