Utah Windriders Association

Ok, I was pushing it a little this early. No dry suit, failed to take the 4.7 or hood, all of which I needed. By the time it warmed a little it had dropped to perfect 5.5. Had a blast on the 85L Sonic but a sinker is a dumb choice when it is that cold. I was startled when I pulled in to see the lake full to overflowing. I didn’t think it had been that wet this winter. I stuck my dial thermometer in and the water is below 40 degrees but I couldn’t see it well enough get an exact reading. The saner John went skiing and Mike was at Rush looking for “warm” water. Great to get out and have ripping winds right off to start the season.

Ken, I made my wife read your post to convince her that there really is someone crazier than me.

The Midway (North) end of DC is now ice free about half way across; Barbed Wire Beach still appears to be icebound. The wind up here started up about noon and was gusting as high as 25 by 1 PM. Air temp was a little over 50 under a clear sky. By the time I got to the Charleston launch at about 2, however, the wind appeared to be dying, so I rigged the biggest thing I had with me (an 8.5) on my mini-Formula board (117L) definitely not a sinker (I was fervently hoping to avoid actual contact with the water above the level of my knees despite the fact that I DO have a drysuit.) By the time I finished rigging, the wind had come back enough to permit me to plane most of the time. Stayed out less than half an hour because my hands were starting to get cold (forgot to bring gloves) but had a great time. So what was the water temp? Didn't have my regular thermometer with me, but I did have a non-contact infrared thermometer, which gave a reading of 50 when pointed at the surface of the parking area and 33 when pointed at the water. 33! Do I believe it? Not sure. The parking area reading seems plausible, but I'm a bit skeptical that the water is really THAT cold.

Don't wear it out before those of us who want 70' degree days and 45' or better water temps start showing up. You guys rock!!!