tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78991828545943091292024-03-18T20:21:17.857-07:00USA 4 Windsurfing CampaignFormula windsurfing regatta reports and updates from US windsurfer Steve BodnerUSA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.comBlogger414125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-52834532612893277832022-03-14T11:51:00.003-07:002022-03-14T12:08:18.310-07:002022 No Strings attached Wing Foil Regatta <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='455' height='378' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVb-2n3qhOnXOSSXsJqI1h2Lb-9zOCzWmQPnXAFOmnFz77yaNDvcvoc_CUK1GbwPexPmn8fzH-MVdnEJl7vw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>22 years of going around the San Francisco city front course.</p><p>Somethings never change.</p><p>I managed a few good races Sunday after missing Saturdays light air racing.</p><p>Conditions were 12-16k and ebb tide.</p><p>I rigged my 90l board, 5m v2 wasp & ML 1100 foil</p><p>We got off 5 races & 4 of them in the top 5 in the fleet of 35. </p><p>Racing was tight with an upwind start & upwind leg with 1-2 tacks to mix things up before an downwind leg & 2 reaches to the finish. I got off the line clean in race 1 & 2, made my foiling tacks, and kept my speed & position for 4th in both races with Johnny, Joe & Fonz at the top of the fleet. </p><p>Race 3 I managed to fall after rounding the top mark after I breached my foil sending it downwind for speed. Crashing is never fast. A quick recovery and back in the middle of the back to finish in 12th</p><p>15 min break ashore to recharge.</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I7A4JS-2q6s" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> <div>Drone footage by Jamy Donaldson
<p>Race 4- Good start with speed up the first beat. Alex goes down hard in front of me. Soon it's Chip and I trading crossings on the downwind leg, with Johnny, Joe, Fonz & Ben ahead. Luckily, I got the last crossing and slipped into 5th by calling the lay line early and pumping downwind. </p><p>Race 5- Good start and speed up the first beat with the 1100 foil as ebb was lighting up and the flood starting on the inside of the course. I had one tack to make to round the top mark in 3rd but blew it. It was catch up from there but managed to stay in top 5 till last leg where Fonz pulled past me with better speed. That's the difference between the 1000 and 1100 foils.</p><p>Overall fun racing format but think I prefer more slalom for wing racing.</p><p>Or maybe my tacks just need to get better!</p><p>Thanks to the 35 wingers who showed for racing, the St.FYC for continuing to push the envelope of board sailing, and the volunteers who made it happen + uptop media for the amazing footage.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-8746859364351382492022-01-01T10:45:00.000-08:002022-03-14T11:44:50.686-07:002021-A YEAR OF WING FOIING<p>In 2021, like most years before, I kept track of all my days on the water- including the number of times I sailed, where I sailed, how long I sailed & what I sailed. With the help of Twitter and Strava, it’s become second nature.</p><p>I’m not just curious about how I spend my time, but look at the data to see what I can learn.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL3_cJ9Om116P1hkTbCG88sxBem2obNEL26a7EELykt2flZZoxJogodF4-TWF6j2YlwS3waiVKrMQU-A9OaRRqB1ukJMWAzCKGZj3ukKo_qQFlDX02ljWAgicRlNJ4-ag0KmBIs6hmr9nBAi5W1te1uvxhAudJS29-J2afaflJrkDQvjJzIqGEoab_=s1596" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1596" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL3_cJ9Om116P1hkTbCG88sxBem2obNEL26a7EELykt2flZZoxJogodF4-TWF6j2YlwS3waiVKrMQU-A9OaRRqB1ukJMWAzCKGZj3ukKo_qQFlDX02ljWAgicRlNJ4-ag0KmBIs6hmr9nBAi5W1te1uvxhAudJS29-J2afaflJrkDQvjJzIqGEoab_=w488-h355" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>This season, I was all in with wing surfing. For the first time in over 20 years, I devoted myself to one sport & one discipline. In past years, I’ve done most every discipline of windsurfing and kiteboarding, sometimes both or all at once.</p><p>In 2021 the quiver thinned out- no more kites, sails, booms, masts, lines or fins. For the most part, it was one board, one foil & a quiver of 3 wings.</p><p>Of course, it’s never that simple.</p><p>Looking at all the seasons’ data, I begin to see patterns of what equipment I used most at different times of the year, and where I spent the majority of my time on the water.</p><p>In 2021, I winged over 3000 miles, using 7 wings, 3 foils, 4 boards at 6 different locations.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXqtlV5XQZJMBmRY8Ep2ahHTqUXl_OkvuKyz1uaIYESn4Zk6Yz3eXeMj38v1sOp9kN1uAFDMP8Znm6d7aJUga0E5bKqfz2P9DkHOWaIrYmgyaraPclOvi4L_qlcjX0Iu-AQld-NBhsmWSgeTKJYpR3qDx8SDD366q3J0U5hdqtihrMETnkAwTFt06q=s700" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="700" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXqtlV5XQZJMBmRY8Ep2ahHTqUXl_OkvuKyz1uaIYESn4Zk6Yz3eXeMj38v1sOp9kN1uAFDMP8Znm6d7aJUga0E5bKqfz2P9DkHOWaIrYmgyaraPclOvi4L_qlcjX0Iu-AQld-NBhsmWSgeTKJYpR3qDx8SDD366q3J0U5hdqtihrMETnkAwTFt06q=w511-h370" width="511" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>84% of all my sessions (171 out of 220 sessions) came at one location-Crissy Field in San Francisco. In the 20 years of making this my home spot, sailing under the golden gate bridge never gets old. I often ask myself, what keeps me coming back session after session, year after year- chasing the wind, anyway it blows.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tuned into the right frequency today. <br />Wound on 3m wing & foil in mountains of ebb & 20-30k westerlies <a href="https://t.co/ojCaoysR9f">pic.twitter.com/ojCaoysR9f</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1408633373669560324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>2021 was year 2 on the wing foil and the one of best years yet. 35 years of windsurfing & 8 years of kiteboarding got me here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsaiCXhLb4fLE96-iE8va-1lfJIh9PWSqjYruGAaoxIW3inWio5asHdU_EPiOtoszMiFB9M8wTuo9gZxpZrugo_8363PoyfQ-BgE1zcfbU88zBl0zNyxtbAVirycXc2fdFsL_TIwcR1Brmr7mgjX8s2DcRrDoao08Pb63msO43zkigsV4TgvUk5qXr=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="700" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsaiCXhLb4fLE96-iE8va-1lfJIh9PWSqjYruGAaoxIW3inWio5asHdU_EPiOtoszMiFB9M8wTuo9gZxpZrugo_8363PoyfQ-BgE1zcfbU88zBl0zNyxtbAVirycXc2fdFsL_TIwcR1Brmr7mgjX8s2DcRrDoao08Pb63msO43zkigsV4TgvUk5qXr=w509-h390" width="509" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This year, the wind turned on early in SF. By on, I mean dozens of early spring days with 25–30k and several big spring days in 40k+ where I couldn’t even get to the bridge. The 4m wing was the most used size in the quiver with 107 sessions. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d be using a 3m rig for windsports but here we are with 38 sessions by the end of the year. It’s become my go to wing in over 20k. Not only is it less drag, but it’s easier to make transitions with. Once you realize most of the power comes from the foil, wing size almost becomes secondary. I tried a bunch of wings this season from the Duotone Unit and Vayu VVing but kept coming back to the Ozone Wasp V2 for the best range, stability and comfort.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">OMFG windy. <br />30-40k under the gate for some lunchtime laps.<br />Wound on 4m wing & foil <a href="https://t.co/cSqwgHxnQ8">pic.twitter.com/cSqwgHxnQ8</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1395119244103196674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6y6Sphs9ywZFWn6zefcWzuIGuYJGOcuk3fuIG7FNIbbqO4IRUvIVKpR0KxT4ckCkajf1yp_55lx6iTwmsTYqFK3Wm44epmKQgPegXRBQbRMFLHbVSxRFxoompOnWiZ15ehM_WiRj-tlC2Yes6OEFQ2SIt1surovetuTuH7HJV4qy3Li_rssYWgxu-=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="700" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6y6Sphs9ywZFWn6zefcWzuIGuYJGOcuk3fuIG7FNIbbqO4IRUvIVKpR0KxT4ckCkajf1yp_55lx6iTwmsTYqFK3Wm44epmKQgPegXRBQbRMFLHbVSxRFxoompOnWiZ15ehM_WiRj-tlC2Yes6OEFQ2SIt1surovetuTuH7HJV4qy3Li_rssYWgxu-=w526-h402" width="526" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The golden rule of windsports is never leave wind for more wind but by July, the marine layer was taking its toll in SF and I headed north for a 2 week Gorge bender. I managed 425 miles over 29 sessions spread over 13 days. The highlights- 11 downwinders form Viento State Park to the Event Site in Hood River where I found my flow, floating downwind like a butterfly, carving up and down mountains of freshwater peaks in 25–35k of breeze all while in a shortie wetsuit.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">2 week summer gorge bender <br />425 foiling miles<br />29 wing sessions<br />13 days on the water <br />11 downwinders <br />3 foils<br />2 wings<br />1 foil board. <a href="https://t.co/Z4vUbMseZX">pic.twitter.com/Z4vUbMseZX</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1420055444563795975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p>Halfway through this season, I devoted myself to learning the foiling tack. There’s several variations from toe side to heel side on both port and starboard but after several months of practice, I’m about a 75% success rate on the foiling tack on my best side. On the weak side, it’s lower, but that means more chances to get better!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ode to the foiling tack.<br />This one's gonna reply in my mind till I can make it without the touchdown. <a href="https://t.co/hrPXC1UiRO">pic.twitter.com/hrPXC1UiRO</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1442318885823205385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p>Next up on the learning curve was backwinded foiling. I could not even wrap my head around this one despite seeing my buddies foil gracefully on the leeward side of the rig and float through transitions. 35 years of wind sports told me otherwise-pulling the sail or wing on the windward side was the most natural and obvious thing to do and teaching your muscles to push from the leeward side was the hard part. Once I finally got the courage to go into my first backwind while foiling, I was simply amazed. I’ve yet to only make a few dozen attempts before the season ran its course, but I’ve never been as excited to learn something as I am backwinded wing foiling.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">30+ years of racing boards around a course and now-foiling wing surf slalom <a href="https://twitter.com/StFYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StFYC</a>. <br />1st start at 5:30 off Crissy Field, Friday June 4th. <a href="https://t.co/1V7WO8Q2N8">pic.twitter.com/1V7WO8Q2N8</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1400921825060683776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p>2021 had the least amount of competition I’ve ever done. I raced just 4 races over the course of the summer with 3 Friday Night Wing Slalom races & the Ronstan Bridge to Bridge race. While I used to strive at racing, something changed at the end of 2019 when I stepped away from competing and found my flow off the race course. Frankly there’s more fun to be had the other 199 days on the water to take racing too seriously.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Highlights from the last wing race of the <a href="https://twitter.com/StFYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stfyc</a> Friday night slalom series.<br />Hang on tight...<br />Race 1 start & 1st mark rounding. <br />Drone video via Jamie Donaldson <a href="https://t.co/bbvPRbuQhJ">pic.twitter.com/bbvPRbuQhJ</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1436921005667061763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p>Turns out, you can still have the ‘Best Day Ever’ even when you’re not at the top of the pecking order.</p><p>Just as I keep evolving, so does the sport of foiling. In December of this year, I got my first sup foil session at Bolenas. The goal- to find as much winter stoke as summer.</p><p>Onwards & Upwards.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-615566337307214322020-12-27T13:26:00.003-08:002020-12-28T08:28:27.761-08:002020- best year yet<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKKsbd4IP30/X-ge7-oMvhI/AAAAAAADVFc/nfW22dIU4mA71Yct75LA5o743hgEUAt_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1890/2020%2Bseason%2Bdata.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1890" height="363" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKKsbd4IP30/X-ge7-oMvhI/AAAAAAADVFc/nfW22dIU4mA71Yct75LA5o743hgEUAt_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w593-h363/2020%2Bseason%2Bdata.jpg" width="593" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love statistics- keeping track of things and analyzing the data to see what I can learn. For the past few years, I've tracked all my kiting, windsurfing and winging sessions via twitter to see how many times I get on the water, what gear I use most, and where and when I sailed.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sometimes I got skunked. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Oftentimes, it becomes the best session ever.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fF3sxD8-0Us/X-gf35aapcI/AAAAAAADVFo/yvPNhHTEjyUlzsUEJ0el9RETWsnCqe9UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1011/YEAR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1011" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fF3sxD8-0Us/X-gf35aapcI/AAAAAAADVFo/yvPNhHTEjyUlzsUEJ0el9RETWsnCqe9UQCLcBGAsYHQ/w608-h270/YEAR.jpg" width="608" /></a></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2020, despite it all, was one of the best years yet. I got on the water an amazing 202 times or 54% of all possible days. At its peak in July, I sailed 27 out of 31 possible days. At the trough, in January, it was only 5 out of 31 days. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Compared to previous years, I'm up almost 30% in terms of time on the water, breaking 200+ days on the water this year. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Previous years saw a switch from windsurfing to kiting, planing boards to foiling boards and now the trend from kiting to winging.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cAqQFSwHMg/X-jTu49fCeI/AAAAAAADVHw/UHzL1KrEuUAE6CMYDCyMJyJY8OIM3HxTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2807/KITE%2BVS%2BWING.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2807" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cAqQFSwHMg/X-jTu49fCeI/AAAAAAADVHw/UHzL1KrEuUAE6CMYDCyMJyJY8OIM3HxTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w607-h243/KITE%2BVS%2BWING.jpg" width="607" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It was the first year for the wing, but the new endeavor took up nearly 60% of all my time on the water with 124 sessions compared to 78 sessions on the kite. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Foiling dominated the year with 86% or 174 sessions on the kite and wing foils. The remaining 14% of the time was devoted to kiting with the surfboard or winging with the land board.</span></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8EDB_iNRzE/X-jSNWUoqjI/AAAAAAADVHU/Rcwsqfj_C5EfUzkDJncNXhlf3u4PHtGpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/foil%2Bsessions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8EDB_iNRzE/X-jSNWUoqjI/AAAAAAADVHU/Rcwsqfj_C5EfUzkDJncNXhlf3u4PHtGpACLcBGAsYHQ/w591-h355/foil%2Bsessions.jpg" width="591" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My quiver has changed over the years from one design sails, formula rigs, slalom rigs, foil kites, carbon race foils, pocket foil boards, no strut kites and most recently to wings. This year I used 7 foils, 5 boards, 5 kites and 4 wings. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The 2 5m wings were the most used in the quiver with 104 sessions or 50% of all time on the water. It was my 'go to' wing from 10-22 knots of breeze. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTW52ueu_6k/X-oFrkcM19I/AAAAAAADVJk/rlZn8jCidF0MRg9_AmNNKpZiA_l-m0H3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2803/wings%2Bused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="2803" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTW52ueu_6k/X-oFrkcM19I/AAAAAAADVJk/rlZn8jCidF0MRg9_AmNNKpZiA_l-m0H3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w595-h238/wings%2Bused.jpg" width="595" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">While I haven't given up kiting completely, all 78 kite sessions came in the first 7 months of the year before winging completely took over. The 6m single strut kite and pocket board still remain the most used combination in the kite quiver while the remaining foil kites get used a few times throughout the lighter winter months. This season I switched up the kite foils from the Moses 550 & 590 to the Moses 683S. Despite not having the overall top end speed, it's way easier in the transitions as it gives you time to shuffle your feet around. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5OGS5w_7Hw/X-oFzdEDrMI/AAAAAAADVJo/DEDHtzI2QAc5IOUw54yPMgZfB2fKLPAPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2803/kites%2Bused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="2803" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5OGS5w_7Hw/X-oFzdEDrMI/AAAAAAADVJo/DEDHtzI2QAc5IOUw54yPMgZfB2fKLPAPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w618-h247/kites%2Bused.jpg" width="618" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Windsurfing never stood a chance this year. It was the first year in 35 years that I missed out.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">But on the flip side, I gained so much more.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">I let go of that which defined me and welcomed in a whole new world. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">It was also the first year of no racing in more than 30 years competing on the water.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In a weird sort of way, it took a pandemic year to make me realize I had already had everything I needed. No competition to compare myself against others. No podium. No ego. Just pure stoke.</span></div></div></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJFeXsffEdU/X-ghjCJZSLI/AAAAAAADVGI/6MbyYgNArwwPVa4SIAaTryTvi_hS3MdJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/monthly%2Bsessions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="2048" height="528" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJFeXsffEdU/X-ghjCJZSLI/AAAAAAADVGI/6MbyYgNArwwPVa4SIAaTryTvi_hS3MdJACLcBGAsYHQ/w615-h528/monthly%2Bsessions.jpg" width="615" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span><br /></span></p><div>I started off the season with the wing, the land board and an empty parking lot. The Crissy Field parking was restricted so that meant endless asphalt runs learning how to handle the new wing and making transitions on the land board. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first few sessions on the water were character building to say the least. If I fell 100 times, I got back up 101. The extra large Moses 1100 (2200 cm2) front foil wing was key to getting up early with a slow stall speed and lots of pumping glide in lighter winds. Having a big board also helped. I started with a 29" wide x 6'-0"/120l Camet board. </div><div>But after a few sessions, I was starting to make foiling gybes and could see how this might be really additive just like windsurfing and kiting had been before this. The learning curve was steep and fast and I was hooked. </div><div>By June, most of my sessions were on the wing with even kiting beginning to take a back seat. As I got more comfortable on the wing foil in, especially in the breeze, I switched up to the Moses 790 (1500 cm2) front foil with far more responsive & tighter turns compared to the bigger 1100 foil. </div><div><br /></div><div>By July, we did a road trip up to the Columbia River Gorge- the mecca of wind sports in North America. It had been several years since my last visit and the first with the wing. I managed 18 sessions over 12 days buried deep in river swell making big dreamy foiling turns with the wing. There were moments I was just suspended between the swell and the wind, carving big S's into the water surface. </div><div>If I wasn't hooked already, this was it.</div><div>To top it off, I got some amazing kite sessions with the surfboard and foilboard in the swell with the big breeze. </div><div><br /></div><div>I added a 4m wing to the quiver at the end of July when it became apparent kiting was cancelled and winging had taken over completely. </div><div><br /></div><div>August and September were spent chasing container ship wake under the golden gate with the foil board and wing. The huge inbound freighters made the perfect setup for getting into the flow. Once you're hooked in and riding off the side of these 10-story giants, you no longer need the power from the wind or the wing. Everything you need is generated from the foil and the wave as you coast along effortlessly down the bay. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pure stoke from the golden gate bridge all the way down to Alcatraz. At the peak, I managed to get 4 incoming freighters in one afternoon.</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diqnLYWiTFM/X-ghzXeO-rI/AAAAAAADVGQ/C18U1uia6ZwqLw8sVUgFyFnPMX5YIuTJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/boards%2Bused.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="409" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diqnLYWiTFM/X-ghzXeO-rI/AAAAAAADVGQ/C18U1uia6ZwqLw8sVUgFyFnPMX5YIuTJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w611-h409/boards%2Bused.jpg" width="611" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">By September, I had upgraded my board from a 6'-0"/120l giant to a smaller 5'-4"/90l nimble whip. The swing weight was noticeable but the OMFG moment came when I plugged in a Mikes Lab foil into the wing board. It was like going from a Ford 150 to a Maserati. The ML fat 90+ foil has an increased chord which gives it more pumping range without giving up the top end speed you'd expect from a carbon race foil. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The fall of the year saw the swell come alive with several epic sessions at Fort Point in the ebb tide and big breeze with what seemed like endless Pacific sleigh rides under the golden gate. After having windsurf foiled, kite foiled and now wing foiled, I can say, the latter is the most well matched for the swell. The wing is the easiest to turn on and off and not outrun yourself like that on a kite. Once you get on the wave, you can simply flog the wing out and rely on the foil for power. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Some of the final sessions of the year came on the flip side of the king’s tide with the negative tide - opening up a big playground on the hard packed beach for the wing and the land board. We did runs from Kelly's cove down to the Zoo carving in and out of the foam that washed up along the waters edge. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2020 bought some of the bet sessions to date.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In hindsight, I don’t think I’d do it any other way.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Some of the years' highlights.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Went from omfg to OMFG. New 683S front wing adds a whole new level to foiling. Like walking on water. <a href="https://t.co/gkqqlhSuY2">pic.twitter.com/gkqqlhSuY2</a></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1221616035859591169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> Winging it on the land foiler. <a href="https://t.co/8Yu2J5DXnZ">pic.twitter.com/8Yu2J5DXnZ</a></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1226913054790582277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pleasantries in the tide line on 6m kite & foil as late afternoon seabreeze delights. <a href="https://t.co/QVeEF3uJB3">pic.twitter.com/QVeEF3uJB3</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1233593862997757954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's a way of looking at that wave and saying, "hey bud, let's party!" <a href="https://t.co/ejHoaWOFOJ">pic.twitter.com/ejHoaWOFOJ</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1237796503084617728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Found the flow, at least for a few moments. Pleasantly wound on 12m kite & foil in 14-16k <a href="https://t.co/z4HfyebzMT">pic.twitter.com/z4HfyebzMT</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1241181811016794112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br /> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's all about finding the enjoyment of here and now. Pleasantly wound on 6m kite & foil. Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/dude1bry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dude1bry</a> <a href="https://t.co/mJgslqwMAG">pic.twitter.com/mJgslqwMAG</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1245535290447388672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">As if I need 1 more hobby. Land foiling the wing on the extra low Crissy field tide. <a href="https://t.co/MgdS0aeW8G">pic.twitter.com/MgdS0aeW8G</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1246254785877041152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">25 knot seabreeze is like giving an old friend a long hug. I didn't want to let go. <a href="https://t.co/woKE2fDD1s">pic.twitter.com/woKE2fDD1s</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1248800598901714945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">That feeling you get after a good session on the water. Keep smiling friends <a href="https://t.co/6d8hEGOGY1">pic.twitter.com/6d8hEGOGY1</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1249757320763957249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best day ever. Spastically lit on 8m kite & surfboard in 3k ebb, standing wave & 20-25k westerlies at Ft. Point. <a href="https://t.co/7BWGAOQ7ec">pic.twitter.com/7BWGAOQ7ec</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1252409222081310728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">When your friends check in on you while your self isolating under the Golden gate. <a href="https://t.co/tZyMLz3Wms">pic.twitter.com/tZyMLz3Wms</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1253692932571316225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Day 1 on the wing foil. Spastically lit in 20-25k. Must have fallen 100x but got up 101x. <a href="https://t.co/AOMlRnBuF7">pic.twitter.com/AOMlRnBuF7</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1254554738441416704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Found that flow state where time turns elastic. Endless turns with the 4m kite & foil in 25-35k as spring seabreeze comes alive. <a href="https://t.co/kIlQG3Vhxv">pic.twitter.com/kIlQG3Vhxv</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1256031467987070978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Finally making some solid turns on the wing. It's like falling in love again. Enthusiastically lit on the 5m wing & foil in 18-24k as ebb tide envigorates <a href="https://t.co/dVnJam9Amu">pic.twitter.com/dVnJam9Amu</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1258587560651051010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">And it begins again...