May 25, 2021. LaKe Winnebago - Deadwood Point Launch. 109/5.2 day.
Isn't this the look of intense focus?!

May 31, 2021. Lake Michigan. Sheboygan Kite Beach.
Getting Greg high again

May 31, 2021. Lake Michigan. Sheboygan Kite Beach.
Synchronized Crash: I saw that kiteboarder who spooked me as she was suddenly flying her kite dangerously low with her lines that seemed it was about to clip the tip of my 8.5 sail. We were about to cross and she was upwind from me. I recall yelling something (not sure it was nice! ) to get her attention which obviously spooked her as well and that was enough for both to end up in the drink at the same time (See the splash in the background: it's her!). Only psychosocial injuries were observed.
Rule #1 when riding with inexperienced Kiters you don't know: Stay upwind!

June 4, 2021. Lake Winnebago - Deadwood Point launch.
Just nice light, angle, and focus.

June 4, 2021. Lake Michigan. Sheboygan South Beach - Broadway Ave Launch
The only time I will ever see Jake on a Slalom board!

I hope you don't get mad at me for posting in this thread! I just couldn't resist sharing this beautiful picture of us riding together on Clinton Lake. The shot was taken by our friend Reid sometime Autumn of 2018 or 19. Good memories!

Awesome! Thanks for posting, Ady. We need to do that again in 2022!

June 17, 2021. Lake Michigan. Sheboygan South Beach - Broadway Ave Launch.
Goya Bolt 125, 7.0 2-cam, Gazoil fin CHRL 39cm.
You keep doing the same moves over and over but there are rare occasions where the action results in a surprisingly different sensation. While being filmed from the "wrong" side, this image is all about that. That little chop hop delivered a completely new feeling of control loss. Why? I edged the board so much during takeoff that the combined effect of the wind blowing across and my leg motion - tucking under - made the board rotate super fast downwind in the air. Very strange feeling the first time this happens. Gave me a near-crash impression. The jump was not high but it was done with enough speed that it carried a forward momentum that I hadn't really experienced before. I ended up landing just fine but it really felt like it was about to end badly. If I have time, I'll post the short clip somewhere...

Just at takeoff

June 21, 2021, Lake Winnebago, Pipe Launch
Goya Bolt 125, Ezzy Lion 6.0, Gazoil fin CHRL 39cm
Chop-chop!

December 15, 2021. Evanston IL - Lee St Launch.
Isn't the world feeling like that today?

June 23, 2021, Sheboygan Kite Beach.
Just after the storm... How beautiful is that?!
I'm incredibly lucky to live 7 minutes away from this spot.

July 8, 2021. Sheboygan South Beach - Blue Harbor Resort Launch.
NE 14-16kn - Bolt 125 / Lion 8.5.
Bam!