internet connection is too slow where I am, so I can't post anything...
but rest assured that I'm taking plenty photos and videos, so sooner or later the reports will happen.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
off to Indo
Tomorrow morning I'm out of here.
Maui is actually been fun lately, because the crazy strong wind (I was often on a 3.7) has brought a fun windswell that today was often head high.
And I'm gonna miss a fun 4-5 feet NW swell that will hit Friday, but I'm not too sorry about that.
Because hopefully I'll be on something like this.
A person who surfed it described it like Honolua Bay, but left and with few people. Sounds good to me.
Here's the Surfline Bali forecast.
I'll land there on the night of the 30th and as you can see, the waves are going to be relatively small for a couple of days.
Since getting to that wave takes two days (and that's the main reason why I hope that the crowd will be little), I decided to book a flight out of Bali already in the morning of the 31st and be ready for the long period SSW swell on the 2nd.
Let's see how the plan pans out, but I got a good feeling about it...
I just hope it's not gonna be as big as this.
Should have internet connection, so you guys stay tuned for updates. I got all kind of cameras with me.
Maui is actually been fun lately, because the crazy strong wind (I was often on a 3.7) has brought a fun windswell that today was often head high.
And I'm gonna miss a fun 4-5 feet NW swell that will hit Friday, but I'm not too sorry about that.
Because hopefully I'll be on something like this.
A person who surfed it described it like Honolua Bay, but left and with few people. Sounds good to me.
Here's the Surfline Bali forecast.
I'll land there on the night of the 30th and as you can see, the waves are going to be relatively small for a couple of days.
Since getting to that wave takes two days (and that's the main reason why I hope that the crowd will be little), I decided to book a flight out of Bali already in the morning of the 31st and be ready for the long period SSW swell on the 2nd.
Let's see how the plan pans out, but I got a good feeling about it...
I just hope it's not gonna be as big as this.
Should have internet connection, so you guys stay tuned for updates. I got all kind of cameras with me.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Been a long time
Thanks to Emma and her behind for entertaining the readers that checked the blog to see if there was any update... I believe that helped making the disappointment a bit sweeter.
Well, let's start this post with another beautiful girl... why not?
I bought a new water proof camera (the gopro is the best for taking shots of yourself, but I wanted one with a bit of zoom to take shots of the others) and my friend Alexa was happy to model for the first test.
It's a Fujifilm Finepix xp50 and Costco sells it for $180 with a memory card.
I bought it because I want to take photos of the beautiful waves I will (hopefully) ride in Indo...
I also tested this wrist mount that was sent to me by the guy who came up with it a while ago. I didn't need it with the Gopro, but now I finally had the chance to use it and I loved it.
The weight of the camera on the left wrist will make the left arm tired a bit before the right one, but I believe it's a lot better, quicker and safer than keeping the camera in the pocket of the shorts or under the wetsuit.
Anyway, these are the rest of the shots. Not too bad for those bucks, uh?
This is my friend Rob (or Ron... who cares, names are overrated!) smiling and giving shakas during his last surf session in Maui.
After 15 years in Maui, his lovely Sprecks rented home became unavailable and he and his wife decided to move to the Bay Area.
We shared the most epic session of last winter and here's a little memory tale.
Kanaha, kinda big. The wind was Kona and it was strong enough to allow a few sailors to go out. I arrived around 3pm, rigged as soon as I could and managed to catch one wave before the wind got too light for sailing.
Then I grabbed my lovely Starboard 7.4x29.5 SUP board (I just LOVE that board!!!) and paddled out. It was raining on and off and only a few other surfers showed up, most of which placed themselves on the right which, truth to be told, always looks amazing with the light Kona.
Rob and I instead, were the only ones on the left and we scored many gorgeous waves hooting at each other.
It was as good as it gets, really.
I am sorry to see him leave, but I wish him all the best. And hopefully another great session together at Lowers... :)
Not exactly as good as Marina's shot, but it's surprisingly hard to duck dive without a wave!
Which Marina's shot? This one from Giora. O-M-G.
And this is my new lovely little camera again!
This is a post I did lately on Facebook.
