The stars might actually align and I have to drive my kid to Champaign this coming Monday morning, and at this distant time they are predicting wind. I hope to give Clinton another shot finally. Warm air and water would be appreciated.

I don't think you'll get nuked on like last time. As of right now the forecast is SSE wind with gusts to 33 mph in the afternoon. Air temp close to 70 F - late afternoon. Spots to sail are West Side and The Corner. I'll give updates as we get closer.






Come on down!

As the day approaches, I'd like some advice on which 2 of 3 boards to bring since I have space constraints. There is Severne Fox 120 (I'd know you'd like to see this), Exocet Cross 104 (new old model, new to me, already feels dialed in after 1 ride), Fanatic STB 95 (haven't sailed it much, feels comfortable not too fast). Smaller two seems best if high wind is assured, largest and smallest and bringing a 6.9 sail most guaranteed range for sailing.

Reid, do you think the water temp will be in the 50's at the West side? They are showing it straight south from what I'm seeing right now. We need it to go a little SSE for best West Side conditions. I would rather sail their than the corner.

Chris wrote:

Yep, wind looks to be SSE to S. Good setup for West Side. Water temp at West Side is 57 F. Air temp could get close to 80 F. Wind looks 4.2 in the afternoon.




Boom!








David Mark wrote:

Yep, I would go with your smaller two. See charts above. David, you could also stay at the campground (F13, F14, F15) Monday night . Pitch a tent or blow up a mattress in your shaggin' wagon and sail Tuesday's 5.8 to 4.7 SSW wind out of the F13 cove. Get 2 days.

Water temp update: Water temp at the West Side is now 62 F. It was sunny all day and Clinton heats up like a car sitting in the sun. 5 degree increase in one day.

I plan to be out there in the morning.

David, what is your ETA? So I'll know when to look for ya. In case you need rigging guidance. In case you need spiritual guidance.

You drive down and unload your gear. Then park in the non trailer parking.

Pictures of what it looks like - 5/08/19 sesh.

windsurfillinois.com/index.php/photos/63...mid=211&photoid=5185



The ramp area is for loading and unloading only.

Reid Fillman wrote:
I think close to noon, dropping my kid of at UIUC at around 11 am

Fun day at West Side. A lot of wind. Gusts to 45, even 50 mph. David, I made you an avatar from the day's shots. You can delete it if you don't like it. Great to see everybody.

Bloomington



Champaign



Decatur




13 of the day's 42 photos

See More Of The Day's Photos Here


Once the wind turned to 170 degrees it was on.



David, 4.1 sail. Me 4.2 sail. His Exocet Cross was handling the chop nicely.



David, 4.1 sail. Rippin'



David, 4.1 sail. Rippin'. I have to tail walk to get these shots. (To get the camera leaning back.)



David, 4.1 sail. Chasing David down to get the "drone shot".



David, 4.1 sail. Chris, 4.2 sail, hitting a jump.



David, 4.1 sail. Rippin' a jibe.



Chris, 4.2 sail. This one got away from him. His back foot came out. Didn't capture the crash.



Chris 4.2 sail. He landed this one. (see link)



Rich, 4.7 sail. He had to come back to Clinton from Hatteras to get whaled on.



Me, 4.2 sail. Working The Cliff wind funnel / Jibe-a-Torium. The Cliff really needs the wind to be 160 degrees and less to do its thing.



Me, 4.2 sail. Lit in the late afternoon



'till next time!




13 of the day's 42 photos

See More Of The Day's Photos Here

Not so short video of my flailing around on a rare session on my Fanatic STB 95

David - which board did you like better in those conditions?

Its not a fair comparison, because I have been able to get dialed in on the Cross from the first minute I sailed it, still getting used to STB. Both seem to handle chop equally well, if I was more used to STB I could tell it would be more controllable in the 4.1 conditions, just less mass. 5.0 might be a toss-up, 6.0 the Cross will definitely be completely comfortable cruising board, handle any chop and plane through lulls better.

Nice GoPro pics, Reid. I like that launch. Had a good time last Nov. there.