So, I'm having this Sunday off it seems and I'm scrolling thru my apps checking the forecast. Ok, going to be SE or SSE or something, how about Evanston then? I'm thinking. 10-20 mph, 54F ...meh. How about Wolf? Mmm !15-25 mph, now we talking. See the pattern here? The farther south-the better. Sure enough, Clinton is banging! Air and water temps way better then anything around here, wind also better then anything in the forecast around here. Man, if this is not worthy of burning a tank-full of gas I don't know what it is! Forecast may change of course, but if it stays like that I'd be very tempted to go. West side maybe? What about you guys?

I am going to be sailing West of the Swimming beach.

I'll be there. The second larger dot is calling...








Ady, turn right at the swimbeach. The road dead ends at a nice parking lot. The shoreline/bank is low and the water depth goes out gradually. Don't leave anything that starts with a 4. at home. Speed record might be in the making. Water temp should be 55+. SE wind will help pull the warm water down.

Yesterday was a great day to be windsurfing on Clinton lake. I am still getting in shape but had a good time at our latest launch site, the Wooded Beach, it is a little walk to get to but a great location for South East or Westerly wind. It rivals the bridge pool which it sort of mirrors as this portion of the lake is V shaped. The gradual drop off will be great for those who want to practice tricks in waist deep water or just take a little break when winded. This spot has a lot of potential, so far this is the only spot I’ve sailed this year and I am not disappointed. Ady made it down as advertised, thanks Ady for giving me your old board! I’m going to need it while I work on a permanent fix for my Mistral. My fix was holding up great until the last couple jumps of the day when it cracked in the same spot as the repair (I know, they told me so, epoxy alone will not hold). I reached 32.5mph on it though for my first mark on speed freaks. I believe Reid may have topped that speed, not sure.

Any day with my 94/4.7 is a good day! I got to Clinton Lake campground before Chris and Reid and went scouting the area. Turns out the 2 spots that I liked for launching were exactly those that Chris had in mind. I'll let the screenshots from my GoPro tell the rest of the story:
Hardcore sailing



as fast as a tri fin semi wave bord can



with plenty of chop-hops /that's all I'm capable off /

and so it went fine until I crashed one starting to feel a bit tired at that pont

the crash was hard enogh for my slightly oversized beany to fly away and the follow-up chase of hat and equipment consequently got the rest of me

to the extent that I couldnt hold my boom anymore regardless that I've outhauled the crap out of my sail at that point

so it was time to call it a day

Such a nice view, fantastic place

Water temp at Wooded Beach 62 F! I rigged 4.2 with 95 L. Was lit on it all day. Awesome spot. Awesome day.. Glad to see you guys after a windless fall and early spring.


Bloomington



Champaign



Decatur





11 of the day's 18 photos

See all of the day's photos here


Chris (4.2 sail)



Chris flying. Plenty of room.



Sometimes a guy has to eat a jump. Clinton Lake sinus cleaning. I turned around and checked on him. He was up and going.



Ady (4.7 sail). Rippin'



Ady with the hand drag. Or maybe he's flashing Woodridge gang signs.



Ady rippin' into a turn



Me (4.2 sail). Beautiful day.



I'm breaking the fin loose.



You could burn and turn near shore.



Chris up ahead.




Chris wrote:

Yes. Yes I did.





Ady wrote:

Yes!





11 of the day's 18 photos

See all of the day's photos here

For the record, I shut that jump down by letting go of my front hand intentionally and sitting down. I thought I was going to hit you..

GPS track and wind arrows