Well, that week is over and I can definitely confirm all the points I listed there. The appreciation of a day off (today), actually went way beyond my expectations. Also because, as usual, I did not waste any time. Here's how it went:
Knowing that there was going to be a south swell, I woke up around 4am.
The buoy was showing 2 feet, 17 seconds. Not quite enough for my favorite wave on the island to give its best. But just passed the intersection with the Haleakala Hwy, in the darkness of the wee hours, I decided to take the turn nonetheless.
"Yeah, it's not quite enough", I thought... "maybe a lot of other people will think like that and if it's breaking, maybe I'll score an uncrowded session!"
It was three of us at 5.45 in the parking lot. The sets seemed to be waist to occasionally chest high and quite inconsistent.
"You need a longboard for that!", one said.
"I agree. You got one?". I replied.
"Nope, only shortboard."
"Me too", guy number three added.
"Yeah, me too" I also added. "Oh, wait a moment. I got the standup with me!"
I confess that the thought of doing standup surfing there felt quite sacreligeus. But:
- the two guys were leaving, so I was going to be the only one out.
- the conditions were absolutely perfect for it.
"Whatever, I'm just gonna paddle out and see what happens".
The session turned into a major score. The sets were still waist to chest high, but that's exactly the size where my lovely board (did I say I love it already?) gives its best.
For 45 minutes I was absolutely alone scoring perfect little and fast peelers.
Then a head high set came and I caught one on the peak and pumped my way like crazy all the way to the channel.
Never gone faster on an SUP, I can guarantee you that!
The performance must have been noticed from the shore, since in less than 20 minutes I was joined by 8 longboarders. That was too crowded for me. So I took a tour around the point and I was alone again. Me, the beautiful blue water, the lava rocks and the magnificent Haleakala in the background.
Bloody awesome way to start a day off.
This photo was taken with my phone after the session. That's the only overhead set I've seen.
The rest of the day, saw:
- a nap in the car (I'm a master of those)
- another SUP surf session on the west side
- grocery shopping at the farmer's market
- total relaxation at home (this post is part of it).
---------------------------------------------------------
Ok, what else happened this week?
The moon was close and big and the tides reflected that. This is the "beach" at Lanes and I've never seen those rocks so shallow!
If you ever break your gear and have to come in at Lanes, I only have one tip, but it's a good one:
the downwind part of the reef is MUCH better than the upwind part. There's a little tiny inlet on the reef that is usually leveled with the ocean. You wait for a wave and throw your gear over it. Then on the next wave you hop on the reef with your butt. Like on the edge of a swimming pool.
The upwind reef is a lot sharper and always (well, not in this photo) has a foot or two of water with a pretty strong current. No good.
A lovely piece of the Hana Hwy.
I believe the meaning of the second bumber sticker is:"I'd rather like you to be a real ass than a phony friend", but the way it's written seems wrong to me. Come on, there's a verb missing somewhere!
I do like the "stop global whining" one a lot though, so I guess I'll stop whining about the lack of a verb...
This is it. More small waves from the south tomorrow and a nice 4-5 feet, 11 seconds NNW swell on thursday/friday.
No whining here either.
PS. Maui Surf Report team rider Nico Dramisino made these t-shirts and he's selling them on e-bay. I put a banner up to help him out. He's the guy who did this mega backloop at Hookipa.
He's a team rider of this blog (the only one, actually) and I'm proud of that.
Well, let's start this post with another beautiful girl... why not?
I bought a new water proof camera (the gopro is the best for taking shots of yourself, but I wanted one with a bit of zoom to take shots of the others) and my friend Alexa was happy to model for the first test.
It's a Fujifilm Finepix xp50 and Costco sells it for $180 with a memory card.
I bought it because I want to take photos of the beautiful waves I will (hopefully) ride in Indo...
I also tested this wrist mount that was sent to me by the guy who came up with it a while ago. I didn't need it with the Gopro, but now I finally had the chance to use it and I loved it.
The weight of the camera on the left wrist will make the left arm tired a bit before the right one, but I believe it's a lot better, quicker and safer than keeping the camera in the pocket of the shorts or under the wetsuit.
Anyway, these are the rest of the shots. Not too bad for those bucks, uh?
