Re[3]: Kona / Maui report

From: Karver, Eric (EKarver@CCGATE.SPOT.COM-DeleteThis)
Date: Tue Nov 21 1995 - 09:14:10 PST

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Date: Tue, 21 Nov 95 12:14:10 EST
From: EKarver@CCGATE.SPOT.COM-DeleteThis (Karver, Eric)
Message-Id: <9510218169.AA816984850@CCGATE.SPOT.COM-DeleteThis>
To: wind_talk@opus.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis
Subject: Re[3]: Kona / Maui report

     I was also at Kanaha on Friday for my first trip to Maui (and first
     wave sailing experience). Early on I mostly stayed inside on a 5.5 but
     became somewhat dangerously confident and moved further out in the mid
     afternoon. One of these mast high sets rolled in and I went down in
     the first wall of white water, becoming separated from my equipment. I
     struggled for 10-15 minutes in the impact zone to get to my rig and
     waterstart, but the wind wasn't there when I needed it, so I
     floundered around in the water trying to catch my breath and keep calm
     in between waves. Another guy went down about 10 meters in front of
     me, he lost his rig, which promply came and hit me in the head as I
     dove under the white water. I was really getting banged up, and
     needless to say, was scared shitless. I finally got a break in the
     set, waterstarted (barely, I was exhausted), and sailed directly to
     the beach to take a long break.

     I'm grateful for reading this forum over the past few months; as I
     struggled to waterstart and stay with my rig I remembered the proper
     technique for getting "rinsed", where you keep your mast and sail
     pointed into the waves as they are washing over you, keeping yourself
     between the waves and the rig. This definitley helped me to stay with
     my equipment (once I got back to it) and quickly position for a
     waterstart.

     A rather frightening and sobering experience, which no doubt has
     reinforced my respect for the ocean and it's awesome power. I'm
     looking forward to Maui again next year...

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Subject: Re[2]: Kona / Maui report
Author: wind_talk@opus.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis at INTERNET
Date: 11/20/95 6:12 PM

     The big island is not good for sailng. I have some avid sailing
     friends who used to live there - they sailed the very south tip, which
     is virtually inaccessible, and is also quite far from civilization.
     Finally, they all moved to Maui. Of course, they had to, since the
     lava flow covered all their homes (the lots were quite cheap, though).

     Just returned from 2 weeks in Maui. The first week had little or no
     waves, but 4 good days (2 4.5, 1 5.0, 1 5.5). Last week was dead
     Sunday-Thursday, unless you call 6.5 windy (I did miss a brief late
     5.0 Kihei session when I got tired of waiting around).

     Friday was seriously mast high at Kanaha - a mast high set came
     through about every 10 minutes, and the channel was completely closed
     out most of the time. The wind was gusty and marginal - I could plane
     pretty well on my 5.0 when it was up, but could barely waterstart when
     it dropped, which it did a lot in the impact zone. I sailed very
     cautiously, and managed to get some great rides without serious
     mishap. There were about 300 people out, all at the lower break. I
     think a lot of people came down from Hookipa because it was too big.
     Chickening out and jibing at the small end of the impact zone was
     scary, as there were so many sailors to avoid.

     Toward the end of the day, I was sailing in and saw a crowd of people
     standing on the beach, where the lifeguards were trying to revive a
     guy they had rescued (the jet skis were constantly running in and out
     for rescues). He didn't make it - apparently he drowned. They say it
     was the first windsurfing fatality on Maui - we had just been talking
     about that "fact" in the morning, wondering how dangerous it would be
     to go out. The papers said he must have been a beginner - his
     equipment was really funky. The waves at Kanaha are much easier and
     safer than on the coast here, but they can still be dangerous. After
     that, my enthusiasm was seriously dampened.

     The next day also saw big waves, though only occasionally a mast high
     set, and the channel was usually open. The wind, however, was down a
     notch, and my 5.0 was virtually unsailable. I made a few runs, and
     miraculously caught a few waves, but you really needed a 5.5 or 6.0.
     Still, there were about 300 sails out, and nobody planed all day.



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Subject: Re: Kona
Author: Jeff Hodges <hodges@Breakaway.Stanford.EDU-DeleteThis> at INTERNET
Date: 11/20/95 11:07 AM


Hey dude,

Uh, no I don't read windsurfing, which issue of the mag has the article? can you
paraphrase it? I've been to kona several times. I was last there two years ago
and windsurfing was essentially unknown on the big island at that time. problems
were largely one of access at the places where there is consistent wind from a
decent direction relative to shore. any details appreciated... thanks,

Jeff

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