3 frustrating sessions

[Kenny]

There was some good wind this week, but due to work and family commitments I missed most of it. Wednesday AM went to Grantsville for a pre-work session. Unfortunately, I arrived to rain. The rain cleared and about an hour later the wind picked up enough that I could ride my 20M. Alas, the wind speed continued to increase and after 30 minutes I dropped the kite and went into work because I did not have enough time to rig down. Thursday the wind blew all afternoon at Grants. It was looking pretty spooky in the SL Valley, but it looked clear in Tooele. I arrived to 20 mph wind and Ken O. packing up. Went out for 20 minutes before the dark clouds arrived and the rain started. Dropped the kite as the wind petered out. Saturday I was going to go to Sulphur for a gust and freeze, but I had to be home early so it was off to Antelope Island. The wind was a solid 12 mph, but by the time I was on the water it dropped to 10. The wind seemed to hoover at 10 - 11 for the next hour just enough to keep me from going in. Finally, the rain came and shut we down. Nothing is quite as fun as rolling up a big foil that has been immersed in the GSL. Sad thing about it, I probably would be more content if I did not go out at all. I am starting to understand what fuels the fanatism of Eastern downhill snow skiers - lots of crappy sessions with a brilliant one every once in a while to fuel the fire.

[Jon Manwaring]

Kenny,
YOU"RE still THE MAN in my book. First out, last in. Most kites rigged. You go all the way, all the time. Talk about STOKE. I just sat around for the last week and stewed about going or not. Just like the deer in the headlights. They say.'tis better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all', I feel the same way about missing or a skunked or crappy session. Something good usually comes from giving it a try. At least you got out.

Keep it up.
JonM
ps, missing a session at the Salt Ponds may still be a good thing

[lesvierra]

Kenny,

How come you havent reported some rides from the salt ponds lately. Seems like you had alot of rides in the spring. Is the wind not as good this time of year, or are you just not as desperate. Are the salt ponds really that bad. I'll need to be babtized there at some point, maybe not yet, but some time.

[Kenny]

Jon,

Thanks for the kind words. I had a terrific session at DC that broke the string of crappy sessions.

Les,

The Salt Ponds work when there is a big temperature difference between the GSL and the Rush Valley. So in the spring when we get the first hot days and the lake is still cool the thermal is strong enough to get some rides on the Salt Ponds. I also ride the Salt Ponds on days when it is very hot outside and the thermal just doesn't make it down to Rush or UL. I will also ride there when thunderstorms shut down Rush and UL. However, it is my last choice due to the high salinity. My last session there, I submerged my head on a messed up jump. The brine went up my nose and down my throat. My throat started to swell up and it was difficult to breathe. I could not see for about a minute as well. I got right off the water and drank some water. My sinuses were inflamed for a day. Next time I go there, I will definitely wear my nose plugs and goggles. I was overconfident after not dunking my head there in a very long time. So wait until you are at the point where you very rarely submerge your head while kiteboarding because the salt ponds are a baptism from hell. There is a reason that they are called the acid ponds.

Kenny

[lesvierra]

Geeeesh. Either you're trying to keep the place to yourself, or I really shouldnt head there any time soon. thanks. I'd like to see the pic of you riding with goggles and nose plug.

[Kenny]

Les,

It is not a pretty sight... The other garb I have to wear is high-top booties to keep the salt crystals out. I also bring a jug of fresh water to rinse off because my body is literally white when I get out of the water. On the plus side the water is absolute glass due to the windshadow of I-80 and the wind is as steady as a fan. I have had some awesome sessions there, but one dunk of the head and it goes from fun to nightmare.

Kenny