This is my friend Rob (or Ron... who cares, names are overrated!) smiling and giving shakas during his last surf session in Maui.
After 15 years in Maui, his lovely Sprecks rented home became unavailable and he and his wife decided to move to the Bay Area.
We shared the most epic session of last winter and here's a little memory tale.
Kanaha, kinda big. The wind was Kona and it was strong enough to allow a few sailors to go out. I arrived around 3pm, rigged as soon as I could and managed to catch one wave before the wind got too light for sailing.
Then I grabbed my lovely Starboard 7.4x29.5 SUP board (I just LOVE that board!!!) and paddled out. It was raining on and off and only a few other surfers showed up, most of which placed themselves on the right which, truth to be told, always looks amazing with the light Kona.
Rob and I instead, were the only ones on the left and we scored many gorgeous waves hooting at each other.
It was as good as it gets, really.
I am sorry to see him leave, but I wish him all the best. And hopefully another great session together at Lowers... :)
Not exactly as good as Marina's shot, but it's surprisingly hard to duck dive without a wave!
Which Marina's shot? This one from Giora. O-M-G.
And this is my new lovely little camera again!
This is a post I did lately on Facebook.
Well, that week is over and I can definitely confirm all the points I listed there. The appreciation of a day off (today), actually went way beyond my expectations. Also because, as usual, I did not waste any time. Here's how it went:
Knowing that there was going to be a south swell, I woke up around 4am.
The buoy was showing 2 feet, 17 seconds. Not quite enough for my favorite wave on the island to give its best. But just passed the intersection with the Haleakala Hwy, in the darkness of the wee hours, I decided to take the turn nonetheless.
"Yeah, it's not quite enough", I thought... "maybe a lot of other people will think like that and if it's breaking, maybe I'll score an uncrowded session!"
It was three of us at 5.45 in the parking lot. The sets seemed to be waist to occasionally chest high and quite inconsistent.
"You need a longboard for that!", one said.
"I agree. You got one?". I replied.
"Nope, only shortboard."
"Me too", guy number three added.
"Yeah, me too" I also added. "Oh, wait a moment. I got the standup with me!"
I confess that the thought of doing standup surfing there felt quite sacreligeus. But:
- the two guys were leaving, so I was going to be the only one out.
- the conditions were absolutely perfect for it.
"Whatever, I'm just gonna paddle out and see what happens".
The session turned into a major score. The sets were still waist to chest high, but that's exactly the size where my lovely board (did I say I love it already?) gives its best.
For 45 minutes I was absolutely alone scoring perfect little and fast peelers.
Then a head high set came and I caught one on the peak and pumped my way like crazy all the way to the channel.
Never gone faster on an SUP, I can guarantee you that!
The performance must have been noticed from the shore, since in less than 20 minutes I was joined by 8 longboarders. That was too crowded for me. So I took a tour around the point and I was alone again. Me, the beautiful blue water, the lava rocks and the magnificent Haleakala in the background.
Bloody awesome way to start a day off.
This photo was taken with my phone after the session. That's the only overhead set I've seen.
The rest of the day, saw:
- a nap in the car (I'm a master of those)
- another SUP surf session on the west side
- grocery shopping at the farmer's market
- total relaxation at home (this post is part of it).
---------------------------------------------------------
Ok, what else happened this week?
The moon was close and big and the tides reflected that. This is the "beach" at Lanes and I've never seen those rocks so shallow!
If you ever break your gear and have to come in at Lanes, I only have one tip, but it's a good one:
the downwind part of the reef is MUCH better than the upwind part. There's a little tiny inlet on the reef that is usually leveled with the ocean. You wait for a wave and throw your gear over it. Then on the next wave you hop on the reef with your butt. Like on the edge of a swimming pool.
The upwind reef is a lot sharper and always (well, not in this photo) has a foot or two of water with a pretty strong current. No good.
A lovely piece of the Hana Hwy.
I believe the meaning of the second bumber sticker is:"I'd rather like you to be a real ass than a phony friend", but the way it's written seems wrong to me. Come on, there's a verb missing somewhere!
