To start the 2018 Sheboygan Chronicles on a high note, here are a few "Polar Bears" taking their annual January 1st dip in Lake Michigan. This took place an hour ago on Sheboygan North Beach. Air temp was 4F/-15C. Water temp probably slightly above freezing since it is still in its liquid state! I'm staying on dry land today! Cheers!

Ha! Shrinkage, for sure!

While waiting for more clement weather, here's a vid of our July 2017 trip to SF. A few moments on the water and some views of the area. Enjoy!
Link below and also in the videos section of this website.

Ady wrote: Well, that sounds familiar!
Yes, good observation. In comparison below, a similar AtomIQ (2015 model?) I sailed in Bonaire a year ago was in fact a Powerbox.
The new version looks great and appears a really good performer too. So many temptations!

A day in October that felt like summer!
Sweet and short: 2min vid!

Cannot agree more! Water is still warm and days in the high 60s and low 70s are quite frequent. When you have days like that, this sport is worth every pain and joy it provides! For those who never windsurf and are watching from ashore, it is hard to understand but for us, this is such a rush to the head! Ha!

Sat. Apr. 28
Beautiful day on Sheboygan South Beach. NE Wind 13-14 kn. 43f. One Kite on the water so far. The recent storm from two weeks ago “pushed” the beach inland by a few more noticeable feet. The south beach launch at the intersection of 7th and Clara is now featuring a nice sandy walk to the water from the rigging grassy area. No more walks through rough brush!







And other types of kites on North Beach.

LAKE MICHIGAN WINTER STORM in April!
Let's go back 2 weeks and enjoy again the nasty and a bit sad April 14-15 weekend! Here in Sheboygan, nature got a little crazy and put on a show that from local memories, hasn't been seen in a very long time! Wind was gusting up to 46 knots from the north-east. Check out this short 2.5min vid below for some footage of 10-foot waves crashing on the north jetty. More impressive live than on the video but still quite a display.

May 1st: first session of the year in the Midwest! Lake Winnebago, Deadwood Point. SW 15-17, gust 20-30kn. Air around 78f, water 54f. By the time I got there a cold front was rolling in and an impressive squall followed for 30 min or so. We were 7 on the water. It was good to see all the familiar faces again.
The wind was gusty and going up and down throughout the afternoon. Consequently, this turned into a rigging fest! I sailed the 125l Goya Bolt with the 7.0 in a “lull” for about 20 min after the storm had passed, then the wind pickup again and I switched to the 115l Starship and the 5.7. Then the wind went down a notch again and gave the 115 a go with the cambered 7.0.

Compared to the Bolt, the Starship is quite a lot more “sticky”. The Bolt is at least 2kg lighter than the Starship and it is noticeable not only in hand but also under the feet. I’m glad I swapped the 100l For the 115l last year though: For my size, my skill level and the conditions, this is a much better fit. When going, the Starship is fast and handles well in the chop. I’m going to have to spend more time with it to appreciate what it offers though.

Now, I’m absolutely in love with the Bolt! Delivering on all the promises and beyond. Fast on all aspects, easy to ride even in the chop, turns amazingly well, alive and not finicky. The 7.0 Ezzy Lion is also an absolute power machine and confirm my appreciation for well-profiled sails. My impression is that the 7.0 Lipn has the power and traction of my Cheetah 7.5. The combo Bolt/Lion is just perfect.

Sunday May 6. Sheboygan South Beach. Things started well with a NE at 13-15kn around 10am then became light at about 11-12kn starting around 12:30. Sailed the Bolt and my trusted 8.5 Lion. A few good runs with a handful of Kiteboarders. The board takes a bit of air over small swell and remains easily under control. Still as fun and fast as I expected it would be. Just need more wind!

Looks like a good beach.