The Peconic Puffin

Everything worked.   Eric was on a 7.3, I was great on a 5.4…whatever you had, you planed on a sunny warm Thursday afternoon.  Also on the water: Joe Nat and The Art of Windsurfing!

I was curious as to how much of a workout windsurfing actually was.   Hooked in cruising in easy conditions on a 7.5 was one thing, but how about when the wind was up?  A few times now I've strapped on my fitbit when wearing a drysuit or fullsuit (the bit is said to be waterproof but not up for watersports.    I thought "surely under a wetsuit it should be fine."  

It is.

And windsurfing gets the heart going (as if you didn't know that!)

Check out this 4.7 session at South Jamesport.  Yes doc, I gotta windsurf for my heart!

(this is from last week's SJ session, ripping with Artie Jeff Rob and Eric.)

The winds were nuts.   "Three Oh to Six Oh" I was laughingly advised by Scott upon arrival.

Rob was rigging four and change so I followed suit with a 4.7, on 93 liters to get me through the lulls.   It was needed.

Scott's description was not an exaggeration.  There were times we were gagging.  And gusts that flattened some of us.   But it was a windy and warm Saturday!   On the water:  Rob, Eric, Artie, Peconic Jeff, a kiter unknown to me, and your editor.  

Jeff has actually been sailing all spring but I haven't shared the water with him in ages.  10-almost 20 years ago (!!!) we sailed all the time!    Caught some five meter action (six and seven for the crazies Artie and Eric!) at Sebonac on Sunday.   Also on the water:  The Natalies, Scott, and winger John Nat arrived as I was packing up.   Another beautiful windy weekend day!  Pic courtesy the Art of Windsurfing.

The rhymes were just sitting there, sorry

A warm, windy sunny Saturday at Sebonac!   Scott somehow missed it but there were plenty of other windsurfers and wingers on hand, including many Natalies, Christian, the Art of Windsurfing, mois, and more all catching the 20+ knot conditions while Jeff Schultz was snapping photos.   I was lightly overpowered on a 5.4 but didn’t want to take the time to rig down.
As some of us were derigging (me…I had a date with the Mrs.) Artie announce that a beverage at his home that evening might be enjoyable for all waterpeople.   The Mrs. and I arrived to a wonderful and unexpected dinner party (thank you Chris!!)

We talked wine, Dasher vv Andy B, injuries, you name it.  A fine day and night!    Pics by Jeff Schultz   

Long Island windsurfer Lenny Gazda passed away.   I did not know him, but many people I know did, and held him in high regard.  What follows is from Ely Spivack:

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our fellow windsurfing tribe member, Lenny Gazda. Many of us had known him for 30+ years, and we will sorely miss his mischievous smile, loving presence, and his wonderful ability to “talk story.” We would love to bring together everyone of our windsurfing brothers and sisters to give Lenny his proper send off! We are proposing a get together/send off the last weekend of March (29-30) or first weekend in April (5-6). Please let us know if you would like to attend by filling out this questionnaire:  

Lenny Gathering info