I do like the "stop global whining" one a lot though, so I guess I'll stop whining about the lack of a verb...
No whining here either.
PS. Maui Surf Report team rider Nico Dramisino made these t-shirts and he's selling them on e-bay. I put a banner up to help him out. He's the guy who did this mega backloop at Hookipa.
He's a team rider of this blog (the only one, actually) and I'm proud of that.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
maui ass report
best day of my life
Yesterday my foot hurt, my hip hurt, I didn't even get close to hit any lip... how is it possible that is was the best day of my life?
Did I meet the girl of my dreams?
Did I win the lottery?
You guys keep guessing, I'll tell you at the end.
Another horribly windy day. Some sailors don't mind. One of them is for sure Mark Angulo, who was all over the place. Photo of the day goes to him.
Chronological.
Session report.
Not much to report. I waited till very late when the wind finally got lighter. I was going out on my trusty Starboard, when I met Kauli and I asked him if I could try his board.
"Sure, go for it".
"How big is it?"
"55, you think you can do it?"
"Yeah, I got a 52 in my car..."
I like that. Just like SUP boards, the main windsurf board measurement should be the width. Then the volume... which in this case was 72.
Well, I do have a 52 in my car, but sure I don't use it when the wind is so marginal!
I definitely struggled a bit to pass the waves, but the main issue was to adapt to a board that rode in a way radically different than mine. I didn't manage to do anything good at all, but in a couple of sections I felt the potential of that board. Very surfy and loose, for sure.
"You have to keep it constantly on the rail", he said. "It needs a really good wave, like Cabo Verde, to give its best".
Forecast.
Been slacking on the job here. Today there will still be some waves. Then a couple of day of flattish conditions and after that there will be a NNW to N bump. This morning's weather map shows the related fetch and that to me looks like good stuff. Not particularly long period, but fun.
I'm guessing 10 seconds, head high at Hookipa. More hoping than guessing, actually.
This morning's weather map looks good for the south pacific too. Unfortunately that beautiful south to norht fetch east of NZ is not going to last long, but we'll have at least one good day of surf in a week. GP said so.
Philosophy.
Here's what I posted yesterday on facebook.
Tonight a guy at Mana Food was asked how was his day.
He answered:”best day of my life!”
We were in the cereal section and I went like:”wow, tell us about it!”
But he smiled, shrugged his shoulders and didn’t say anything.
I think it wasn’t a “special day” for him, like I assumed.
I think it was just another day and just because it was another day and he looked pretty healthy, it was the best day of his life.
When I walked inside the store I was limping and bitching about the pain under my foot that I injured yesterday.
But when the cashier asked me how was my day, I answered:”best day of my life”.
Things that happen at Mana Foods...
So yesterday was the best day of my life. Until today...
Did I meet the girl of my dreams?
Did I win the lottery?
You guys keep guessing, I'll tell you at the end.
Another horribly windy day. Some sailors don't mind. One of them is for sure Mark Angulo, who was all over the place. Photo of the day goes to him.
Chronological.
 |
| Ricardo |
 |
| no discrimination of nationality, race, religion or... size on this blog |
 |
| Mark |
 |
| Mark |
 |
| Victor sailed really well |
 |
| things you can write on a Superfreak |
 |
| Kauli. He let me try his board, but I didn't do that |
 |
| Mark |
 |
| Kauli |
 |
| Mark. Come on, stop being so freaking radical for a minute! |
 |
| Morgan |
 |
| Kai K. |
 |
| Timo, by looking at this photo I might have a little tip for your 360s, but I'm definitely not entitled so I'll wisely shut up |
 |
| Cookie |
Session report.
Not much to report. I waited till very late when the wind finally got lighter. I was going out on my trusty Starboard, when I met Kauli and I asked him if I could try his board.
"Sure, go for it".
"How big is it?"
"55, you think you can do it?"
"Yeah, I got a 52 in my car..."
I like that. Just like SUP boards, the main windsurf board measurement should be the width. Then the volume... which in this case was 72.
Well, I do have a 52 in my car, but sure I don't use it when the wind is so marginal!
