Forecast today was for early F5-6 SW, veering to F4-5 W. So got up early (for a day off) and drove down to Lepe. Selected that venue because it works well in a W, and also because there'd been some chat on the OMWC club chat room about others who were planning a trip. Arrived about 10 or so, nobody there, rain, reasonable but not spectacular wind. Called JL, who turned out to be on his way down, along with Mark and Carl. Andy also turned up. Unfortunately, in some respects, the wind didn't, although the rain stopped and the sun came out at one point.
But the main point of this trip was to test the new wetsuit! Rigged up, then climbed into new clobber. It is a bit fiddly, with an inner suit as well, and of course need help with the zip. That's a challenge I must meet one day... Felt good though, fantastically stretchy neoprene, quality kit.
Then into the water. And now for the surprise - what water?! Couldn't believe it - no water entered AT ALL!! In fact, although when fully immersed I could feel the cold a bit, at a distance, I was actually sweating in the damn suit!! Had my new helmet on too for additional warmth, which also made a huge difference. Thought I'd have to take it off at one point, but then got a ducking which reminded me why I had it... The only weak spot was the boots, which I hadn't done the Velcro up tight enough on, and they filled up a bit. Still very warm though. I really can't believe it... quite amazing.
And thank heavens for that pleasant surprise, because my sailing was crap. This was a bit of a watershed experience for me of course, because
- New suit - if this didn't work, no hope of winter windsurfing, so a big investment risk
- First time out in (cold!) UK waters since rescue required, way back in Oct
So I was a bit apprehensive beforehand, and cautious during. Waterstarting was not very good, harness/straps improved as I went along, gybe not very good either... Although to be fair, after an hour I had improved, and was starting to get the feel of things again. It's amazing what even a short break will do for muscle memory (or not!). It's just SO HARD to be firm but gentle - coming out of the harness prior to a gybe requires utmost gentleness, to prevent wild undulations from the change in balance. Then there's the foot manouevres - be gentle, don't disturb things. Of course the swell/mini-waves get you anyway, which Dahab makes one forget soon enough. Jon has been to Moon Beach this year, and highly recommends it - uncrowded, good wind, with few shadows, nice bay which isn't offshore like Dahab. Get there via Cairo, which would make a change.
As far as my apprehensions go, I guess I can say they were all confounded, which is good. Came home as it got dark, via pub. A good day. Pictures to follow...
