Bit late with the update today, again outside possibility of some wind today, but think we're clutching at straws. Currently wind is more onshore than of late and we're seeing gusts into double figures, with stronger NW'lys forecast for later in the day, so would point to maybe travelling further afield to the likes of the Witterings, Bracks and Hayling. Currently Sunday sees strong W'lys early / mid to late afternoon, but also with severe wind chill!
Have added a wide angle lens to the Cam, which is now only online in periods of daylight. Cam Online
Little video I took a few weeks back has gone down well (film here), the music is the Killers, Mr Brightside, Jacques Lucont, Thin White Duke remix from the Sawdust Album.
November 11th Superb session up at the Cafe, though did take me numerous attempts, pummelling's to get out with only one other out. Huge wind shadow on the inside and fair sized high tide shore dump as wind was almost WNW'ly. In the end launched West of the spit as the tide dropped back a wee bit. Once out great DTL rides, numbers of turns well into double figures on each wave, more people turned up and good to report that all knew what they were doing with regard to wave etiquette. Also LA and Hove were also firing and great sessions had.
Nov 10th Was just going out at Shoreham having rigged a 3.3 in torrential rain, when my daughter rang saying there'd been a power cut...... so with the wind dropping from the earlier 50mph winds felt guilty going leaving her in the house with no power etc, and after half an hour or so called it a day, hoping for cross shore W'ly F6 with some decent waves tomorrow!
Nov 8/9th Nov Sunday, those that sailed the morning were blown off the water for a while around 11:40 when it was gusting mid 30's. I called it a day as I'd been out since after 9:00.
Saturday, ended up going out later on, so missed the rain, not a bad session and even had some decent sunshine, was on 77FSW & 4.7 then later on 4.0, but that's another story :)
October 26th Sunday morning decided to go out from the Cafe, and seemed everyone else had a similar idea, very busy. Some good waves, and way out the back some big faces to play on. Wind switched off catching a few out, and one guy long way out, so borrowed a kayak from a mate and another guy paddled out to him. Later in saw a RNLI inshore going past, so wonder if anyone else was caught out Lancing?
October 25th Sailed down at Shoreham today (5.2 & 77FSW), never seen so many kites out at Lancing, must have been 50 odd. I drove down as a mate was sailing down, so sailed upwind past Brooklands to meet him then back off the wind to Shoreham. Quite a few people out there, conditions probably were better as the tide came up some more around 17:00.
October 23rd Shot off down to Shoreham on the 77FSW & 47 in a SSW'ly, had a good session down there in some fair sized waves before sailing back as the wind veered SW'ly. 10 tacks later made it back to the Cafe where it was flat in comparison to Shoreham, then as the tide came in so the waves began to shape up. Knackered after three hours non stop though!
October 20th Good session in the morning with the tide on the push, better than yesterday, even without the sun, wind stronger & more constant with a better swell running, and no rain!
October 19th Couple of sessions, after a 6 mile run on the Downs, back to the 77FSW & 4.7 in superb sunshine, wind was quite gusty and a 5.2 might have been the better option, but was ok, then sailed late afternoon until the street lights came on (actually big black cloud came over).
October 15th Reasonable bump n'jump (5.2 & 74 Twinser) session in the morning, good swell out the back to play on, then as the wind dropped slogged back from the Cafe, and at one point didn't think I was going to make it back, but luckily caught a wave which carried me more or less all the way back in to the yacht club. So a little walk, and then the wind came back, only to drop mid afternoon, as predicted.
October 7th Tuesday did a bit of Coastal blasting. Sailed from here (Twinser 74 & 4.7) straight down to LA, then back and on to Shoreham, coming back had a little "play" in the waves at Lancing then back up here. Wind was full of holes and no where near as enjoyable as Sunday. Up at the Cafe seemed quite a few were turning up to launch from there. But later on as Nik Baker and a few others showed up the wind dropped even more.
October 4th & 5th Quite some weekend, took advantage of Johnny Hutch being unable to sail, so I "borrowed" his 74 Twinser, and I'm afraid to say, "believe the hype", these boards are awesome!
As most will know we had just about everything over the weekend. Yesterday was classic Worthing S'ly conditions, big wide open stretches in between fair sized waves and almost silky smooth out the back. And the Twinser 74 proved that it's not a bad speed machine either as well as lapping up the onshore playground waves. Then Sunday sailed it in marginal 4.7 weather, and even had a 5 minute slog up to the chins on it when the wind dropped. After an hour or so of sailing down this way I then sailed up wind to the Cafe, and it stonked up wind the same as my 77 FSW. The Cafe was busy, but the biggest problem was that I was way over powered on the 4.7 as most were on 4.0 - 4.2's. Jai came to the rescue, by driving back down and getting my 4.0 rig, how about that for service!?
The "Twinser" is sooooo user friendly, sail it hard cutting back and you feel as if you're invincible, such a great buzz, I was cynical but now I'm sold!
October 1st After a windless September, October got off to a good start with two sessions on the 1st, with the morning producing one of the better sessions. I launched when others thought it to be too gusty & offshore, once they saw that was not the case and that the wave riding was some of the best ever to be had up this way, so they too launched down this way. You could start going down the line on the swell further out, then as it turned into more of a wave, pure joy!
I came in riding one wave too close in and came ashore just as Johnny Hutch came in holding his head with blood pouring from it, his new twinser surprised him on a cut back and the boom smacked him in the face. So back in and cleaned him up, steri strips to the rescue as he went off to A&E for stitches.Picture here!The afternoon was a disapointment after the morning with the swell disapearing, major let down, and reports from Bracks suggest it was no better, just a huge chop fest.
Came across this very sweet video of Aaron Hadlow up at the Cafe in August, great production by Alex.
Still some good photos surfacing from the Fat Face event, this one's a cracker. Some of the toughest racing conditions ever witnessed in the UK , on a par with the infamous PWA event at Brighton many years ago. Two races were held in an ever increasing shore dump that claimed countless victims and kit, pure carnage as you don't exactly have the luxury of waiting for the waves to flatten off, many simply did not get off the beach! FatFace Video now uploaded here, and a little taster video clip here, and race report / blogs and photos here & here.
Has been an awsome summer with so many sessions that all are not summarised on here.
Have completed the Cabarete trip blog, with some more detail and pictures, superb as ever; thanks to Jens and the team at Vela; click here.
