Utah Windriders Association

All Friday my wind beeper was going off, distracting me from my work. So at 3pm I had enough ran home packed the car, packed the family and headed off. We made it up there to see everyone getting off the water.
Saturday came with no wind all morning. Then around 1pm it started to blow and around 3pm it was really good. I rigged my 6.3 and my 100 liter board. I could have probably rigged my 5.8 instead.

The races were pretty fun. I think we had 5 or 6 heats before everyone was worn out. Ben ? (sorry I don't know your last name) cleaned up on every heat. Maybe it had to do with his 9m sail. As far as the rest of the rankings go - I didn't even look. So I guess everyone else tied for second. Messing around or just cruising around doesn't take anywhere near the energy running a course does. It was a really good work out.

After some lunch and a hour long break I got back on the water for some cruising around. I think I was out for another 2 1/2 hours after that. I haven't seen Sulfur Creek this steady in a long time.

Dinner: I set two traps out during the night and day which caught more then a hundred of the mudbugs. But I feel like my contribution was nothing compared to Rick's cooking. I was thinking dinner would be good but he far exceeded my expectations. I think most people there were a little hesitant to try them but all they needed was one bite.
Rick boiled corn on the cob, red potatoes, little baby onions, some spicy sausage, a delicate balance of spices, and of course the crayfish. After everyone was done only potatoes were left! Amazing. Also add in the smores and campfire. What a great evening!

To everyone that didn't make it up for the weekend I am sorry but you all missed out on one of the best weekends of sailing.

Sounds like it was a blast. Wish I was there for that one. Were there any kiters there, and how did they fare?

jason
me and doug kited it up. doug tore it up, in my opion he was slashing toe side and getting big air, saw him huck over the island a few times, 25 feet. I was just trying to stay close. I think doug was on a 9 and so was I. three others launched but had to walk back. all in all a good sulphur day. sunday was kinda holey and i was tired from saturday, so no kiting. thanks to all the cool UWA staffers that made it possible.
todd

Josh, Sarah, Craig and Rick,

Thank you very much for putting the campout together! The wind was great and the company was even better!

It was nice meeting you all in person.

Yeah, the combination of Dana's 9.0 and 135L Naish Titan was a huge advantage in the races. It was my first race experience and I could not believe how tiring it was! I was glad to come out unscathed. On the last race, Mike E. and I about had a huge collision rounding the first marker.

We're planning another trip to the Gorge the 1st week of September, so we'll see you all there.

Ben Cahoon

sounds like a great time with wind, water, company, races and crawdad cook. I am nursing a torn mcl from the gorge and its getting better, so I'll be on the water shortly. I appreciated Josh's editorial on his summary from the Gorge. I have to add that even when injured, you still have that feeling of fulfillment (although it takes some time and you have to rise above the immediate knowledge that there is good wind and water to be had). See you on the water soon. Rob