North Padre Island, Oct 2010, 3.8 - 9.5

[obzansky]

North Padre Island, Oct 2010

Padre Island, longest barrier island in the world, partly developed but mostly wild, becomes more amazing with each visit. As it is similar to Hatteras on the east coast, it brings back fond memories of that place. The inside, Laguna Madre: flat, warm, shallow, no sharks. The outside, Gulf of Mexico: chop to waves, much longer fetch, sharks and other creatures.

According to locals, Fall, 2010 has been atypical for low wind. Over the month October, we had about an equal mix of north and south flows. For the first 2 weeks we rode 7.0s to +9.5s. However, many of the 7.0 days were really steady. During last 2 weeks the wind was stronger, mostly ranging from 3.5ish to 7.0. I had a few sessions on my 3.8, with one being totally over-powered. Many days we found the best wind early in the mornings, usually north, and dying by mid-day. The prevailing south breeze usually happens in the afternoon. Enjoyed some excellent, but short, sessions on my 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 retro’s. The lower wind times were great for trying new things (back wind tricks, non planning duck jibes, etc ) and for Eileen to get some mellow cruising time with her favorite combination, 4.0 Ezzy , 185 GO board. Most days were warm enough for board shorts or just a touch of rubber. However, on a early morning north, I discovered that the water on the shallow Laguna Madre can change overnight from the 80s to the 60s. It was a good morning to nail the jibes, as my long rubber suit was in the car, and it should have been on me.

Since we usually camp on the Gulf side, we continue the search for the best way to have fun with waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Although warm, these waves resemble washing machine action, are very soft, often don’t have a pattern, and have a strong side current. Except at Packer Channel under exactly the right conditions and tides, bogie and surf boards are not much fun. Also, because of the softness of the waves, its hard to get good rides with a kayak. This year I tried paddling (sitting position) my futura 133 in the waves. This works fine but my shortest fin is way too long for the shallow water at low tides and over the sand bars. Tops on our current list, ride small truck inner tubes from the outside break right onto the beach, then hike back up to the starting point. Mellow and very relaxing after a sailing session!

Unlike Deer Creek, one can drive and park right on the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Guess state officials figure that after BP’s oil dump, a few drips from a car is no big deal. This made it easy for Eileen to try different surf fishing spots. Dined on fresh whiting a few nights.

It was great seeing old friends and meeting some new ones on the beach. Willy is still “living the life” but not sailing as much this season due to the lower wind condition. Had fun chatting with Richard, the crazy Canadian, who rides his home-made ice sailor following the Chinook winds of Canada. Chills me to think about riding the ice on a 3.0 sail and doing +55 mph. Talk about an incentive to make those jibes! But then again, we’re all crazies on this bus!