August 25th Been a good holiday weekend, managed to use all my sails. Shame about the grey overcast conditions on Monday, but wind seeemed to build by mid afternoon gusting mid 30's. Started off on a 4.7 and by the end of the session as Mrs WC call it a day, took her sail and was well powered up on the 4.0 as some of you (holding on to 5.0's) reading this know :)
August 24th Nice session this afternoon, started off overcast, sky cleared, wind filled in and yet another day on the water, not much in the wave department, but further out to sea good rolling swell. Been a good couple of days to suss out new sails & boards (Jai on 09 FSW's). Cycling back from the pub good to see people chilling out on the Greensward with BBQ's after a good afternoon session.
August 23rd Wind filled in nicely today, and in unbroken sunshine a pleasant afternoon was had. Very little in the way of shoredump even down this end at high tide. Went out on the new (08) 5.2 for the first time and was impressed with the power, then later on came in and changed down to a 4.7, and was still well powered up on that.
August 20th Sneaked a mid tide session in around 16:30 well powered up on my new 08 4.7, conditions bland but was a good couple of hours to get to know the sail and what it can do with a few tweaks as the wind was up initially then dropped.
August 19thTuesday did go off, drove up to the Cafe as I suspected some sail changing might be in order and I did not want to have to brave the shore dump back here. Started off (10:40) on a 4.2, then changed down to a 3.5, around high tide had a break, chips & fat coke sitting outside the Cafe (a first) watching Lewis & others putting on a big show. Wind dropped a bit and changed back up to a 4.2, eventually came off the water around 16:00 quite knackered, great day, superb conditions.
August 18thTwo sessions today, morning in the sunshine well powered up on a 5.2, then Worthing outing to Shoreham with around 5 Cafe locals to do the tide on the drop, 4.7.
Have been other sessions in the last few days, but getting difficult to remember as there's been so many!
August 13th "Big Wednesday"was manic, launched in the morning and the wind just kept increasing, far windier than the day before with massive waves & swell running out the back. Managed to sail the mile upwind to the Cafe, much to the surprise of those that were up there. Sailed there for a while, and then a manic off the wind broad reach back home as the wind was clocking 50mph. Then did a second session at Shoreham at low tide, still maxed on a 3.5, though around 17:00 wind started to ease back finally. Team Seasprite sailed LA with the tide on the push, some of the best conditions "ever", sailing past dusk under the glare of the street lights!
August 12th Couple of sessions, started off on a 4.2 but had to come in and change down to a 3.5. Then late afternoon, 3.5 weather again. Good session spoilt by dislocating little toe, had to come in at the Cafe and put it back, then sail back home!
August 10 Three sessions, launched at 07:00, came off around 10:00. Then out again around 13:00 back in circa 15:30. Afternoon kip, then couldn't resist one more around 17:30, which was by far the best of the day, still maxed on the 4.2, sailed up to the Cafe, about 6 surfers out, really nice waves, little or no chop on the inside and only three "Poles" out, came ashore at 19:05!
August 9th Saturday earlier on was very quiet on the water up this way, think everyone was down at Shoreham / Lancing. Nigh on four hours with wind up and down as the rain pulsed through. Was on 4.7, hanging on by the end!
Pooch, my Jack Russell has been getting to grips with stronger winds and waves as you can see here, she's been heard mumbling something about wanting to dangle off some string!
August 7th The warm air and sunny conditions made up for the marginal wind, though at times well powered up. Loads of string weed around which rules out big straight fins which would have helped with the big kit (105FSW & 6.6). About 10 or so kites out also making the most of the conditions.
August 4th Two sessions, first mad bump n'jump up at the Cafe with the tide on the push, with Poles and Kites mixing it, highly amusing, though don't think everyone appreciates it :) , maxed on a 5.2 when I should have been on a 4.2 - then second later on in the day, 4.7 with tide on the drop, swell had dropped back from earlier.
August 2nd / 3rd Been good since Friday. Yesterday two sessions either side of the Grand Prix, morning well powered up on 4.7, then the afternoon was "Team Seasprite" sailing from here on a little less wind .
Saturday, for those that were patient was worth waiting for, only problem was the tide. As the wind filled in around 16:00 I was just getting back from London, so went out from here but it was obvious that I'd left it too late with the tide rushing out, so came back in and sweet talked Mrs WC. I then sailed off down to Shoreham, going well out the back riding the swell, then had a good session at Shoreham until 18:00 when Mrs WC came down and picked me up!
August 1st Good session, maxed on 4.7 & 77FSW, even though some "git" had the cheek (bigger sail) to go past me :). Very warm air temp, had to come in and change from wetsuit into boardies & vest!
This week's been great out on the Easy Rider teaching in the sunshine, even the the dog can now gybe (see video). Tuesday saw the wind filling in (16:45) and had a good hour or so well powered up on the 6.6 & 105FSW just in boardies and vest.
Was a good weekend for beginner windsurfers, had a pleasant day down at West Wittering with the wind gradually picking up. It's an excellent setup down there for beginners / intermediates, and lessons learnt were carried through into Sunday here - now have a windsurfing Jack Russel!
July 25th Friday had a good hour plus around the magic 15:00 when wind was constant, just in boardies & vest, thought about having to come in & change sail (6.6 & 105FSW), then wind seemed to drop back as we approach high tide.
Tuesday was out on the "Beast" , first on a 6.6 then changed up to a 8.0, at first it was good, but wind dropped to sub 14mph.
July 20th Post Grand Prix, went "Retro", and sailed upwind on the "Beast" to Worthing Water Sports demo at Goring Gap, on the way back thought the wind had dropped, but found some and at times had an exhilerating ride home, just in the two back straps!
July 19th Today crammed a fair amount in. Good bump n'jump session in the morning, 4.7 & 77FSW, launched early down this way as we have more water than up at the Cafe. Nice swell running out the back, sailed up to the Cafe then came back just as the wind started to switch, with many just arriving to go out!
Then up on the Downs for a 9 mile run (do have another marathon coming up in October), then back for a second session in the gusty WNW'ly, around 14:55 well powered up 4.7 & 77FSW, then some cloud came over and the wind dropped, then it went SW'ly and slowly came back up gusting 30mph!
July 18th Friday, little powered up session at Shoreham from 16:00 to 17:30 77FSW & 5.2, nothing too much to write home about, apart from one very sweet tack.