I definitely struggled a bit to pass the waves, but the main issue was to adapt to a board that rode in a way radically different than mine. I didn't manage to do anything good at all, but in a couple of sections I felt the potential of that board. Very surfy and loose, for sure.
"You have to keep it constantly on the rail", he said. "It needs a really good wave, like Cabo Verde, to give its best".
Forecast.
Been slacking on the job here. Today there will still be some waves. Then a couple of day of flattish conditions and after that there will be a NNW to N bump. This morning's weather map shows the related fetch and that to me looks like good stuff. Not particularly long period, but fun.
I'm guessing 10 seconds, head high at Hookipa. More hoping than guessing, actually.
This morning's weather map looks good for the south pacific too. Unfortunately that beautiful south to norht fetch east of NZ is not going to last long, but we'll have at least one good day of surf in a week. GP said so.
Philosophy.
Here's what I posted yesterday on facebook.
Tonight a guy at Mana Food was asked how was his day.
He answered:”best day of my life!”
We were in the cereal section and I went like:”wow, tell us about it!”
But he smiled, shrugged his shoulders and didn’t say anything.
I think it wasn’t a “special day” for him, like I assumed.
I think it was just another day and just because it was another day and he looked pretty healthy, it was the best day of his life.
When I walked inside the store I was limping and bitching about the pain under my foot that I injured yesterday.
But when the cashier asked me how was my day, I answered:”best day of my life”.
Things that happen at Mana Foods...
So yesterday was the best day of my life. Until today...
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
jumping shoot
I got 15 minutes to do this post, so it's gonna be short.
It was another cracking day at Hookipa. Not for me though, since it was very windy and you guys know how much I dislike that, but I'll talk about my session at the end (time permitting.
Neil Pryde was having a shoot at Lanes, you'll see the photos below.
Chronological order.
Session report.
I hated it. I went out at 11.30 and I was already overpowered on a 4.2.
I was on a quad (I don't like them, but I bought one because it was too cheap to pass) that was clearly underfinned in strong wind and spinning out all over the place.
I also had pain in the area where I hit the rocks yesterday, but mostly it was the brutal wind and related chop.
So after 20 minutes I wisely decided to stop.
I think that the big waves of the day before moved a lot of sand and when I got off the board in the shore break, I put my foot on a rock where usually there's sand. I didn't get cut, but now I have a second pain right under the foot that is quite annoying.
About sunset time, the waves seemed to pick up again (that was the forecast) and with the wind finally easing a bit, it started to look pretty epic to me.
I wanted to try again, but while limping my way to my car I said:"man, where the fuck are you going?" and decided to pass.
Strong wind apart, today the waves should be really good again (and from a more northerly direction). I'll borrow a seat harness and see how I do. What my body is really telling me though, is to rest.
Oh well, you need these days to appreciate the good ones...
It was another cracking day at Hookipa. Not for me though, since it was very windy and you guys know how much I dislike that, but I'll talk about my session at the end (time permitting.
Neil Pryde was having a shoot at Lanes, you'll see the photos below.
Chronological order.
 |
| Timo preparing to face a most likely rejection |
 |
| Nico |
 |
| Victor |
 |
| Josh went back to throwing goiters. He's having a blast windsurfing, also motivated my the fact that his 13 yo son Hurley is stoked on it |
 |
| Timo |
 |
| Mark. Beautiful. |
 |
| in the warmup for the photoshoot, Browsinho joined his buddies and showed who was the best jumper... by far. Dry landing double forwards, pushloop forwards, you name it. He just killed it. |
 |
| this is the photoshoot. it was Kauli, Ricardo and Polakow on green sails and Swift on the purple one |
 |
| Polakow sailed visibly better today |
 |
| at sunset conditions started to improve greatly. Ricardo |
 |
| Last shot goes to Casey in the beautiful low sun light |
Session report.
I hated it. I went out at 11.30 and I was already overpowered on a 4.2.
I was on a quad (I don't like them, but I bought one because it was too cheap to pass) that was clearly underfinned in strong wind and spinning out all over the place.
I also had pain in the area where I hit the rocks yesterday, but mostly it was the brutal wind and related chop.
So after 20 minutes I wisely decided to stop.