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/windsports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#windsports</a> <a href="https://t.co/VmMTJlDWt5">pic.twitter.com/VmMTJlDWt5</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1258613224594788355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best day ever. Gonna take a while to get this smile off my face. Spastically lit on 6m kite & foil in 20-30k as ebb tide delights under the golden gate. <a href="https://t.co/8sVD3uDLsI">pic.twitter.com/8sVD3uDLsI</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1262899896715063296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Stopping by to say hi. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/enjoytheride?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#enjoytheride</a> <a href="https://t.co/KoX8hzQGic">pic.twitter.com/KoX8hzQGic</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1264413757897207809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The wind gods were smiling upon me today. Best session ever. Enthusiastically wound on 6m kite & surfboard in 25-40k as ebb tide delights. <a href="https://t.co/3gCG5b8zZ5">pic.twitter.com/3gCG5b8zZ5</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1269062071699701760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Got <a href="https://twitter.com/brezina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brezina</a> out in his first foiling tanker wake today. Smiles abound. <a href="https://t.co/PKJuvX5kJl">pic.twitter.com/PKJuvX5kJl</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1273099620088832001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The very bestest type of wonderful. Spastically lit on 4m kite & foil in 25-35k & soltice ebb. <a href="https://t.co/Ok86mByCp5">pic.twitter.com/Ok86mByCp5</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1274848090080436224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chasing bumps, where ever they may be.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wingsurfing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wingsurfing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/loyaltothefoil?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#loyaltothefoil</a> <a href="https://t.co/wLUS2PHtf5">pic.twitter.com/wLUS2PHtf5</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1276596685683060737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Road trip with the full quiver & family in tow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gorgebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gorgebound</a> <a href="https://t.co/NXLQZuyhEI">pic.twitter.com/NXLQZuyhEI</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1279253058052952064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Buried deep in river swell with the 5m wing & foil. Big floaty dreamy turns with the Camet 6'-0" & Moses 1100 front wing in 10-20k <a href="https://t.co/aXr7FcXgXF">pic.twitter.com/aXr7FcXgXF</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1280674465232195584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">If it looks like a cult and smells like a cult. It's probably a cult. Drinking the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boardridingmaui?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#boardridingmaui</a> Kool aid today with the 4m wing. <a href="https://t.co/8rDqGrOFFy">pic.twitter.com/8rDqGrOFFy</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1281367160707674113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best session ever. <br />Spastically lit on 5m wing & foil in mounds of liquid goodness. <a href="https://t.co/MOkoAy0r4f">pic.twitter.com/MOkoAy0r4f</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1282079910958264320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Been chasing a session like that since my last trip to the gorge 3 years ago. Spastically lit on 8m kite & surfboard as river swell comes alive and puffs hit like a freight train. <a href="https://t.co/UJFM9CJxap">pic.twitter.com/UJFM9CJxap</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1283562775826952193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Salt water bumps under the golden gate. Spastically lit on 5m wing & foil in 15-25k. <a href="https://t.co/RSRAN7QVz5">pic.twitter.com/RSRAN7QVz5</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1286491284568330240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Coloring the bay red one foiling wave at a time with <a href="https://twitter.com/markpicketts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@markpicketts</a>. <a href="https://t.co/oD9VPIBVN2">pic.twitter.com/oD9VPIBVN2</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1289758560293777410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chasing tanker wakes in the flood tide. Golden gate bridge to Alcatraz with the 5m wing & foil. <a href="https://t.co/alQeCewWj6">pic.twitter.com/alQeCewWj6</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1292614889794449408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never underestimate the wake off a 366mx48m containership. Incoming Maersk Emerald & 2 wing foilers off the starboard bow. <br />Thanks for the shot <a href="https://twitter.com/goldendenizen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@goldendenizen</a> <a href="https://t.co/ILnwpuVK7e">pic.twitter.com/ILnwpuVK7e</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1293022288120487936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">And so it begins again. <br />New 5'-4" x 25" x 90l foil wing board in the works.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/supportyourlocalboardbuilder?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#supportyourlocalboardbuilder</a> <a href="https://t.co/kRLQDcPbCh">pic.twitter.com/kRLQDcPbCh</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1304614772164292615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Foggy afternoon ebb with mike g at the south tower. Sound up for the fog horns! <a href="https://t.co/kdkUo5Vtx8">pic.twitter.com/kdkUo5Vtx8</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1307529334710697986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best day ever. <br />Riding giants under the gate.<br />Comfortably wound on 5m wing & foil in 20-25k and OH NW swell <a href="https://t.co/wTTqXAYTSH">pic.twitter.com/wTTqXAYTSH</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1309295238242906112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The afterglow is real even after the peaks.<br />Oneness with the autumn swell. <a href="https://t.co/OfehY3Uczu">pic.twitter.com/OfehY3Uczu</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1310072641051529216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="de">Swelltober under the gate. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goldengatewingmen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goldengatewingmen</a> <a href="https://t.co/jW1Uhod9ve">pic.twitter.com/jW1Uhod9ve</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1312590075117535233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best session yet. <br />Comfortably wound on 5m wing & foil chasing container ships downwind from the golden gate to alcatraz <a href="https://t.co/WgBlfwAas9">pic.twitter.com/WgBlfwAas9</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1314007600610996224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sunshine daydream <a href="https://t.co/WeUlVoSnm4">pic.twitter.com/WeUlVoSnm4</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1317511470972727296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best day yet. <br />Tuned into the right frequency.<br />Enthusiastically lit on 4m wing & foil <a href="https://t.co/FcePP6WEoX">pic.twitter.com/FcePP6WEoX</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1318736870453387266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Afternoon delight at the south tower. <br />Pleasantly wound on 4m wing & foil as fall swell flourishes <a href="https://t.co/Dkkfw0HOs4">pic.twitter.com/Dkkfw0HOs4</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1324845231829778432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pacific sleigh rides under the golden gate. Fukitsnukin sunday <a href="https://t.co/uDr0b8v0U0">pic.twitter.com/uDr0b8v0U0</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1325550336832991232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sunday funday with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/duotone?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#duotone</a> 5m wing & foil. <a href="https://t.co/mH3p4G2O3e">pic.twitter.com/mH3p4G2O3e</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1330703265529352195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Surf is where you find it. <a href="https://t.co/8NBVP5gCeM">pic.twitter.com/8NBVP5gCeM</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1332156230098317312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Surf is everywhere. You just gotta find it. <a href="https://t.co/maOPPKttSz">pic.twitter.com/maOPPKttSz</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1337974987873927170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Twilight session at ob on the low tide. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nevermissthelastset?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nevermissthelastset</a> <a href="https://t.co/JntqM197St">pic.twitter.com/JntqM197St</a></p>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1338660669206405120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-85083018656988281882019-12-23T18:24:00.000-08:002019-12-23T18:24:56.212-08:002019-the year of fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axgCW6OVOCA/XgA_9TLgM6I/AAAAAAACytA/QvfhPmKmuQcYz-0nX6pSC_eBHwEv90smgCEwYBhgL/s1600/SEASON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axgCW6OVOCA/XgA_9TLgM6I/AAAAAAACytA/QvfhPmKmuQcYz-0nX6pSC_eBHwEv90smgCEwYBhgL/s640/SEASON.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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An examined life is a life worth living.<br />
If you don't know where you've been, you can't get to where you want to be.<br />
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnxRbZQ0Wjo/XgBE_Ns9CSI/AAAAAAACytg/pffL0qJcr_wfxxe3iklqDkTKLDBTI3yXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/time-on-the-water.jpg" /><br />
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2019 was a year of growth and development. I got back to what's really important- having fun. Racing took a back seat while enjoying every moment on the water was the real goal.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_c2q3CYKxMc/XgA_QSCtMiI/AAAAAAACys4/oVDE2K8e4sUx6wHqm2__PpAdNg0lQtjbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1011" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_c2q3CYKxMc/XgA_QSCtMiI/AAAAAAACys4/oVDE2K8e4sUx6wHqm2__PpAdNg0lQtjbQCEwYBhgL/s640/year.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And boy, did I ever...<br />
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I got in 153 days on the water with 166 different sessions.<br />
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I kited on the Pacific, the Atlantic, tributary rivers and even the frozen tundra of the great north.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhf8tVx10g/XgBE-iy35gI/AAAAAAACytY/FsWjJpTo2FoELQHRuxYQ6XnvGl0iTi6LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/locations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhf8tVx10g/XgBE-iy35gI/AAAAAAACytY/FsWjJpTo2FoELQHRuxYQ6XnvGl0iTi6LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/locations.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I discovered a whole new world of recreational kite foiling that led me to have even more fun than I ever thought possible and even made some breakthroughs like nailing the kite board than that has eluded me for so long.<br />
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I jumped back on the surfboard with the kite and found the joy of endless bottom turns in waist high shore break in bath warm water on the Brazilian coast.<br />
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The majority of my time on the water is still spent kiting but windsurfing still has a special place in my heart. I haven't quite been able to give it up- especially in the winter months when the wind isn't as consistent and swimming your gear in isn't part of the program.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhA7SQh3dow/XgBE_RUjrnI/AAAAAAACytk/jnt9MXIi7o8SZa_OYurwyphIbRmwWPOxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/total-days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhA7SQh3dow/XgBE_RUjrnI/AAAAAAACytk/jnt9MXIi7o8SZa_OYurwyphIbRmwWPOxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/total-days.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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With 166 total sessions, 131 were devoted to kiting while 35 were spent windsurfing.<br />
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More to the point, foiling has pretty much taken over my time on the water with 82% of all my sessions devoted to foiling. The novelty still hasn't worn off. It's almost as if I get the chance to rediscover the sports I love for a second time.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNuI8yHLji8/XgBE9EAbC0I/AAAAAAACytI/n_oTTccDGo0CCM57xmXiRQfb1hFmEJPiACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/graph-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNuI8yHLji8/XgBE9EAbC0I/AAAAAAACytI/n_oTTccDGo0CCM57xmXiRQfb1hFmEJPiACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/graph-a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There's a certain zen like feeling associated with foiling- especially on the kite.<br />
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There's no sound of the hull against the water as you blaze 3' above the surface. Everything comes into balance with an effortless flow. The carves are dreamy with the kite pirouetting from one tack to the next.<br />
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In 2019, I got past one of the biggest challenges I've been struggling with- the kite board tack. It absolutely paralyzed me for years. I avoided it like the plague- getting to the edge of the diving board and not jumping in. It was bigger than just relearning muscle memory & movement to turn one's body into the wind vs tuning your back to the wind. I had to come to terms that windsurfing no longer defined who I was. Once I let go of that, a paradigm shift happened.<br />
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I went from thinking what could go wrong to what will go right.<br />
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All of a sudden a door opened and the kite board tack become possible.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vX_vL8p1VZ0/XgBE_oxNwBI/AAAAAAACyto/ht2MuIvBEksnMFGp5jeqh3vAn0lga9p3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/total-kite-sessions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vX_vL8p1VZ0/XgBE_oxNwBI/AAAAAAACyto/ht2MuIvBEksnMFGp5jeqh3vAn0lga9p3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/total-kite-sessions.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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For the first time in almost 30 years, I didn't focus my season on racing but having fun. Something changed. I no longer needed to affirmation of winning and recognition of my peers but rather pushed myself in learning new things. Getting on the recreational kite gear was the exact thing I needed after focusing on racing for so long. It brought back the joy of getting on the water and having fun with every session.<br />
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fC-u6YwKZY/XgBE-e1wYcI/AAAAAAACytQ/fnxDKDJYY6czZ2bpjZdSsGXectloVKWZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/kites-used.jpg" /><br />
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2019 was one of the windiest seasons I can recall in my past 20 years living in San Francisco. In just 6 months I used the 6m ozone alpha single strut kite 66 times+ almost double any other kite. It was the most used kite in my quiver along with the Moses T38 board and foil. The 2 are matched up like bread and butter especially when the wind is 15-25k in the San Francisco Bay. I've just started to use the 4m but think it will be better matched with a bigger surf style front wing in the upcoming year.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvMEM6GH3mw/XgBE9Y2Z2EI/AAAAAAACytM/4WoxnM5OYFgx2xCliVx0_Q6_vKE4e9uwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/boards-used.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvMEM6GH3mw/XgBE9Y2Z2EI/AAAAAAACytM/4WoxnM5OYFgx2xCliVx0_Q6_vKE4e9uwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/boards-used.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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For windsurfing, all but 3 sessions were spent on the windsurf foil, the other 3 were devoted to slalom racing. The most used sail was my 8.0m severn glide 2- strictly for foiling. If it's less than 13k, Ill take the foiling windsurfer- just because it's the most reliable set of gear in the quiver for getting back to the beach without swimming.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmjnlNa26r0/XgBE_18MNcI/AAAAAAACyts/CA9eaIj95gQjOn-BHy06RxOKtsjjRgvcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/total-windsrf-sessions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmjnlNa26r0/XgBE_18MNcI/AAAAAAACyts/CA9eaIj95gQjOn-BHy06RxOKtsjjRgvcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/total-windsrf-sessions.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuNYLa6X22o/XgBE-4-USpI/AAAAAAACytc/PJhweFVKBiE4tbsBCMWIjibkq5KTptQCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/sails-used.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuNYLa6X22o/XgBE-4-USpI/AAAAAAACytc/PJhweFVKBiE4tbsBCMWIjibkq5KTptQCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/sails-used.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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If I examine the yearly calendar, most of my sessions came in April through November, with the exception of July when I was visiting family abroad. Now that I've got the small foiling kite gear, traveling with equipment just became a lot easier.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qP53JUKSXU/XgBE-U6gb8I/AAAAAAACytU/THFQBQCEci8hEiOfloVdOVxf1rNdH2RZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/MONTHLY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qP53JUKSXU/XgBE-U6gb8I/AAAAAAACytU/THFQBQCEci8hEiOfloVdOVxf1rNdH2RZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/MONTHLY.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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By far, some of the best sessions of the year came in November on the Brazilian coast. Jericoacoara is one of the windiest places I've visited. It's a bit hard to get to but once you're there, the magic happens. We got 12 out of 12 days on the water- foiling and doing down winders on the surfboard. I've never has so much fun in my life. For the full Brazil report- <a href="http://stevebodner.blogspot.com/2019/11/finding-way-pilgrimage-to-jeri.html">go here</a><br />
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Some of the years' highlights:<br />
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Base camp terminal b. Made it up little baldy peak to find Sunday afternoon freshies <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snowkiting?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snowkiting</a> <a href="https://t.co/1y9Ll5dGPm">pic.twitter.com/1y9Ll5dGPm</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1094774442130006016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Come for the flood, stay for the ebb. Double session on the 9m foil kite with surfboard & foil board in heathy spring tides. <a href="https://t.co/oEeRAcBd1M">pic.twitter.com/oEeRAcBd1M</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1109652107592790016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Peaks upon peaks. 42k gusts under the bridge today. Spastically lit on 7m kite & surfboard as SF Bay comes alive. <a href="https://t.co/OIRJupHK4Y">pic.twitter.com/OIRJupHK4Y</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1119737944741302272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Never underestimate a NW coastal breeze on a day off. <a href="https://t.co/TUV8I6smD0">pic.twitter.com/TUV8I6smD0</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1132864586690977792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Part Moses. <br />Part Jesus. <br />Pure carbon sugar.<br /><br />One last session on the t38 & 6m kite before heading back to the motherland <a href="https://t.co/PLS7JVBbOT">pic.twitter.com/PLS7JVBbOT</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1144732676122746881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Never thought I'd fall in love with a pocket foil board & 6m kite but here we are. Best session ever in dreamy tide lines & 20-25k under <a href="https://twitter.com/GGBridge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GGBridge</a> north tower. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/enjoytheride?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#enjoytheride</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEKeIS2ylo">pic.twitter.com/HEKeIS2ylo</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1141855128917544960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It was somewhere east of Alcatraz when the carbon began to crack. <a href="https://t.co/oobQxo2vLI">pic.twitter.com/oobQxo2vLI</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1165468187128778752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Always catch the last set <a href="https://t.co/d96t3ZLytm">pic.twitter.com/d96t3ZLytm</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1164388131816128513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Big dreamy turns on the Moses foil board with new 590 front wing. Pleasantly wound on 6m kite in 14-18k as flood tide delights. <a href="https://t.co/8YmOdOiqRd">pic.twitter.com/8YmOdOiqRd</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1167224862332481537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Tuned into the right frequency. Pleasantly wound on 9m kite & foil from <a href="https://twitter.com/GGBridge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GGBridge</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/AlcatrazIsland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlcatrazIsland</a> in butter smooth flood tide & 16-18k seabreeze. <a href="https://t.co/oce84OWltT">pic.twitter.com/oce84OWltT</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1176711013338501120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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600' long & 80' wide. USS Zumwalt stealth destroyer under <a href="https://twitter.com/GGBridge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GGBridge</a> today. <a href="https://t.co/oSBjfdZurh">pic.twitter.com/oSBjfdZurh</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1187183821432619008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Tapped into the right frequency today. Downwind dharma on the 8m kite & surfboard from Prea to Jeri. <a href="https://t.co/cTAkkhtaBT">pic.twitter.com/cTAkkhtaBT</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1190747784326107136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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You can never have too many blissfully moments. <a href="https://t.co/86FvmEFBVk">pic.twitter.com/86FvmEFBVk</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191323143572508672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sometime after the 1000th cutback of the day, just before low tide at the mouth of the Guriu river Delta, the Dharma flow kicked in- becoming one with the kite, the board & the waves. <a href="https://t.co/LzvHxQqirg">pic.twitter.com/LzvHxQqirg</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191453812504092673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Feeling estatic, accomplished & proud today. Broke through a mental block I've been having for past 5 years and finally started tacking the kiteboard. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I've been hiding from this fear for so long. <a href="https://t.co/tPTSqJVRUi">pic.twitter.com/tPTSqJVRUi</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191830139723800576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Best day ever on repeat. Downwinder from Prea to Giriu in 20-25k on 8m kite & surfboard. Found the flow. <a href="https://t.co/PlXHndU6B2">pic.twitter.com/PlXHndU6B2</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192191459719557120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-16309410239508742172019-11-17T07:29:00.000-08:002019-11-17T07:29:45.589-08:00Finding the way- a pilgrimage to Jeri<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like any seasoned sailor worth his
own salt, I'd been to the most of the wind meccas of the world. Maui, Garda,
Hood River, Baja, Tarifa and beyond. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd raced in world championships,
Olympic trials, stood on podiums and agonized in defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But nothing quite could prepare me
for the paradigm shift ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFz9vY_JzBQ/XdDMlHbglzI/AAAAAAACurQ/ddcEGfeOkYw2XWmkwJO8O8Kvl5-NNMGZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/60b3f432d1934eb5a81592968a4fb767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="1233" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFz9vY_JzBQ/XdDMlHbglzI/AAAAAAACurQ/ddcEGfeOkYw2XWmkwJO8O8Kvl5-NNMGZwCEwYBhgL/s640/60b3f432d1934eb5a81592968a4fb767.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The road to Jericoacoara is not an
easy one. It's about as far removed from the modern world as possible. San
Francisco to Miami, then to Fortaleza and finally a 5 hour drive north along
the barren coast. It sits south of the equator on a remote stretch of the
NE coastline of Brazil facing out to the Atlantic. But once you're here,
the magic happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Countless pilgrims come here every
year, pirouetting themselves down the coastline riding liquid roller coasters,
propelled by the gale force breeze and abundant sunshine. I was no different.