July 15th Tuesday in the end was ok, in a summer groove riding sort of way. Went down to Shoreham around 16:00 just as the sky cleared and had a pleasant couple of hours of summer blasting in warm sunshine on the 5.8 & 105FSW. Good turn out for the "loopathon" but conditions did not deliver, so A&E at Southlands were stood down!
July 14th Monday was quite an interesting day wind wise, very close to being a "classic", but I think the ever increasing pressure was the fly in the ointment. Eventually the wind did drop off, not at 19:30 but at 20:30, so sorry about being an hour out! Managed a quick session circa 17:00 well powered on a 5.2 & 77FSW, but towards the end wind was dropping.
Four weeks of wind From the time we left for Cabarete (June 23rd) it's been blowing more or less non stop, with just the occassional day of no real wind.
Friday (July 11th) finally made it out on to the water for a good bump n'jump session, 4.7 & 77FSW, though others were on larger kit. Still miss the clear blue waters of Dom Rep though.
June 22nd Was very busy up at the Cafe today, waves were not much to get excited about, but way out the back, about a mile or so the rolling swell was very big and made for some great riding. Think will be busy again this afternoon. I'm passing on a second session as have to let the kit dry ready to pack as we're off to Cabarete tomorrow.
June 19th Thursday was superb, best yet for a long while, decent swell as well. Well powered up on 4.2, Mrs over powered on a 3.5. Interesting to note that the tide was still well up here at Cam central whilst at the Cafe it was well on the way out.
June 17th Today wind was quite gusty at times, think we had the best of it early in the afternoon with the tide on the drop. By 17:00 wind was gradually dropping, not so good for those rushing to get out after work. Was well powered up on a 4.7 & 77FSW, sailed up to the Cafe where quite a few were out. Summer "Groove Riding" again in choppy water, no swell as such even out the back.
June 16th Tuesday, wind did come through making for a good late afternoon, afterwork session. Driving past Lancing there were nigh on 20 kites out that I could see. Shoreham delivered classic "Summer Grooving" conditions.
June 14th RESCUE Today the wind did fill in just as we started our run on the Downs, as predicted. Went out from here around 16:00 well powered up on a 5.2 & 77FSW. Wife also went out too for her first session of the year (fair weather sailor). No need to sail up to the Cafe as there was a fair number of sailors down here due to the Cafe carparking area full of grockles.
Packed in around 17:30, and retired to the upstairs conservatory for some armchair windsurfing with a few people still out. Around 18:15 I became concerned that I had not seen one guy for a while, but thought he was out the back with our view obscured by a coach. 18:30 I started looking with the binoculars, and saw that he was in some sort of trouble. So Jai helped me rig quickly, I sailed out to suss what was wrong while Jai walked down wind to where I would come back to advise what was happening. By then Jai was joined by Ollie who lives on the sea front and had spotted the guy whilst he was up at the yacht club.
His mast foot had broken, and he had cramp, so as it was late, and the wind could well drop with me out as well, we called the Coastguard, I sailed back out to him telling him what was happening, and he was on his waterproof phone to his wife. RNLI Inshore rib appeared and took him and his rig (which they at first wanted to ditch) back inshore, which took a while.
By the time the RNLI were close in we'd walked back up, and I was stunned to see that Mat (from Lewes), was in the early stages of hyperthermia, and along with the cramp was in a real bad way. The RNLI has already radioed in for an ambulance and Mat was taken off to hospital to be checked out. He eventually turned up by tai dressed still in his gown a few hours later.
But this should really show how quickly you can get cold out there at the moment, he was in full wetsuit, long arms etc, so something to think about!
June 9th Arrived back home eraly evening, and decided to go "Retro" again and had a very pleasant hour in the evening sunshine, made me think why so many took up the sport years ago when it was like this, but then we all became wind snobs and long boarding was no longer cool!
June 7th Spent most of the afternoon windsurfing, that is armchair windsurfing up in the conservatory, pontificating over whether to go out or not. There was a handful of kites out and a couple of poles, but the wind was coming and going with the cloud, and after getting skunked the previous day we were wanting more solid conditions.
Then about 16:45 the cloud cleared and the wind filled in, so rigged big and had a full on session of over powered blasting, with legs quite tired after this morning's little 10miler on the Downs, but most pleasant and rounded off nicely watching Lewis H get pole position!
June 6th Sea Breeze kept teasing, and eventually I went out on the Summer kit, 6.6 & 105 FSW, managed a few runs before the cloud rolled over and killed the wind!
June 4th Superb sea breeze day, wall to wall sunshine and wind gusting 20mph SW'ly all afternoon. Though I passed on going out, keeping my energy for the Worthing 10km which paid off with a respectable 40:47, not bad for an old fart!
June 1st Sunday went "Retro" again taking out the "Original Windsurfer" in the light breeze sailing along with the various boats out from the Yacht Club, in fact a couple of people just had to have a "go" and enjoyed the experience. Might even now see Jonathan Hutchcroft back out on his Mistral One Design!
May 28th Launched around 15:00 and was well powered on a 4.7 & 77FSW (just for a change), sailed up to the Cafe, rain at times was heavy; had to come in and down / out haul sail as the wind came up some more. Only a handful of "Poles" out and likewise for Kites, don't know where every one was. Waves were good for playing on, and quite respecatable for wind driven swell. Nice to be back out on starboard tack!
May 25th Today turned out to be most pleasant in the afternoon. I went "retro" and took ye olde "Windsurfer" out in shorts and vest and sailed along up and down from the Cafe a couple of times, when the wind was gusting 12mph, without a harness was getting almost hard work!
May 24th From reading various reports would seem that many people headed over to St Marys / Littlestone and had some good TOW. After running up on the Downs in the morning and seeing how bad the traffic was I passed on travelling and sailed from here, not the best conditions, totally stacked one moment then floundering around the next, but was enjoyable in a sort of masochostic way!
May 17th Saturday picked up yet another original Windsurfer Regatta, hopefully they will eventually become collectors items, this one was in really good conditions, looked so good just had to go out on the water, and ended up having a very pleasant "old school" session, more of the same this afternoon.