I think that the big waves of the day before moved a lot of sand and when I got off the board in the shore break, I put my foot on a rock where usually there's sand. I didn't get cut, but now I have a second pain right under the foot that is quite annoying.
About sunset time, the waves seemed to pick up again (that was the forecast) and with the wind finally easing a bit, it started to look pretty epic to me.
I wanted to try again, but while limping my way to my car I said:"man, where the fuck are you going?" and decided to pass.
Strong wind apart, today the waves should be really good again (and from a more northerly direction). I'll borrow a seat harness and see how I do. What my body is really telling me though, is to rest.
Oh well, you need these days to appreciate the good ones...
Sunday, April 15, 2012
a fairly big day
I hate good days like yesterday, because I end up with too many photos to post... :)
But despite the abundance of good windsurfing shots, I must start this post with this photo of my friend Ulli doing his famous "the flying mangina" dive.
Ulli, you outdid yourself. That shot is phenomenal. Congrats to the photographer too.
Another great shot. Jimmie Hepp caught Colin and a whale... just in time! The whales are about to leave, in fact...
Before we start the photo report, here's a little video that was requested by an Italian blog reader who wanted to know how you sail out at Hookipa.
By pure luck, it came out very interesting and events filled. I didn't even notice a bunch of things while I was shooting, because of the sunshine on the camera screen.
So here's a couple of additional info that I would recommend to read first:
- for those who have never been at Hookipa, the beach is about 20 meters upwind of those rocks. The shore break can be pretty gnarly too. Provided you pass that, in a big day like this, you're supposed to immediately bear off the wind and cover those 20 meters downwind. Till then, you're safe. But once you pass the first upwind rock (the one that appears at sec. 7 of the video... I call it "the hippo"), you've rolled the dices and you can't go back to safety anymore because the current takes you downwind right in front of the rest of the rocks
- the bigger the waves, the stronger the current. That might seem obvious to most, but maybe it's not for everyone.
- at the very beginning of it, you can already see Shawna in the water swimming for her gear. That is the worse place where to lose your gear: in line or just upwind of the most upwind rock. If you have bad luck (and she sure did) and there's a big set, your gear is veeery likely to end up on the rocks.
- at sec 29 Levi does a sick taka on a the wave!
- around 1.20 you'll see another sailor who lost his gear. But he's luckier and there's no more waves in that set, so the current will just push his gear in the channel and after a bit of a swim he'll be back to the gear
Here's my shots in chronological order.
Now a few shots from Jimmie Hepp taken from yesterday's gallery. Next three is me.
This is the comment I put on FB on this last one:
I was focused on going around Keith (you can see his foot while he's duck diving) and I didn't see him taking off. But he made sure I would know (big yell) and I kicked out immediately. I don't think I bothered his line (or at least I hope ...so), but for sure he had to go over my wake which is not a good thing. I saw him kicking out in the channel, so he made the whole wave. He looks like Zack Howard, he's a really good surfer. Zack, if you read this comment, I'd like to apologize. There was no intention of dropping in. I'm very respectful of surfers when I'm sailing and always give them priority. Aloha.
And these are my two favorite shots of that gallery: Mark and Pascal. Thanks Jimmie for being on those rocks every day!!!
Session report.
All these photos are from yesterday, Sunday.
I had quite a lot of fun in the early session. For about 40 minutes it was Kauli, Ricardo, Klaas and me (and 8 surfers). The wind was very light, but that's how I like it.
After that it got windier and more crowded, so I took a lunch/photoshoot break, and went out again around 5.30. Was having fun, but did a little mistake and my board got very close to the rocks. Got there in time to grab it by the tip of the mast, but a last wave slammed me against a rock and I had to let go. It was either the gear or a kidney...
As I say in the video I shot earlier, it's part of the game. If you never go on the rocks, it means you're not pushing it. If you're not pushing it, you're not getting better. Or at least, not as fast as you could.
This winter I went on the rocks something like 8 times. In fact, I improved a lot.
But my favorite session (since the last post) was the one I had on Saturday evening. The forerunners of the new swell started to roll in and, I don't really know how to explain it, but being on a wave that has so much room in front of it (18 seconds period), it's just a magic feeling. I gave that session a 9.