Walking down the sandy streets of Jericoacoara after the first days'
down-winder, I recognized myself in every perma-grined, sun-drenched, board
short wearing wind warrior- tired and salty after a full day on the
water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEHc61ohVKE/XdDNrjxYZzI/AAAAAAACurc/N2Z1E6c-Z8YENQgS4TWep_l8HcbVN4jeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEHc61ohVKE/XdDNrjxYZzI/AAAAAAACurc/N2Z1E6c-Z8YENQgS4TWep_l8HcbVN4jeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/streets.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were all here to find a
connection with the wind, waves and water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The big draw in Jeri is the
down-winders. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The coast extends as far as the eye
can see and so do the waves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Made it to the South American Mecca of kiting- Jericoacoara. Double session on foil & surfboard in 15-25k <a href="https://t.co/D9cHMA433X">pic.twitter.com/D9cHMA433X</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1190102065332342784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd come from a racing background
where the goal was to get around the course the fastest, making the fewest
mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You'd follow a set of rules within a
limited playing field. The objective "was to become a 'master-player'- who
is perfectly skilled at the game and who can play it as if they already know
the outcome," according to James Carse of <i>Finite & Infinite Games</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, the game, if you can call it
that, was just to enjoy the ride & find the flow in the present moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was no winning or losing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was the 'anti-race' where the
most turns, cutbacks & gybes comes out with the biggest smile.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was a fundamental shift in
thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 1- Finding the Flow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After getting a few hours on the
foil & 6m kite, I was ready for my first down-winder to Jericoacoara. We
set off from Prea ducking in and out of anchored fishing boats in the shore
break with the wind at our backs and the sun blazing overhead. The crowds
thinned and pretty soon it was just the four of us making our way down the
coastline. Fisherman's huts dot the sandy landscape every few miles-
reminiscent of a simpler way of life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was still in the mentality that it
was a race and I had to consciously slow down to take advantage of everything
that was offered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rounding the point at Jericoacoara,
the breaking waves turn to ocean swell pumping like some liquid uproar. The
swell slowly sneaks up behind you until finally you're on the crest and soon
enough, barreling down the face like an out of control freight train. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I feel like I'm one with the ocean,
tapping into the waves' energy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Tapped into the right frequency today. Downwind dharma on the 8m kite & surfboard from Prea to Jeri. <a href="https://t.co/cTAkkhtaBT">pic.twitter.com/cTAkkhtaBT</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1190747784326107136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A quick down loop and a carve of the
board for port to starboard, sends you flying in the other direction
jettisoning you deeper and faster down the line until you cut back and ride it
all over again on the opposite tack. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again and again and again.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sun was getting low on the
horizon, melting into the sea. Gradients turned from yellow to red to pink and
finally purple. Each passing moment and wave was like an eternity,
totally absorbed in the here and now of the present moment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Downwinder on 8m kite & surfboard from Prea to Jericoacoara. <a href="https://t.co/W3XZoKWAQr">pic.twitter.com/W3XZoKWAQr</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191908280806846465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We land just past sunset dunes where
flocks of people line up to take in the twilight. I hardly notice their
silhouettes atop the rolling hills of sand. 15 minutes later with the
kites and boards packed up, we all had caipirinhas in our hands walking down
what looked like shakedown street from some 1980 Grateful Dead show. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life is good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 2- The Ocean is Love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I awake at daybreak with the sounds
of tropical birds and swaying coconut trees.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I greet the day with sun salutations
and a few moments of meditation suspended on a swing, staring out at the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My mantra of 'the ocean is love'
melts me into a morning bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breakfast is a spread of fresh
fruit- mangos, papayas, water mellows, passion fruits & kiwis. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My hungry body takes it all in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The late morning foiling session
quickly turns into a frothy tizzy of white caps and blowing sand. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I’m quickly over powered on my 6m
ozone alpha single strut kite and moses foil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time for the next down-winder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I did 1000 turns on yesterday's
down-winder, I must have done 2000 today. I found the flow right away and got
more in tune the shore break. Each wave was an opportunity to cut back, carving
the board and throwing spray over my shoulder. I took a wider surfboard
& 8m kite which let me really send it. It was all coming together. I was
learning to put a few maneuvers together to make some decent turns up and down
an incoming set of waves. I see my 3 companions frolicking in the waves, spread
out like some marching ants feasting on a surprise pick nick in the middle of
the woods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the end of the line, waits our
4x4 buggy with a cooler of beer and fresh fruit. The mangos hit my parched
salty, sun drenched lips like butter in a hot frying pan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">The ocean is love <a href="https://t.co/qzh3qKc6bU">pic.twitter.com/qzh3qKc6bU</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191195636978388992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could get used to this lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 3 Rinse and Repeat <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">It was one of those sessions where time turns elastic. Lost myself on the 6m kite & foil in 20-25k <a href="https://t.co/eGmClJhDDn">pic.twitter.com/eGmClJhDDn</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1190693443447726084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 3 is a repeat of the previous 2
days. Late morning foiling followed by a down-winder as the sun liquefies into
the horizon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm humbled by the beauty of this
place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It oozes with colors and smells.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm totally absorbed in the moment
of it all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Waves seem to stand still, building
up in slow motion and come crashing down in a flurry of white water
spray. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My confidence builds as I spend more
time in the shore break riding endless sets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heel side. Toe side. Rinse and
Repeat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">You can never have too many blissfully moments. <a href="https://t.co/86FvmEFBVk">pic.twitter.com/86FvmEFBVk</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191323143572508672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 4- The Tatajuba Express<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wind is slow to build but get a
quick session on the foil board with bigger front wing. It adds some lower end
grunt like walking on water instead of flying over it. The real breakthrough
today comes in the down-winder. We add a coach to our program and all of a
sudden, I'm being fed instructions into my ear about proper board technique and
kite trim.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't believe I haven't done this
sooner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Receiving good coaching is a game
changer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's quickly becoming apparent
kiting is all about one fluid motion and being in harmony with your board and
kite. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not three separate items but
one fluid dance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">3 hours & 25 miles of downwind delight from Prea to Tatajuba. Pleasantly lit on 9m kite & surfboard as twilight perfuses. <a href="https://t.co/MJ5UjweSUl">pic.twitter.com/MJ5UjweSUl</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191184417630371840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 25 mile downwind run to Tatajuba
seems to last forever as I'm riding like a completely different kiter with the
help of Andreas of Uncharted Kite Sessions. I begin to carve the board from
rail to rail with my knees bend and leading with the shoulders and following
through with my hips. All of a sudden, my turns and transitions are fluid. I'm
holding the bar with just my finger tips and trimming the kite with center line
pressure & coming out of turns with pressure. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The death grip I once had on my bar
from years of windsurfing seems to soften with every turn. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I become one with kite and board as
I dance gracefully between incoming sets.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Never miss the last puff. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Tatajuba beach, Brazil <a href="https://t.co/5CEfTad8hk">pic.twitter.com/5CEfTad8hk</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191185580497031168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We head back upwind in the 4x4 with
the boards strapped to the roof and the kites packed away until we reach the
river mouth of the Guriu river. It's inaccessible but crossable with the help
of the most primitive barge I've ever seen. 2 wood planks are laid out and we
drive up onto the barge for the crossing. 2 minutes later, we're on the other
side and blazing up the hard packed sand just as twilight permeates the
sky. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Gotta pay the piper if you want a ride back upwind. High tide river crossing across the guriu Delta. <a href="https://t.co/XDWoEGwp4w">pic.twitter.com/XDWoEGwp4w</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191190018439684097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 5 Best Day ever on repeat</span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My mantra changes to 'best day ever'
and it's on repeat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday's down-winder to Tatajuba
is replaying in my mind. I can recall every turn and cutback even though it all
dissolves together into one dreamy hallucination. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We line up to do it all over again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tatajuba bound from Prea on downwind
express<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I did 2000 cutbacks yesterday, I
do double that today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I began to enter the flow state.
It's a feeling of full immersion and complete absorption of the process. Time
and space seem to standstill. I'm feeling at one with everything rather
than a set of components. Every wave is an opportunity. Every gusts
is a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crossing the Guriu river mouth on
the downwind run is like some amusement park. Waves start breaking 1/2 mile
from shore and I dance gracefully between every incoming set. I'm hardly doing
anything at all but floating around like a butterfly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's pure bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can tell I’m getting tired after
almost 3-1/2 hours on the water when I start to revert back into my old habits.
I'm quickly spat out and dumped on my head in the shore break. Life has a way
of keeping you humble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Sometime after the 1000th cutback of the day, just before low tide at the mouth of the Guriu river Delta, the Dharma flow kicked in- becoming one with the kite, the board & the waves. <a href="https://t.co/LzvHxQqirg">pic.twitter.com/LzvHxQqirg</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191453812504092673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stop for a late afternoon lunch
in Tatajuba. It's nothing more than a simple fishing village with a few huts at
the river mouth set above the high tide mark. Wind junkies sit on the shoreline
waiting for their next session. We nod to each other as if nothing more needs
to be said. 30 minutes later, we are feasting like kings on the local seafood,
rice, beans & vegetables. The Bohemia pilsner goes down like water. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I melt into my bed that night; still
salty & crusty but completely satisfied. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 6- The breakthrough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finally set my focus on tacking
the kite board. It's something I've wanted to do for years but set up a mental
block in my head. It's as if I've been standing on the edge of a diving board
and not jumping it. I was paralyzed with fear. Something in my ego was not
letting me overcome this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the help of Andreas, we broke
down the tack into several understandable and easy steps. I watched him tack
with ease.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ok I said me self, just do it. I ran
through the steps in my head. I was overthinking it. I stumbled. I fell. I
picked myself back up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tried again and again until
finally it began to click. I made it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Feeling estatic, accomplished & proud today. Broke through a mental block I've been having for past 5 years and finally started tacking the kiteboard. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I've been hiding from this fear for so long. <a href="https://t.co/tPTSqJVRUi">pic.twitter.com/tPTSqJVRUi</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1191830139723800576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was overwhelmed with joy,
accomplishment & pride.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was ecstatic, beaming and
radiating with such a personal happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything shifted when I changed my
mindset from what could go wrong, to what will go right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The kite floated overhead and to the
other side in one fluid motion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The board rotated under my feet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I came out on the other tack with
line tension.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OMFG, I got this, I thought to
myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We set off on our afternoon
down-winder and I was ecstatic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still beaming, I began tacking on
the down winder just to prove to myself I could do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It felt great knowing that you can
set your mind to something and achieve it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't let fear guide you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Changed my mindset from what could go wrong to what will go right. Never felt so alive. Namaste world.🙏 <a href="https://t.co/POlZLb6MPP">pic.twitter.com/POlZLb6MPP</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192752593438724096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 7 Dreamy Bliss<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By 10 am the wind was already a
solid 20-25. I opted for the 4m ozone alpha kite on the foil board. It took me
a few moments to get comfortable but oh, my, this was fun. The small kite
pivots so easy in the big breeze and just whips you around. Some of the lessons
on the surfboard translate easily to the foil board. Bent knees, foot switches.
If you can do on one. You can do it on the other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Enthusiasticly wound on 4m kite & foil in 25-35k as seabreeze & swell delight <a href="https://t.co/UNBnb70j48">pic.twitter.com/UNBnb70j48</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192132301796364289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Guriu river crossing at low tide <a href="https://t.co/V6cAL36l9J">pic.twitter.com/V6cAL36l9J</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192995654060199938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The down wind session on the
surfboard & 8m kite to Guriu was dreamy- in and out of the shore break,
gybing every 5 seconds to stay in tune with the waves. I switched my stance to
put my back foot over the kick pad and really was able to snap the board
around. The flow really started to happen when I stopped thinking about
everything and become the action itself. I could have kept going forever
except the sun was melting into the ocean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Best day ever on repeat. Downwinder from Prea to Giriu in 20-25k on 8m kite & surfboard. Found the flow. <a href="https://t.co/PlXHndU6B2">pic.twitter.com/PlXHndU6B2</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192191459719557120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 8- All tacks. All Day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I put my focus on the tack and
having had a lesson the previous day. I told myself I wouldn't stop till I got
to 50 tacks. It took me 93 attempts but I made it. I'm simply amazed at the
power of the mind when you put your attention to something. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Perma smile on my face today. Attempted 93 tacks on the surfboard this morning. Made 50 <a href="https://t.co/Uzdc1SWWmq">pic.twitter.com/Uzdc1SWWmq</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192539362262765568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's pretty simply actually- sheet
out, bring the kite overhead, hold the bar with the back hand while opening up
the body with the front hand, bend knees, rotate the kite to the new side, turn
your back to the wind while turning the board through the wind and voila,
you're on the new tack.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a huge sense of accomplishment
after having hidden from this for so long. It's like a weight had been lifted
from my shoulders. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spent the rest of the afternoon
trying to unravel the duck tack. It's a bit different than the regular tack in
that you keep your body facing into the wind vs turning your back to it. It
took me several dozen attempts just trying to get the kite through the window
and over to the other side without being totally disorientated. I'm a hot mess
but on the path. With enough practice, I become the path. I keep trying. This
one's not going to be as easy but I know it's achievable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 9 Harmony</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I get some practice tacking before
the big down winder to Tatajuba. My confidence starts high after making a few
tacks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Off we go, loosing ourselves in the
down wind flow. I'm feeling more alive then ever. The 8m kite turns on a dime
like an extension of my body and I seem to nail every transition. The board
carves from rail to rail. My focus is intense with my mind and body completely
absorbed in the process. Everything is in harmony. The shoreline goes by
like some blurry mess with all my attention on the waves in front of me and
puffs above. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Found the flow somewhere north of Jeri after the 1000th gybe of the day. Downwind delight from Prea to Tatajuba on the 8m kite & surfboard in 20-25k <a href="https://t.co/vGWdz2tTgz">pic.twitter.com/vGWdz2tTgz</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192987440396558337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">3-1/2 hours downwind on the kite. 1-1/2 hours back upwind in the buggy <a href="https://t.co/5P5rEOIXb2">pic.twitter.com/5P5rEOIXb2</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1192996794944425984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 10-11 Lift off to the Mothership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The days blend into each other. I’m
pretty sure I achieved lift off to the mothership. Bliss, Kharma, Divinity I'm
not sure what you call it but I got there. Everything I need is right here,
right now. I sleep like a baby and do it all over again the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Best Day Ever' is becoming a
repeating mantra. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Day 12</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">- <b>Ciao Baby. Obrigado.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Could get used to this lifestyle.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">If you want to find me, I'll be living in a hut down on the beach. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Pleasantly powered on 8m kite & surfboard on this mornings downwinder to Jeri <a href="https://t.co/g5tUgDM76Z">pic.twitter.com/g5tUgDM76Z</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1193221242410721280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's the final day here but we
manage to squeeze one final session in. We take off early and foil & upwind
several miles where the wind builds quickly to 20-25 knots. The swell in
unrelenting. I’m getting over powered with the 6m kite but then turn down wind
where it all comes together again. I'm floating on a cloud. Everything that I
learned the previous 11 days seems to all make sense. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Rancho de Peixe, <a href="https://t.co/Wj6mzGEpsw">pic.twitter.com/Wj6mzGEpsw</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #8899a6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1194019411365023745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2019</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Something tells me this was more
than your average surf trip. I’m humbled at the opportunity to have learned so
much in such a short time. My mindset has shifted to all the possibilities of
what could go right vs what could go wrong. It’s a simple switch but makes all
the difference in overcoming obstacles we set for ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-56468004590022296612019-06-01T21:43:00.001-07:002019-06-03T15:45:55.677-07:00The path to foiling enlightenment...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXHNUEELfks/XPL3-w3UvxI/AAAAAAAChAk/q5zcARy05v0Dsaoc-jdfTpuRIhdjEfC9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Recently-Updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXHNUEELfks/XPL3-w3UvxI/AAAAAAAChAk/q5zcARy05v0Dsaoc-jdfTpuRIhdjEfC9wCLcBGAs/s640/Recently-Updated.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
photo credit- <a href="https://www.crayivp.com/Kites-Windsurfers/Windsurfers19/">C Ray</a></div>
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Just when you think you've finally reinvented yourself & got the foiling thing- the whole world comes crashing down. The trick is to the surrender to the flow and just trust the process.<br />
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I'm a few years into this foiling endeavor, starting with kiting and now windsurfing and the more I do it, the more I'm hooked. It's almost as if you get a brand new start to enjoy your most favorite thing in the whole world. For me, the process of learning to foil has been unlearning all the other things, which doesn't come easy after decades of muscle memory but then again if you trust the process, the fun will come.<br />
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For most, kiting is the light wind option, but for me, it's all about exploring the what the foiling windsurfer can do in the light breeze. When the breeze is under 15k, I opt for the foiling windsurfer as that's the best tool for the job. You can shlog to the wind line and not worry about the repercussions of dropping your kite and self rescuing a foil kite & board. Once up, it doesn't take much to keep going. All the power is generated from the foil and with a few pumps of a 8-9m rig you can get going in 10k and stay foiling in 7k, In anything over 15k, You don't need anything over a 5-6m rig to keep the power going, I never though a year ago when I first got a foiling windsurfer that a foiling gybe would be possible but now I'm oh so close.<br />
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This year I up'ed my game and got a high aspect foil specific rig, It's a game changer with a long luff and short boom. The Severne hyperglide 2 8.0m rig locks in the ride both upwind and downwind and is very powerful around the race course.<br />
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Im running a mikes lab foil with an 83cm fuselage and 90cm front wing. Its a bit smaller than the standard 100-120 cm F4 and starboard fuselages but once lit, its f' fast. Most of the time it's me and not the foil that's holding my speed back. However, the longer fuselage is quickly becoming apparent to balancing out the weight of the rig so far forward. There's not one magic bullet that gets you 100% up to speed but a combination of a bunch of stuff. The foiling board, believe it or not still makes a big difference. The rocker line makes it easy to pop back up once you come down off a foil. The starboard 177 foil board seems to be setting the standard. Lighter booms help as well making the swing weight less when you need to gybe.<br />
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At the end of the day, however, it's time on the water that's crucial to making all your foiling gybes light wind take offs and heeling the board to windward.<br />
After 1 Friday night foil windsurf race race and a few Thursday night kite races , I remain humble and realize there's still much to learn for this grasshopper.<br />
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Racing is not the end all, be all of sailing. Sometimes you've just got to kick back and enjoy the ride.<br />
After years of competition, I'm realizing its not necessarily about how you finish but how much fun you have.<br />
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When its 10-15k, I start thinking about the foiling kiteboard, Its so much fun, generating so much lift from for the foil with the upward lift of the kite. Straight line kite foiling is still like nothing else in the world, as if you were riding a powder board on a bog pow day in the mountains. The upward vector of the kite pulling lend itself well to foiling, Transitions on the other hand are still the death of me. On one tack I can make a foiling gybe, coming from starboard onto port. Switching my feet on the other tack feels like my legs are jello, my knees are wobbly and I'm a hot mess.<br />
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I'm still no closer to tacking the foiling kite board than I was 4 years ago when I began this journey. The process of turning the front of body into the wind vs turning your back does not come easy. Years of muscle memory tell me otherwise despite trying to do doing a foiling kite tack in the shower, in the grocery store line and even in my sleep. I look back the beginning of my windsurfing journey 30+ years ago and and think about how long it took me to learn how to do a proper planning gybe- probably years until I really got it.<br />
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I've switched to the lower aspect and more forgiving Ozone hyperlink kites. Even now, 2+ years in, the simpler foil kites are the way to go. I'm actually leaning towards more of a free ride set up for next year as you simply dont need to go that fast all the time, especially as the SF breeze comes up. I see the recreational kite foilers ripping it up with the small kites, small boards and bigger front foil wings and wonder if there's more than one way to get to this foiling dharma state of bliss.<br />
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As for now, I just try to enjoy the moment no matter what I'm' doing. When its 25k+, that means grabbing a small tube kite and surf board and really getting into the puffs. Power kiting with a 7m kite in the big breeze can be so exhilarating. I've gotten several days this spring in 30-40k breeze playing in the tide lines as force 8 gales blow through the golden gate.<br />
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Nothing lasts forever, so enjoy the ride.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-35615450132957129182019-02-14T15:43:00.000-08:002019-02-14T15:43:28.611-08:00Waist deep in the promised landImagine your favorite pillow.<br />
White and fluffy and as soft as a baby lamb's coat. Rolling contours envelope the surface creating a personal palace for your head to sink into.<br />
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Now imagine the same landscape but instead of a pillow, it's a wide open winter wonderland of snow covered meadows, subtle valleys and endless terrain. You are just a spec on it's surface.<br />
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Instead of your head sinking in, you're able to effortless glide across the terrain, riding in and out of valleys, across ridges and floating over streams below.<br />
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This is snow kiting.<br />
No waiting in lift lines.<br />
No over priced lift tickets.<br />
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Just you, the kite and a pair of skis or snowboard.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0devhIhJCs/XGX7oAk6uEI/AAAAAAACUoo/qhDHEkL9dxUKeNWkEynM5eozonIjKcyEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1251" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0devhIhJCs/XGX7oAk6uEI/AAAAAAACUoo/qhDHEkL9dxUKeNWkEynM5eozonIjKcyEACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6920.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Happiness can be found at the end of a kite<br />
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This years mid winter adventure took me to the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming- east of Yellowstone National Park for the 2019 Snowkite Masters. It was a gathering of like minded kiters from the Rocky Mountains & East and West coasts at North America's premiere snow kite lodge- <a href="http://wyhighcountry.com/">Wyoming High Country lodge.</a></div>
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Snow kiting combines the best of snowboarding, sking and kiting. It allows you to ride practically anywhere- up and down the mountain, across powder filled meadows, rolling terrain, gullies and ridges. You can glide down the face of the mountain as the updraft provides continuous lift for the kite. You can ride for miles in any direction exploring endless powder.<br />
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However, it ain't as easy as it sounds.<br />
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Just getting there and setting up in the cold weather can be a feat<br />
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Huffing around to set up kites and snowgear with 5 layers of clothes on and an harness at 9500' elevation takes it toll. So does postholing through the powder to get set up.<br />
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I'm not gonna lie. It was cold. -20 wind chill.<br />
2 base layers, wool sweater, 2 downs & a shell + 2 kite mares on my first afternoon out left me wondering what the hell I was doing.<br />
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Just like there's no easy way in, there's no easy was out.<br />
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This mornings commute up the mountain. <a href="https://t.co/HroJPodAq9">pic.twitter.com/HroJPodAq9</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1093685192110338048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The lodge has a snow cat that pulls a trailer out to the best spot for that day's riding. About 15 kiters pack their gear in and ride out the either Terminal A or Terminal B, depending on the wind. It might take an hour or so but once you're there, it acts as base camp for the day. You ride till sunset when they come back and pick you up, towing the trailer back to the High Country Lodge, where the toastiest of toasty meals is waiting for you. The lodge has set the bar high with a full breakfast and dinner served in the great room and warm soup and sandwiches on the mountain.<br />