May 13th This morning had offshore winds gusting 30mph. I saw a couple of elderly (only in Worthing) kayakers going out mid to low tide, and thought was not the best move in the screaming off shore winds, and sure enough once they were out the winds carried them out to sea, fortunately they sussed the error of their ways and just about managed to get back in. I did ring the beach patrol to advise them that maybe they should hike up the offshore flags but they did not think it was blowing that much down their end, of course nothing to do with the four to five story buildings in front of the beach office, later on they too acknowledged just how windy it actually was, and flags were indeed hoisted!
Back from the Artic May 8th -11th Having left a snow covered dock in the morning to having a BBQ on the beach still at 22:30 in t-shirts & shorts!
Whilst you were basking in the heat, we hardly saw the sun, fair amount of rain, which was snow above 300m, conditions could have been worst, and as ever was a very special trip. Some pictures here.
Legs recovered by the time we made our first ascent and had no real problems after the marathon, again a huge thanks to all those who donated.
Over £2,500 raised for the RNLI Huge thanks to everyone who has donated, nigh on 250 people, really stoked, and had it confirmed from the RNLI that all funds raised will indeed be assigned to the Shoreham Harbour Appeal.
The run itself ended up being one of the toughest runs I've done. I was going well for the first half, (1:56) but by mile 20 I was cramping badly. Had to really be careful not to push it as I could have gone into spasm and possibly had to retire, and with the money raised could not even think about that! GPS / Heart Rate / Speed log here.
It was the heat that did me in; wearing full length black tights was not the smartest move. Once back home really messed up by having a hot bath, more spasms, vertigo, collapsing & Mrs WC called an ambulance I was that bad, but recovered enough for it not to be needed, but I was in a very bad way.
April 30th Great session today, waves were very respectable along with solid wind that progressively picked up throughout the afternoon. Was well powered up on 4.2 & 77FSW. When I launched circa 14:30 it was Spring almost Summer like, but quickly moved back into Autumn & finally Winter as the cloud came back, all very bizarre.
April 29th Hardly worth a blog entry, but managed a quick session in the marginal SSE'ly, though at least it was dry. Almost perverse enjoying the evil tack on days like today.
April 28th Today did seem that the cloud was holding the wind back, but managed to get out around 14:30 on a 5.2 & 77FSW, sailed up to the Cafe. Came back down when I thought the wind was dropping, but then went out again, as from around 16:30 it seemed to fill in more and lasted well into the evening, so must have been more "actual" wind than forecast. April 24th "Caftastic" What an afternoon, a big present for all the kind donations. I waited till 15:00 as I thought it would kick in even more, and in the end I was well powerd up on a 4.2. There were so many out, poles & kites, there must be a fair few teachers amongst us as so many seemed to have the day off! Waves up at the Cafe were quite good bearing in mind there was hardly any underlying swell. Looked like some major showers inland, and some cloud spilled over the coastline causing the wind to drop, but eventually sky cleared and it kicked back in again, a classic "Worthing Effect".
April 17th Today went on a bit of a "Surfari", travelling up to the North Kent Coast to Whitstable in the hope of finding some decent conditions. Launched at the far end of Tankerton, quite nostalgic as I spent many a weekend there when I was a kid. The point was kicking up a little wave but even though the wind was constant it was a bit lame.
After an hour packed in and headed cross country to St Mary's Bay. And that made the drive worthwhile, think it has to be the best location in a E/NE'ly, great waves (maxed on 4.7), easy parking & rigging and wind was constant, so much better than Pagham / Selsey and even Pevensey, which I looked at on the way back. Just a shame it's such a long drive.
April 12th Saturday, did a morning session at Shoreham, well powered up on a 5.2 in beautiful uninterrupted sunshine, waves were not brilliant but barefoot and without the Worthing low tides rocks to worry about. As I drove past Lancing they're must have been nigh on 50 kites out!
The afternoon was a little bit more frustrating, I waited for the tide to come up some more launching on a 4.7 just as a band of cloud came over, had about 10 minutes before the wind switched off. Came back in and waited, and rigged a 5.2, had another little session before a second lump of cloud did a repeat of before, again we waited it out and the sun came back out and the wind filled in, only trouble was nearing high tide and it was just one big chop fest, so called it a day as it was getting almost uncomfortable.
April 11th Today general consensus was that conditions were helped by a sea breeze that's been present all week. I was maxed on a 4.2 mid afternoon, and for a superb day it was not that busy up at the Cafe. As the tide built more came over from Shoreham and the waves shaped up really well helped by the strong winds, with even some DTL to be had on the odd occasion as wind went WSW.
April 1st Two sessions today, one down at West Beach LA (5.8 105FSW), I was the only "Pole" out along with Lewis, Jake & Ollie. Had not launched from there for many a year and was most pleasant, first bare foot sail of the year. Session was interupted by being advised by the Coastguard that evidently there's a 100m exclusion zone around the river entrance, so I suppose that rules out the local surfers ever using that break again, so thanks go to the local retailer for telling the Foreshore Office that we were out there!
Second session went down to Shoreham, as I had to be over that way. Managed to forget the one sail I should have used (5.2) so went 4.7 on the 105FSW and had a reasonable excursion, but wind did drop later. Managed to get back home here and realise I'd left the board on the beach.....these things happen as you get older!
March 30th first sea breeze of the year? Today I was sea breeze fantasising, in that conditions looked promising, as the various mechanics were coming together, warmer temps, clear skies, clouds inland etc etc. We eventually had an hour or so with a slight increase in wind speed (17mph gusts), then it dropped back, so was it the first sea breeze of the year?
I had to go out windsurfing as one of my daughters needed to take some photos of a board in surf etc, (don't ask why she didn't do it on Saturday), so took the big old long race board. The swell was quite good, (10 surfers out a the Cafe) gybed round out at sea, but left the centre board half down, wave came up, I tried surfing it, centre board caught, I went arse over tip and side of board came round and smacked me in the nose. Loads of blood, not quite stitches but steri strips holding the cut together, don't think nose is broken, but a couple of black'ish eyes. How damn ironic, sail in mega seas and winds and then get taken out in a light breeze!
March 28th/29th Saturday morning wind was hovering around 20mph, so big board (105FSW) & 5.2, but was rather bland but shouldn't complain. Counted over 20 kites on the water and was more like the M25 with everyone blasting along in the shallows but quite amusing threading your way through and everyone was cool.
As for Friday's session, I was out from 11:00 till around 14:30, and it was foul most of the time. Maxed out on a 4.2 in eye stinging rain, eventually it did clear up and had a good hour, then with the wind progressively dropping had a wobble to sail off the wind back home, and then the wind picked up again making for a great run in on the waves. Those that waited till late afternoon had the best of the day, with cross shore DTL conditions.
