Utah Windriders Association

Forecast looked good but actual readings were lower than expected. as i was getting out of work at 3, the latest readings bumped up a little (but only to around 10) so i figured i'd give it a try. Arrived around 4:15 to slightcaps and wind around 10-12. Set up the 15 waroo and 10 Rise so they could at least dry out from the debacle the night before even if i didn't get to kite. waited around for a half hour or so. Drove out the end of the jetty and wind there was blowing around 15, so i figured i'd give the 15m a try. Jason M. pulled in just as i was heading out and he started setting up his 15. I came in after about 15 minutes as the wind was ramping up and it was getting to be a bit much on the 15. Swapped out to the 10 Rise and by the time i was headed back out, wind had cranked up enough that that was a handful. Spent 45 mins or so on that kite on winds that were probably 22-25 and then came in to swap out to the Nemi, as i'm still trying to decide between the two. Gave the Rise to Jason M. as he didn't have a smaller kite with him, set up the Nemi and headed back out. Had another well powered 45 mins on that one. The swell was huge, probably 5-6 ft, but i spent more time on the flat water so i could have a better feel for the kites. Had fun cruising right at the 6 ft tall reeds and launching over them. The nemi felt a touch more solid and seemed a bit more precise in being exactly where i wanted it to be. Both go upwind very good, both gave scarey high jumps - i literally have bruises on my ribs this morning from the pull. The rise seemed to give softer landings on the jumps. The rise has one-pump, which is nice. Both great kites. Very tough decision here.

I was surprised that there weren't more people there. Wasn't exactly a nice day, but there was nice steady wind and it wasn't raining. I wore a drysuit, maybe Jason M. can give us a guage on the water temp as he was in a wetsuit. All in all, a nice first session of the season at UT lake for me.

Jason, if possible, can you email me some of that video? miltsface@hotmail.com

Great Lincoln beach opener. Most water I've seen in years. After the runoff the water level will probably be close to the pavement. The swell was gorge like and spectacular. Great being lit on a 10m. Thanks for the demo Jason! I'm sure the parking area at SSB is under water currently. Jason's wind gauge read a peak gust of 33mph.