Utah Windriders Association

Utah Lake Harbor is worth getting now, since flooding is a very real possibility. The jetties are taking on water, the bathrooms already have sandbags. The Friday session had 5.2 to 6.0 steady wind till dark. Dave Griffiths was doing forward loops on the outside with Rick H and Josh Shirley while Team D did the inner flat water. Air 67 and the water at around 58 to 60 was toasty with a full suit and booties on the inside.

Matt from Draper, Team Rookie 2006 took his free gear from the swap and did is semi rookie best to hang on with ancient gear. Can’t count the number of times he went over the bars at full speed. He’ll be a poster child for a Before and After shot this year as we tool him up.

With the lake cam for you home alone fans http://www.utahlakeview.com we are calling the middle launch point “Voyeur Point”. Good parking, grass, lots of launching options for all levels. The Rangers unlike DC don’t bug you since they are always rescuing yet another crazed fisherman going out on a hellish day. The water’s edge can be a mix of big rocks, reeds and smooth launch ramps. Driving to this location means blowing up the fake seatmate dummy for the HOV lane, drive time is double from last year. Guess Josh “Snakebit” Shirley smacked a boat motor on the freeway home, he’s used to it. Usually he breaks down 480 miles from home on major holidays. His next car might be a Humvee.

Bummer about Josh and the red neck road kill. Maybe someone saw the thing fall off and can identify the perpetrator for some compensation. Glad to hear he got support from the UWA homie crew.

Tried to look at his GPS link but apparently it did not feel cooperative right at the moment. What is the current consensus about sail-worthy, water tolerant, bone head friendly GPS units, anyone know? It's a technology definitely maturing into a very interesting accessory and that's from someone not too big on goofy gadgets. (Hell, my baseball hat is my accessory.) I betcha Dimitri or DC Jim have ideas. What is Josh using? Anyone know about the Garmin Foretrex 101/201's?

In any case, I am a fan of Utah Lake State Park and have been for years so I'm really glad to see more people getting out there. There are a lot of good options for beginner or advanced sailing and as it gets more use it has potential for real sailor friendly, land of zion, wind debauchery, (and wholesome family fun).

Carl,

I have been bidding on a Fortrex 201 (ebay)... I like it because it seems a little more durable than the 101 (water resistant)... Has a few more features, but still reasonable. The "Forerunners" are more geared towards running of course. The Fortrex's are perfect for windsurfing. I have been outbid on two auctions so far. Hoping this next one is mine! You can get the 201 for around 180. I believe Josh has the 201 also.

He is probably out today doing forensics on parts of that boat motor.

PS... Anybody see the news on why there were so many cops at the Provo boat harbor? I am sure it is another boat that sunk. But there were news cameras at the Boat harbor.

BTW:
http://www.sltrib.com/search?sortBy=mngi&similarTo=&similarType=find&runSearch=true&type=any&query=april+29%2C+utah+lake+boating

Read the top 2 articles... I would love them to build us a beach while they're at it!

I guess this stuff should be on the msg board. But eh, whatever huh...

PSS... June 16 and 17th beginner windsurfing clinic still very much in full swing... flyers will be distributed via email very soon... Even with out the flyers, I already know of at least 20 people who are interested in learning to windsurf and have said they want to come! Those 20 include friends, girl/boy friends, family of people who already windsurf.