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Post snowkite beers around the campfire <a href="https://t.co/PPolD1Qkb9">pic.twitter.com/PPolD1Qkb9</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1094432580827516928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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For 4 days, we repeated the scenario. Each day got progressively better till the last day I was ripping around on my 9m Ozone hyperlink just as comfortable as I was on the water. I can't say enough about snow kiting to improve your kiting skills. I got some great lessons on kite handling, especially with the 12m foil kite in lighter winds. I switched line lengths from 15m lines to 25m lines and oh my, it's like a whole new performance level on your kite. While the shorter lines work well bringing the kite forward while racing, it doesn't allow you to get the full pendulum swing as longer lines in the lighter breeze.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I was able to downloop the kite right up the mountain and get to even better winds. Coming back down the slope on a snowboard and kite is simply bliss. You can park the kite above you while you carve untouched powder. Skies seem undoubtedly more suited for snowkiting than a snowboard but alas, this dog can only learn one new trick at a time.</span><br />
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Base camp terminal b. Made it up little baldy peak to find Sunday afternoon freshies <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snowkiting?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snowkiting</a> <a href="https://t.co/1y9Ll5dGPm">pic.twitter.com/1y9Ll5dGPm</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1094774442130006016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The organizer set up activities everyday from a snowkite race to poker runs. It really encouraged you to push yourself and have some fun. The camaraderie was outstanding. I got to know many new kiters- even legends of the sport. Noah Portiz- aka Captain Party- out of Bozman Montana was one of the instrumental pioneers of snow kiting in the Rockies. He's got stories to tell about every spot they've kited in a 1000 mile radius as well as a shot of whisky to share.<br />
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Day 4 in the big Horn mountains. Not sure I can stand but I can kite. Thanks Wyoming High County Lodge <a href="https://t.co/A052b5zvcT">pic.twitter.com/A052b5zvcT</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1094640409748353024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Besides the races and poker runs there were Ozone kite demos to try. The single skin foil snow kites have a huge advantage of simplicity. While they are not as performance orientated as the foil race kites, they do get you up, down and launched and landed all very easily.<br />
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No matter how you get there, get there. <a href="https://t.co/qb2PuoJyHa">pic.twitter.com/qb2PuoJyHa</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1094441737991401472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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I really can't emphasize how fun and accessible snow kiting is whether you're a novice or a pro. The hardest step was committing and just getting there, after that the fun was non stop.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-89103949883097885192018-12-27T06:56:00.000-08:002018-12-27T06:56:49.251-08:002018- THE YEAR OF THE FOIL<br />
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By all means 2018 was another hugely successful year on the water with 150 sessions on the kite and windsurf boards spread out over 3 countries. This year, I was finally able to dial in the foiling windsurf board, adding another set of tricks for this old dog to learn after nearly 34 years with a board under my feet.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd-OcCQFuiw/XCFRZpYF5NI/AAAAAAACP5Y/S7wJlDQcFwwk2pRDT5RXMc-ANQY73_TxACEwYBhgL/s1600/YEARS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd-OcCQFuiw/XCFRZpYF5NI/AAAAAAACP5Y/S7wJlDQcFwwk2pRDT5RXMc-ANQY73_TxACEwYBhgL/s640/YEARS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
By far, kiting still takes up the majority of my time on the water with 111 out of 150 sessions. As I get older, kiting is just easier on my body vs windsurfing; foiling even more so. Out of 111 kite sessions, 79 were on a foil.<br />
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Kiting and windsurfing still remain incredibly equipment intensive despite trying to scale down the gear I use. In 2018, I used 6 boards, 3 sails, 5 kites and 4 foils. My most used board was the kite foil board taking up 79 total sessions or 52% of all my sessions. The Camet race board has proven more than reliable.<br />
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This baby's got some rocker. Welcome to the fleet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cametkiteboarding?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cametkiteboarding</a> <a href="https://t.co/kH5B4oGpI9">pic.twitter.com/kH5B4oGpI9</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/949468526468677633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As for windsurf foiling, it’s strictly a light wind affair. When the wind is less reliable and under 14k, getting out and back to the wind line is hugely important. I’m not interested in swimming with the kite so shlogging is the downside I’ll take to get a good session in.<br />
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While I’d probably be better off devoting myself to one discipline, I’m still having too much fun being the jack of all trades vs the master of one. Foiling has reinvigorated my passion for both sports. It's like learning the game all over again but this time, knowing all the rules. If you can wrap your head around being a beginner again, the fun is there for you to enjoy.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlyyX30ynEw/XCFRxcNsrLI/AAAAAAACP5k/tMwk1cHNG0ozgkjAMLcnAhvBQ3qcEan1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/SAILS-USED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlyyX30ynEw/XCFRxcNsrLI/AAAAAAACP5k/tMwk1cHNG0ozgkjAMLcnAhvBQ3qcEan1gCEwYBhgL/s640/SAILS-USED.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
While I do love me a good high wind slalom race, it really takes a lot out of me but the reward of getting a few bullets still keeps me coming back for more. This year we had 4 Friday night slalom races and I was dialed in for 3 to end up on the podium at the end of the season. It’s probably more a testament to my past time on the water but if you’re good at something, you might as well exploit it for everything it’s worth.<br />
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Kite racing is still a mixed bag as my transitions are still the weakest link in my program, but that hadn’t stopped me from having the most fun I possibly can. I never focused enough attention to master the foiling tack or gybe yet but I all good time, I remind myself.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSpZ29oDzDE/XCFRokYH6YI/AAAAAAACP5g/7gzZMMtITogytwOfvXbYBV1bS44LcYuQACEwYBhgL/s1600/KITES-USED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1200" height="608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSpZ29oDzDE/XCFRokYH6YI/AAAAAAACP5g/7gzZMMtITogytwOfvXbYBV1bS44LcYuQACEwYBhgL/s640/KITES-USED.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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As I look back at all my sessions in 2018, I can honestly say that no 2 days were the same. Every day is a different set of conditions from breeze to tide to equipment ridden.<br />
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I know my quiver pretty well by now but there’s always something more to learn. I love the fact that I’m still in love with both sports after all these years. I wouldn’t do it any different. With that said, here’s a look back at the 150 sessions from winter, to spring to fall and back to winter again. The season never seems to end anymore but just blends right into the next session.<br />
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<b><u>January: 12 sessions- </u></b>11 kite sessions and 1 windsurf session<br />
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The 1st session of the year ended in disaster as my favorite 89cm Mike’s lab board for the last few seasons ended up delaminating under the golden gate bridge on a big ebb. I was able to limp in and at least salvage the rig. It’s the end of an era is over as 15 years of sailing a formula style board is over just like that. I could probably replace it but time to move on...<br />
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1st session of the year is always the hardest TKO at presidio shoal in under water collision <a href="https://t.co/xvHvtugy8o">pic.twitter.com/xvHvtugy8o</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/950935262158143488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It's always easier to move on with warm waters and a good breeze as I was baja bound for 8 days of kiting in mid January. The goal was to work on my foiling transitions but alas too much fun exploring on the foil- riding bumps on the Sea of Cotez, siestas and parties at night.<br />
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Follow the lines going south - a wind junkies guide to Baja <a href="https://t.co/MYWy8p7bqN">https://t.co/MYWy8p7bqN</a> <a href="https://t.co/hUmjFv7D5B">pic.twitter.com/hUmjFv7D5B</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/957439640306249728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<b><u>February: 9 session</u></b>- 8 kite sessions and 1 windsurf session<br />
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Back to reality and chasing the clearing breeze after winter storms. There was still decent swell pumping through the gate and the slalom windsurf board was the best tool in the quiver for the job. I got a few good days of riding winter swell from Kirby cove all the way out to pt. Diablo.<br />
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Found the sweet spot just north of marshalls beach where the voodoo chop subsided and the mid winter swell delivered. <a href="https://t.co/MpW74IFQhN">pic.twitter.com/MpW74IFQhN</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/965428085720981505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
Great data from @iwindsurf with an early spring like north pacific high.<br />
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SF Bay (Crissy Field) winds have arrived early in 2018 w/ spring like north pacific high. Historically Feb delivers 8 days of 25k+ breeze. So far we've had 4 days of 30k+ breeze & 10 days of 20k+ breeze. More NW breeze this year than typical SW. Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/iWindsurf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iWindsurf</a> for great data! <a href="https://t.co/iHRFDdLfwB">pic.twitter.com/iHRFDdLfwB</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/967996647492919296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<b><u>March: 8 sessions</u></b>- 7 kite sessions and 1 windsurfing sessions<br />
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Clearing breeze arrives- if it's blowing at 11 am on Tuesday morning you better go. More often than none, the winter breeze arrives earlier than the summer afternoon thermal breeze. I find my groove in the early spring with a few days on the kite foil and a few days on the surfboard in strong clearing breeze.<br />
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In all the world, there's no place Id rather be. <br />
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenGateNPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoldenGateNPS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/parks4all?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@parks4all</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crissyfield?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crissyfield</a> <a href="https://t.co/MsNGTruqTx">pic.twitter.com/MsNGTruqTx</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/977278991118745600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<b><u>April: 15 sessions-</u></b> 14 kite sessions and 1 windsurf session.<br />
The North Pacific High and sea breeze arrive with regular occurrence again- predictable and reliable and a session almost every other day. I did an old school regatta at the Foster City lagoon racing up and down the canals with fleet 18 on an original windsurfer. It was lots of fun reconnecting with the original spirit that captured me almost 34 years ago but the real fun was getting out on the kite foil in the lighter breeze. The 13m chrono 2 is a great light wind tool but increasingly burdensome while trying to do a self rescue on the water.<br />
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Fleet 18 Glen Taylor memorial race in the Foster City lagoon this Sunday.<br />
Highlights include sailing under 6 bridges, 2' water depth, erratic winds & backyard barking dogs (note- in the 20 years the race has been run- no dog has actually ever bitten a windsurfer!) <a href="https://t.co/c7dHILMjQo">pic.twitter.com/c7dHILMjQo</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/987431383894126592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<b><u>May: 21 sessions</u></b>- 20 sessions on the kite and 1 session on the windsurfer.<br />
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I can't even...<br />
OMFG its windy <a href="https://t.co/SMLldyJ5kp">pic.twitter.com/SMLldyJ5kp</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/998699780694917120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Friday night slalom racing - blowing the dogs off their chains. May 18th race report & photos <a href="https://t.co/Oe8GXf3x8l">https://t.co/Oe8GXf3x8l</a> <a href="https://t.co/18EHtJa0eV">pic.twitter.com/18EHtJa0eV</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/998241372778844162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The breeze really turns on. The official start of the St.FYC Thursday and Friday Night Series. We had some really windy days with 10 sessions in 25k+ breeze and 11 sessions on the surfboard. This is where I have the most fun. After years of dedicating myself to racing, I realized I never really had the chance for back and forth sailing- or mowig the lawn. Chasing the ebb on a big day can be as rewarding as winning a race. I've dialed in my equipment on the big days that a raging voodoo chop is now really fun to kite in with a small kite and surfboard.<br />
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Never miss an afternoon ebb when its blowing 25k+ <a href="https://t.co/0ysXlIxL40">pic.twitter.com/0ysXlIxL40</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/997321156364386305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<b><u>June: 15 sessions-</u></b> 12 on the kite and 3 on the windsurfer.<br />
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Lining up for my 1st windsurf foil race tonight. This should be fun. <a href="https://t.co/2dcnXaGtln">pic.twitter.com/2dcnXaGtln</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1007772638557626368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A new era of windsurfing is here with a dedicated windsurf foil board. It's a lot of work to dial this thing in and find the right settings for a smooth ride. I'm not entirely sure Im going about it inthe right was as Im using the kite foil and changing the angle of attack on the front wing. A foiling gybe seems entirely impossible but Im getting some good rides. It's even harder to stay out of trouble- I've fallen every which way- catapulting into my rig, going over the handle bars, and even running into the sandbar. </div>
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Come for the flood. Stay for the ebb. Well lit on 8m kite & foil in gusty 18-28k <a href="https://t.co/cqkYerIMoZ">pic.twitter.com/cqkYerIMoZ</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1004166693587857408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I've still got it in slalom as I win the 2nd Friday Night Series race in the big breeze. The key is to win the start and don't look back.<br />
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<b>.<a href="https://twitter.com/StFYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StFYC</a> slalom windsurf series week 2 postmortem- It's all in the start!<a href="https://t.co/114h3UY5Op">https://t.co/114h3UY5Op</a> <a href="https://t.co/pMwPTVO7E2">pic.twitter.com/pMwPTVO7E2</a></b></div>
<b>— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1003643455078203392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></b></blockquote>
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<b><u>July- 6 sessions-</u></b> 5 on the kite and 1 on the windsurfer.<br />
July is always a travel month with the family as we head abroad but this time we made arrangements to head to one of the most popular wind destinations in Europe- Traifa at the edge of the continent. It's amazing to see how the rest of the world does it as several hundred other kiters flocked the the beach at Tarifa as the summer sea breeze flourished. I got 2 days on the water in great foiling conditions and got to try out some new gear. I try out the alpine kite foil. Super easy and fun but like having a governor on your car. #notfastenough<br />
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Found the source. Full on poniente breeze. Well lit on 10m kite & foil with a few hundred other like minded wind enthusiasts <a href="https://t.co/8MF47H0BYL">pic.twitter.com/8MF47H0BYL</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1016696184134610945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Wind's up. Kites up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tarifachic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tarifachic</a> <a href="https://t.co/kZyQRsA1Rj">pic.twitter.com/kZyQRsA1Rj</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1017134786266136577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Back in SF, I catch the summer delight as the full sea breeze delivers the goods.<br />
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Afternoon delight. 8m kite & surfboard in 20-30k as ebb tide peaks. <a href="https://t.co/ga67r6Jain">pic.twitter.com/ga67r6Jain</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1021924809565818880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<b><u>August- 17 sessions</u></b>- 14 kite sessions and 3 windsurfing sessions.<br />
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The new 12m Ozone hyperlink arrived after great success on the smaller 9m hyperlink. It's not to much of a performance race foil kite but an easier to use foil kite. The bridle system is less complex and has all the advantages of a full on race kite with out the hassles. I like to compare the foil kites to a sharp knife vs that of a butter knife when sailing a tube kite. If you can keep it out of the water, it's one of the best kites Ive sailed.<br />
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Managed about 30 sec of foiling before the shit hit the fan. Self rescue with tail between my legs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/itsallgood?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#itsallgood</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9tHCIWFkr">pic.twitter.com/R9tHCIWFkr</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1032803707262365696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On the foiling windsurfer, it all comes together as I finally dial in the settings and things become easier.<br />
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It all clicked today. I went from porpoising on the foil to long steady foiling runs on windsurfer. Lit on 7.6 rig in 10-16k & smooth flood tide. Like rediscovering the sport. <a href="https://t.co/ReMJugXsJF">pic.twitter.com/ReMJugXsJF</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1034999557573074945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I get the whole family out sailing for the first time. It wont be the last.<br />
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Got the whole family out sailing. All smiles <a href="https://t.co/n4OhNCdnwa">pic.twitter.com/n4OhNCdnwa</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1028758517346328577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Summer breeze continues through the golden gate as I find my sweet spot on the surfboard and small kite.<br />
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Best session of the year as summer breeze goes nuclear. Mounds of epic swell & big bre3ze at yellow bluff. Spasticly lit on 8m kite & surfboard in 25-35k. <a href="https://t.co/SQcBheTcWU">pic.twitter.com/SQcBheTcWU</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1028441745019662336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I line up for the annual bridge to bridge race on the foiling windsurfer but Im still not even in the game. Half way down the bay, I see the fleet in front all go down as the breeze diminished near the finish line. I bail early and make it back to the beach on my own. Sometimes I'm amazed at myself and the wisdom that comes with age.<br />
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18th running of the ronstan bridge to bridge race. 5:30 start <a href="https://twitter.com/GGBridge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GGBridge</a> midspan with an all out downwind sprint to the finish at the Bay bridge. Foiling kites, windsurfers, skiffs & 505s. <a href="https://t.co/9kKHlUnaMA">pic.twitter.com/9kKHlUnaMA</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1027587777024516096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It's never a dull day on the water as I continue to eat humble pie on the kite foil in the breeze.<br />
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Spasticly lit in gusty, shifty 10-25k on 8m kite & foil. Better wet than not. <a href="https://t.co/NOVBeaFBH6">pic.twitter.com/NOVBeaFBH6</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1025923712220975104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<b><u>September: 18 sessions-</u></b> 6 on the kite and 12 on the windsurfer.</div>
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It's all about the foil as 16 of 18 session were on on a foil.<br />
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Found a resplendent flood tide outside the golden gate. Pleasantly lit on 8m kite & foil from Crissy field > China beach >Alcatraz > Crissy field in sheets of smooth Pacific bliss. <a href="https://t.co/bv6CElFI2E">pic.twitter.com/bv6CElFI2E</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1041868610799513605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It's the first month in almost 4 years I put more time on the windsurfer than the kite.<br />
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We round in a tight pinwheel formation carving through the gybe and getting shot out to the next leg. Those that don't commit fully, go down hard and are left swimming at the mark. . I make it through the remaining 2 gybes, hang on like hell and get the bullet for the 2nd race. <a href="https://t.co/pwuk6i53DU">pic.twitter.com/pwuk6i53DU</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1037001661204520961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I finally dial in the foiling windsurfer after trying endlessly different settings.<br />
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I humbly get around the race course on the windsurf foil but think Im still going about it the wrong way as the rest of the fleet has much longer fuselage and steadier rides. I’m running my windsurf foil setup with the same foil as I’m using on the kite but shiming the front wing to get more lift. Im slowly learning it’s possible but not the most efficient.<br />
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Last race of the season and disaster strikes again- I round Anita rock on the Friday night race and hit a seal. The foil is almost lost but luckily is embedded in the the bottom of the board. I limp in again and save face.<br />
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Last race of the season. <br />
TKO after a very close encounter with a seal @ Anita rock. <a href="https://t.co/PoSBWNZsNm">pic.twitter.com/PoSBWNZsNm</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1045854931729571840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Never underestimate a day at the beach. <a href="https://t.co/jhnW9la5nA">pic.twitter.com/jhnW9la5nA</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1037535026441740288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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5 races in fukitsnukin conditions. Enthusiastly lit on slalom 7.6 in 25-35k. 3rd for the night & series <a href="https://t.co/5fBER3KCKl">pic.twitter.com/5fBER3KCKl</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1035719140953141250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<b><u>October: 18 sessions</u></b>- 12 on the kite and 5 on the windsurfer.</div>
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Lined up with a few other windsurf foils in gusty 10-18k. New F4 125cm fuseloge points upwind like a bullet. Great lift. <a href="https://t.co/uaTymNvlWO">pic.twitter.com/uaTymNvlWO</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1056742391799922688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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16 of 18 session on the foil but now this month the kite gets all the attention. We get a few days of diablo breeze from the NE and I get the out on the 12m hyperlink finding good range from 12-16k. Above that, the 9m hyperlink works great up to around 20-22K. I dial in a new ml foil with better range that works well on both the kite and windsurf boards. The tilo windsurf foil board is finally starting to find its place in the quiver and I get comfortable going in 8-16k on both the 7.6 & 9.2 rigs.</div>
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That session restored my faith in windsurfing. Foiling pacific sleigh rides as ebb tide delights. Pleasantly wound on 7.6 & foil in 12-16k. <a href="https://t.co/6vS3LMp2C9">pic.twitter.com/6vS3LMp2C9</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1055986760189014016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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New foil with increased angle of attack & bigger front wing. Well lit on 9m foil kite in 16-22k as westerlies & fog fill the bay. <a href="https://t.co/XVJvG70cPR">pic.twitter.com/XVJvG70cPR</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1052352020269518848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Flying down wind right over the voodoo chop. Pleasantly wound on 9m kite & foil in 14-18k <a href="https://t.co/npOpgKCRi5">pic.twitter.com/npOpgKCRi5</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1050196703675002880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Disaster strikes again on the foil. This time it's my own damn fault as I forget the most basic thing ever- fin bolts. Somehow my foil falls out just off Crissy Field. I search endlessly for 2 weeks, scouring the underwater contours off the beach to find the lost foil. It's a lost cause as the current seems to have carried it away. I search in a grid pattern, use a fish finder, even get an underwater drone but alas- no luck. Im devastated but realize that it can be replaced, just not so easy. </div>
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Did a grid pattern in the water, poking around w/ 16' windsurf mast & fishing nets + enlisted the help of Bottom Bob No luck finding the lost foil but confident Ja will rise again. <a href="https://t.co/mNVK2anOi1">pic.twitter.com/mNVK2anOi1</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1060756492884750336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hey Twitter friends. <br />
Anybody have any ideas on finding a lost hydro foil off Crissy field? I'm pretty sure it's down there but so far like finding a needle in a haystack <a href="https://t.co/mNpkBuMLN5">pic.twitter.com/mNpkBuMLN5</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1061702371535798272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Teathered 25m weighted kite lines drug across the bottom didnt yield anything yet. Skeptical its even there. Next step- fish finder <a href="https://t.co/JRfIuVNsQI">pic.twitter.com/JRfIuVNsQI</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1062548557599715328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Spent an hour with the fish finder mapping the underwater contours off Crissy Field. Sadly still no foil. <a href="https://t.co/vV6CFNuX5u">pic.twitter.com/vV6CFNuX5u</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1064227307429126144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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One more attempt at finding missing foil Mapping field underwater contours with <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenROV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenROV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/searchandrescue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#searchandrescue</a> <a href="https://t.co/U4ucEFmgOC">pic.twitter.com/U4ucEFmgOC</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1064672384517459968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<u><b>November: 9 sessions</b></u>-8 on the windsurf foil, 1 on the windsurfer.</div>
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Shirted the fog line & found the sweet spot. Pleasantly lit on windsurf foil & 9.2 in 8-16k as healthy ebb tide reinvigorates. <a href="https://t.co/yFKckiPsQQ">pic.twitter.com/yFKckiPsQQ</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1066875771388485632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Found a whole new light wind gear today. Well lit on ML 83cm fuseloge & 83cm front wings w/ Avanti 9.2 in 8-12k. <a href="https://t.co/i5ZXsHnlDQ">pic.twitter.com/i5ZXsHnlDQ</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1058896930313396225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I’m officially a non kite foiler again and spend all my time except for 1 breezy afternoon on the windsurf foil. I manage to borrow a dedicated F4 windsurf foil and it’s a godsend as I find a new grove with the 100cm fuselage and 90cm front wings. I’m slowly beginning to appreciate the bigger setup but just when I thought I was done with all this big equipment, I find myself back on a 100cm wide board. The 9.2 rig is great at getting going in next to nothing and shloggimg to and from the wind line. The 7.6 rig is much easier to make the transitions with and my gybing radius is slowly getting bigger and I’m staying foiling through most of the turn. The bigger wings have 2 advantages- slower foiling speed and earlier liftoffs.<br />
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Cut down higher aspect formula sail working great upwind on the foil. <a href="https://t.co/rQAGTsjFVn">pic.twitter.com/rQAGTsjFVn</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1058919539277160449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<b><u>December: 2 sessions</u></b>- both on the windsurf foil<br />
Full on Diablo winds and if it’s windy on a Tuesday morning, you better go as it may not be windy again for a week. I can’t believe how little wind you need to stay foiling as I able to get my range down to 8k with the help of a big flood tide.<br />
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Never underestimate a winter northerly. Pleasantly lit on 7.7 windsurf foil in 12-16k as healthy ebb flourishes. <a href="https://t.co/i2ptCiQJn4">pic.twitter.com/i2ptCiQJn4</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1071565386032664576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Viva la vent! Notherly clearing breeze today. Big wind line 1/2 across the central bay w/ N & W breeze lines. Heady swell at presidio shoal. <a href="https://t.co/x2jaXd3L6F">pic.twitter.com/x2jaXd3L6F</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/1068683403627716613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-48622856287095450312018-09-04T08:22:00.000-07:002018-09-04T12:59:00.384-07:00Just enjoy the rideFriday, August 31- It may be the end of summer but the San Francisco Bay is
lit up like a Christmas tree with white caps & voodoo chop. The NW breeze
has returned with gusts of over 25 knots & I'm as giddy as a small kid on
Christmas morning.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdb6nl9qEvE/W47hyHLRDMI/AAAAAAACHUs/OXBgTrGIKBctE1cBoYFPIN-A7RkAhniSQCLcBGAs/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1557" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdb6nl9qEvE/W47hyHLRDMI/AAAAAAACHUs/OXBgTrGIKBctE1cBoYFPIN-A7RkAhniSQCLcBGAs/s640/5.jpg" width="622" /></a><br />
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14 other slalom racers jockey for position at the favored pin end of the start
line.</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With 10 seconds to go, the fleet sends it, pushing speeds of 30 knots on
the first beat set 1/4 mile north of the St. Francis Yacht Club for the
final race in the 2018 Friday Night Slalom Series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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It's anyone's race as the top 2 are tied on points going into the series final.</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Most racers have 2-3 rigs & 1-2 boards available at their disposal but
I'm running tight this season with only 1 board and 1 rig used for the entire
series. It works for 90% of the time. The other 10%, I hang on like hell and
just enjoy the ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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We round the first mark set deep in mounds of chop and a blistering breeze.