March 21st Ventured (too late) over to West Wittering and was greeted with a major "chop fest", missing the half decent waves of earlier, then should have waited an hour or so and sailed from Bracks, least we got out!
March 20th Today did some "Urban" sailing, went over to Hove, not my favourite beach & location, especially in the rain as I'm paranoid about the state of the water there with the drains. But waves & wind were good, and tide hardly goes out. Rigged too big (5.2) and was stacked, should have been on a 4.2 as the wind filled in. My main problem was the cold, think made worse by having done a tough run earlier in the day. By the time I left about 10 -12 out having a good session.
March 12th Today was greedy again with two sessions. LA was so good in the morning that I went back there in the afternoon. maxed out 4.2 weather. The morning was superb, 3.5 again, cracking waves with some great DTL riding. As the tide came up launching for some was a wee bit precarious, me included as I end up getting pummelled into the beach, but all kit was ok. Afternoon saw more people (the Hove Posse who had come over) getting through the innocuous impact zone and making the most of the above average conditions. Worth noting that is was a memorable session(s) whilst back here you would probably not have bothered going out! Few pictures here.
March 11th Today turned out to be the second day in a row on a 3.5 in superb conditions. Started off on a 4.7, and changed progressively down via 4.2 to 3.5. Good turn out again from near and afar making the most of some very good waves, by South Coast standards.
March 10th Big Monday
Two sessions on "Big Monday" and the first was very gusty, which made it even more challenging. When the wind did come through you were grossly over powered, and out the back waves were huge, I was taken out by one and was not a pleasant 20 seconds or so. Only about 4 or 5 of us, (pictures here) Steve W looping in the insane conditions. Eventually packed it in when I was mullered in the deceptively "small" :) shorebreak attempting to launch still some 90 mins off high tide.
Second session and by the time I arrived (15:30) at the Cafe, tide was well down and waves had backed right off, however the wind was by much stronger and I, along with the "Hove Posse" were maxed out on 3.5's. Another challenging session, (more pictures here) think Tuesday might be more manageable!
The Great Timber Scandal of 2008 the latest news on the timber, they are now going to chip it and use it as fuel for power stations, what a farce! More detail here. Photos of the "slick" off the beach on that Saturday, along with photos after the timber had washed ashore, together with the latest BBC News & clips from two BBC South features (updated 21st Jan), click here.
March 8/9thWind came through from 14:00 onwards (Sunday), and we were well powered up in bright, but chilly sunny weather, only a couple of other "Poles" out and a handful of kites. Saturday was very busy along this stretch of the Coast with many kiters out from Goring and numerous windsurfers out from the Cafe and Goring Gap. Had a quick session, sailing up to the Cafe, was on the 4.7 but could have been 4.2 at times. None too inspiring made worse by a certain dismal rugby match!
Feb 5th Tuesday did deliver some cracking conditions, and up at the Cafe there were more people out that over the recent windy weekends. Was well over powered on the 4.7 and took the wife's Wave One Small out for a change. Though has to be said, waves are better down here in front of the Cam once it's dropped back off the stones at the Cafe, as the tide is still well up.
Feb 3rd Just a short session, lasted about an hour in the 3 degrees wind chill. Hands were actually not too bad as I "borrowed" Jai's Atan gloves. Wind had quite a few holes in it, but was fairly well powered up on a 4.2 & 77FSW. Quite a few out braving the cold, and also quite a few on the beach deciding that it was not such a good idea!
Jan 31st "Big Thursday", we waited for the wind to ease down (from 50mph), and just as we decided in the end to go out, it dropped like a stone. Still ventured out with the 4.7 & 77FSW and was well powered up (with the recent weight loss), sailed up to the Cafe and found the best wave riding to be out at sea, some very big faces made for some great rides. Very good session. Jan 25thI went out for a late session (15:00) Friday, in what I thought was marginal conditions, and was well over powered on a 5.8 & 105FSW, could have been on a 4.7 & 77FSW.
Monday sailed at LA, this time getting the timing right for the tide, well powered on the usual 4.7 & 77FSW, coaxed a couple of others to come down as well. Steve S commented later that he was pulling off some the best bottom turns ever, which sort of confirms that a resonable session was had by all! But what was weird was that you sailed out in what was in effect a SW'ly, then you could cream upwind in what was more like a SSW'ly then come back in have great DTL in what was like a W'ly
Jan 20th A few people sailed from the Cafe and had no problems with the timber, though after being strongly advised by a Coastguard I sailed LA in the morning (4.7 & 77FSW). Waves were reasonable, though probably should have been out earlier, and saw no wood out at sea. There was very little on the beach in front of the Iron Cafe though further up there was more lying around but no where near the amounts up this way. And on speaking to Danny at Surfladdle, Shoreham beach is a no go as there is so much in the water down there.
Jan 19th Nice little session this morning, reasonable fun sized waves, maxed on a 4.7 & 77FSW, good riding to be had, thgough should have got out a wee bit earlier.
Jan 18th Yesterday launched from Lancing, 4.7 & 77FSW, wind was initially a bit up and down, though filled in just as I made it down to Shoreham. Waves were not that brilliant at either venue, but very mild.
Sunday Trip Report As many know the day started off with not too much wind. Mate and I had planned to sail to Pagham and back at 09:30, had all the logistics sorted, even another mate who could give us a lift back if needed......but we were missing a key ingredient the wind!
Still launched at 09:30 (4.7 & 77FSW) but not nearly enough, though I did get going. Stayed around up here, with Jes eventually changing up from 4.5 & 78 FSW to 5.0 & 105FSW. Wind filled in and we sailed off, deciding that Pagham was not too sensible as the tide was well on the way in, so we'd just do LA. So no real surprise when we then went past LA and carried on to Pagham!
Did it in around 50 mins, and on telling that to one guy, he said "well done and that we were lucky to get in the car park", not realising we'd sailed up and not driven!
Pagham was packed out with 50 -70 sails on the water. The sail back was really tough with the ever increasing wind and massive swell, in fact was too much for Jes on the big board and larger sail, and he had to come in at Bognor, whilst I sailed on and after getting totally trashed in the shore break coming in at high tide drove back to get him.
