Saturday, November 14, 2020

Windsurfing edge of TS Eta, Lovers Key, FL

Most of my windsurfing lately has been on the hydrofoil since we haven't had enough wind or waves to justify getting the traditional shortboard gear out. That changed a few days ago though, when Tropical Storm Eta brought some BIG wind from the south, and big swells. The Gulf of Mexico looked really ugly at most of the potential launches. However, by launching at Dog Beach on Lovers Key, and sailing out through New Pass (an tidal inlet protected by two sandbars) I was able to get into the waves without dealing with any shorebreak or sketchy longshore currents. I used a 4.2 sail and a 106 liter Exocet Cross. It was easy to get out on that, but I was over-powered and over-boarded in a way that made it tough for me to carve on the waves. So no major tricks or anything that I can brag about. I still managed to get some video that shows the condtions.


2 comments:

JC said...

Hi James. If I may ask, what are you using for GPS logging, camera and video editing?
I’m getting back in to Massachusetts windsurfing and a friend pointed me to your calculator. Glad to have it.

Thanks
-Jim

James Douglass said...

Hi JC- I'm using my SpeedCoach SUP 2 for GPS logging, an older GoPro Hero 2 camera for video, and Windows Movie Maker for editing. The GPS is meant for sup training so it's probably very confused when I take it windsurfing, but it still records my track, at least.