I come in hot just behind the leaders and wait for a moment to pounce. Dr. Nick
Mast is in full control just behind the series leaders, Soheil Zahedi &
Jean Rathle. I wait for any opportunity but the leaders don't let up one bit.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_kMZ2qpr7k/W47hw0Wic8I/AAAAAAACHUg/dgWUJ_m4SWYlc4BsG8dYrZQszF32q5kvwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_kMZ2qpr7k/W47hw0Wic8I/AAAAAAACHUg/dgWUJ_m4SWYlc4BsG8dYrZQszF32q5kvwCLcBGAs/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">2 more gybes, 3 more reaches and all I can do is hang onto 3rd for the 1st
race<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My approach is to sail as conservative as possible in the front of the
fleet and not make any mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Race 2 </b>starts and it's full mayhem on the 1st leg. I nail the start,
getting a good jump on the fleet at the pin end but the steep chop and deep
heading to the 1st mark make it almost impossible to control the 70 cm slalom
board. My back foot goes into the leeward strap just to maintain some sense of
control. We round in a tight pinwheel formation carving through the gybe and
getting shot out to the next leg. Those that don't commit fully, go down hard
and are left swimming at the mark. When you're out in front all you have to
worry about is not screwing up too much. There's no head games except for your
own.</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I make it through the remaining 2 gybes, hang on like hell and get the
bullet for the 2nd race of the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Race 3</b> goes by like some type of white flash. Wind, water, spray- it's
everywhere. I find myself in 4th behind the series leaders going into the last
leg. Local hot shot & chef extraordinaire, Andre Larzule demonstrates that
you don't need race gear to get around the course fast, just fast gybe and the
dude can gybe. I never get an opportunity to pass except to send it in the last
100m of the course. I put the petal to the metal and pass to windward with just
seconds to spare and squeeze into 3rd again.</div>
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<b>Race 4</b> is where it's anyone's game. The leaders both take themselves out in
spectacular wipe outs. Soheil does a super man going into the 1st mark and is
left swimming as the fleet scurries by him. Local wizard, David Bernsten has
full control on his xs slalom board and small slalom rig. These are his
conditions for the past 25 years and he's killing it tonight. 1 more gybe to go
with David in the lead and Jean just a few board lengths ahead of me. We both
go into the gybe like a pair of synchronized swimmers. I opt for the inside
lane as Jean stumbles through his gybe and goes down. He's left a small room of
opportunity for me to take. The lane is only a few feet wide. With my butt
checks fully clenched, I send it. All I see are the whites of his eyes as I fly
past his head bobbing in the water. I make it through by the skin of my teeth
or maybe Jean's. I somehow keep it together the last leg to secure 2nd while
Dave gets the bullet. Jean is slow to get going to amongst the chaos of the rounding and takes his throw
out for the evening in 7th.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL8nFoKslD8/W47hwScBi6I/AAAAAAACHUc/Gd4XdY09PLM8A9YjFpBz8O7UDbMpsNKJACLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="1600" height="588" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL8nFoKslD8/W47hwScBi6I/AAAAAAACHUc/Gd4XdY09PLM8A9YjFpBz8O7UDbMpsNKJACLcBGAs/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Race 5</b>. A quick tally of the scores in my head puts Jean and I tied going
into the race and Soheil just 2 points ahead. Again, it's anyone's game to win
or lose. Both Jean and Soheil have eaten their throw out so there's no room for
any mistakes. There's some fierce head
battles between the 2 as whomever wins this last race, takes the series. The
duo never let each other out their sights in the pre-race battle. Soheil is on
his xs mike's lab 90l slalom board and 7.1 rig while Jean opts for his 100l
bump and jump board and 6.3m rig. What ever gets you around the course faster.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qi1C5lTGU/W47hxDF2NrI/AAAAAAACHUk/U5DiamU5FJk5SCkIENIzH0ExwjanM0HagCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qi1C5lTGU/W47hxDF2NrI/AAAAAAACHUk/U5DiamU5FJk5SCkIENIzH0ExwjanM0HagCLcBGAs/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I'm just about beat down. Holding onto the 7.6m rig and big board has me
feeling the pain. My arms are stretched to their limit. My hands- barley able
to hold on. Maybe I should have opted for my time on the water this season in
liue of kiting but I try not to think about it and just enjoy the ride for the
last race of the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I get absolutely buried at the start, failing to pull the trigger early
enough as the top 3 boards fly off to an early lead. Soheil is in absolute
control on his small rig and flies to an early lead. However, you can never
count Dave out. He flies past Jean on the last leg and gets 2nd for the night
while Jean and I fill in from behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That leaves us tied for the evening and the tiebreaker for windsurfers
goes to whomever has the better throw-out. I have a 4th while Jean is sitting
on a 7th. As I'm reminded for the umpteenth time, you're only as good as your
worst race, even if it's a throw out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5cMDpXSL2U/W46iGnQs1LI/AAAAAAACHT8/IGLneVblgBQFm4PqmBZW-PvIJtyWgXxIwCLcBGAs/s1600/slalom-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5cMDpXSL2U/W46iGnQs1LI/AAAAAAACHT8/IGLneVblgBQFm4PqmBZW-PvIJtyWgXxIwCLcBGAs/s640/slalom-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A big congrats to Soheil for taking his first season series. He's been the
man all season, always with the right gear and sailing solidly every race when
it counts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ive been racing in the St.FYC Friday night series for almost 20 years now
and it's never been as much fun as it is now. I don't take things as seriously
as I used to but realize the reward comes in the process, not the results. No
matter how you finish, just enjoy the ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Many thanks to the St.FYC, PRO Ian M</span>cclelland, Race office and many volunteers to make this possible.<br />
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<a href="https://www.regattatoolbox.com/results?eventID=vMzfolAvp8">2018 StFYC Friday Night Slalom Series Results</a><br />
Photos: Tia Westeberg, M<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">axim Pantchenko</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-21963987476576342792018-06-04T07:04:00.002-07:002018-06-04T11:33:39.424-07:00Friday Night Slalom Series- It's all in the startFriday night- June 1st. Wind's up<br />
We blaze into the 2nd night of our summer slalom series with 14 boards on the line.<br />
I'm well lit on the ml slalom 70cm board, 7.6 avanti machine and 42cm Z fin as the building ebb & sea breeze pump through the golden gate and down the city front.<br />
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<a href="https://www.crayivp.com/Kites-Windsurfers/Windsurfers-18/" style="text-align: center;">photos by Chris Ray</a><br />
It's a civilized series series, where you can stand at the waters' edge till 1 minute before the start and still make the pin end of the start line. 2-1/2 minutes later, its all over and we line up to do it again.<br />
I take a few practice runs before the start and realize its going to be a pretty heady 1st reach with the 3-4' voodoo chop, breaking swell and 18-22 knots of breeze.<br />
I nail the 1st start at the pin, breaking out from the pack and immediately enjoy clear air down the first leg. The first gybe is hairy with the pack just behind me. I keep it together and lead the fleet to the A buoy. 'Wide and tight' is the rule for mark roundings as I approach mark 2 and close the door on the guys trying to sneak into whats left of "NO ROOM!"<br />
The usual suspects go down as Jean and Soheil are left swimming.<br />
I make it around 2 more blazing reaches and get the first bullet of the night.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.crayivp.com/Kites-Windsurfers/Windsurfers-18/">video by Chris Ray</a></div>
Race 2- Wind's up even more with puffs closing in at 25k, There's some confusion at the start with a late horn but I send it with my back foot in the leeward strap for control down the first reach. David Bernsten puts in into overdrive making the most of his narrower board and flying right over the top of me. He keeps up the pressure the whole race, not letting up and bit and grabs his first bullet of the night while I stay in 2nd. Later, on the beach, we all agree to abandon the race as the RC timing was off.<br />
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Race 3- Soheil and Jean are on a mission- getting a clean start and leading the pack. Im in a close 3rd, looking for any opportunity to take advantage of their mistakes but their smaller boards give them a real advantage on speed. My gybes are clean but not enough to make up for the difference. Jean puts the pressure on the last leg and reduces the distance till he and Soheil are overlapped at the finish with Soheil just edging him out. I settle for 3rd<br />
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<a href="https://www.crayivp.com/Kites-Windsurfers/Windsurfers-18/" style="text-align: center;">video by Chris Ray</a><br />
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3 races- 3 different winners. This is going to be tight!<br />
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I line up for race 4, nailing the pin start again with speed and am immediate out in front. It's amazing what a difference a good start will get you. You've got clear air and able to make your own decisions. I play it pretty conservative and make all my gybes. In a 2 min. race, you really want to avoid any mistakes or else your shot out the back door. I sail to my 2nd bullet of the night.<br />
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<a href="https://www.crayivp.com/Kites-Windsurfers/Windsurfers-18/" style="text-align: center;">video by Chris Ray</a><br />
Race 5- Wind is letting up a bit to 16-20k as I jockey for position in the pre-start. I'm with a group at the pin end. At 10 seconds, I send it, almost sure Id be over early but come across the line clean and out in front. I nearly lose it at the A buoy with Marty Rosse sailing the best race of his life and playing bumper boats at the rounding. I come out unscathed but the fleet is right on my tail.<br />
Soheil keeps up the pressure till the finish but I'm able to hold him off for another bullet.<br />
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We make up race 2 and sail the final race of the series in what looks like a dying breeze. I nail the start again getting a good jump on the fleet and nearly make it around the course planing until the final 20 feet to the finish. Soheil, on his larger board, comes in strong and stops in the same spot as me as we drift across the line overlapped. I edge him out for the 3rd time and take the evening with 4 out of 6 bullets. The rest of the fleet isn't so lucky and barely makes it around the course in the dying inside breeze.<br />
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<a href="https://www.crayivp.com/Kites-Windsurfers/Windsurfers-18/" style="text-align: center;">video by Chris Ray</a><br />
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All in all, another great night of racing on the city front. The big lessons from this evening are the importance of a clean start. Without that, its all catch up and sailing in dirty air.<br />
Huge thanks to the volunteers and rcers for coming out strong and supporting the series.<br />
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Results <a href="https://www.stfyc.com/files/18_slalom_Results.pdf">here</a><br />
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Chris Ray photos <a href="https://www.crayivp.com/Kites-Windsurfers/Windsurfers-18/">here</a><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-324223238992713412018-05-20T09:34:00.000-07:002018-05-22T14:53:09.011-07:00Friday Night racing- blowing the dogs off their chains<div>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To say it was windy
would be an understatement: It blew the dogs off their chains on the evening of
Friday, May 18, for the first St. Francis Yacht Club Friday Slalom Race Series. </span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Twelve windsurfers braved the conditions, rigging up anywhere between a 5.8 and 8.6 sail for the building ebb and 20-35 knots of breeze. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An annual series started
by StFYC’s Bill Weir and Staff Commodore Jim Kiriakis, it’s been drawing Bay
Area windsurfers to the challenges of brisk summer onshores since the 1990s. This
year, organizers are trying out a new course with just one mark set halfway between
Crissy Field and the StFYC. The fleet starts on port tack just off the beach
and immediately heads out to a mark set by the shipping channel. A quick gybe
takes them back to the A buoy off StFYC, then back to Mark 1 and finally a
screaming reach to the finish by B buoy and the Club. The whole thing takes less
than 3 minutes if you can keep your board pointed in the right direction and
stay out of trouble.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Race 1 caught a few of the fleet off guard with only 4 finishers. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remind myself of the most basic rules- make it to the start and finish line. The rest is arbitrary. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Race 2. The breeze was filled in solidly to the beach and Soheil Zahedi, Jean Rathle and Nick Mast quickly charged to a 1-2-3- finish making it look easy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0EArI0iyQNg/WwGilsPUatI/AAAAAAAB6so/PNHwje4_pSMdN5_apOtBMPJtRYO7DG5TQCLcBGAs/s1600/web-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0EArI0iyQNg/WwGilsPUatI/AAAAAAAB6so/PNHwje4_pSMdN5_apOtBMPJtRYO7DG5TQCLcBGAs/s640/web-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Race 3 was an all-out
fight to the finish. I was stupidly overpowered and in the leeward back strap
to ease the fin pressure on the reach. I made a few conservative gybes and
racers fell down around me like dominoes. The last mark saw a pinwheel of four
racers stacked up and I came out in the lead going into the finish. I couldn’t
turn my head to see where the fleet was, but I knew they were charging below
me. One nasty piece of chop sent the nose of my board flying and I eased up: In
that split second, I went from first to third with Mast and Zahedi passing me to
leeward and grabbing the first two finishes. Lesson learned: Never give up,
even an inch</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Race 4 I was
finally back in the game. Rounding the first mark in the pack, I pushed a bit
too hard on the second mark rounding and went for a swim. Water-starting a 7.6
in breaking waves and 30 knots was not as easy as I remember. Vincent Fallourd
showed a solid performance with a taking behind Zahedi and Rathle.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTmxmIxHvTY/WwGiwyeHhII/AAAAAAAB6s0/yd1Ok95uLzA9iyXiGCnGBZ2hVDVCFpDpwCLcBGAs/s1600/web-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="1600" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTmxmIxHvTY/WwGiwyeHhII/AAAAAAAB6s0/yd1Ok95uLzA9iyXiGCnGBZ2hVDVCFpDpwCLcBGAs/s640/web-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Race 5 was the final race of the night with conditions gusting over 30 knots and the building ebb making sedan size voodoo chop around the course. IN addition, the big boat fleet was using the A buoy as their starting mark to cross the Bay</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stay out of trouble, I reminded myself, then
pushed as hard as I could, but Rathle and Zahedi walked away with smaller gear
and were able to get to throttle up and really send it. We approached Buoy A in
a cluster of monstruous ebb, big boats and too-little time for decisions. I
sent it below one of the big boats while Jean head above, putting me just in
front of him as we ground back up to Mark 1. The big boats were keeping the
same line as us, but just another obstacle to get around. We all made it around
Buoy A, but Rathle was really able to send it on his tiny bump-and-jump gear
and got the final bullet of the night</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay out of trouble, I remind myself. I push as hard as I can but Jean and Soheil walk away with smaller gear and are able to get to 5th gear and really send it. We approach mark A in all all out clusterfu%* of big ebb, big boats and little time for decisions. I send it below one of the big boats while Jean heads above. I come out just in front of him as we grind back up to mark 1. The big boats are keeping the same line as us but are just another obstacle to get around. We all make it around a buoy but Jean is really able to send it on his tiny bump and jump gear and get the final bullet of the night. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNhhK5tB7mQ/WwGimb1XnAI/AAAAAAAB6ss/CATVn5p1q5Qo81vZULP4fg4gxL5U3dbGQCLcBGAs/s1600/web-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNhhK5tB7mQ/WwGimb1XnAI/AAAAAAAB6ss/CATVn5p1q5Qo81vZULP4fg4gxL5U3dbGQCLcBGAs/s640/web-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all, more fun than I remember but a lot of work just to stay upright and moving fast. Thanks to all those who joined and thanks to the volunteers who helped make it happen. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're interested in racing, our next Friday night race is Friday June 1st. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New racers are always welcome and volunteers appreciated. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Big thanks to Maxim Panchenko for the photos. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.stfyc.com/files/18_slalom_Results.pdf">Result</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/CrissyFieldYachtClub/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1916513981706847">Photos at the the crissy field yc facebook page</a></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-84117936893846985082018-01-27T18:21:00.000-08:002018-01-27T21:19:35.244-08:00Follow the lines going south<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It had been 2 years since I made my last trip south to Baja for a winter get away. I was due. The brownie points were earned and credit was being cashed in.<br />
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I pushed back my work deadlines, arranged for preschool pick ups and drop offs. Life's responsibilities were postponed, at least for the next 9 days. My next kiting adventure was about to begin.<br />
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With direct flights to Cabo from San Francisco, you can be out kiting the same day in board shorts on a windy Sea of Cortez. Everything I needed for a week of kite boarding fit into an over sized 'golf bag' - 2 boards, 3 kites, a harness and a foil.<br />
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It's always a pleasure to roll into a place like La Ventana where you're not the only one seeking this hedonistic windy lifestyle. Thousands of like minded kiters and windsurfers have been flocking here for decades turning this small fishing village in a wind junkies dream. Every year, it changes with more development and more people, but you can always find your happy spot a few hundred feet offshore once you catch that first piece of rolling Cortez swell.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dctmWoXRNg/Wm0oVgfg49I/AAAAAAAByLw/jcroFciRvTUxp1-b4gNFhFFbaadhLabXgCLcBGAs/s1600/baja12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="512" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dctmWoXRNg/Wm0oVgfg49I/AAAAAAAByLw/jcroFciRvTUxp1-b4gNFhFFbaadhLabXgCLcBGAs/s640/baja12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The goal for week was to become one with the new kite foil but then again Ive said never said no to just having fun on the surfboard when it gets windy. Rules are meant to be broken. Fun is meant to be had. I'm not as strict on myself as I used to be. I may be getting softer as I get older but at least I'm enjoying the ride.<br />
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The first session of the trip was a relaxing sunset session on the Ozone 9m hyperlink foil kite and surfboard in a 18-22 knots. I'm having so much fun on this kite on both the surfboard and foil board. Its got all the benefits of a foil kite without as much hassle as dealing with a full on race kite. At this point in the game, its usually still rider error holding me back, not the equipment.<br />
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That evening, Loscocco and I end up having margaritas at Palblos which in typical baja fashion- turns into dinner 90 minutes later. Everyone here is on baja time which means dont expect much.<br />
By 9pm, it's baja midnight, time to go to bed and get ready for another windy day in paradise.<br />
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<b>Day 2</b>- the wind is up to 18 knots by 1pm and building throughout the afternoon. I arrange all the borrowed hardware for my new foil and finally hit the water. OMFG, I can not believe what Ive been missing. Despite riding an early generation (#6) ML goose neck foil, the latest mikes lab foil is an incredibly stable foling machine. Dozens of prototypes and years of development led to this and it shows. I'm blazing downwind across the tops of swell at 35 knots without as much as flinching a muscle. I get a bit greedy and go flying out of the backside of some breaking swell and eat it- sending myself super-manning across the water, laughing the entire way.<br />
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Fun little session learning to tack the foil board & foil kite. Eating humble pie but enjoying every minute of it. <a href="https://t.co/a66c8a5wf2">pic.twitter.com/a66c8a5wf2</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/953730746111361024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In true baja style, I come in for a lunch break and mid afternoon siesta and am back out on the water on the 8m kite in big dreamy swell. The 44cm wide mikes lab board is incredibly efficient for foiling gybes but as I touch down, to make the foot transition, I bury the nose and eat it again.<br />
A few minutes later, I finally built up the confidence to try a few tacks near shore. This has been my achilles tendon of kiting. I've never been able to make this transition nor have given it much effort.<br />
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There's something about breaking the muscle memory of 30 years of windsurfing while turning my back into the wind for a tack that I just havn't been able to overcome yet. With the kite, you do the opposite and turn your body into the wind crossing from one tack to the other. I must have tried a dozen times, failing miserably each time. Failing is really not as bad as I thought. The kite may drop, but you just relaunch it. No big deal. I shrug it off and go for a long downwinder- finding my zen in the rolling seas of Cortez swell.<br />
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Afternoon session at aguas calientes as winter winds delight. Well lit on surfboard & 9m kite in 16-22k <a href="https://t.co/NBpteGEHiw">pic.twitter.com/NBpteGEHiw</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/953045464160657408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<b>Day 3-4 </b>Loscocco and I head up to the hot springs a few miles north of El Sargento up the coast from La Ventana. It's relatively quiet up here with the majority of kiters at the south end of La Ventana Bay. I practice a few more roll tacks on the surf board & 9m foil kite near shore but get tangled up and bow tied. I spent the next 20 minutes untangling, untwisting and decompressing on the beach. It must look pretty funny as I practice my roll tacks on the beach, in line at the super market and even in the shower. I am trying to wrap my head around this transition to no avail. I looks so easy from the outset. After a full afternoon of kiting at the hot springs,we come back to the campground, where I get schooled by a bunch of so cal teenagers all making their foiling tacks. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry as I sip by pacifico ballena with my feet in the sand.<br />
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<b>Day 5</b>. Double session on the 8m kite with early session on the foil and late afternoon session on the surfboard. I make some real progress with foiling transitions going from toe side and foiling in and out of gybes. Nailing a foiling gybe is one of the more rewarding experiences so far. I put a string of 5-6 foiling gybes together before the shit hits the fan and I eat it, burying the nose, sending me catapulting forward.<br />
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In the 2nd session of the day, Loscocco and I find the sweet spot at the bottom of the bay near the catchers mit. It's inevitably where all the beginners who cant keep upwind end up, but its got a nice break from all the swell working its way down La Ventana Bay. We work our way down to Bufadorao beach riding the endless swell down the shoreline. The long haul back upwind on the surfboard takes it toll but alas- endless ballenas when we get back to the RV.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFAnMU3BDfU/Wm0C2rH-tvI/AAAAAAAByJU/usudA0PfxBcVUrtH_BfdtT2Knn5jP-exACLcBGAs/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFAnMU3BDfU/Wm0C2rH-tvI/AAAAAAAByJU/usudA0PfxBcVUrtH_BfdtT2Knn5jP-exACLcBGAs/s640/dinner.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Day 6-</b> another day on the 9m ozone hyperlink and foilboard. I practice my tacks and down looping gybes on the inside where the consequences are a little less dire. Despite under rotating, I almost make it through a tack but realize I've lost my board in the transition. One step at a time, I remind myself. I spend the rest of the afternoon making some long upwinds to the mid channel between the main land and isla ceralvo. The ML foil is just as stable upwind as it is downwind. Even as I slow down to make my transitions, the board stays foiling. I just wish I just I could say the same.<br />
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Big dreamy downwind sleigh rides from Isla Ceralvo to Punta Arena de la Ventana. Well lit on foil & 9m kite. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bestdayever?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bestdayever</a> <a href="https://t.co/1ZEVBdAfQG">pic.twitter.com/1ZEVBdAfQG</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/953773809303252992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The real treat for me so far has been the dreamy downwind runs on the foil in the swell. It seems like the foil wouldn't be as fun in the swell as a normal surfboard where you're in contact with the water and swell energy but oh my- the foil delivers another whole dimension to riding the swell. You can speed up or slow down and practically put yourself anywhere on the swell. Often times, you can just put your kite slightly over head and be pulled by foil and swell alone. Once you get to the bottom of the bay, you just sail back upwind for 10 min and do it all over again.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHs_HaIkpI/Wm0C2gnpp4I/AAAAAAAByJc/bvzCXYuNFE4mqQyZMIDWxmRxShtdepQegCLcBGAs/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHs_HaIkpI/Wm0C2gnpp4I/AAAAAAAByJc/bvzCXYuNFE4mqQyZMIDWxmRxShtdepQegCLcBGAs/s640/beach.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Day 7</b>- Another trip to the hot springs with Loscocco for a foiling adventure. We do a long upwinder just past Punto el Jalito just far enough to where we can see Isla de Espirito Santo off the coast of La Paz. We are ready to do a crossing to isla ceralvo but alas- the wind starts getting sketchy with the 8m kites and we bear off for a long down winder in the dreamy cortez swell. I find my happy spot on starboard tack foiling right into the setting sun with dolphins, whales and flying fish all around me. I look over to see Loscoccos grinning ear to ear carving downwind in the swell on his foil.<br />
The famed La Ventana Classic starts today but for the 1st time in my life, I'm not really interested in a competition but rather just enjoying the ride- figuring this out on my own. At the end of the day, with ballenas in hand, we watch the 100 or so competitors compete in the big air, freestyle and course racing. The most exciting race by far is the slow bicycle race on the hard packed beach. Each competitor, riding in costume tries to be the slowest bike across the 100m course. Its anti-climatic at its best but very entertaining.<br />
The organizing committee does a great job at raising funds for the local schools and brings out the entire community in the process. Kudos to them!<br />
