Utah Windriders Association

First off thanks to everyone for showing up. I had a real good time, I just wish I was able to get more TOW.

As to participation:
Windsurfers:
Josh Shirley
Steve Hicks
Erik Mumford
Rob Smith
Rick McClain
Carl Christensen
Steve Nyhus
George Ward
Tom Smart

Dave Griffiths, Rachael Griffiths, and Brett Linde all honored us with their presence, but didn't participate.

Kiteboarders:
Les Vierra
Salvador Geronimo
Jason Morton
Stokes Aitken
Steve Mayer
Spencer Regiudel
Nate Call
Jacob Buzianis
Mike Loeser
Marty Lowe
Mark Johnson
Charles Patten
Mike May

And many more spectators, family members, beach goers (that lost their beach front property), sailors, and USG volunteers. Brett Bingham had a large crowd of sailors as well.

Results are as follows:
Windsurfers:
1. Erik Mumford
2. Steve Hicks
3. Carl Christensen
4. George Ward
5. Rob Smith
6. Rick McClain
No Score: Tom Smart, Josh Shirley, Steve Nyhus
(No Score meaning didn't start or finish enough heats.)

Kiteboarders:
1. Spencer Regiudel
1. Jacob Buzianis
3. Steve Mayer
4. Mark Johnson
5. Salvador Geronimo
6. Nate Call
7. Stokes Aitken
8. Jason Morton
No Score:
Les Vierra, Mike Loeser, Marty Lowe, Mike May, Charles Patten

Besides having one buoying float off everything went pretty well. The windsurfers had a total of seven heats and could have gone for 10 more. The wind worked out well, showed up just as planned (months in advance.) Just as many heats for the kiters.

The fees were all USG. Paid for insurance and state park fees. I can say as an insurance agent that Utah Summer Games took a loss on this event. So definitely a big thanks to them.

The dinner was put together by Brett and I, with a $200 food donation from food distributor, Sales West. I want to make sure I thank Sales West for the food. So if any of you run a restaurant, call Kip Warren at Sales West. kipwarren@saleswest.com

Thanks Josh, it was a lot of fun. For those who couldn't make it, let me tell you Josh pretty much sacrificed a windy day at DC for a sailing scene unlike anything SBB has seen, ever. There may have been bigger events with sailboards but the combination of kites and boards made this one unique. Let's just say there was sufficient presence to displace the combustion powered contingent for a day, the exception being spectators getting an eyeful.

One thing for sure, it was relatively low key, ready-set-go sailing in good conditions. Apparently Josh was watching the puffs come down the water and trying to start the races accordingly so we got some powered reaches in many of the heats.

It's clear that a couple of buoys set for figure 8 sailing would get some use from this bunch. The biggest problem is getting them firmly in place, a bit of a problem with the steep sidewalls near the dam at DC. Either Provo Boat Harbor or Saratoga might do better. The next time a north push lines up on a weekend day maybe that would be a consideration. Josh is thinking about it which brings me back around to thanking him for his contribution.

Thanks Josh and everyone, we had a great time. I agree with Carl, it was neat to see a beach full of people and gear. The kiters really help make a spectacle of it. I wish there was some video because all I have left is a blurr of memories. Memories like: Josh's WAAAHOOO's whenever a big gust would hit, Carl and I having to tack twice to reach a "downwind" bouy, jibing around the carnage at the bouys, becoming the carnage myself at the bouy and everyone having to miss me, overpowered and watching George, Steve and myself all cavitating the fin at different points. A lot of tight heats with passing and lead changes. It must have been the excitement of race action when I found myself winded after just 4 trips across the lake each heat. I thought the format was good for a lot of sailors. The conditions and course were such that I ended up using "normal" gear I bought 4 years ago and leaving my newer formula gear on the beach. Lets hope for the same next year with even more participants.

I, too, want to thank Josh and Bim and all the others for their time and energy on race day; and, of course, getting the races all set up. I had a great time, even though I blew out the main panel on my 7.5m and sailed terribly. At least I passed a few people a few times, even though many fewer than I got passed.
I'm sure we'll all get better and that the races will get easier to run and run smoother with practice. You'd think that with all the practice the WIND has had, it would get better, too. but, alas, that doesn't seem to work out.

Thanks, again, Josh.

thanks for a great event! I head there were some photo's, anyone know where to find them? dirty rumor that there was a photo of me 3 inches in the air that was in the sunday paper, but can't find a copy!

Steve Mayer
stevemayer@gmail.com

thanks for a great event! I head there were some photo's, anyone know where to find them? dirty rumor that there was a photo of me 3 inches in the air that was in the sunday paper, but can't find a copy!

Steve Mayer
stevemayer@gmail.com