7/3/24 Sulphur Creek 6,0 115L

[GrantMc]

Another cranking day at Sulphur. I arrived around 3:00 and it was already blowing 20+ mph with higher gusts that had to be around 35. I was hoping for lighter winds than what I had a few days ago, but it was actually just as strong and steadier. I brought all that I had: a 7,5, a 7,0 and a 6,0. Driving up, I knew I was screwed due to the way the trees and grasses were laid over from the wind (and getting 18mpg in my F-150 going 80 mph, uphill due to tailwind), but you run what you brung. I flattened out my 6,0 as much as I could and snapped on my 115L Tabou Manta. After the shore start and getting into the straps, I knew I was in for a beating. I was immediately overpowered, flying supersonic over the chop, and trying not to sheet in, because if I had, my board would have gone airborne, and not the good kind. I hung on and tacked way upwind and eventually got right up next to the dam where the water was at least flat. The wind was a bit up and down, but mostly steady and strong. Up by the dam, I was able to hang on in the flat water for about and 1,5 hours, then it picked up even more. If I had had a 4,5, that's what I would have rigged. I dragged my body back into shore around 4:30, hopping it would die down. It didn't. I put my tail between my legs, derigged, and drove home. It's been a long, long time since I have seen so many good days windsurfing in Utah. Is this a new weather pattern? Maybe I need to move back permanently! Or, I should at least invest in some smaller gear. However, if I do, I'm sure it will be back to 7,5s all day, everyday.