Monday 22nd June – windsurf ***** - The Dip, Felixstowe – sunny and hot.

Starboard formula with foil and Lightning 7m. wind 12 to 14 ssw.

Foil – 17.04 knot max, 14.78 knot ave ., 9.76 knot hour, 12.37 knot mile, 27.40 km., 9.32 knot alpha

After four windsurfing sessions in a row I was hoping for a relaxing light wind day but from quite early on there looked like there was going to be enough for a foil after lunch! So did my exercises in the sunny back garden and got a wonderful Father’s Day card from my son Rob with a lovely message from the Grandson Arlo and have been enjoying a large box of Maltesers from Dan my other son who sadly is now in lock down for a month!!!! I made yummy gammon sandwich for lunch then had to make up my mind whether to go to The Manor or The Dip, as it was a lovely hot, sunny day here in Felixstowe I thought I might have trouble parking my trailer at the Manor so went to the Dip, dropping Mag off on the way so she could have a walk! Robert was already there, quickly followed by Andy and Ian all going out foiling with Swainy down to watch still nursing a waist injury!!!! The sea did look lumpy but there was a nice breeze, cross on from the right so I rigged 7m while Andy went for 6.6. Andy was first to leave the beach in what looked like fairly marginal conditions but was soon up and flying so I quickly headed out and was up almost straight away! I beat out to the red and white bouy tacked and then headed down towards the River Orwell. I was amazed that I made it to the Manor windsurf beach in one tack flying most of the way close to the shore trying to keep my board from hitting the waves, it is a very active thing to follow the up and down of the sea but I am improving with more time on the open sea. I waved to Al Wiz who was fin sailing at The Marina as I tacked to head back the ¾ miles to The Dip. To be honest it was worth 5 stars for that run alone, just sailing on a dead run, close to the shore while playing with the swell. It didn’t feel that windy but the 7m was just perfect, only losing the wind for a short section at the bumpy Jacobs Ladder! I crossed the rough water of the River Deben sailing a short way into Bawdsey Bay before doing it again, but beating closer to the shore, only just missing the pier. I had to tack once to make The Manor meeting up with Andy who was loving the conditions up this end! Another super run back enjoying the swell but the wind did seem to be easing a little so after into Bawdsey Bay again I headed back to the Dip. I got a little close to the shingle bank and touched bottom briefly but by flying the board I got through the shallow section. I took it easy through the confused river mouth and landed with no mishaps, I need to work on launching and landing which is much easier on our river venues! I can honestly say this was one of my best sessions of the year and am absolutely loving the foiling and cat wait to get my new board, hopefully later this week but then I will be scared to use it as I haven’t had a brand new board in 30 years!!! With a mini heat wave coming it looks like we might get a run of foiling days later in the week but hopefully Mag and I can get out early tomorrow for a breakfast bike ride!

https://www.facebook.com/stephen.squirrell.1/media_set?set=a.10219139917741463&type=3