Insane Wind Posse - Oxnard 11m 9m 135 board

[ChrisPSherwin]

Rolled up to Silver Strand beach and was greeted by many of the usual suspects. Launched my 11m with the wave tray and was having a good time. It was blowing 20 or so, nice whitecaps, some good waves. Then it got windy...

I put the 11 away and went with the short 135 board and my 9m which was VERY well powered. Avg wind was 34mph gusting to 43. The little board was working really well. I was catching overhead sets and actually surfing them on that little board. Over time, the waves got big enough that I actually got a little lost. One time, while cresting a wave I got a little too much hang time, and then dumped it about 5 seconds before a breaking wave was about to kick my ass. I dragged for the board for about 2 seconds and quickly reconsidered - OUTTA HERE!!! The wind was stong enough that I was able to SKIP on my stomach to shore and avoid a bad pounding. I had to curl my toes to keep my booties from coming off.

When I got to shore, I looked for my board, kite in the air, for a while - no dice. I went back to the beginning to land the kite. And then walked one MILE down the beach. Just before the breakwater, there it was! OK so a mile back, but hey I got my board, and promptly put my name and phone # on it.

One more session, crazy waves, nuking wind, and then I was done. I had to have someone hold my harness while I landed my kite. The sandblasting while breaking down was just friggin crazy. I just threw the kite in the car, there was no point in trying.

Some of the locals were RIPPING it strapless on surfboards and 6m kites. Others had hook straps that allow them to stay somewhat in, and still move around a lot. Another great day, learning a ton, lots of people looking out for each other and charging hard. More wind manana.