May 08

Out of time…

One lesson I learnt (easier to say than do I admit) during the AWT Santa Cruz contest was –  Do not to loose in the Semi. Following my exit on Friday it would take 4 more heats to get back into the Final, but unfortunately we only got time for two of those which were completed late on Saturday, this left me hanging in 3rd and not able to progress. Not that I am complaining it was totally my fault and a note to Self has been made!

Great feeling to collect a trophy which was made in the shape of our EPICwave fin!

 

On Sunday morning it looked somewhat bleak but the wind did begin to build and after a quick chat with Josh I went out as the dummy to see if there was enough conditions to compete. Despite really wanting to get the heats in progress I returned to the beach after 12 minutes to report back that the wind was light (but sailable) and the waves were not really up to the standard that we need for official competition. I was gutted but knew that it was the correct decision to end the event and solidify the results.

The Firelights made a huge impact in CA, here's my stack ready to rock!

The focus now turns to the next event, I am planning to leave on the 7th and make my way up to Pistol so that i can get used to the cold water and extreme conditions I have heard about! I sent most of my equipment direct to the event to save on excess baggage (and to commit myself). I really want to go to the Mexico event now, the AWT has such a fun atmosphere and being part of it is one of the best windsurfing moments I have had. I have been working these past months with the AWT to help with social media etc. and I feel honored to be part of such a great team of dedicated people.

The sun sets on a great event...

 

Let me take this opportunity to thank all those who helped get me to the AWT Santa Cruz event, with out them it would not have been possible, my boss Jeff (Hot Sails Maui), my business partner Tom (Black Project Fins), Mark Angulo (Angulo Custom BoardsSam (AWT), Derek (team mate), Ben, Eric, Rouben and many more…

More to follow…

May 07

The good, the bad and the frustrating

Yesterday was another long day but one which ended with more positives than Friday as I progressed through two rounds of he double elimination but the wind died before my next round could be sailed. It turns out that was the last action for the contest as it was called off today leaving some heats unfinished. For me it meant that I had climbed to third but was left hanging without the opportunity to progress. Overall it has been a great week over here in Cali but I am ready to get back home, warm up and see Liz.

Stoked to get this wave in the first minute of my 2nd heat yesterday... made the rest if the heat very easy to manage!

With the small waves the rocks on the inside were never too far away!

I guess the good news is thank I will be taking some AWT swag home with me.

More to follow…

May 05

A very long day at the AWT beach

Following the 9am briefing by head judge Matt Pritchard it was all systems go with both wind and waves on tap. Early heats were run in light winds but as the day progressed building winds and surf meant for some insane action. Highlights include Marcilio Browne‘s series of doubles and 15yr old Bernd Roediger making it to the Pro Final. For me a mixed day with some progress in the heats but as the sun was setting and the wind dying I was knocked out in the Am Semis. Tomorrow’s forecast is good so we are expecting to get started on the double eliminations as soon as the last few heats are completed in the morning. Major downer for me was breaking my 85 during the quarters which left me with only my small board for the semis so heres me hoping that we have some decent wind!

Totally overpowered and heavy landing, totally my fault for taking the 5.0!

Not the cleanest of aerials but they all count when the heat is running

There were a few nice sections to hit... better action this time...

Umm... the last heat finished late and without much wind...

I have been shocked with the cold and much of today was spent trying to get warm!

 

A big thanks to Derek for the pictures (and for hanging about until very late!)
More to follow tomorrow…

May 01

A few waves at Waddell

A long night on AA14 from OGG meant that the morning was a little of a write off but after some chill time and a good visit with Joe at Davenport Surf & Sail it was time to check out the beach, not much happening at Davenport so we joined the crowds (and kiters) at Waddell.

Wow… the colors of the Firelight C3 and the new Angulo really helped to brighten up the beach!  We have an early start tomorrow and will be in the Bay Area for the day with a demo at Crissy Field in the afternoon, com try some fins and sails.

More to follow…

 

Apr 24

This is what I see…

Today was probably the last session in Maui before my California trip, I have lots of work and things to organize so will be focussing on that in the coming days and letting my body heal up a bit. Below is a quick edit of the last couple of sessions, not really landing my jumps as well as I would like but hopefully it will all come together. Picking up an Angulo 85 later this week, Mark has been working very hard (and quick) on this one to ensure that it will be ready. The last couple of days I have been experimenting with my fins, the 16/8 combo was great yesterday but probably a little too much grip, especially off the top today. The new board has a thruster set up and looking forward to trying out some different options.

 

More to follow…

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