All the icy cold weather in the United States has made its way down to Cayman and we are now looking at an excellent forecast for Sunday. It won’t be snowing, but unconfirmed sources are telling me that it could be the coldest day in Cayman’s history, which really just means I might have to put a jumper on!
New Years Day SUP
First of all, Happy New Year! It’s difficult to believe it is 2010 already. New Years Eve was spent on the beach with a cooler full of champagne, rum and Savanna whilst watching the fireworks all along Seven Mile Beach.
As a result, we only ventured outside after lunchtime on New Years Day. The wind had dropped off completely, but the last few days had brought in some swell. It was time to check out the surf break at Bodden Town on the SUP. Managed to paddle out and get some nice rides, but decided to cut it short when I saw what looked like a shark in the water. Then it was down to Beach Bay where the rides were ok, but not nearly as consistent as Bodden Town break.
Looks like a cold front is on the way now and should be kicking in around lunchtime today. Hoping for an afternoon at Starfish it all goes to plan!
Dawn Patrol
Wind on a workday calls for extreme measures. Although getting up at 6am isn’t that extreme really. Was on the water at Safehaven just after 7am and nicely powered on my 84l and 5.2m. I also managed to progress from thinking about going for forward loops, to actually going for them, which I think is quite a big step. Now just to rotate them all the way round will be nice, and I’m sure my back will thank me when the beatings cease. Afterward, a hot coffee while watching the sun rise over the water. A very good start to the day!
Rum Point
Last Sunday the wind was coming in at NNE around 20 knots, and as we had friends in town, Rum Point made the perfect launch spot. Perfect for those who want to chill on the beach sheltered from the wind, and perfect for those who wanted to go out and blast around in the nice breeze (i.e. me). Unfortunately most other windsurfers were away for Christmas, so it was a lone mission. Hoping next time to get some of the others out there and head for the Sandbar. Oh, and Happy Christmas!!!
Launching by the dock
Having a blast
A little chop-hop
Jibe time
A few more photos over here.
SUP’er time
After the long range forecast last weekend showed a solid NE in excess of 25 knots to blow all Saturday, it was rather disappointing to notice in the week it had completely disappeared. There ended up being almost zero wind and the SE during the week had generated a bit of wind swell, so the perfect time to take out the SUP (Kona 11’5) for a surf. It turned out conditions were perfect and with the lack of wind the water was completely glassy. There were some great sets coming in – mainly 2-3ft, but some bigger ones now and then. I had the best SUP wave-riding I’ve had yet. Took a few good wipeouts and getting out of the impact zone was a bit of a mission, but all in all great fun and a good alternative to windsurfing when the wind is down.
One thing I would like is 3 fins on my SUP. I find the single fin does not give as much stability on the wave face and you have to work it a bit more to stay under control. Next time I’ll take the GoPro out and have some pics.