Squamish

[Alton]

First day of Kite Clash 2017. Excellent steady SW 18-20 for competitors on 12m kites. Clear rigging area for windsurfers but not much space for launching kites.

Scored 1 hr on 9m+TT in SW 18-20 and smooth water. 12m would have been better so had to work harder to boost.

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[mjamero]

What's the water traffic like for windsurfers launching from Nexen while Kite Clash is on this weekend? Is there still plenty of room for intermediate windsurfers?

[Alton]

What's the water traffic like for windsurfers launching from Nexen while Kite Clash is on this weekend? Is there still plenty of room for intermediate windsurfers?

Lots of room on the water. Most kiters are spectators and competition is confined to the honey hole.

[LeopardSkin]

The Webcam shows emptier spit than usual.

[mjamero]

My wife and I hope to try Squamish (Nexen) for the first time this weekend or next.

We need some newbie advice. Please suggest a board and sail size for a typical Squamish day. We are usually English Bay sailors which is a different kettle of fish. I've read through the Squamish Nexen guide but it does not talk much about gear selection.

Me: Approx 140 lbs. Just learned to waterstart. No carve gybes (yet )
My wife: Approx 115 lbs. Learning to waterstart.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[mjamero]

Also, will I freeze my nardz off if I wear just a 3/2 with a rash guard? I have a 5/4 but it's SOOO uncomfortable I'd rather not sail at all than sail with it. Thanks again!

[DASSmash]

My wife and I hope to try Squamish (Nexen) for the first time this weekend or next.

We need some newbie advice. Please suggest a board and sail size for a typical Squamish day. We are usually English Bay sailors which is a different kettle of fish. I've read through the Squamish Nexen guide but it does not talk much about gear selection.

Me: Approx 140 lbs. Just learned to waterstart. No carve gybes (yet )
My wife: Approx 115 lbs. Learning to waterstart.

Thanks for the suggestions!

If Sunday is anything like today, outside Nexen launch bay will be pretty intense.
Super fun, lots of nice size waves to jump winds gusting to low 30s. But pretty scary for newbies. Probably more subdued tomorrow tho.

Google Jame's Blog Windsurfing Calculator for general idea of sail size.

[Craig]

Enjoy Nexen. Much safer than the spit. Park near the ws righing area in the square of grass near the porta potty. The launch is to the west if the old ferry dock. 1 reach towards the terminals dock and you should be out of the bay. I am 180 and normally sail a 6.5 or 5 5 and a 100 ltr board. Watch for debris in the water. Less current, warmer water and if you breakdown your car is downwind... enjoy! Chat to others on the beach about wind strength or anything else... friendly vibe .

[Johnny]

You will freeze your nardz off if you wear just a 3/2 with a rash guard. You'd want to go with the 5/4.

[mjamero]

You will freeze your nardz off if you wear just a 3/2 with a rash guard. You'd want to go with the 5/4.

Hmm. I thought as much. I suspect I'll be in the water a lot more at Squamish. Nothing worse than being cold and not being able to warm up. My Hurley has a fixed hood and is extremely constricting and uncomfortable. It zaps all my energy and I'm exhausted before I even get on the water.

Time for a new wetsuit I think. Where can I find a good deal for a 5/4 either locally or online? I'm looking at an O'Niell 5/4 with removable hood but all the local shops (Boardroom, Pacific Boarder, North Shore Ski & Board) are asking +\- $500+tax or more . I prefer O'Neill simply because I know my sizing if buying online. Thanks!