Lord Howe windsurf tour 2011

> 10 years ago
Reply
Register to post, see what you've read, and subscribe to topics.
glideontime
glideontime
NSW
207 posts
NSW, 207 posts
11 Aug 2011 6:36pm
da tour de LHI is on at present, with a half dozen windseekers on island.
the hire gear is plentiful and wind from 12knots upwards is catered for.
this is a good thing as there have been sketchy weather patterns this week although enough wind to try various sized sails and boards up the 170Litre.
Last weekend saw the historic resurrection of the windsock on Rabbit island that has not been flying since 1974 . this is good for wind jockeys to check direction and velocity.
yesterday was superb with wnw to west winds up to 35knots averaging 22knots
sbcrazy has been seen fast gybing and cant "complain" about her gybes.
The rain has been on and off between sunny periods, which made the sun all the more welcome when it shone on the lagoon and lit up the mountains and reef colours.
Tim and Tas have been gracious hosts providing fully rigged kit on demand to suit the conditions.
Using a 6.2 NP Atlas on a 102 JPfswave, one speed run from the top of the lagoon to the south end near the golf course is enough to satisfy the thirst, although it does wet the appetite for more.
we hope tomorrow is a fast day before the remains of the low pressure scoots away out of the sector.
baywavebill
baywavebill
VIC
266 posts
VIC, 266 posts
13 Aug 2011 3:31pm
Nice shot! How has the wind been going in the last couple of days? Any more photos? Are you all there for the full 2 weeks? Gotta go. Back to preparing for work on Monday
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
14 Aug 2011 12:37pm
I has 5 / 7 days sailing..worn out....strong winds didn't kick in except for a few squalls but considering the synoptic chart we did well..Found out how heavy MY rig is .. the Neil Pryde rigs were so light I got most of my gybes and much easier to uphaul.The first time I uphauled the 6.7m I fell in backwards as I wasn't expecting it to be so light.
The JP excite rides were much more stable in light winds than my rocket as it has double concaves that make it wobbly subplaning .
I had a ball.. even nicked the brand new just off the plane 115 Fanatic Ray that Tim had been trying and made the mistake of leaving on the beach.. brilliant!
Back to real life and the mainland with its litter , graffite,overcrowding and traffic..Still foods a lot cheaper!
Fantastic place got to go back! Terrific to just rock up and sail and pick and choose rigs and boards depending on the conditions..Managed 2 -3 hrs at a time..At home by the time I've driven down rigged up.. rerigged when the wind changes etc I'm too buggered to get much TOW.Got to check emails etc but I'll post some pics when I get a chance.
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
14 Aug 2011 5:50pm
Here are some pics..

















sailpilot
sailpilot
QLD
787 posts
QLD, 787 posts
14 Aug 2011 6:54pm
Thanks for the pics, looks very tempting.
izaak
izaak
TAS
2013 posts
TAS, 2013 posts
14 Aug 2011 8:43pm
Looks so good, so it's quite flat in say 25-30knots? in the lagoon??
lordhowe
lordhowe
NSW
209 posts
NSW, 209 posts
14 Aug 2011 8:55pm
Izaak, at mid to low tide the lagoon is very flat wherever you are.

However you can also sail right close to the reef in all tides and it is like butter...

High tide can get pretty choppy but brings its own advantages for those who want to/can bust some jumps.
izaak
izaak
TAS
2013 posts
TAS, 2013 posts
14 Aug 2011 9:07pm
lordhowe said...

Izaak, at mid to low tide the lagoon is very flat wherever you are.

However you can also sail right close to the reef in all tides and it is like butter...

High tide can get pretty choppy but brings its own advantages for those who want to/can bust some jumps.


Sounds great as i would be keen for the waves too. Hopefully will get over there in 2013.
Tasman
Tasman
NSW
36 posts
NSW, 36 posts
14 Aug 2011 10:25pm
izaak - 2013? Why not next week?
FormulaNova
FormulaNova
WA
15100 posts
WA, 15100 posts
14 Aug 2011 8:44pm
sboardcrazy said...

<snip>

Back to real life and the mainland with its litter , graffite,overcrowding and traffic..Still foods a lot cheaper!
Fantastic place got to go back! Terrific to just rock up and sail and pick and choose rigs and boards depending on the conditions..Managed 2 -3 hrs at a time..At home by the time I've driven down rigged up.. rerigged when the wind changes etc I'm too buggered to get much TOW.Got to check emails etc but I'll post some pics when I get a chance.


When I came back I couldn't believe the number of houses in Sydney, and that was after only 2 weeks on LHI. You really do get used to a nice quiet place where there aren't that many people around.

