Feb 2011
STORM BRINGER COMING!
That South Wind is kicked in from Sat 12th - gonna be a fine day today la da dad de de da da..... If it continues as per forecast, can expect some nice ramps and SUP surf-able waves to develop over the next few days - ATOM test continues.
Photos, videos, and more unrelated drivel from the author..
Overall, wind was below average for Feb.2011, South Wind started mid month, and end of the month saw consistent rains with mild winds. Fortunately the wind would recover quickly after the rain and we had many good days for 7.5-8.5M sails and wide fun and slalom boards. We had guests from Noway and Sweden who had a great time and enjoyed the warm waters and even warmer Thai culture.
So far the Starboard Atom Test Rides are fast turning into a love affair - For me this one board has replaced the Futura 111 and the Kode 102, Now I am wondering if it will replace my whole board quiver. The Atom, although only 99L is not a high wind board - it IS an extremely efficient Light Wind Board for small to mid sized riders who have an efficient riding style. The wind range is incredible - so far I have tested the board with 6.0M, 6.7M,7.0M, 7.5M and 8.0M sails. They all felt good and worked well with the stock fin. The Board handles extremely high speeds on choppy water, the wave outline and softer rails up front make it a machine you can thrash - it goes up wind very well making it a snap to line up some big chop hops. Put a Mojo on it, and you will be drying the fin regularly. Wind is good now for 6.0M Mojo, but later will put an 8.5 Twin Cam on it.
For light weight riders of advanced-Intermediate skill level - ie water-starts and learning to plane out of gybes - this could be the only windsurf board you ever need in Thailand Conditions. For heavier people or those who want an easier life the Carve 121 is still a great choice for a true free-ride feel.
If the Atom was a car - it would be a Fast Rally Car like a Subaru or Mistubishi Evolution with no money spared on engine and suspension.
SUP rideable Swell in Hau Hin, Starboard test team getting 50M rides and creating lots of local interest. SUP season starts in earnest again - stay tuned for next SUP adventure trip and demo day.
Team Noway was with us for a few weeks, thank you to Eva, Sebastien and Anders for these windsurfing videos and for their stay with us in Thailand.
Caution - below is non water sports related :)
Permaculture
We live in a world where we have been using debt to help bring more into our lives, we work long hours in highly competitive environments, paying more and more for education, shelter and security. Instead of sport, recreation travel and leisure - we have stress relieving binges and recreational drugs, over-eating, over-postulating, over-compensating, we need bigger thrills and faster fixes. When we can't pay for this, we have debt. More and more we are living a high quantity low quality de-natured existence with a restless feeling of emptiness.
Windsurfing is a luxury - it brings us back to listening to natural forces, the reward is speed without excessive danger or disturbing others and it does not take much beach or water space per surfer. It brings, connection, freedom and the independence to launch and land almost anywhere un-assited. But how can more people have access to this sport? - it takes time to learn and it is not within everyone's budget. What went wrong, when the smartest species on the planet, can no longer afford to play with the elements of Nature herself?
What if food was abundant, loaded with healthy enzymes instead of de-nuded of vitality. What if basic foods was almost free? What if half the health issues no longer existed? What if your everyday environment was full of the colors, shapes and smells of nature. What if you only had to work to pay for "non-essentials? Would more people be able to afford to play in the way they are most drawn to? Would the lakes and oceans be swarming with colored sails when the wind came up? instead of just a few lucky souls. - video below is food for thought.
Commodities:
Continue to rise despite Baultic Dry Index showing low shipping level with Post GFC levels -indicative of speculation and or Money trying to find a safe haven of inherent value. Also noticing value of large land parcels increasing. - Still think Rare commodities are a smart Long Term Play. Fashionable commodity plays this month are Mongolian Coking Coal early in the month, Silver late in the month as Northern African Dictators began to feel the results of not investing back into the people and infrastructure, Phosphates, Potash and Agriculture related industries rocketing late in the month with some stocks rising fast - ASX:GMM +50% in a day.
My advice - Fugget a bou tit, buy windsurfing and SUP gear :)
