We all have those days…well, some of us do, and I had one today. Started in side-off conditions on a 4.7 at Cupsogue (one of my New Year’s resolutions is to do more ocean sailing) and just could not get comfortable. Comfortable? I almost couldn’t get Out. After an hour of trial and many errors, the wind swung more offshore, and the good guys called it a day…a surprise double win! My humiliation was ended for the moment, and I learned that even crazed windsurfers (like these guys) will bag it if conditions warrant.
But then they drove to a better spot, and I followed.
Now at Sebonac Inlet (bay sailing, and a spot I’ve recently begun to enjoy) things seemed to be looking up. I began having a vaguely self-congratulatory thought about being…if not a competent ocean sailor, at least a solid bay sailor. The wind gods heard my thought, and promptly:
A: Launched me off an unexpected ramp, then
B: Had me stick the nose hard on landing.
My helmet flew off (because I’d neglected to close the chin strap) so I had to swim for my helmet. Then I was HELPED in retrieving my helmet.
My favorite windsurfing quote of all time (originally in Forbes) is: “In windsurfing, one must drink deep from the cup of humiliation.”
I had a pint today. I had trouble getting out of my wetsuit.
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