Jan 10th 4.2 with winds gusting 39mph and a big swell running. Good session, well powered, little light on the inside with the rip but once out through the white water excellent. Out the back was great for riding the often monster faces / swell and dropping down the steeps as much as your sphincter muscle will allow!
Bust a harness line up at the Cafe, but thanks to Steve D for a spare. As ever great blast back down from the Cafe coming ashore here in front of the cam in a very big shore break.
First session of the Year Jan 7th With warmer temps than earlier was having a cracking session with some nice DTL on reasonable waves in front of the Cam. Then it began to cloud over, so came in and applied more down / out haul on the already cranked 4.7, as wind was picking up, gusts began to come through in ever increasing ferocity, and then the rain started getting heavier, then all hell broke loose for around 5 minutes, went back out but sail was nigh on impossible to handle...managed to get to grips with it and sail back in but had to call it a day......back in the house see that when I was out "struggling" it was gusting 50mph!
Dec 29th Best day of the holiday week, really good conditions with reasonable sized waves and cross shore winds allowing for good DTL wave riding. Sailed down in front of the Cam for quite a while this morning as the tide comes in faster than up at the Cafe, then sailed up wind where there were quite a few out, and by the time I sailed back looked like more were turning up. ....seems some people who should know better have no idea about rights of way & etiquette in waves and can't see what the problem is when they drop down across you! Dec 28th Busy day up at the Cafe with many making the journey over to take advantage of the ease of launching in a S/SSW'ly in the run up to High Tide, along with well spaced out waves. Sailed up to the Cafe a couple of times and good to see everyone ripping up there, good turnout, with most desparate to escape the family & relatives!
Dec 27th Thursday was very similar to Xmas Eve / Day, pumping to get going on the inside, then quite well powered up (5.8 105FSW), sailed up wind to the Cafe where quite a few were pontificating over the conditions but did not bother going out and has to be said they did not miss that much.
Xmas Day Only just made it out, as went back to bed and awoke at 08:50. Mad scramble to get out before tide was too big, was not too bad launching down this end. Sailed up to the Cafe where Steve Sinnhuber was out, then blasted back down here as Johny Bridges was trying to launch, he persevered and made it out.
Good waves and wind far more solid than Xmas Eve, which was always going to me marginal on a "Pole", but was talked into going out by Jai, shot off downwind on a 5.8 & 105FSW to the pier, wind then dropped and went more SW'ly, it then took the rest of the session to sail back upwind. Far more Kites out than Poles, no responsibilities, unlike the middle aged Polesurfers :)
Here are the links to some video as well as Steve Doidge's photos of the recent 50mph weekend.
Where's the Seaweed? The string-weed hs returned recently, but over the past ten years or so we've never had the huge amounts of sea weed wash up after gales that we used to have, some may say lucky, but there's actually quite a depressing reason why, more details here.
Was not a classic Autumn but Winter so far has been really good.
A weekend to remember One of the best weekends that I can remember for quite a while, in fact can't remember a better one, but then my memory is failing with age! However the conditions were extremely challenging, 50 mph gusts on Saturday, dropping back to 45 mph on Sunday. Apart from the wind, it was the size of the swell that helped produce such "classic" conditions.
Sunday was always going to be difficult with the wind due to veer more offshore, that happened around 11:00 leaving little wind on the inside up at the Cafe. Apart from a few Pole surfers out earlier on in the SW'ly it was Lewis who was the only one able to take advantage of the conditions. Then around noon the wind filled in providing superb DTL conditions. That lasted for a couple of hours, and then the wind dropped, but people were still out making the most of it. Produced another video, here it is.
Then on Saturday had a ballistic session with gusts of 50mph+. Had to come in to downhaul the 3.5, then blasting along when a harness line went, big wipeout much to the amusement of some guy watching. Then back out, buzzed Lewis a few times in the shallows, think he appreciated the speed.....here's a little video Jai shot.
Dec 5th Couple of sessions today, down at Shoreham (4.7) in the afternoon following on from a quick session in the morning (4.2) up here, where it was gusring 44mph. Waves were very good , then Shoreham at low tide was excellent, but not a lot of wind on the inside.
Dec 4th Few kites out today taking advantage of the marginal conditions. About 15:35 noticed a kite ditched out to sea, and with the light closing in and no sign of anyone coming to his aid, rang the Coastguard, but then a few kites appeared and helped him in, so advised Coastguard all was ok. Bit of dilema though as to what to initially do, for if no one had appeared and he was still drifting out at sea past dusk?
Dec 3rd Monday took myself off down to Bracks, when I arrived wind was quite marginal and the beach was littered with surfers making the most of the dying swell. Around 11:30 wind filled in and had a decent three hours playing in the waves first off on the 105FSW & 5.8, then changed down to the 77FSW. Took some video
Dec 2nd Today, I missed what many are saying were the biggest waves at Worthing for quite some time, did seem to settle down to more manageable conditions in the afternoon. If anyone took any "good" pictures then email to us and we'll publish them for you on here.
December 1st Kite Carnage Saturday Winds filled in by 11:00 gusting 30mph. We launched around 11:30, out to sea came across a mate trying to vainly control his kite, whilst hanging on to another that was ditched but with both dragging him along. I managed to deflate one, and then eventually the other was brought under control, but by then both sets of lines had become tangled, so had to deflate that, which left a rather long swim in...stayed with him, and I tried various attempts at towing him in, which was really hard work, in the end we came in down near the Lido.
Then had to sail back up wind to Cam central in the squall that came through to be met by another kiter asking if I'd seen any boards, with that Jai turns up announcing that he'd found two, so a very relieved kiter and his mate, so in total 4 kites down........all "token" beers gratefully received here at WeatherCam HQ!
Then had a good session mid to late afternoon up at the Cafe, and out of the corner of my eye saw Lewis taking a big hit, with kite hitting the beach hard and disappearing up between the beach huts.......so think that was 5 in total.
Postscript to the above : Had an email "Better make that 6 for yesterday. Ripped my North Rebel 10m in half after wrapping it round the sewer pipe. Smashed my knee very hard into the side of the boat ramp and was very glad to be rescued by Ed and a guy whose name I didn\'t get. They then risked their necks to retrieve my broken kite - very much appreciated. Cheers, Paul
Nov 30th Up at the Cafe today (Friday) it was like a weekend with the number of kites and Poles out, all mixing it on the inside, good fun.........only downer today was that I was well and truly stuffed sailing up wind from here up to the Cafe by Alex on a Kite, he made it in three tacks while I had to put in a couple more........We all expected and hoped for the wind to pick up, but that did not happen, and we were almost frustrated by the conditions, but stil better than being stuck in an
Nov 28thQuick session 5.2 77FSW, managed to take advantage of the wind filling in late afternoon and sailed till dark.
