Surfski Knowledge Base

Michael Gregory
02/20/12 #12062

It would be terribly unlikely that any of the racers or Wave Chaser crew will ever forget yesterdays contest! How epic were the conditions? Umm, when Dave Jensen says dryly - “it was pretty big”, that should get everyones attention. At the start there was a raging ebb right down the center of the isthmus, under the Golden Gate, with wild swirling eddies banging all around. When we got out toward Point Bonita the swells began to rise like surreal green hillsides charging us. Crossing the “potato patch” (a shelf area infamous for tumultuous water) was totally wicked. At Point Bonita Buoy we turned north into really big NW swells complicated by crossing waves resounding off the cliffs of the Marin cliffsides. How big were the NW swells? 12-15 ft sounds about right. Throw in the cross chop from the coast, the strong ebb tide, a bit of wind wave, and just try to not pee in your wetsuit?

All I could think was “keep paddling, don't think about the swells rushing in from Japan, just look at the water close by”. It didn't work though, I still peed. On the return trip to Point Bonita the waves were moving so fast and were so complex that long runs were just not to be had. The short runs were way fast though. Inside of Point Bonita the fun came back and staying in near the cliffs the paid off with fast rides in the eddies that were generated by the raging ebb. True to form, the race threw in a bit fat curveball at the last turn, into Baker Cove, where the ebb tide generated super fast current and big standing waves that nearly succeeded in sending a few racers back out to the Pacific.

I know I've been banging on this drum for a while, but here it is again. Waverchaser races are so worth your support. These are world class races held on a truly world class course. If the long course does not sound like your “cup 'o tea” there is always a short course that provides adequate challenge and gets ya a ticket to the party! Ski rentals are available from Epic, Fenn, and Huki - at modest cost.

C'mon do it. Let's go! Enrich your paddling life. Paddle with the best crew ever. Yeah, the big time. Wavechaser rocks!!!

Special thanks to: Helen Workman, Mike Martinez, Dave Jensen, Kenny Howell, Patrick Hemmens, all the racers, and volunteers that make racing in the Bay Area so damn much fun!

Mike

Pmarcus
02/20/12 #12063

Way to go Mike!! P

mako_elite

02/20/12 #12064

Mike, sure sounds like a lot off fun. 12-15ft swell would make me pee
in my wetsuit for sure. What boat did you use? Did DJ raced?

Speaking of racing Gabe with David Mocke won race in double
surfski (Millers Run) this last Saturday. Here is a link

http://www.surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/9550-fenn-swordfish.html?limit=20&start=120#10183

take care

Ludovit Tatos

dnjacobson79
02/20/12 #12065

Logistics didn't workout and missed the Wavechasers Champs on Sunday, but I would like to echo MG regarding the fantastic job the Wavechasers crew does with their race series! Congrats to Patrick Hemmens for taking top honors in a Vac Glass Swordfish and Don & MG representing us PNWers. Hope to see some pictures from the race!
-DJ

Michael Gregory 02/20/12 #12067

Yes. I paddled an Epic V8. It was brillant! This was a big hectic course right down to the finish. The final bit around the Golden Gate was a torrent of ebb tide and standing waves. The V8 tore through like a champ. I have such regard for that boat, truly it could have gone much faster. I so appreciate Epic for the opportunity to appreciate how extraordinary this ski really is. I really want to do that again! Mike.

Reivers Dustin 02/21/12 #12068

Amen brother. Phat boats rule in the big stuff. I've only done Champs and the gorge in an S1-R and learned that big water and bigger boats gives us regular guys a much better ride. Last Saturday was Bellingham Bay epic. I took my trusty S1-X and got a spanking. I had some good rides but woulda did betta in a phat boat. (Several of us got dumped that day). And yes, Debbie and Elana noticed my folly and gave me that “what are you thinking?” look.

Doh!

mako_elite
02/21/12 #12069

100% correct. Phat boat is the way go in big stuff. Not only you
learn more, get more confidence with more fun doing it.
Mike, V8 was a perfect choice.

Ludovit Tatos

Michael Gregory
02/21/12 #12070

Yes, love that V8! Ludo, the US Surfski Championships are early August this year and I think you ought to go. Let's figure it out, ok?

Thanks, Mike.