Yeah, it was great conditions too, dead inshore to where they're looking at me funny for wearing a spray top, then we hit the wind line and it was whitecapping, let them drive while I sheeted from the trap, they were getting romped. And of course, how had they heard of Santa Barbara? From the soap opera, its still playing in reruns over there I guess...

Matt,

Do you know who the solo sailor is on the Prindle 18 that has multi colored sails and sports number 862 on the sail?

GARY

Same day. Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands National Park) in the background.
GARY

Nice pics, Gary. We went out last Tuesday in about 18 knots (fun but scarey for me). We only stayed out for about 15 minutes because my son was wet and shivering (yes, I'm in Florida). He said he didn't want to go in but it was getting crazy. Just as we "hit" the beach on a barely controllable broad run, a carfull of kite sailors pulls up. They told us that they don't even think about coming out until the wind hits about 20 mph. He was wearing a BMX looking helmet. I thought it was silly until I saw him launch off the face of the heavy chop. He got about 5 feet of air off of a 1 foot face by doing a pull-up looking maneuver. Very impressive... I see why they wear helmets now.

-Rob V.
Panama City
Nacra 5.2

kite surfers are the 21st century's answer for social darwinism.

I see him out there a lot, but just in passing...Do you know Lee Wickland? He just sailed his boat up for Labor Day(Hobie 21), and is going to do a wedding with me where we provide rides at the beach party....

I do know Lee. His is the the first Hobie 21 SE that I Solo~Righted.

GARY