Nov 19thMonday again sailed with the GPS, heading off down to Lancing first where there was a good handful of kites out, wind was a bit flukey on the inside so headed back to Worthing, where after a rain shower it cleared and a more constant wind returned, so headed off back down to Shoreham.
In the end set myself a target (sad I know) of sailing 25 miles non stop - GPS track here.
Nov 17th Two sessions today, first early in the morning was in autumn suit and summer shoes and was very cold. Second session was winter suit & boots, but was still cold. put this down to the "type" of sailing, which is coastal blasting as no waves to play on, hence not that much exertion, with not a lot of foot movement as they're in the straps for the long reaches.
Was using the new GPS which is also a HRM so you can see lots of anal data, like speed of the gybes, low HR when sailing (hence getting cold) and how HR goes up coming out of the inside gybe when pumping, and then on the broad reaches back from the Cafe changes in direction when riding the swell further out. Best to view in satellite mode and large map with speed set at 1x. Track 1, Track 2,Track 3.
Nov 8th Two sessions today, one up here at CamCentral , coming in as I was over powered, then decided to load the car up and head down to Shoreham, where no one was out and all were pontificating at the lack of wind. Rigged up and went to launch with all on the beach thinking I was mad, but then the wind just came through as I launched, then there was mad activity back on the beach as a mad rigging frenzy took place!
Good Sunday Oct 28th
Around dusk still around ten kites out making the most of the last of the daylight, most of the UK's top kiters were out on the water here this yesterday, not bad for sleepy old Worthing: at one point counted 35 kites out on the water. The morning was mainly "Poles" out, think that has more to do with the average kiter being more of a party animal (younger & still in bed) as opposed to the average windsurfer (old farts who can't sleep in), with many coming over from Shoreham, as the dreaded onshore winds combined with big tides never really materialised so in fact was quite easy launching up at Sea Lanes Cafe all day, back down here at CamCentral was a wee bit more gnarly but not too bad. Photos of yesterday.
In the end managed two sessions, having launched early at 08:00 coming off the water at 11:30, and then back out again at 13:45 for another hour or so on the trusty 75FSW & 4.7. Although it did rain, was not too bad and there were quite a few periods of dry weather.
So a good weekend after the recent wind drought even with Saturday wind's, though the wrong side of 20mph, so big kit was necessary, ended up having a good "blast" on the 6.6 & 115 X-Fire with the wind building, getting quite over powered towards the end. October 15 -16 Last couple of days have not quite delivered wind wise for the "Poles" but kites have been ripping it up. Yesterday was yet another "marginal" session (5.2 105 FSW), with wind veering between SW & S'ly, reasonably good for a while in front of the Cam, then I sailed up to the Cafe where the wind proceeded to drop, only getting back with the swell & the apparent wind out the back. Later could have been well powered up on a 5.8.
And the same for Monday, good for kites but average for "Poles", I ventured out an had a very marginal sail on 5.8 & 105FSW, only good thing was that it was so relaxing after last week's excursion, where every step & turn made was full of stress & anxiety. As the little "Walking Holiday" was probably the toughest thing I've ever attempted, so what is billed as the "toughest trek in Italy" did live up to the hype. Will compile a more detailed trip report later. But to give you an idea, we were only managing around 5-6 kms each day in 7hrs!
September 30th Made the most of the marginal winds today and initially went out on the UltraCat & 6.6 and then came back in and took the X-Fire 115 out, and was screeching around on that, until I picked up frequent pieces of string weed. What with the "evil tack" and wind with swell it was really hard keeping up-wind.
September 27th Today could not sit back indoors whilst outside the wind was howling. So went out on the "Old Longboard", UltraCat with a 6.6. And it was a very challenging session, with wind gusting from zero to 30mph in two to three seconds. Found myself screeching along about a mile offshore level with the pier, but sailing back in, even with a board that excels in upwind performance was really hard, and ended up coming in at Ferring. After that did not go too far out, but conditions were just so gusty, just would not have wanted any kit failure, enjoyable in a masochistic sort of way?
Wind was more constant, though a little gusty on the river at Shoreham at high tide from reports, and with the big springs currently there was enough water to warrant going out there; at least no fear of ending up in the middle of the English Channel then!
September 24th Two sessions today, one in front of the Cam in the morning in fun sized waves but nothing too "Classic", then a second session down at LA with the tide out to France, think it actually goes out further than here at West Worthing / Goring, but does come in very quickly once it turns. Was not the best move, but had to be down there as that's where I was getting the weather station circuit board fixed..
September 23rd Sunday was very much the kiters day, just really not enough for "Poles", though I went "Retro" again, using a very old (Pre 95) Race Board with an 8.0 and sailed up and down the Coast from here up to Ferring and then back down to Shoreham, stopping off at Lancing where there must have been upwards of 30 kites out!
September 22nd br/> Today went "Retro", mate told me about it in the Pub last night, and after handing over £45 in the morning was out on the water later having a giggle. For those that don't know, and there will be many, this is an "Original Windsurfer", some 25 - 30 years old. You used them without a harness initially, as harnesses for windsurfing had not been invented, what strength of wind's you could handle depended on your skill levels. But still really fun in light winds.
September 22nd As conditions were "tame" after the last few days, went out on the big board (FSW 105 & 5.2), and did a few In's & Out's which were boring, sailed up to the Cafe, but was not too inspiring, then decided to sail up-wind, past the slalom geezers at Ferring and then on to East Preston. Wind was dropping but I stupidly persevered, and tacked on to LA, where in coming ashore wind dropped!
Then had to make the most of the apparent wind riding the swell out the back to stand any chance of getting home, at one point thought I was going to have to land inshore & borrow some ones mobile and call the wife to come and get me, but in the end made it back.
One high point was getting buzzed by a certain kiter near to home by the Cafe, one of the Cafe Surf Posse who has to taken to kiting and looked the part..............you know who you are!
