Wednesday May 22. Lake Winnebago. I was all by myself at Deadwood Point in 4.7 conditions. What’s wrong with that? Oh yeah, work...
I sneaked out by 2:00, rigged a 6.0 with the 125l Bolt, did one back and forth and clearly, this combination was wrong. Then, I rigged the 5.2 Zeta and the 115 Starship. This lasted for 30 minutes until I realized it would more enjoyable with the 4.7 Zeta, and it was! First time sailing the 4.7 and I do not regret the Revos. I think I found the 5-batten that suits my style. Anyhow, I was alone and got an amazing session. I was facing the chop on my favorite side (port) and felt in control enough to attempt a few bumps and jumps. There’s something addictive about taking a bit of air... I’ll have to keep doing that! However, high-wind port-side jibes were a total failure, but a couple of planing jibes on the starboard side saved the day. I’m stoked!

Starting with the 6.0/Bolt: wrong!


Switching to the 5.2 Zeta: wrong, again!


Finally, last choice: 4.7 Zeta. Bingo!

Woohoo! That’s some serious air Greg!

Ady wrote: Thanks. Looks like I’m trying hard but there’s no merit; it’s the board that does the job on its own. I’m just hanging In there for the ride!

Saturday May 25. Winnebago again. I think I should call this thread the Winnebago Chronicles instead. This started as a 8.5 day around 1pm and ended up an overpowered 7.0 by 5pm. There was about 6 windsurfers and as many kites. Surprising enough that it’s worth mentioning. Now, what kind of sailing wisdom I gather with this session? I’m having a hard time admitting it, but after the revealing session last Wednesday, I am more and more addicted to high wind and rougher conditions than ever before, to the point that the 115 Starship feels a bit big and clumsy to be enjoyed in stronger winds.

On a side note, my GoPro 6 is having issues and has given me some unexpected results lately: from the frame split in half with a different view (I know, it’s weird...), to the bright highlights (like sun reflecting on water) creating a hallow effect and softening the whole shot, and to the GPS function that doesn’t want to capture data despite being on. I’ll post on a separate thread with pictures. Maybe someone has had similar issues and solutions?...

When there’s a bump, there’s a jump


Tail landing splashes.


Chasing that kite


Close encounter with Rob...


Really like the angle on this one... unfortunately it ended up in the water


One more chop-hop for good measure

I'm enjoying the great shots in this thread, Greg. Looks like you're getting your groove on.


Greg from Sheb. wrote:

I've been on the Ezzy 5 battens since 2004. I call'em the most cam'd non-cam sails. The most recent shock & awe for me is the 6.9 the last couple of years. Boom length only 188 cm. Feels like cheating on the water.

Reid Fillman wrote:
Thanks Reid.
Yep! Ezzy's might not be the top-performing sail in any particular area but they are certainly great at most everything! Love them for the tunable range, progressive power-up, sturdy construction/material choice, ease of rigging. Perfect for the aging windsurfer!

Greg from Sheb. wrote:

Power Wave. In both the 5 and 4 batten.


Graham Ezzy, Zeta 2019






Also Range for all Ezzys if it was a category.

Alright, alright; I take that back!

Learning Foiling update.

I've been out on the water 2-3 times lately with the foil and while I have some success with "controlled" flights of about 300-400 years (even got a top speed of 19mph!), I'm not yet convinced that this is what will make my light wind days easier and more fun. Yesterday I tried to see how little wind this thing would let me fly. Wind was blowing about 8-11kn and with my set-up (159l Falcon and a 8.5) and weight (90kg), there's not a chance! I pumped and pumped and nothing. Never could reach the minimum board speed. It was frustrating.

A couple of things come to mind: First, it's the equipment that's not working in those conditions. The Falcon is longer and heavier than a dedicated foil board, the front straps are placed too much on the back and the PowerPlate plus the aluminum-mast foil is heavy and creating a huge amount of drag that is hard to combat. Of course, I have no way to verify my assumptions because the only time I tried a lighter dedicated setup, there was 17kn - not a light wind day per say!

The second thought, is that I don't have the proper pumping technique but while I'm not a pro pumping, I've got quite good to get a board planing in marginal conditions. Who knows?!

This leaves me thinking that those guys flying in 7-9 kn must have a special secret. I've watched videos of the guys in Gorge foiling on incredibly small size sails and for the most part you rarely see them pumping and all. The vids are usually edited and what you see is this magical smooth-flying moment. I cannot even imagine the wind speed that I would need to get my setup flying on a 6.0! Probably 16-18kn. By then, I think I would have already switched to my 115l Starship!

So, I'm committed to trying to get the hang of it this season but so far, I'm a bit let down by all the hype and promises of this industry.

If you look at the latest PWA Foiling races in Asia, you'll notice that all the pros are on full-on race sails 7.0 and above and they don't foil unless the wind is well established in what appears to be at least 12kn or even more.

Anyhow, if anyone out there has any pointers, advice or suggestions, I'm a taker!

Greg from Sheb. wrote:

Let's hope your free Ezzy hat hasn't been canceled



Greg from Sheb. wrote:

At Clinton Lake It's called kiting,

Greg from Sheb. wrote:


From other thread...

Reid Fillman wrote:

Reid Fillman wrote:
No problem, I'll ask Ady to lend me his magic Sailworks hat!

Greg from Sheb. wrote:

You will catch every lucky gust with that puppy on.

windsurfillinois.com/index.php/forum/cli...-04-19?start=12#5557