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Never pass up a tie died whale falafel bus w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/loscocco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@loscocco</a>. getonthebus <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/laventanaclassic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#laventanaclassic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/enbeddedwithkiters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#enbeddedwithkiters</a> <a href="https://t.co/obHpSu7KZf">pic.twitter.com/obHpSu7KZf</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/954542409718910977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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That evening we find the famed Israeli falalel bus. We're treated the the best hummus Ive ever had by several jewish hippes living in their bus on the side of the road. It's the kind of experience that makes baja so unique. We overtip and leave them some beer in hopes they'll be there the next day. </div>
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<b>Day 8-</b> we wake up early for a sunrise hike at the hot springs as it looks like we may get skunked for breeze today. The pre dawn colors do not disappoint. We are treated to an amazing sunrise as we hike a few miles up the coast to a perfect vantage point overlooking isla ceralvo and the rising sun. I try to keep up with Loscocco but hes scrambling up some boulders and around a point and out of site in no time. I'm not sure how he even functions without coffee but he's charging full on by the break of dawn.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lixVOqaGQ4M/Wm0C3oJt4bI/AAAAAAAByJk/s38_Sx79XPQpSa6togUvyxKbdlrvdlzwQCLcBGAs/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lixVOqaGQ4M/Wm0C3oJt4bI/AAAAAAAByJk/s38_Sx79XPQpSa6togUvyxKbdlrvdlzwQCLcBGAs/s640/sunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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That afternoon the racing has been cancelled but the whole crew is back a the campground foiling on their 15-18m kites. I rig up but the 13m foil kite just doesn't have enough punch to get me off the beach. Alas- the first day of getting skunked but it's all good.<br />
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If you can't make the sunset, be sure to make the sunrise. Thank you La Ventana for another week in kitopia. <a href="https://t.co/KVAY8mgFCg">pic.twitter.com/KVAY8mgFCg</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/955448457354887168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The next day, we pack up and before I know it, we're on a plane back to SFO with my foil tacks a distant memory. The experience has been great, gaining more time on the water with the foil, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. This vacation may be over but it's time to start getting collecting those brownie points to cash in for the next trip. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-713915305566019642017-12-20T21:19:00.000-08:002017-12-20T21:19:12.854-08:002017 BY THE NUMBERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love statistics- keeping track of things and analyzing the data to see what I can learn. For many years, I've used twitter to keep track of my sessions on the water, then at the end of the year I can look back and graph everything to see the trends for the year: how many sessions, how many times on any particular kite, how many times in each month I've sailed, even how many days I've spend racing. All this data may seem like useless information but when properly presented, it gives a better idea of how I've spent my time. After all a self examined like is a life worth living...</div>
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2017 continued the trend of getting over 100+ days on the water for windsurfing and kiteboarding since I moved to San Francisco 17 years ago. This year I increased my number of sessions by 14 sessions over the 2016 stats. That averages out a session every 2.3 days- just enough to keep this wind junkie satisfied. </div>
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I kited in 62% of all my sessions- getting more proficient and comfortable in all conditions. My kiting sessions are on stat from last season with 112 sessions- the majority on the foil where Im finally graduating from a seasoned kook to a salty grommet. For the 1st year, I expanded my kiting to hard water when I got to snow kite in Utah for 8 winter sessions.</div>
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My windsurfing numbers actually increased from 2016 when I only managed 27 sessions to this year with 42 sessions. I still get tons of joy from windsurfing- whether its exploring outside the golden gate bridge in big winter swells of or racing around the short track slalom course on the city front. </div>
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The season never really stops but only slows down a bit in the winter months when the wind is not as constant like the spring, summer and fall but with foiling, its becoming less and less of an issue. In the sketchiest of days when the wind is up and down, I'm more likely to get a session in on the windsurfer as it still a safer option for getting back to shore unassisted. While the foil has opened up more light wind days, it can end in disaster when you need to self rescue on the water after dropping the kite and failing to relaunch. I end up taking more risk when I know I've got the support of a rescue boat- especially during the St.FYC events. </div>
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The best advice over the years- don't get too greedy.</div>
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I always sail with a VHF radio as I know the Coast Guard is only a short call away for the last resort rescue. </div>
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Its been 32 years since I started this journey- hoping on a windsurfing board on Clark Lake at Camp Store in Jackson, Michigan. I really got hooked a few years later as my dinghy experience led me to racing windsurfers. Its been a wild ride- taking me to over 20 countries and 5 continents. </div>
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While I'm still a relative noob in the kiting world, it has engrossed me just like the days of early windsurfing. The kiting experience continues to evolve. It seems like just yesterday, I learned on the twin tip board, the switched over to the directional board, followed by the race board and now- 3 years later on the foil board. One step forward, 2 steps back. </div>
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With 112 sessions this year on the kite, I spent the 66% of my kiting session on the foil board. Its really changed the sport completely. My foiling transitions are still a work in progress but the foil kites really allow more float time when trying to pass the eye of the wind. When conditions are lumpy or nuking, I often opt for the surf board making the most of the ebb.<br />
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This year I introduced another foil kite into the quiver with the 9m hyperlink to replace the 10m edge. It's been a love hate relationship with the foil kites as I'm finally getting comfortable managing the bridles and keeping the kite relatively dry and untangled. Sometimes, all you want to do it kite, not untangle bridle lines and swim in a wet foil kite. The hyperlink has been a great success in terms of getting the benefits of a foil kite with out all the hassles if a full on race kite. At this point, its still the rider who's holding back the program- not the kite!<br />
All in all I still used the 8m edge the most on both the surfboard and the foilboard. Its the workhorse of the quiver with almost 50% of all kiting sessions. The 13m chrono 2 finds it sweet spot in 10-16k while the 7, is reserved for the big days of 25k+.<br />
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I still love to windsurf. Its hard not love after all these years- even with kiting taking most of my time on the water. My most used windsurfing board (still after 4 years) is still the mikes lab 89cm xl slalom board. Matched with the avanti 9.2 and a 59cm kashy fin, this combination is unstoppable when racing in under 15k. Its also the go to board for getting out the gate and exploring the winter swell. The 100l mikes lab slalom board is to go to after the wind is above 16k. On the course, it floats out of the gybes like nothing else. Finally, for those big days on the slalom course, its my 85l mikes lab slalom board- pulling in at least one bullet on the course this year!</div>
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I upgraded my 10m avanti sail this season to the smaller 9.2 as its just as powerful and easier to handle. It's one of the best sails Ive ever had in my quiver and it show with almost 70% of all my windsurfing sessions on this sail. The 7.6 hits the sweet spot with the smaller board and last but not least- you always must have that one sail in your quiver that you only use 1-2x a year but its so worth it when you do. The 6.3 was the ticket for high wind slalom and the xs slalom board. </div>
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I spent less time racing this year than previous years with 19 race days and 78 races- all on the San Francisco Bay. For the 1st year, I did a long distance race on the kite foil. The Bay Challenge was run as part of the Hyrdofoil Pro Tour, so I ran the course with the kites. OMGF, coming back upwind from Berkeley with the 9m hyperlink in gust up to 25k was exhausting but I finished.<br />
I was way out of my league entering the Hydrofoil Pro Tour but when it comes to your own backyard, you cant say no. Despite alot of DNFs, I learned a ton and feel more comfortable in big fleets on the kite.<br />
I entered the Thursday Night Kite series for the 4th year and am slowly climbing my way from the back of the fleet. Ive yet to master the foiling tack so this really sets me back. However- pushing yourself is the fastest way to learn. Its honestly more a mental thing that I havnt been able to get over but Im not giving up anytime soon.<br />
The other local series are the St.FYC Friday night slalom and Crissy Field Slalom Series run on the city front. Both are incredibly fun and taking bullets in multiple races always makes it sweeter. It came down to the wire for the CFSS as I won the last 2 races of the regatta bumping myself up to 2nd overall for the season. No matter how many times, I remind myself, its always worth saying again- Never ever give up!<br />
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This year again, I spend the vast majority of my kitting and windsurfing at Crissy Field with 100+ session. This place has been my backyard for the last 17 years- sneaking out of work early to get a session, running the local kite and windsurfing series from here and most importantly- the community. Its like walking in to 'Cheers' where everyone knows your name. Even getting skunked at crissy is ok because its so damn beautiful.<br />
I made it up to Sherman 2x this season, after both wondering why I dont come back more.<br />
The kite lauch is a bit sketch especially on holiday weekends but once you're on the river, you can always find some space.<br />
Finally- I made it to Skyline Utah for some snow kiting this year. It was a first and probably not the last trip there with a whole new world of kiting to explore, even without a proper beach.<br />
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All in all, another great year on the water with no complaints. Im still giddy getting 150+ days a year on the water doing what I love.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-18469694393326546832017-09-01T14:08:00.000-07:002017-09-01T15:03:32.339-07:002017 Ronstan Bridge to Bridge Race- the unwritten rules<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday Aug 31 saw the annual Ronstan bridge to bridge race hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club with 39 foiling boards, kites, cats & moths. Its an all out drag race from the mouth of the San Francisco Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge downwind to Yerba Buena Island at the foot of the Bay bridge. Anything can happen and it usually does.<br />
Bring what you've got and run it hard is the motto of the race<br />
There's no rules except for some unwritten ones if you want to finish this race.<br />
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Rule #1- get to the starting line.<br />
At the last min I switched from the foiling kite to the windsurfer as getting to the starting line was the main priority. With super sketchy winds at the beach & a 3k flood tide, anything less than a 13m kite wouldn't get you close.<br />
I rigged up my Avanti 9.2 rig on the Mikes Lab 89cm wide board with 59cm kashy fin. That was enough to get me to the bridge with plenty of time to take a few downwind runs across the start line. A few weren't so lucky- a 40' cat flipped just inside the gate and turtled within a minute & several of the foil kites went down in the lighter breeze outside the gate.<br />
You cant win the race if you cant get to the starting line!<br />
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The race started in 10-12 knots and quickly filled in to the low teens as the fleet approached the middle of the bay above Alcatraz. The foiling kites sent it the deepest looking like they might do the whole race in 1 tack. I tried to keep up with the foiling windsurfers but they too were sending it 10 degrees deeper than I could on my xl slalom set up. As the puffs filled in from behind, I was able to catch some but this race would be won a the end.<br />
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Rule #2- stay out of trouble.<br />
2 of the foiling windsurfers just in front of me tried to cross each other on the down wind but that's were it ended as carbon, monofilm and bodies collided. Sometimes it just better to duck than to keep yelling starboard. On the foils, boards are traveling faster and decisions are split second. 2 down more, lets see who else I can catch.<br />
On the approach below Alcatraz to the Bay bridge, 2 outbound freighters were splitting the fleet with an extra blue and gold ferry in the mix for additional chop and traffic. 'Stay out of trouble and just keep on the tack that takes you towards the finish line,' I reminded myself. Sure enough I connected a few puffs from behind and was right up there in the mix with Xavier on the foiling windsurfer.<br />
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Rule #3- get to the finish line.<br />
The top kite foilers looked like they were just making it across the finish line but for the rest of us, this was still a race.<br />
We sailed through graveyard of downded foil kites 1/4 mile from the finish line as the wind bubbles above Yerba Buena Island leaving most of the kites high and dry. I realized, the only chance is coming in hot from the outside. I gybed back to line myself up for the last move of the game. If I could call it right and catch the final puff, Id go from zero to hero. Chris Radkowski on the F4 foil and windsurfer had the same idea and was coming on strong behind me as the puff carried us down to the finish. Within 10 seconds, Xavier, Chris and I all crossed the finish. It was a bit anticlimactic slogging across the finish line in 2nd but that still beats not making it across at all.<br />
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I'm not positive on the number of finishers but nearly 3/4 of the fleet had to be rescued as the light wind and flood tide proved to be too much. The 11 minute barrier still stands as Johnny Heineken, Daniella Moroz and Joey Pasquali took the line honors on the foiling kite boards & 15m+ kites.<br />
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A huge thanks to Ronstan and the St. Francis Yacht Club for continuing the tradition.<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-42502013344057345332017-08-06T08:58:00.000-07:002017-08-06T10:00:37.408-07:00Day 2-3 hydrofoil pro tour- all good things in all good time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHNzEJrRE9Q/WYc47xjjljI/AAAAAAABk5c/rpcc9GyaY00xvnnCi7GVX41abyIsoL_PgCLcBGAs/s1600/20621057_505414269799777_5831100998435888324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHNzEJrRE9Q/WYc47xjjljI/AAAAAAABk5c/rpcc9GyaY00xvnnCi7GVX41abyIsoL_PgCLcBGAs/s640/20621057_505414269799777_5831100998435888324_n.jpg" width="640" /></a>Its hard to imagine having a no wind day on the SF Bay August, but we got skunked. Day 2 of the Hydrofoil pro tour was a wash out of rain showers, a healthy marine layer but no wind and no races on the score sheet. </div>
Racers woke up for day 3 with a bit more optimism as a light teen breeze was filling through the golden gate but more important- an afternoon seabreeze for the long distance race. 3 morning races were held in light conditions with the majority of the fleet on 15-17m kites. The euros still have an advantage in these light conditions as the local fleet doesnt get much time on the water in sub 14k conditions.<br />
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The sure awesomeness and level of sailing athleticism and talent is truly amazing when watching Saturdays racing. I am still in awe how the foiling fleet has turned maneuvers like tacking into a pirouetted dance of elegance. There's hardly a moment when the top racers arent getting 110% out of their foils and going upwind at 25k and downwind close to 40k.<br />
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My bromance with the foil kites is growing stronger by the day as I get more time on the water with these efficient machines. As wonderful as they are flying through the air, it becomes a whole another story when you the kite goes down on the water. Saturday's endeavor only lasted a few brief minutes for me as I was scuttled with the 13m kite. My kite went down like a wet noodle in the sub 10k lulls as I tried to make my way around the course. I got my first foil kite self rescue, having to pack the kite up on the water and then deal with the aftermath of untangling a wet sloppy, twisted mess back on the beach. It wasn't as bad as I though but the 13m kite was out of commission and I missed the remaining 2 course races of the morning.<br />
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The fleet got a good 90 min break as the fog lifted and breeze filled in the course. With the windsurfing fleet joining the kiters, the next race would be an all out sprint to Berkeley and back. The SF Bay Challenge has been a tradition in the board fleet for 25+ years with each edition slowly chipping off the elapsed time. This year however, almost 15 min were shaved off the overall time with Nico Parlier finishing in just over 30'.<br />
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I had other goal- just to make it around the course for the 1st time on a foil board and foil kite.<br />
I had done the race at least 15x on the windsurfer, winning a few on the way but this was a different game.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TtT-6-0TlSU/WYc475fYeNI/AAAAAAABk5Y/3_vuBSuQUOEJwtt2c1gemqOfB-FsSN46QCLcBGAs/s1600/20597356_505416013132936_5659553605906334570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TtT-6-0TlSU/WYc475fYeNI/AAAAAAABk5Y/3_vuBSuQUOEJwtt2c1gemqOfB-FsSN46QCLcBGAs/s640/20597356_505416013132936_5659553605906334570_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I rigged the new 9m ozone hyperlink which had plenty of power for the 25 mile+ tour of the Bay. I got off to a late start but was happily on my way downwind in 15-20k of breeze, happily foiling past Alcatraz before things started to get pretty heady. The swells were such that if you didn't stay on your toes and adjust the ride height of the foil, you would fly right out of the water in the troughs. I had more than a few wipe outs as I had to adjust my riding style to a less deep and aggrieve approach to a omfg survival mode. The downwind haul past Alcatraz gets a bit monotonous but there's always another kite or 2 to keep you focused. I rounded the leeward mark off the Berkeley pier and immediately headed back upwind for the beat back to the finish at the St.FYC.<br />
Even with a 9m kite, I thread the fine line of piching and staying on the foil just to survive the 25-30 westerlies coming down the Bay. I though I might find some relief below Alcatraz coming back upwind but immediately got yarded in some squirrely puffs. I lost my board for a few min as the swell picked it up and blew it a few hundred yards down wind.<br />
2 steps backward, 1 step forward.<br />
I regrouped and realized there's no easy way out of this but I had to get to the finish line.<br />
Sure enough in just over an hour and change, I crossed the finish line and made it around the course for the 1st time on a kite. Im just 1 of 3 sailors who was done this race on both a windsurfer and a kite.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8OeCiDkQSY/WYc8BCDsc6I/AAAAAAABk54/LE-yFjrzi3sTqgDbk97EVBT_I7XuLAuZQCLcBGAs/s1600/sb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8OeCiDkQSY/WYc8BCDsc6I/AAAAAAABk54/LE-yFjrzi3sTqgDbk97EVBT_I7XuLAuZQCLcBGAs/s640/sb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite being in the back of the fleet, it's the small victories like this and figuring out the foil kites that keep me on my toes and coming back for more. After almost 30 years of competitive racing, you begin to realize the real challenge is how far you can push your own limit not necessarily the scores at the end of the day. For me its all about persistence. I may not be the fastest but I'm not going to give up. eventually, I'll get there but enjoying the ride along the way.<br />
1 more day of racing and Im stoked to get back out on the 9m foil kite and try to make the time limit.<br />
All good things in all good time<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-79602749324361425372017-08-04T07:09:00.000-07:002017-08-04T07:09:31.892-07:002017 hydrofoil pro tour day 1 report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4YmVRXOcGI/WYR-dritYZI/AAAAAAABky8/8pNP3wUhwoU8vQcYl518wy3gW_jPGfxRACEwYBhgL/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4YmVRXOcGI/WYR-dritYZI/AAAAAAABky8/8pNP3wUhwoU8vQcYl518wy3gW_jPGfxRACEwYBhgL/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It started off with good intentions as all sailing ambitions do but by the end of the 1st day of the 2017 Hydrofoil Pro Tour kite regatta I was already deflated but definitely not defeated.<br />
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I achieved at least one goal by getting some numbers on the score sheet in lieu of the usual DNF's (by default of not finishing within the time limit) but the day was trying to say the least.</div>
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An unusual August weather pattern has light and variable breeze inside the San Francisco bay in lieu of the normal raging summer seabreeze. This caught most of guard, including myself as I would have to break out the big kites. I upped by game this regatta to include a quiver of all foil kites. I'd flown a few foil kites before but it was time to step up and race the full program.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ARboV5Qjks/WYR-e6i6OeI/AAAAAAABkzE/M9hyHZdvZNAN8XXtEV95ST61Gsi3aoXZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ARboV5Qjks/WYR-e6i6OeI/AAAAAAABkzE/M9hyHZdvZNAN8XXtEV95ST61Gsi3aoXZQCEwYBhgL/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a variable 10-16k breeze at the 1pm start, I took out the 13m chrono2 foil kite and oh my- what a treat. I can see how all the transitions are so much easier on a foil kite with all that lift. I had my hands full in the puffs and certainly not quite enough in the lulls but managed to find my way around the course without any major catastrophes. In race 1- I just missed the time limit. Bummer</div>
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Race 2 started in 14-16k but soon faded to just 8-10k at the top mark. I got out of dodge quickly by gybing after the top mark and getting back to the wind line. I stayed out of trouble and got around the course, finishing in the back of the pack but within the time limit. </div>
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Whoo hoo! Getting on the scoreboard is a small step but a major victory for this grom kiteboarder.</div>
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The afternoon session didnt go exactly as planned as I never made it too far off the beach before the shit hit the fan. With a super sketchy bubble at the beach, most of the fleet struggled to get their kites up and flying without falling out of the sky. </div>
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Its a sad state of affairs when the foil kites fall out of the sky like limp under cooked noodles but its all part of racing. With the kite twisted, bowtied and sinking like a sea anchor, I decided to save face and swim in. The boiling cauldron of lines and bridles found themselves in a hot sandy mess as I dragged the wet noodle back to the beach. It took a few extra hands and plenty of patience to untangle the mess but did get everything sorted again but alas- not quite enough wind to make it to the starting line for the last race of the day.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRVhDT3jmqk/WYR-dl6KwGI/AAAAAAABky4/dbEv0qruzLEWZxSQ0QzN8KVfx55FIdClQCEwYBhgL/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRVhDT3jmqk/WYR-dl6KwGI/AAAAAAABky4/dbEv0qruzLEWZxSQ0QzN8KVfx55FIdClQCEwYBhgL/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spend the next 20 min flying the kite on the beach, learning some finer points of backing the kite down in the window and clearing the sand and moisture from internal cells . It's definitely a more complicated beast but more efficient to say the least. </div>
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I remind myself that the struggle is all part of the journey and if you can overcome adversity, you make it through to the other side as a stronger individual. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mxbloPTVKQ/WYR-eL0OzNI/AAAAAAABkzA/stqfSuNmYsgDG7-vQ24TasEEjxIj4EqfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Recently-Updated44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mxbloPTVKQ/WYR-eL0OzNI/AAAAAAABkzA/stqfSuNmYsgDG7-vQ24TasEEjxIj4EqfQCEwYBhgL/s640/Recently-Updated44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the top of the fleet, its the young euros who are showing their strength in the light breeze. With a fleet of 46 kiters, its split down the middle with 23 locals and 23 visiting racers. After day 1, only Johnny and Joey sit in the top 10 with the rest filled in by the visiting European and South American fleet. Its a 4 day regatta so hopeful we will get a decent sea breeze at some point.</div>
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Official 2017 HFPT results: here</div>
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www.stevebodner.com</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-60452581724508263322017-05-15T13:24:00.000-07:002017-05-15T15:11:41.095-07:00San Francisco Slalom Season opener in 2 acts<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Act 1</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><b>When it rains, it pours and when it blows, it blows the dogs off their chains in San Francisco.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Things started off
pretty heady for the first St. Francis Yacht Club Friday night slalom race of
the season on May 12th as the puffs hit 30 knots & 4-6' breaking swell
buried the 2nd downwind slalom mark, set a few hundred feet of Crissy Field. </span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">A dedicated group of
wind junkies, half of which were on extra small bump and jump or wave gear,
braved the conditions to carry on a tradition that has been going strong since the early days of windsurfing in California.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Downwind slalom
racing, especially in a big breeze is one of the most spectacular to watch & one of the most exciting </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">disciplines</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> to compete in. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">At 1 min before the
start, its a chaotic symphony of windsurfers jockeying for position as they
scream towards the starting line set just off Anita Rock on the San Francisco
city front. Like clockwork, the fleet blast across the starting line in an all
out sprint towards the 1st gybe mark, hitting speeds of 25 knots and flying
across the chop all within a few feet of each. The first to arrive quickly lay down their sails to de-power
while carving around the mark. In an instant, they are back on the new gybe
going deep across the troughs of breaking swell. A few get knocked down, while
the rest hold it together. </span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Its an all out
obstacle course as several fleets of inbound ocean racers cross at the exact
time the fleet gets ready to round mark 2. Chaos erupts as the yachts broach in
a hellish 30 knot+ westerly puff and the mark is buried in the breaking rollers
coming in the San Francisco Bay. A few boards go down, just to save
themselves from what would otherwise be an impending death sandwich between the
fiberglass hulls. Those that emerge, do so by the skins of their teeth,
threading the fine needle of control and all out balls to the wall, hold it
together for your life windsurfing.</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFGbQe2_0fM/WRlUtvNwOGI/AAAAAAABeEg/z8ciN9gPbtw0wGLc1SmNUZn04UTyIIa6wCLcB/s640/skidmarks.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 more gybes to go
and its all over.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The fleet rips back
towards the east end of Crissy Field where there's a slight relief from the 4k
flood tide ripping across the course. Even the racers on 4.5 m wave sails
effortlessly carve around the mark in stiff 25 knot breeze and quickly make
their way towards the last gybe mark set in an all out furry of wind and waves.
