It was really good to see that most people erred on the side of caution yesterday and chose to stay on the beach or in their cars. The conditions were about as extreme as it gets with huge surf and onshore winds and were way beyond the 7m kite capability that most people have for windy days.
Even with the considerable experience I have had in these kind of conditions and the fact that I had a 5m kite up, and weigh 93 kilos, I was still 50% nervous and 50% exhillerated before during and after the session. I played a very cautious game whilst out riding the small to medium waves. I avoided the big ones, just too big! I had a good session but called it off after about 45 minutes after having a few close shaves with pounding waves and decided not to push my luck too far.
Big ups also to the beach inspector who came down to check if I knew what I was doing before launching. He also stayed and watched until he was satisfied I knew what I was doing and came back once I had landed to make sure I was OK and that I wasn't going out again. He was a bit nervous and I don't think he wanted to get out of his car!
Big thanks to the guys who braved the stinging sand and pelting spray to launch and land me. Muchos gracias!
I would say to aspiring storm riders that you must be 100% confident that you
can handle the conditions and are fully prepared for the worst should something go wrong. If there is any doubt in your mind, then don't go out, especially in onshore conditions.
Good winds,
)