Sunday's sessions were both a 8, so no complains in the 808.
Napoli' America's cup.
In my beautiful home town of Naples the America's cup sailing races took place.
I found watching their youtube channel very interesting and I recommend it strongly. The speed races are amazing, but I also liked the regattas. Saw my parents house many times... that's where I grew up you guys. Again, a stunningly beautiful town (surroundings are just as beautiful). I don't miss it at all though, because the inhabitants suck ... oh, and there's no ground swells!
Studio in Kuau for rent.
Also this year I'm going to Indo. I'm looking for a single person who is interested in sub renting my studio in Kuau. Info:
- dates: May 29 to July 11
- rent is $750/month. If you rent it for the whole period, the prorated rent will be $1,000. If you need it for less than a month, it will be $750, no matter how short the period is.
- if needed, I can rent out also my station wagon.
- house rules: no parties. no noise after 9pm. only one car parked over night. The occasional overnight guest can park the car at the ex Kuau Mart parking, which is extremely close
- the studio has a mini fridge, a two hot plates burner, an electric grill, electric oven, rice cooker, toaster, blender, fruit squeezer. I can cook some seriously delicious food with what's in there.
- shower is open air outside
- bathroom is outside, but not open air! :)
Here are some photos.
Lastly, I'm selling an SUP Kazuma 9.3x27.5 for $350. Here's the craigslist ad.
But despite the abundance of good windsurfing shots, I must start this post with this photo of my friend Ulli doing his famous "the flying mangina" dive.
Ulli, you outdid yourself. That shot is phenomenal. Congrats to the photographer too.
Another great shot. Jimmie Hepp caught Colin and a whale... just in time! The whales are about to leave, in fact...
Before we start the photo report, here's a little video that was requested by an Italian blog reader who wanted to know how you sail out at Hookipa.
By pure luck, it came out very interesting and events filled. I didn't even notice a bunch of things while I was shooting, because of the sunshine on the camera screen.
So here's a couple of additional info that I would recommend to read first:
- for those who have never been at Hookipa, the beach is about 20 meters upwind of those rocks. The shore break can be pretty gnarly too. Provided you pass that, in a big day like this, you're supposed to immediately bear off the wind and cover those 20 meters downwind. Till then, you're safe. But once you pass the first upwind rock (the one that appears at sec. 7 of the video... I call it "the hippo"), you've rolled the dices and you can't go back to safety anymore because the current takes you downwind right in front of the rest of the rocks
- the bigger the waves, the stronger the current. That might seem obvious to most, but maybe it's not for everyone.
- at the very beginning of it, you can already see Shawna in the water swimming for her gear. That is the worse place where to lose your gear: in line or just upwind of the most upwind rock. If you have bad luck (and she sure did) and there's a big set, your gear is veeery likely to end up on the rocks.
- at sec 29 Levi does a sick taka on a the wave!
- around 1.20 you'll see another sailor who lost his gear. But he's luckier and there's no more waves in that set, so the current will just push his gear in the channel and after a bit of a swim he'll be back to the gear
Here's my shots in chronological order.
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| Ricardo |
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| Andres |
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| Kauli, Keith and Levi went out at the same time, immediately followed by Kevin P., Bernd and Kai K. You can imagine that the level in the water went a notch higher... |
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| KP |
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| Browz |
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| Levi |
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| Patrick |
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| Dunno this guy, but he was charging |
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| that's how KP deals with people downwind... yes, it was crowded |
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| Kauli |
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| slightly overdressed, I'd say, considering the beautiful day |
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| the setup for this aerial was very bumpy. Drew did a good job at pulling it off |
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| Kai K. |
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| Timo's new move: wave 360 with windsurfing legend on the wave behind |
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| Graham |
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| Luke |
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| Browz |
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| Kauli. Check where he attacked the lip. He pretty much did the whole top turn in the air |
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| Kauli |
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| very impressed by Pascal Hardy sailing. The guy charges |
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| the goiter machine |
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| Levi |
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| Graham making good use of his helmet |
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| Pascal |
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| the Dunno guy doing forwards off the lip |
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| Levi aerial top turn (like Kauli's one a few shots above) |
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| Kauli |
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| JP changed the font of their logo. Unfortunately those stickers clearly had the glue on the wrong side. You can't even see the sticker on the other side of the sail, so I believe I'm right. Still, better than nothing if you have an helicopter coming in half an hour, I guess... |
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| Ricardo shows the graphics of the new JP boards. Too noisy for my taste. I liked them the first year that Kauli joined them, the ones with the brazilian colors. After that, I didn't like any of the following years. Not easy to make a good, original graphic design every year... |
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| When the waves are big, Polakow is for sure number one. But yesterday he sailed, I hate to say, very, very uninspired. My guess is that he was somewhat sick. |
Now a few shots from Jimmie Hepp taken from yesterday's gallery. Next three is me.