Positions change as rapidly as the wind but the top racers are able to maintain
control and consistency in their maneuvers around the course. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 more '<b>OMFG reach</b>'
and the 2-1/2 minute race will be over. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you can avoid
stuffing the nose of your board in the breaking swell and round the StFYC <b>B</b>
buoy- set just in front of the club, the race is over. If not, you'll have to
watch the rest of the fleet fly by as you try to muster the energy water start
to make it across the finish line in dead fucking last (<b>DFL.</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When its all over,
everyone heads back upwind for another shot at redemption. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 15pt;">You're only as good
as your last race and for the rest of the fleet who didn't score a bullet,
there's victory to be had or lost once again.</span></b><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">4 more races
are run as the breeze settles down to a reasonable 20k and the flood builds and
flattens out the course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have the duty of
race committee this evening with 2 other racers as the only way this series
works is by volunteering 1 of the 4 race nights towards race management. You
get to see how and why the series works by actually taking part and running it.
The marks don't set themselves, nor does the start or finish go off without the
help of 4-5 person team. A huge thanks to the kite racers who showed up and
maned the race deck for finishes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuIe_xQ3yho/WRnsyBEYZXI/AAAAAAABeFw/pBmw0XUMBIs0eDMG02xCGuVvsrdY-I4owCLcB/s1600/race-deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuIe_xQ3yho/WRnsyBEYZXI/AAAAAAABeFw/pBmw0XUMBIs0eDMG02xCGuVvsrdY-I4owCLcB/s640/race-deck.jpg" width="492" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">By the time its
over, the fleet looks like its returned from a naval battle with broken sails
& twisted carbon but there's a slight twinkle in the eyes of these wind
junkies- ready to do it all over again </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">tomorrow</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Act 2</span></b><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">18 hours pass and
the fleet is back where they stood the day before. </span></span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This time, <a href="http://calcupevents.com/CFSS/">the Crissy Field
Slalom Series</a> breaks ground for their 3rd season.</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">Its a grass roots
effort to get out the fleet and encourage new racers to join in the party </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">It's 2 pm and
already blowing their dogs off their chains for the 3rd day straight day in a
row. </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">The San Francisco
Bay is a sea of white caps, frothing in a wind blown seascape. The marks get
set & 18 racers get consolidated into 1 fleet for a winner take all 10 race
series. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5--2FP1jmEs/WRlUtI0HbBI/AAAAAAABeEc/H1M3i9UOxbQtMNuRopZPsyO4BUQvbM0EgCLcB/s640/fleet.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">photo
credit: @lyrahcolvin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure if I
was just stubborn or stupid but it took me the better half of the day to get my
shit together. I was a hot mess trying to keep down a 7.6 rig and 105l slalom
board with a 42cm fin in the 25k+ of breeze. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's definitely
doable but not advisable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm smart enough to
know that if you hold out long enough you can pick a few racers off at each
rounding but being overpowered- I was not doing myself any favors in pushing
the top of the fleet. I go down hard the 4th race breaking a foot strap and
retire before swallowing my pride and switching down to my smaller gear. I
haven't sailed the 85l board & 6.3 m rig in what seems like years but
its rigged and ready on the beach. It takes me a few runs between races to
adjust the harness lines and get things settled but before I know it, race 5
has started and Im in the lead at mark 1 just in front of Xavier who is
breathing down my neck. I put everything I have into the next reach, closing
the gap on the 6.3 m rig and sending it faster than I ever have before. The
59cm board just flies right over the top of the water until it doesn't
& I charge right into the backside of the breaking swell and get catapulted
over the handlebars spinning like a rag dog in the spin cycle of a washing machine. I emerge and try
to water start as the fleet goes wizzing by but realize my boom head has disintegrated in the chaos. A few more
rollers wash over me for good measure sending my gear tumbling and me swimming
after it. I finally manage to jury rig the boom back together with some spare
line and drift back to shore in a water start position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjd98k5Ag84/WRlUt-If6wI/AAAAAAABeEo/4W5Eo4Eqst0u1r7sr9cL60tID56D9aHNgCLcB/s1600/xavier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjd98k5Ag84/WRlUt-If6wI/AAAAAAABeEo/4W5Eo4Eqst0u1r7sr9cL60tID56D9aHNgCLcB/s640/xavier.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<div style="font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">photo
credit: @lyrahcolvin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As luck would have
it, we have a 30 min break after 5 races and I regroup on the beach derigging
the 7.6 and switching the boom to the 6.3. I fine tune the mast position back
1/2" and go out for practice run. The board & rig feel dialed and Im off like a
race horse leading the entire 6th race and taking the bullet! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 15pt;">It's all about the
come back I remind myself.</span></b><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stay in the top 3
for the rest of the races except when I get taken out at the 1st mark in race 8
as Jean is squeezed out of a tight rounding and drops his rig in front of
me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">In years past, I
would have been furious, yelling, </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">screaring</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> & protesting but now, just let that shit go. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You've got to take
the good with the bad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No reason to get
upset, just move on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going into the last
race I know its tight for points between 3rd and 6th and need to finish strong
as I've already used my share of throw outs and then some for the day. Its
already starting to lighten up to 18-24 knots but have no choice but to stick
with the small gear. I send it and get a flying start near the pin end neck neck with Xavier. We go into the 1st mark overlapped but he squeaks out
with just a bit more speed and finesse and gets a jump on the next reach. I
follow suit and am able to hold off the rest of the fleet for a strong 2nd
place finish on the last race. This puts me tied for 3rd with Vincent who's
been sailing very consistent all day in the top 5. I lo</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">se the tie breaker as
windsurfers go by who ever has the better throughout to determine the
tie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back at the beach,
every racer recaps his day with postmortems and 'what should have beens' but its
always the racer who sails the most consistent and makes the fewest
mistakes that ends up on top.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As with most races
here, it's Xavier Ferlet who takes 6 bullets for the day and walks away with a
nearly flawless afternoon of racing. In 2nd, local board head, Soheil Zahedi
shines with his best performance to date; however, the awards work a bit
differently in this series than most. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We gather our prizes
and in kind gifts from sponsors and first let the volunteers come up and choose
the best items because without them, none of this would be possible. Next up is
the B fleet who aren't even expecting to be recognized, nonetheless get a
prize. From the back of the fleet up, we call off the racers names to come pick
a prize. The racers in the back and middle of the fleet are stoked. They never
get prizes but will sure to be back again for the next race.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfA4Eea2XsE/WRlUtwTRo0I/AAAAAAABeEk/HouBjAcww90LPiqxBkAjA4PGA9yh9VprgCLcB/s1600/podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfA4Eea2XsE/WRlUtwTRo0I/AAAAAAABeEk/HouBjAcww90LPiqxBkAjA4PGA9yh9VprgCLcB/s640/podium.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is how you
build and maintain a fleet- from the bottom up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beer and pizza
slowly bring back the fleet to life and if they could, these wind junkies would be back tomorrow
for another race.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">Luckily for my
recovery time, the next race is a month away on June 9th & 10th with
the Friday Night Slalom & Crissy Field slalom Series. Until then, I've
got plenty of kite racing to keep me occupied and humble again in the back of
the fleet. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">A huge thanks to the Crissy Field Slalom Series sponsors for making it possible. Without you guys, we'd just be </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">sailing</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> back & forth!</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-889185192250768052017-02-23T14:45:00.001-08:002017-02-23T14:45:14.413-08:00winter sessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It took a major commitment to get there and even more just to get suited up everyday at 10,000' but snow kiting in Utah has got to be one of the great winter trips for wind & snow lovers. Like anything worth while, just getting there was an adventure in itself.<br />
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It began as a caravan from San Francisco with half the crew flying and the other half driving 20+ kites, snowboards and skies to Skyline, Utah. Somewhere east of Winnemucca, Nevada at 3 in the morning, Johnny's car broke down so we packed everything into 1 SUV with 5 sets of wind and snow gear, dog and riders for the remaining voyage east. Sometimes you need to scuttle half the fleet just to get to your destination.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEsyUtFFURc/WK9X4vL78AI/AAAAAAABYd4/U4mGahwhiQ4FVX2CTymVMaXk848UI5Y9gCLcB/s1600/pano-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEsyUtFFURc/WK9X4vL78AI/AAAAAAABYd4/U4mGahwhiQ4FVX2CTymVMaXk848UI5Y9gCLcB/s640/pano-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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After 15 hours in the car, we arrived to beautiful wide open Utah. The setting at Fairview Canyon at mile marker 14 on HWY 31 aka- the Big Drift- is awe inspiring. The 180 degree Utah sky at 10,000' is just sublime. We rigged and had our first afternoon session in the rolling hills, meadows and steep bowls surrounding the launch site. Besides us, there was a handful of snow mobiles that might buzz by then disappear but nothing else but back country for miles around.<br />
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Snow kiting is just as it sounds. You choose either skies or snowboard and get pulled around on your kite- up, down, around and over what ever terrain you choose. It's an absolute beautiful and pleasant<br />
way to explore the back country and get to experience the similarities of paragliding when coming down the mountain on an updraft..<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd7c-AJrryM/WK9X7WNZg8I/AAAAAAABYd8/g_OURcdha2MEp9OEEfakW2YGy3uoP26hACLcB/s1600/launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd7c-AJrryM/WK9X7WNZg8I/AAAAAAABYd8/g_OURcdha2MEp9OEEfakW2YGy3uoP26hACLcB/s640/launch.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I rigged my 13m foil kite, launching with ease and immediately got pulled across the meadow on my snowboard<br />
Holy bejesus this is fun!<br />
It took me the rest of the day to get comfortable going back and forth and finding the subtitles of the site but I was hooked. My goal was to get more time with the new foil kite and that's what I got- from relaunching in gullies to down looping up the mountain.<br />
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Snow kiting has all the benefits of kiting on the water without the consequences of water itself. I dropped and tangled my kite quite a few times in the 8-12k breeze and easily unhooked and walked up the line and bridle to unsort it all out. Granted- even walking the length of 15m line and untangled your kite in powder is an exercise itself. Transitions are almost effortless without the footwork required on a normal foil or directional board.<br />
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I got a bit greedy towards the end of the day and kited myself right into a gully and wind shadow dropped my kite in the process. All the waiting & pulling on my lines would not launch this kite. Then came the pack up and 1/4 mile hike back to the launch in the knee deep powder. One step at at time, I thought to myself as a huge grin spread across my face from my 1st day of snow kiting<br />
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1JtIo9BZIM/WK9X4JdfwAI/AAAAAAABYd0/SUzNaMNfJpcyn4YmJp2y_4jBDtzkRj50wCLcB/s640/gear.jpg" /><br />
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Day 2 began just where day 1 finished except my legs already felt like rubber chickens from working muscles I never knew I had. We arrived early at the skyline launch as a major weather system was moving through that afternoon.<br />
I went for the 13m foil kite again but this time explored an adjacent hill with the wind direction slightly more south than the previous day. Everything was starting to click and I was starting edge on port tack instead of just being dragged on the snowboard, I could now navigate half way up the hillside on the updrafts but crashed on the transition as you needed to turn your board uphill to transition to the new tack. With enough practice and lift from the foil kite, I managed to nail a few uphill turns and even unintentionally get a few downhill glides.<br />
OMFG- what a trip.<br />
Jumping while kiting is fun but jumping while snow kiting with an updraft takes it to a whole other level. <br />
To see what expert level kiters like Johnny, Chip and local rider Patrick could do was simply awe inspiring. They made snow kiting look more like paragliding getting giant soaring glides down the face of the mountain while down looping their way back up for an endless cycle.<br />
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Downlooping up the mountain <a href="https://t.co/BzDCc5FkGl">pic.twitter.com/BzDCc5FkGl</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/833490278199730177">February 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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downlooping up the mountain...<br />
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Making it look easy in the downhill <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snowkiting?src=hash">#snowkiting</a> <a href="https://t.co/n8tvWA6AG2">pic.twitter.com/n8tvWA6AG2</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/833483320763744256">February 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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carving and gliding down the mountain...<br />
We took a short break refueling like ski bums in the parking lot and had an epic afternoon session of white out conditions on small kites. Its an entirely different sport when you're powered up on a kite than in light conditions when you're searching for power. The 8m ozone edge tube kite was more enough to keep me powered in 15-20k up, down and around the mountain turning quickly and accelerating me on every uphill. Chip was even kiting with an 8m while towing his 11 year old behind on skies. Share the stoke when you can!<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPfe2OAZf8c/WK9Xtjn4iBI/AAAAAAABYdw/XJol2PsnmzEiqKNbj3GBOurR3qeFxneyQCLcB/s1600/electric-lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPfe2OAZf8c/WK9Xtjn4iBI/AAAAAAABYdw/XJol2PsnmzEiqKNbj3GBOurR3qeFxneyQCLcB/s640/electric-lake.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Day 3 & 4 we switched venues to a location called Electric Lake along the Huntington Canyon Scenic Drive as the Skyline Peak was in white out conditions. It was more rolling hills and room to explore as the newbies including myself were still mastering the basics. I had the chance to really explore some terrain and get into carving the board downhill as you would usually do without a kite. The kite just allowed you to turn around and do it over and over again and then some!<br />
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Double session on 10m kite as Utah delivers. <a href="https://t.co/n0hshTrnnB">pic.twitter.com/n0hshTrnnB</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/833104390093418497">February 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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No lift tickets, waiting in lines or even crowds at this spot.<br />
I'm not sure I can ever go back to regular snowboarding at a resort again.<br />
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The exploratory aspect was very cool. You could go practically anywhere- sometimes where you least expected- down the rabbits hole into trenches and gullies where our other buddy Eric found himself waist deep in a hidden stream and no wind to get out A cold wet hike out and he was quickly warmed with some whisky back at the base with a good story to tell.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5162Tb8AZA/WK9X_aPfULI/AAAAAAABYeA/pR6l1iP2P8YF-XqMQnYGhVkvIFOLrSVaQCLcB/s1600/pow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5162Tb8AZA/WK9X_aPfULI/AAAAAAABYeA/pR6l1iP2P8YF-XqMQnYGhVkvIFOLrSVaQCLcB/s640/pow.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Day 5 was supposed to be just a travel day back to SF but we woke up to another perfect bluebird day with fresh powder and a gentle breeze. We arrived at skyline early find a fresh blanket of snow as far as they eye could see and proceeded to get one the best day so far! The 13m chrono2 foil kite wasn't quite enough to get me up to the top where the stronger winds were but made for a perfect session as I finally mastered some big carving turns on the snow kite in the gentle hills and meadows.<br />
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I really cant emphasize how fun & accessible snow kiting is whether you're a newbie or a pro. The hardest step was committing and just getting there, after that the fun was nonstop.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-62569031362683667542016-12-31T11:07:00.000-08:002016-12-31T11:07:04.498-08:002016 by the numbers....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love statistics- keeping track of things and analyzing the data to see what I can learn. For many years, I've used twitter to keep track of my sessions on the water, then at the end of the year I can look back and graph everything to see the trends for the year: how many sessions, how many times on any particular kite, how many times in each month I've sailed, even how many days I've spend racing. All this data may seem like useless information but when properly presented, it gives a better idea of how I've spent my time. After all a self examined like is a life worth living...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By all means, 2016 was another great year on the water with 140 total sessions from January to December. I'm down 24 sessions form the 2015 season but my days kiting went up from 104 to 113. For the 2nd year in a row, I've kited more than windsurfed. While last year it was a 3:1 ratio, this year, I kited 5x for every windsurfing session logged. I don't plan on ever giving up windsurfing but as I get older, kiting- especially foiling is a lot easier on my body. I don't have nearly as many lower back issues as when I was racing formula boards with 10-11m rigs or pumping the RSX in light winds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's my 4th year kiting and 31st year windsurfing. So much has changed over the years with the equipment getting better and better each season. It's a constant development and evolution of the sports that keeps me coming back for more. I upgraded my medium slalom board this season after having gone a bit to far last season and breaking the previous one in half. A new Ml slalom board never disappoints. I upgraded the foil board as well getting a custom 2nd hand Mikes Lab which makes a world of difference with the ML foil, Finally- I delved into the world of foil kites upgrading to a 13m chrono2 which will start the learning curve all over again. If there's one thing Ive learned over the years it's that you always need to constant adjust to stay current, Never get too comfortable and always be pushing you limits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The season never really stops but only slows down a bit in the winter months when the wind is not as constant like the spring, summer and fall but with foiling, its becoming less and less of an issue. In the sketchiest of days when the wind is up and down, I'm more likely to get a session in on the windsurfer as it still a safer option for getting back to shore unassisted. While the foil has opened up more light wind days, it can end in disaster when you need to self rescue on the water after dropping the kite and failing to relaunch. I end up taking more risk when I know I've got the support of a rescue boat- especially during the St.FYC events. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The best advice over the years- don't get too greedy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I always sail with a VHF radio as I know the Coast Guard is only a short call away for the last resort rescue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kiting has taken from over windsurfing just like windsurfing did for sailing nearly 25-30 years ago. Before it used to be every day kiting meant a day not windsurfing. Now in 2016 its changed so that every day windsurfing is 1 less day kiting. While kiting can still be a bit intimidating, Im able to kite in most all conditions from nuking 30-35k on a 7m and surfboard to a low wind limit of 10k on a 13m and foil board. 65% of my kiting sessions came on the foil board while the other 35% were on a surfboard. If its over 20k, I usually opt for the surfboard and have as much fun as I can as I'm still a relative noob in the kite world. I must admit, even for back and forth sessions mowing the lawn and playing in the voodoo chop, that the SF city front delivers on a regular basis, is way more fun on a kite than a windsurfer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yHTC6dZ9cg/WGf9I93QSUI/AAAAAAABVRk/iJncPNnTRL41z2rzElySw4i0L7YXWg46QCLcB/s1600/KITE-USE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yHTC6dZ9cg/WGf9I93QSUI/AAAAAAABVRk/iJncPNnTRL41z2rzElySw4i0L7YXWg46QCLcB/s640/KITE-USE2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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The 10m and 8m ozone edges are the backbone of my quiver providing nearly 71% of the total sessions for the season. These 2 kites works double duty on both the foil and surfboard in the middle range of the wind zone. On the light wind days, the 13m ASV and now 13m Chrono2 foil kite provide enough power to make it out in as little as 10k of breeze. While I only used the 7m 4 times, it's a necessary part of the quiver if you want to kite comfortably in winds above 25k. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My windsurfing sessions were down form 60 in 2015 to 27 this year season. While this may be case for alarm, it all balances out with time on the water- whether it be on a kite or on a windsurfer- it's all good. Looking closer at the data, I found I used the Avanti 7.7 and medium ML slalom board as much as I used the Avanti 10m and 89cm ML slalom board- 13 times each. Both are an essential part of racing on the city front with the medium set up being used most of time when the wind is over 16k and the XL set up when racing is a bit sketcher and holes are present at the inside gybe marks. The 10m and XL 89cm ML board are also key to getting out in the fall and winter months where I can sail up to the Golden Gate bridge and enjoy the swell. There's nothing quite like riding XL swell outside the gate in the winter months being the only one out. The solitude never felt so good. Finally - the XL set up made for a couple of good long distances races this year around the Bay. </span></div>
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Viva la windsurfer!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over 140 sessions this season, I used my 2 foils boards the most- almost 45% of all my sessions logged. In July, I upgraded to a smaller foil board- buying a 2nd hand ML board. It took quite while to get used to the reduced deck area but combined with the ML foil, it is way more predicable, steady and comfortable than what I was riding before. The custom surf board was the next most used board with 39 sessions or 29% of all sessions. Its my go to for having fun in 20k+ or when sailing on the coast in waves. The windsurfing board quiver has been reduced to just 2 boards- a 105l, 70cm wide ML slalom board and the 89cm ML sled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All in all, the majority of my boards are made by Mike Zajicek of Mikes Lab in El Sobrante, Ca. Ive trusted him to make by boards since 2003 and he's never disappointed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"In Mike, we trust!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This season, I spent all of my race days at one venue- the SF city front racing under the burgee of the St.FYC or the Crissy Field Slalom Series. The St.FYC is unparalleled for running board racing whether it be on a foiling kite board or slalom windsurfer. For this- I am eternally grateful. We are spoiled with their superb race management, and after racing socials at the club. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year was the 3rd season for me on the St.FYC Thursday Night Bluerush Kite Series with just over 24 races for me over 8 evenings of racing in the summer months. While I finally made some progress getting around the course, the bar is constantly being raised and I missed out on quite a few finishes by not making the 10m time limit. It's all good though because racing is not really against other people but against yourself. The same applied for the Hydrofoil Pro tour which came to town again in 2016. Just showing up to race can go a long way. I put myself way out of my league finishing almost DFL in most of the races but came away being a stronger and wiser kiter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In all good time, I remind myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I race because I enjoy the process and am always looking for ways to of improve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Racing puts you out of your normal comfort zone and forces you to keep up with those around you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Never give up is my motto. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was my 1st year in 16 seasons not racing the Friday Night Course racing series. Last year, we split the series so that 4 of the Friday nights became a separate slalom series. While I only was able to make 2 of the 4 race nights + a night for RC. I managed 1st and 2nd's taking 4th overall in the series. </span>For the 2nd year, Ive helped run and organize the Crissy Field Slalom Series. Its a grass roots effort to get more people racing on the city front. This year, we introduced more racers and had 4 great events. With a busier schedule than normal, I was only able to make 2 of the events but managed to win the 1st race day proving this old dog has still got some game left in him. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My kite board race days went up from 13 to 16 in 2016 while the windsurfing race days went from 13 to 7. Any day racing on the city front is a good day to say the least. Even if you are DFL, getting around the course can be victory enough if you've got the right mindset. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This season, I spend the majority of my time kiting and windsurfing at one beach- Crissy Field </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">90% of my session logged where from Crissy. Its like my back yard with nearly 1 of 3 days of the year spent there. I cant imagine a better place to enjoy the SF Bay from. Its one of the few urban beaches in the US that you can get easily over 100 sessions a year at without trying too hard. This place delivers the goods from a constant supply of sea breeze, to voodoo chop to swell and racing. Even after 18 years of sailing on the SF Bay, sailing under the golden gate bridge is still one of the most spectacular things I've ever done. It gets me every time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made it up to Sherman island this year after a few years of not going at all. Its about an 1-/12 trip up there but very well worth it to kite in warm, fresh water. My goal is to kite here more next season as making progress comes more rapidly here when the wind and water are not intense as Crissy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another milestone was kiting in Hood River for the 1st time in many visits there. I'd always windsurfed and this year I had a blast exploring the river on kite. I even got a nuclear morning with 25-35k of breeze & 5-8' swell on the 7m and surfboard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, Stinson beach and the gulf coast of Florda rounded out the list of venues sailed this season</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I still can't </span>believe<span style="font-family: inherit;"> how </span>fortunate<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am to get 140 sessions this season. Having a passion like kiting and windsurfing certainly leads to a more balanced and happier life. Looking back, I </span>wouldn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> have it any other way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As always- enjoy the ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy new year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">sb</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-82484151019614930222016-09-12T14:20:00.000-07:002016-09-12T14:20:24.248-07:00IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the second year in a row, our local windsurfing fleet is growing and we’re seeing more slalom racing on the San Francisco city front! It’s an easy to grasp format: if you can gybe, you can race! Come for the race and stay for the party. Or come for the party and stay for the race. Either way, all are welcome!<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjmtg6zravY/V9cbgoFsOKI/AAAAAAABQnQ/G-rNCLzbkcoCtgkf1EzMH4cFECDZa5jLQCLcB/s1600/windsurf-d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjmtg6zravY/V9cbgoFsOKI/AAAAAAABQnQ/G-rNCLzbkcoCtgkf1EzMH4cFECDZa5jLQCLcB/s640/windsurf-d.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The social on the beach after racing is just as key as the racing itself. It’s a chance to bbq and invite the non-racers (read: potential new racers!) to see what’s happening even though they are not part of the race. I believe awarding the middle and the back of the fleet is just as important as the top guys in order to grow the fleet. It’s a concept we’ve tried to employ this summer at the Crissy Field Slalom Series and St. Francis windsurfing regattas. ‘Most improved,’ ‘Biggest catapult’… give it an award! Most people like the recognition and it keeps them coming back.<br />
