VI 10 – Nitinat Lake – windsurfing (2018 July 23)Solid. Wind line showed up early about 9 am (good). Broke camp as the wind built. Happy to help CTK get mobile again (broken caliper bolt) with tools, bolt, and break fluid (he was pretty stoked too as he was travelling light sans-tools as he was on the island). Rigged 5.3/115 and walked to the beach with Ethan’s 9 m, but went back to the van for his 7 m as it was ‘on’! Ethan sampled surfboard with straps (and liked it) and I served as ground support exchanging boards at the waters edge then took to the water – big gear was too big. 4.5/92 was much better and the jump contest began – me (working with experience on ws gear) and Ethan (going with technology). Both left the water in a hotly contested battle. Lots of banter and smiles on the water! GREAT session! Tire check (all good), van wash, and dinner in Port Inferno (33 degrees). Sunset at Kennedy Lake, surf check at Long Beach and ocean-side camp site set-up at Bella Pacifica (for Ethan’s benefit).
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SlideshowVI 11 – Long Beach - SUP (2018 July 24)Golden. Morning chores and errands while Ethan slept in. Happy to get a parking spot with the crew at Incinerator and a tour of the new ‘washrooms’ (stalls, change rooms, showers). Johnny said yesterday was the best Tofino session he had ever had. BWD said this morning was a little dumpy and was holding off for the 3:30 pm low tide. DavidM took to the water first through the fog and the rest followed. Started on the shoulders at tinnies and the sun burned off the fog. Then headed up to the crab trap as the mirage of a right looked to be firing today! I saw everyone in the crew catch memorable rides today! Lots to go around. The only downside was the inside sandbar was rather nasty (sand sucking pounders) and once outside you wanted to stay there. Great crew including a mix of regulars (BWD, Cindy, Udder, Rebaron, DavidM) and a couple of new additions (Ethan and Johhny) and great conditions made for a golden session! Counted eight surfers up at the crab trap after we left the water (more than I have ever seen sitting on that peak). I would like to think it was the stoke our crew shared up there that drew them up. Golden session for sure! Quick surf check/trainer kite session at South Chesterman (waist-high), grilled beef, halibut, backed potatoes and corn on the cob at the campsite. A day very well spent!
Quotes of the day:
Udder: “Wow!” (at seeing the almost barreling right at Esowista aka ‘the crab trap’)
Me: “I think we should go up for a look-see.”
Udder: “Yeah, I think we’ll be doing more than just looking.”
Johhny: “I’m glad I asked about the forecast!” (after dropping in on a few bombs)
Me: “I’m glad you’re here my friend.”
Me to Jesse: “Looks like the new (Fanatic) paddle works.” (while seeing Ethan rip right along a clean bomb from the backside of the wave – uber proud parent moment)
Brown Westfalia surfer couple: “We saw you guys ripping those rights up the beach while we were walking the dogs. It looked amazing!”
Green longboard Westfalia guy: “SUP’s were owning it today!”
Redbaron (Jesse): “Best swell in the last two years.” (and he has seen more than most)
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