How did your back hold up to the flight? Did you make it up Mt Gower?
gregc
gregc
VIC
1299 posts
VIC, 1299 posts
14 Aug 2011 11:41pm
Is that a rental place or are you just well kitted up???
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
15 Aug 2011 12:24am
FormulaNova said...

sboardcrazy said...

<snip>

Back to real life and the mainland with its litter , graffite,overcrowding and traffic..Still foods a lot cheaper!
Fantastic place got to go back! Terrific to just rock up and sail and pick and choose rigs and boards depending on the conditions..Managed 2 -3 hrs at a time..At home by the time I've driven down rigged up.. rerigged when the wind changes etc I'm too buggered to get much TOW.Got to check emails etc but I'll post some pics when I get a chance.


When I came back I couldn't believe the number of houses in Sydney, and that was after only 2 weeks on LHI. You really do get used to a nice quiet place where there aren't that many people around.

How did your back hold up to the flight? Did you make it up Mt Gower?



Back went great going over..Flareup with a bad headache each night after sailing so hot tub + painkillers and stretches and I'd be ok for another round... After 3 hrs solid sailing on the Friday I knew I better take some care before the flight back so I got a superb massage at the local spa.I sailed another 2 hrs the day I flew out and neck/back got iffy so I spent my time waiting for the plane lying upside down ( chiro stretch).I got some funny looks but it helped me get back in one piece. I think the week of sailing has built me up as I managed to sit and watch 3 hrs of TV tonight without hassle ( unusual). Pity I can't sail every day..
Didn't get to Gower. Couple of reasons..I was a cheapskate and bought cheap walking boots which turned out to be instruments of torture and the only other shoes I had were Crocs.Not sure if their grip would have been up to slippery conditions. Also I was on standby for wind and that won out and I didn't get around to prebooking a day. Good scheme though as it's a sweetener to get my partner to go next year..Hopefully I can do some of the hosted sailing..although that would be tricky as we might end up 'divorced' after the week if the wind blows and I opt to go sailing..
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
15 Aug 2011 12:26am
gregc said...

Is that a rental place or are you just well kitted up???


I assume you mean the boards..That's just a few of the ones Lord Howe Windsports who host the week have for you to play with..with rigs already rigged..I suggested that Tim & Tas could come home with me and be my 'caddies' each time I went sailing but I didn't offer them enough $..
FoS
FoS
TAS
1664 posts
FoS FoS
TAS, 1664 posts
15 Aug 2011 10:30am
hey ho everyone

Pics to follow when I get to real internets again.

So far this week it has been a little light for wind, but that's ok cause I was starting to hurt from last week and there's so much other stuff I haven't done yet.

PS I'm the big one normally stuck in the water

So your not missing much atm Sue, Susan and William.

izaak, come over, the water is so flat and if it pics up you just head to the lea of the reef
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
15 Aug 2011 3:41pm
FoS said...

hey ho everyone

Pics to follow when I get to real internets again.

So far this week it has been a little light for wind, but that's ok cause I was starting to hurt from last week and there's so much other stuff I haven't done yet.

PS I'm the big one normally stuck in the water

So your not missing much atm Sue, Susan and William.

izaak, come over, the water is so flat and if it pics up you just head to the lea of the reef


You've probably got the pics I sent to Tim by now. They prove you did actually get up and go at times! Here's one

It's depressing being back into real life..
glideontime
glideontime
NSW
207 posts
NSW, 207 posts
15 Aug 2011 4:29pm
why go if one gets the big D on return.

maybe it was too good
keep us posted fos
baybob, yes we work to play-[sometimes], remember work/life balance, dont let the b,s grind you down [all the time]





sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
15 Aug 2011 6:06pm
Love the shot of Dave!
why go if one gets the big D on return.

maybe it was too good

Yep....Still certainly worth it and I think my gybes have improved . With the video that was taken I can see what I am doing wrong so I know how to fix them..not saying it will be that easy.
I was happy enough with my gybes on the trip as even though I didn't do any planing exits I didn't fall in much which was a refreshing change!
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
17 Aug 2011 4:31pm
Packed the car for a sail today ( no go didn't blow) but my large boom is as heavy as the complete 6.7m rig over at LHI. Have to get some $ for a carbon boom..
lordhowe
lordhowe
NSW
209 posts
NSW, 209 posts
20 Aug 2011 3:57pm
We saw Dave off today. He had a quick sail in the ESE winds that are smashing Lord Howe at the moment.

We were hoping that the plane wouldn't get out in these conditions & Dave could sail the rest of the day but it wasn't to be.

Tas & I were very pleased to be on the small gear again. 4.5 Alpha, 77 FSW . As we were rigging up I unwrapped a brand new 4.7 Alpha, while I was doing it I was thinking that maybe it wasn't such a good idea.... sure enough, Tassie went over the front and did a total job on the centre panel.