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There’s a lot of behind-the-scene work that goes into planning, running, funding and keeping the Crissy Field Slalom Series alive. I’m going to share what we’ve learned to hopefully inspire others and grow racing from the ground up.<br />
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<b>The team</b>: It’s important! We rely on three individuals and countless volunteers to make it happen. Jean Rathle is the go-to guy, getting things done, like trophies, sponsors, pizza, bbq, shopping, prep work, etc. You need one of these guys on your team otherwise shit doesn’t get done! Soheil Zahedi is our technical guru: crunching the numbers after racing to provide immediate results and awards, acting as treasurer, posting and maintaining a website and weekly email reminders, and most importantly, conflict mediator. All essential duties! Finally, myself, Steve Bodner. I do most of the behind-the-scene work from crowdfunding and sponsorship, SIs, NOR, permits, insurance, securing a race committee boat and hiring a race officer. Finally there’s all the volunteers, from a scorer at the finish line for 2+ hours, to an extra hand on the boat the set the marks, a beach master to communicate between race committee and racers, and a grill master for after-racing bbq! Thank them and reward them any way you can. Without any one of these team members, the series suffers. It really takes a a very big group effort to pull off a successful event!<br />
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<b>Crowdfunding</b>: For the 2nd year in a row, we used Fundrazr to pre-fund the cost of the series. By offering racers a discount for pre-registration, we raised most of our season expenses before the first race. It’s a platform that worked very well to monitor the progress and attract sponsors. We upped the ante this year and created a sponsorship level aimed at the windsurfing industry, as well as locals in the fleet who had a small business and wanted to support us. A $250 sponsorship not only got you a spot on the line for racing, but you are now part of the team with branding opportunities.<br />
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<b>The future</b>: You always need to be evolving and tuning the event to stay relevant. Next year, we plan to reach out to kiters and foilers to break new ground on the slalom course. We also want to introduce a freeride fleet for newcomers, or those who don’t have access to race gear. The operative word is: inclusiveness! I’m sure there will be additional challenges, but it’s an opportunity to grow the fleet and expand the sport in a big way!<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-85374658421367440982016-08-24T17:59:00.000-07:002016-08-24T17:59:48.222-07:00On progress...Progress- it doesn't come easy or fast but when you least expect it. Sometimes it doesn't seem to come at all despite everything you'd hoped for. The important thing- is to keep moving forward<br />
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I've been on the kite foil now for just over a 18 months- jump starting into the new discipline just after having learned how to kite a year or so before that. The transition to foiling wasn't swift but now that I've got some time on the water, things are becoming easier. It's an amazing feeling- a total game changer from the previous 30 years of sailing and windsurfing. I've gone form barley kiting to getting most of my sessions on the foil. It took me most of last year to learn how to foil and most of this year learning to go downwind comfortably. The sport remains awesome yet humbling in so many ways. I can foil in most conditions from 10-24k. However, all that changes when you line up on the race course- especially in San Francisco.<br />
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This past August, the Hydrofoil Pro Tour came back to San Francisco for the 2nd time. Last year I entered knowing that it would be a huge learning curve just trying to get around the course. I barley made it. I found my weakness and made huge strides going off the breeze over the previous year. This year the middle of the fleet is now where the top of the fleet was last year (making most of their transitions) & the top guys are now going around the course 20-30% with the improved gear. It's a fast moving disciple and an even faster moving fleet. I was just 1 of 2 guys still using tube kites. Its no excuse for still not being able to tack but this is a sport where you need to devote time to improve your skills & keep up with the equipment just to make it around the course- a difficult proposition for anyone coming up through the fleet.<br />
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Transitions are still the death of me. For the love of God, I still can't make a tack. My gybes while getting better still end up like some story of road runner cartoon running off a cliff and falling into the abyss. All that recover time puts me back in the fleet and outside the time limit for an official score. I know it's just a matter of time till it comes but all the meanwhile, getting DNF's in the score sheet is getting pretty depressing. I keep reminding myself it's all about the journey. As I look back at my windsurf racing career, there was a lot of time spent in the back of the fleet at international regattas getting up to speed and gaining experience. I was never the fastest or the most talented but I stuck with it the longest and the persistence eventually paid off. Now that I'm in a similar position, it's hard to see the progress when you've tasted success.<br />
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I've made a plan for the fall, winter and spring to work on my transitions so that next year I'll be able to play the game. It looks so damn easy watching the top guys foil through their tacks and gybes but it all good time I remind myself. Now for every session forward I'm going to force myself to make practicing tacks and gybes part of the game. So far I've just relied on coasting by but real change comes when you go beyond your comfort level. Failure becomes more important than success in the long road of learning a new technique. There's no easy way around it. I'm also jumping ahead and getting a light wind foil kite for the off season when the wind is a bit lighter. It should help me with the transitions as the foil kite proves a bit more lift than the tube kites. However it does come with several more strings attached both literally and figuratively. The bridles on the foil kites are a bit more complicated to provide all that additional lift but come with their own set of hazards. Load them up unnervingly and they break. Drop the kite in the water and it becomes a whole lot more complicated to wrap up. However, if you don't keep up, you get left behind. I'm sure it will come with its own set of challenges but there's only one way to move forward- and that's to never give up.<br />
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Onward and upward.<br />
sb<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-54388588697055851102016-06-19T08:10:00.000-07:002016-06-19T08:21:57.650-07:00Riding dirty & days between...Its been several season since Ive been riding dirty with both feet in the foot straps but in different fleets. It used to be that everyday spent kiting meant loosing a day of windsurfing.<br />
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Now it seems most of my time is spent kiting with just a few days left for slalom racing as I continue get my kite skills up to par and rely upon my past windsurfing experience to keep me at the top of the fleet. Nonetheless- there's a lot of overlap between the 2 disciplines from mastering new skills, maintaining a quiver and just getting to the starting line on time. </div>
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I look back at the last months racing, training and lessons learned:</div>
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<u>May 19th- Thursday Night Kite Series</u>: Its blowing stink on the city front gusting from 15-30k. I take out the 8m & foil and try to make it around the course without too much damage. Im getting more comfortable in the breeze on the foil and manage to beat a few people people to the top mark. Downwind they all pass me as I take a few big catapults pushing too hard. My starts are still 10-20 seconds behind the fleet as to avoid any tangles. I try to avoid the big bummers and get get around the course as fast as I can. I just miss the time limit in the first race as the 2 kiters in front of me tangle at the finish line but manage to squeeze a 21st in for the first official result of the season. Take the small victories when you can!</div>
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Still reveling over making it around the course & in the time limit. Way OP'ed on 8m kite & foil in gusty 15-30k <a href="https://t.co/KDVwjz4GMm">pic.twitter.com/KDVwjz4GMm</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/733665009734057986">May 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<u>June 2- Thursday Night Kite Series</u>: Its one of the sketchier evenings I've spent the the Bay-lit on the 8m kite and foil in 15-25k in an absolute white out. Foiling is a real trip in the fog. There's no sight lines and almost no sound with the foil and board above the water. The fog becomes so thick in the 2nd race, I get lost on the way to the windward mark, not seeing anyone for a few minutes. I bail and come in for my own safety.</div>
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Sketchiest race ever. No visibility on SF city front. Navigating by <a href="https://twitter.com/GGBridge">@GGBridge</a> foghorn & <a href="https://twitter.com/SFBayTide">@SFBayTide</a> flood tide. <a href="https://t.co/cAlVqH1YGg">pic.twitter.com/cAlVqH1YGg</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/738607908368187392">June 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<u>June 3- Friday Night Slalom Series:</u> I finally get to race on my new windsurfing kit. The ml 70cm slalom board & avanti 7.6 prove to be the perfect set up in 15-24k. The board comes out of the gybes strong and the rig handles the big puffs very well. If you're going to have 1 slalom kit- this is it. </div>
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The key to slalom racing is getting a good start and coming out of the 1st mark strong. After that it's sailing conservatively and picking up any spots where you can. I take it for granted that I can nail most of my gybes but it does take its toll. Races are only 2-3 min long with 4 quick gybes and quick reaching legs at full power. CAN-9 on an 8.6 rig and I battle it out in front but he edges me out on the inside when it gets light. I settle for 2nd for the evening. </div>
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Great action shots <a href="https://twitter.com/StFYC">@stfyc</a> Friday night slalom series. <a href="https://t.co/1QmcY0Y2Af">pic.twitter.com/1QmcY0Y2Af</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/739139612602306560">June 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<u>June 12- Crissy Field Slalom Series:</u> Perfect conditions with breeze in the mid 20's. Im well lit on the avanti 7.6, ml 70cm board and 42cm Z fin but am edged out by Jason and Xavier who are really pushing hard and take the top 2 spots. I try to compensate by pushing the line more but end up over early twice and make a foul and withdraw from another race. While it pays to be aggressive, it sometimes can cost you dearly. I fail to take full advantage of the 30 min break and postponement and get caught under powered on the course as the breeze dies and flood increases. When its light- always have your big guns ready! </div>
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Another big lesson learned this weekend was that you are never above the rules. I found myself withdrawing from a race after a new racer politely asked me why I shut the door on him at the mark rounding. "Are you allowed to do that? " he asked. Well, no I was wrong. Even without a protest, when you know you have fouled someone and dont do your penalty turn, the best thing to do is retire. Ironically, I have the same conversation with Xavier after the days racing as he fouled me in an earlier race. Respectfully, he withdraw form the race and ultimately loses the day to Jason but good sportsmanship goes along way. Congrats on setting a good example for us to follow!</div>
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Never let the results get in the way of your fun. Missed the podium but still stoked on slalom windsurfing. <a href="https://t.co/4rjCrrJRe1">pic.twitter.com/4rjCrrJRe1</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/742362275344879616">June 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<u>June 16- Thursday Night Kite Racing</u>: It looks light and I rig the 13.5m kite but end up well powered as the breeze cranks up to 18-20k. At the leeward mark- its barley 10k and a graveyard in the back of the fleet. I start 10 seconds behind the fleet and am in the pack rounding the top mark only because I've overstood in the flood tide and stayed on the outside with the breeze. Its the small things like this that put me within striking distance but my transitions that keep me back. I make most of my non foiling gybes- especially in the lighter breeze but get knocked down a few times as the 13.5 kite provides to be a handful in the puffs. I make the top 20 for the 1st time but get taken out in race 2 as I get caught in a tangle on the start line. Luckily it does not end in disaster but keeps me from just making the time limit in race 2. </div>
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1st top 20 finish. 1st kite tangle. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/payingmydues?src=hash">#payingmydues</a> <a href="https://t.co/MvbhJhk7Xq">pic.twitter.com/MvbhJhk7Xq</a></div>
— usa4: steve bodner (@usa4) <a href="https://twitter.com/usa4/status/743665100729397248">June 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<u>Days Between:</u> I spent most of my time practicing on the foilboard in under 20k and on the surfboard when its gets windy. In 20-30k, The 7 and 8m kites are just delightful with the surfboard making quick snappy turns in the voodoo chop. The foil is still challenging in that I can ride without much trouble but transitions are still the death of me. I cant wait to be able to nail some foiling tacks and gybes and play the game fully but it all good time, With every session, I'm learning more control, pushing the envelope and starting to get comfortable in most conditions. More importantly- no matter what- just having fun with the process and not taking things too seriously keeps me coming back for more. </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-13660758353577729902016-05-29T14:51:00.000-07:002016-06-01T15:18:22.957-07:00Bring what you've got and ride it. I was able to come out with all guns firing on day 1 of the Crissy Field Slalom Series grabbing 6 out of 9 bullets to win the A fleet. Just like picking your line around the gybe mark, picking the right equipment is all part of the game. You've got to use every advantage you can on the race course to win. The 89cm board mikes lab board and 10m avanti membrane rig allowed me to get a strong start every race and come out of the gybes powered up while the guys on smaller gear were often late to the start or came off a plane at the mark roundings. I've been racing on the SF city front for the past 16 years and know that the inside is always hit or miss so you want to be prepared. In most cases, you want to survive the gusts, but when racing on the city front, do not let your weakness become a vulnerability. While the 10m rig and 89 cm board isn't necessarily the quickest on a reach while the wind is up- it does have huge advantages in getting up planning sooner and through the light spots quicker.<br />
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However, the 10.0 does have some disadvantages- you need some room to gybe. Luckily I found myself in the lead most of the races and didn't have to deal with much traffic. Anytime you get close to someone- disaster is likely to strike. I got taken out on the start of race 1 as TUR-92 decided to make some space between the pin end of the starting line and my 10m as I went for it, The result- we both went down. I was able to rally and finish in 4th. On the 7th race- I was arriving to the start line super early and knew about 10 seconds Id be over early without hesitating and letting the fleet roll me. Strategically, it made sense for me to draw over as many people over early as I could with a big lead already established. I went for it accelerating and drew another 3 sailors OCS with me. The result- they use their throw out while I've got a cushion to rest upon.</div>
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Yes, the conditions were a bit variable with lighter winds on the inside of the course but given the choice, I think most racers still preferred racing than sitting in the beach waiting for ideal conditions that may or may not have come. While everyone has to race in the same wind, the one variable you have control over is the equipment you select.<br />
For me it's a no brainier- I pick the the equipment that's going to get me around the race course fastest whether its a 89cm board on the slalom course or a kite foil on the windward leeward course.<br />
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A huge thanks to the Crissy Field Slalom Series sponsors, race team and volunteers that made it all happen, Without you we'd just be going back and forth...<br />
<a href="http://www.calcupevents.com/Results/2016/16_CFSS_1.html">Results- here</a><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-48295639543698364662016-05-22T19:17:00.000-07:002016-05-22T19:17:39.410-07:00Rebuilding the fleet from the bottom up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the 2nd year in a row, the StFYC has expanded their Friday night slalom windsurf racing series to focus on less of the technical and more on the fun. The result has been better participation and an increased awareness of windsurf racing. We're getting people that have never engaged in the competitive side of the sport to enter a beer can race for the first time. The secret- make it easy and make it fun.<br />
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The slalom format is simple with a broad reach start as fast as you can go and 4 downwind gybe marks with the entire fleet in close pursuit. No special equipment is needed but like any sport you can get as geeked out on your quiver as your budget allows. Each race only last 2-3 min so if you have a bad start or fall at the mark you've got your another chance with the next race just moments away.<br />
Slalom racing is all about good board handling, but if you can gybe- you can race.<br />
When it gets windy, like it was for the 1st St.FYC Friday night slalom race of the season on May 20th, you may even be better off on bump and jump gear than traditional slalom gear. 14 racers braved a gusty 15-25k sea breeze and strong flood tide on the city front for 5 races starting just off Anita Rock and finishing moments later off the race deck of the St.FYC. All windsurfers are invited and just about the entire spectrum shows up. This year we have windsurf foilers, diehard slalom racers and newbies showing up on bump and jump gear. <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJmk2ONxaS4/V0JnfN-NB8I/AAAAAAABQTc/AAw1PwhALKA8rBUfD7nJzmCaxankAd5UgCLcB/s1600/foil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJmk2ONxaS4/V0JnfN-NB8I/AAAAAAABQTc/AAw1PwhALKA8rBUfD7nJzmCaxankAd5UgCLcB/s640/foil.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We kicked off the season 2 weeks ago with a shared rules seminar with the kite fleet. The incentive for attending was a 1st place on an extra race for the season. Those that missed out- got a DNC.<br />
Needless to say- we had a lot in the crowd who had no idea of how the rules worked, but they left with a better understanding that even if you are right, collisions are slow and not the fastest way to get around the course.<br />
3 more St.FYC Friday night races are planned for the season in addition to the Crissy Field Slalom Series run on the same course 4 Saturdays throughout the summer. More info on this seasons racing schedule can be found here.<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7899182854594309129.post-33033677168096228462016-05-02T14:41:00.000-07:002016-05-03T10:59:59.407-07:0042nd running of the St.FYC Zellerbach regatta2016 saw the 42nd running of the Zellerbach regatta- hosted by the St.FYC with 7 different classes racing along the San Francisco city front. Dinghies, multi-hulls and kitefoilers were well represented with 100+ sailors on the course both Saturday for light air racing and Sunday when the big breeze kicked in.<br />
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First run in 1962- it made an important switch for the St.FYC who previously ran and hosted 'yacht races.' Dinghies were invited into the fold and for many years the one manned Finn class reigned supreme with the biggest fleet. Local legend, Ed Bennett was the first be be fed through the pipeline competing at the 1972 Olympics while representing the St.FYC. Later, it was combined into the Elvestom/Zellerbach regatta honoring Paul Elvstrom, winner of 4 Gold Olympic medals.<br />
Fast forward 40+ years and the pipeline still flows with 4 St.FYC members competing in the summers 2016 Olympics in Finn, 49 FX skiff class, Laser radial class and in the Windsurfer class.<br />
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Saturday saw a fickle northley breeze turn westerly later in the afternoon and 3 races were run for the foiling kite class after the dinghies finished their morning races in light, shifty & puffy conditions. Most the kite fleet were on 12-15m foil kites but I was never even able to make it to the starting line with a 13.5m tube kite. The bubble on the beach made it nearly impossible to get the kite flying and get going. I made 3 attempts but finally bailed and watched the fleet from shore. Interesting enough, many of the foil kites who did make it to the course had to be rescued when their kites went down or got tangled.<br />
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The modern foil kites are an all together faster set up, proving more lift and greater range than a tube kite but come with its own set of vulnerabilities. Like any new innovations, there's a learning curve and most mistakes can be attributed to pilot error. The foil kites are especially vulnerable when they go down on the water. There is a limited relaunch time before the kite turns into a giant sea anchor. The bridle set up is way more complicated than a typical tube kite and can result in some incredible spaghetti during a self rescue.<br />
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Photo Credit: Eric Simonson- <a href="http://www.pressure-drop.us/forums/content.php">Pressure Drop</a></div>
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However, when its done right, a foiling kite board and foil kite are a thing of wonder in the light breeze. Heineken made it look all too easy, nailing all of this foiling tacks and gybes and getting 3 bullets for the afternoon The thought of being able to make my transitions and foil in 8k keeps me coming back for more- despite the early setbacks.<br />
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Sunday saw a dim forecast but the breeze turned on by the 2pm kite start.<br />
I was well powered on the 8m kite in 16-24k as I made it around the course but not before being lapped by the front of the fleet in the 2 lap windward/leeward course. Finishing just outside the time limit is a bit discouraging but Ill take the small victories when I can.<br />
Overall- less crashes but transitions are still slowing me down.<br />
Despite being able to make most my non foiling gybes, I only managed to make 1 or 2 the whole weekend. Trying to keep clear of the 70 other dinghies on the course also provided for quite the obstacle course. The lasers are liked parked objects when you're flying downwind at 25k+and best to be avoided at any cost. I managed to stay out of trouble and make 2 out of the 3 starts and even beat a few other kites to the 1st windward mark but ended up with a mixed array of alphabet soup on the score sheet.<br />
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Kite foil racing sure isn't easy- especially in this fleet. It's humbling at best but I feel very lucky just to be able to compete and try to come in with a smile. Persistence is really the only key to success and that does not come without some long hard battles.<br />
Results can be found <a href="http://here.https//www.stfyc.com/default.aspx?p=v35EvtView&ID=3867639&type=0&ssid=&qfilter=ALL">here.</a><br />
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Onward and upwards...<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.stevebodner.com</div>USA-4 Steve Bodnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335819825435711123noreply@blogger.com0