This is the comment I put on FB on this last one:
I was focused on going around Keith (you can see his foot while he's duck diving) and I didn't see him taking off. But he made sure I would know (big yell) and I kicked out immediately. I don't think I bothered his line (or at least I hope ...so), but for sure he had to go over my wake which is not a good thing. I saw him kicking out in the channel, so he made the whole wave. He looks like Zack Howard, he's a really good surfer. Zack, if you read this comment, I'd like to apologize. There was no intention of dropping in. I'm very respectful of surfers when I'm sailing and always give them priority. Aloha.
And these are my two favorite shots of that gallery: Mark and Pascal. Thanks Jimmie for being on those rocks every day!!!
Session report.
All these photos are from yesterday, Sunday.
I had quite a lot of fun in the early session. For about 40 minutes it was Kauli, Ricardo, Klaas and me (and 8 surfers). The wind was very light, but that's how I like it.
After that it got windier and more crowded, so I took a lunch/photoshoot break, and went out again around 5.30. Was having fun, but did a little mistake and my board got very close to the rocks. Got there in time to grab it by the tip of the mast, but a last wave slammed me against a rock and I had to let go. It was either the gear or a kidney...
As I say in the video I shot earlier, it's part of the game. If you never go on the rocks, it means you're not pushing it. If you're not pushing it, you're not getting better. Or at least, not as fast as you could.
This winter I went on the rocks something like 8 times. In fact, I improved a lot.
But my favorite session (since the last post) was the one I had on Saturday evening. The forerunners of the new swell started to roll in and, I don't really know how to explain it, but being on a wave that has so much room in front of it (18 seconds period), it's just a magic feeling. I gave that session a 9.
Sunday's sessions were both a 8, so no complains in the 808.
Napoli' America's cup.
In my beautiful home town of Naples the America's cup sailing races took place.
I found watching their youtube channel very interesting and I recommend it strongly. The speed races are amazing, but I also liked the regattas. Saw my parents house many times... that's where I grew up you guys. Again, a stunningly beautiful town (surroundings are just as beautiful). I don't miss it at all though, because the inhabitants suck ... oh, and there's no ground swells!
Studio in Kuau for rent.
Also this year I'm going to Indo. I'm looking for a single person who is interested in sub renting my studio in Kuau. Info:
- dates: May 29 to July 11
- rent is $750/month. If you rent it for the whole period, the prorated rent will be $1,000. If you need it for less than a month, it will be $750, no matter how short the period is.
- if needed, I can rent out also my station wagon.
- house rules: no parties. no noise after 9pm. only one car parked over night. The occasional overnight guest can park the car at the ex Kuau Mart parking, which is extremely close
- the studio has a mini fridge, a two hot plates burner, an electric grill, electric oven, rice cooker, toaster, blender, fruit squeezer. I can cook some seriously delicious food with what's in there.
- shower is open air outside
- bathroom is outside, but not open air! :)
Here are some photos.
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| front door is on the left. bathroom door is in front, board rack in on the right. the subrenter can use the bicycle, but not my boards! |
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| my studio is on the left. the wooden thing on the left is the open air shower. the garden table is mine. the palms separate the lawn from the one belonging to the other studio you see in the back |
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| this one is taken from the lawn belonging to the other studio |
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| inside |
Lastly, I'm selling an SUP Kazuma 9.3x27.5 for $350. Here's the craigslist ad.
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