Wind was between 25&37 K while we were out for a couple of hours. Looks like this pattern is in for a few days, the small gear is rigged and ready!

Sboardcrazy, you would have needed that 3.2!!
FoS
FoS
TAS
1664 posts
FoS FoS
TAS, 1664 posts
20 Aug 2011 6:54pm
Hey guys
In syd ATM. Sorry I didn't say bye, but u where having to much fun.

Nearly in trouble with SWMBO as the was only 5min to airport pickup when I got back

Photos still to follow.
lordhowe
lordhowe
NSW
209 posts
NSW, 209 posts
20 Aug 2011 7:42pm
No worries, have a good trip home and see you again.
Epic sail today, nice that you got out once more.
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
21 Aug 2011 2:08pm
Lord Howe has spoilt me.. Now I realise how much effort goes into driving down , rigging etc.. My first sail at home involved 2.20hrs crap ( driving and rigging) for 1 hr subplaning sail..
Yesterday I went out in big chop with my 5m and it was ok but really overpowered and tiring..Came in and changed boards- still too much wind ..Came in and changed down to a 4.2m and the wind had dropped and not enough.I only just got back in as I fell in and couldn't waterstart ( close to shore so I swam in). Oh to be able to just go into the shore and pick the best rig and board for each wind change like at Lord Howe....
Only good thing is the Lake is warming up so falling in isn't as big a trial..Mind you I'm still waiting for my 5 - 4 - 3mm wetsuit to come so by the time it gets here it will be too hot to wear it!
On a good note my fitness has improved so I can stay out longer..
Glad to hear you got a sail Dave!Where do you sail the lagoon in a SE Tim? I would have been sitting on the shore wishing I had a smaller sail..I'm still waiting on the 3.2m sail to come from WA. The @# courier took 3 weeks to go and pick it up![}:)][}:)]
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
21 Aug 2011 2:09pm
FoS said...

Hey guys
In syd ATM. Sorry I didn't say bye, but u where having to much fun.

Nearly in trouble with SWMBO as the was only 5min to airport pickup when I got back

Photos still to follow.


What did you do on the non sailing days? Any walks?
nick0
nick0
NSW
510 posts
NSW, 510 posts
21 Aug 2011 4:39pm
sboardcrazy said...

Lord Howe has spoilt me.. Now I realise how much effort goes into driving down , rigging etc.. My first sail at home involved 2.20hrs crap ( driving and rigging) for 1 hr subplaning sail..
Yesterday I went out in big chop with my 5m and it was ok but really overpowered and tiring..Came in and changed boards- still too much wind ..Came in and changed down to a 4.2m and the wind had dropped and not enough.I only just got back in as I fell in and couldn't waterstart ( close to shore so I swam in). Oh to be able to just go into the shore and pick the best rig and board for each wind change like at Lord Howe....
Only good thing is the Lake is warming up so falling in isn't as big a trial..Mind you I'm still waiting for my 5 - 4 - 3mm wetsuit to come so by the time it gets here it will be too hot to wear it!
On a good note my fitness has improved so I can stay out longer..
Glad to hear you got a sail Dave!Where do you sail the lagoon in a SE Tim? I would have been sitting on the shore wishing I had a smaller sail..I'm still waiting on the 3.2m sail to come from WA. The @# courier took 3 weeks to go and pick it up![}:)][}:)]


were bouts u sailin at sue .. yaterday we got 6 slalom races done in ..was awesome 20+knots on 6m
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy
NSW
8335 posts
NSW, 8335 posts
21 Aug 2011 4:44pm
Belmont from the slip. I went to Valentine but it was a bit too SE and gusty when I looked. I saw some sailors out when I was going ..about1pm. Was it very gusty at Marmong? I considered going there but thought there would be too many holes..
I always find Belmont too big chopwise when its over 20kts..Probably because I use a big board for the lulls..95ltre yesterday.It was 20 -25kts ( closer to 25 mostly).
PS - If I hadn't spent all my $ with going to Lord Howe and the snow I would have loved to buy your trailer..I'm sick of my claustrophobic little car and all the gear..[}:)]
lordhowe
lordhowe
NSW
209 posts
NSW, 209 posts
21 Aug 2011 4:50pm
At sboardcrazy - we're sailing between shed and the southern tip of rabbit island. It had more south in it today so we were a little further down the lagoon. It was a solid 28-38K! nice to be able to dial in the little gear.

Looks like we're on again for the next 2 days.

Its very luxurious sailing - only worrying about 2 sets of kit!!!!
FoS
FoS
TAS
1664 posts
FoS FoS
TAS, 1664 posts
23 Aug 2011 9:58am
that would be right, as soon as I leave

Please Register, or first...
Topics Subscribe Reply

Return To Classic site 😭
Or... let us know if a problem, so we can tweak! 😅