September 19th & 20th Autumn has arrived this week with much cooler temps than of late, almost time to put the central heating on. The last couple of days has been solid windy weather around 30mph. Some good sessions out in front of the Cam and up at the Cafe with Lewis doing his own version of "Pole Vaulting" !
Swell out the back is big and sailing off the wind back home from the Cafe out at sea is an exhilarating rush.
16th September Late today, there must have been a lot of tired people after many made up for lost time of late and spent more than a few hours on the water. I managed around five or so using three different sails and three different boards. Must be said that it was the cooler temps that finished me off, think that could well be it for wearing a shorty this year!
The BKSA kitesurfing event went well at LA, with local, Lewis Crathern taking the honours.
As for last weekend (Sept 8-9), those that did not make it down to Hayling for the Fat Face Windsurfing Festival missed another great event. James from Surfladdle lent me a vintage Fanattic Ultra Cat, and together with a mates' 9.4 managed two firsts, a second and a third in the races on Saturday in the Freeride fleet, stuffing all the modern kit:. After a great party in the evening was not exactly motivated to race on Sunday with even lighter winds, not that it mattered as results of Saturday were good enough to give me 1st overall in the Freeride Fleet.More details can be found here. .
September 2nd After a good Downs Run in the morning taking in the Goodwood Revival Meeting, arrived home for a solid session on the XFire Speed Machine, as I was meant to be at a lunchtime BBQ, sailed up to the Cafe and then went to said BBQ to have a quick beer and then a another hour or so on the water before capitulating to the red wine, good day!!
September 1st Getting prepared for the Fat Face Festival, so managed a couple of hours on quite big kit (8.0 and 115lts), and half way through the session had to come in and change down to a 6.6 that was good for around 30 mins then the wind dropped back. Water is very clear at the moment and did see a couple of jelly fish!!
August 18th Quite a memorable session as a mate and I blasted over to Brighton, more or less non stop. It was quite demanding in a very big swell off Shoreham harbour and then all the way to Brighton out the back, and especially so on the return leg, but good fun none the less, but we both felt unusually knackered afterwards.
August 17th Another bump n'jump session, well powered up on a 4.7.
August 12th - 15th I was down in Cornwall on the North Coast when all the wind came through the Western Approaches in the early hours causing many boats to retire from the Fastnet, as ever winds were better up this way, as is so often the case in August.
Even though I decided to stay longer down in Cornwall to take advantage of the potential conditions, it never really happened (again) down there; ended up with an average gusty port tack day at Gwithians, whilst all the time it was howling back up here. Though the waves are obviously so much better over our short term wind driven swell, but at least we get the wind!
Left Cornwall Wednesday morning and returned here to be greeted with clear skies and 30mph, and some ankle snapper wave to play on.
August 7th Another classic today, enough for big sails & kites, all be it for a brief period, but there was quite a sudden switch off at 18:30 as the sea breeze was over powered by the dominant NW'ly air flow. The clouds were always a hint that this might happen, though they did not actually roll over for at least another hour; and the fact that further down the Coast at the Witterings wind was already NW'ly at 17:00. We also did not have any of the torrential showers here last evening.
August 6th Scratched record time.............4.7 & 77 FSW, nearly rigged the 4.2 as it was consistently gusting 30mph+, but thought it could well drop later, usual stuff, wind blown swell but not a lot to play on even out the back, up to the cafe, reach back home etc etc
July 28th Launched quite early on Saturday (12:30) whilst the wind was still building and rigged 6.6 Infinity & FSW105, sailed with a mate who was on a similar kit, 7.0 Freeride & FSW102, by around 13:15 we had to come in and tweak the kit as wind was picking up; we then sailed up wind past Ferring where a few were out, and then progressed on past East Preston, once there, it became obvious what we had to do next.......so sailed out round Rustington Buoy, did not seem so exposed the second time when there's two of you. Then a good down-winder back from there
July 27th Fun session from around 11:30 to 13:35 - maxed on a 5.2 & Mrs WC on a 4.7. Sailed up to the Cafe, more one on one blasting doing stuff that you can only do to "mates", like sailing across the front of their board, carving them up, nicking their wind on the inside whilst they're in mid tack, tres amusing and all in shorty weather.
July 26th Only managed a quick session, but timed it just as the wind really kicked in from around 14:40 to 16:15, still had another sail could have changed down to and smaller board(s), but was well stacked on 4.2, and you know it's windy when the gnarly old kiters go back to their "poles".
As wind was SSW'ly made it up to the Cafe in one tack, then some insane broad reaches off the wind back down to Cam HQ, and then repeat it again & again etc etc.
July 24th Another pleasant late afternoon / early evening session (5.8 & 105FSW), hardly any poles out but think I counted around 15 kites.
July 21st Two sessions today, started off full of optimism mid morning to sail upwind to LA, rigged 5.2 & 105 FSW, with big fin, but soon became apparent that factors such as string-weed & dropping wind would mean it was a non starter, came back in, changed sails & fins and persevered, when wind went S'ly and dropped came in and watched Tour de France, perfect....
Left kit rigged and wind came up, then back out again for another session. Sailed up to the Cafe, and a good blast with mates....did see three kites out doing what I thought was synchronised kiting.....thought something was up, and then as I sailed back home from the Cafe, travelling out to sea the three kites were going way out the back, I kept on sailing out to sea, but turned back after a couple of miles, as it was nearing the possible 18:30 switch off and having sailed earlier in the day with my safety pack, thought it would be ironic if out on my own without it on the second session things would go "tits up", but the kites were going a long way out, shame the swell out the back was not that big, better luck next time when you do it, but good to see that they were thinking about safety and going out to enjoy the swell.
July 20th Today was one of those memorable sessions with the superb colour of the water & overall sea state; as I sailed up to the Cafe the rain sheeted down, killing all the chop, just leaving the swell lines, most bizarre...then the sun came out and the water was a translucent azure blue, then another brief shower came through, with very low cloud overhead, but with the sun still out, produced a classic rainbow, can honestly say, in all the years I have never sailed into a rainbow, but could not find the pot of gold!
Sailed through to around 19:00, and for a Friday that's treason, as I now think I've been excommunicated for not having made the Bull for our weekly spiritual session where we give thanks to the "Worthing Effect"............
July 18th Another bright, almost Mediterranean afternoon out on the water just in boardies and rash vest, only about three of four poles out and a handful of kites out enjoying wide open spaces. Most pleasant in a sort of "retro" way, blasting on the cle
