Looks like a good day for West Side. SSE wind 6.9 to 5.8. Rain needs to be watched. Rain forecast to clear out after 12:00. Should blow all the way to sunset.

Going to watch the rain, but plan to head out there to the west side right after work. Also looking at a possible early SSW session Sat morning at the Marina (?)

I think I am game for Saturday

Nope.... looks like wind forecast dropped
Next Tuesday, though, I’m hopeful

It was a good day at West Side. It's been a while. Wish I got out there an hour earlier. Rain cleared faster than forecast. The late afternoon wasn't as good as forecast. We got hit with misty rain. Chris and I were on 5.8 sails, Rich on 7.0. It was fun while it lasted. Later Rich and I rigged up his Ezzy Lion 8.5. He let me try it. This was my first time ever using an 8.5 and first time ever using a formula board (Falcon 159 L). Wind was now so light I had to up-haul it. I was able to pump the board on plane for several rides. The Ezzy Lion 8.5 felt very balanced and the cams switched over very smooth and easy. Once the Falcon gets on plane it rips up wind. I wore my 3.2 suit with the air temp below 70. Fun day.


Bloomington


Champaign


Decatur




15 of the day's 24 photos.

More Of The Day's Photos Here


Welcome to the West Side.



Chris (5.8 sail) one armin' and Duck-jibing



Chris (5.8 sail). I got great tracking shots as we jibed in the flat water near The Cliff.(see link for sequence)



Chris and I (5.8 sails)



Rich (7.0 sail) Once he's on plane I can't catch him.



Rich (7.0 sail)



Rich's Ezzy lion 8.5. calibration gauge



Rich's Ezzy lion 8.5.



Rich's Ezzy lion 8.5. With my foot on it to tip it up.



Rich's Ezzy lion 8.5. Ready for takeoff.



Me (5.8 sail). My new move it's called the Power Slide. Too Fast, Too Furious: West Side Drift ...coming this fall.



Me (5.8 sail). Should be able to catch a fish this way.



Me (5.8 sail). Jibing at The Cliff



'till next time.



More Of The Day's Photos Here

Yeah, the light misty rain came at 2ish and the wind shutdown. I got there at 12:30, waisted no time getting on the water because I know how fast it can shutdown with rain. Had good time, got a workout, was great to get back on the water! Rich was heading out when I was leaving he had the big gear, looked like a house door with a hobbie cat sail on it:)