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Downwinder Kite-SUP by Andy Holms

Too windy to kite today with a 8ft tide, so David Comp and I decided to do a downwinder from Post Point to Locust.

After donning our drysuits with polypro undies, and CGA PFD, I slung a small backpack that contained just the kite portion of the 3m trainer kite. No bar and no lines.

As I am a novice, I found I was able to stand up for the first half mile or so out, while Dave Comp a Maui transplant, was killing it going downwind. So... I pulled out my secret weapon (the 3m trainer kite) and held it by the bridles, and was instantly on his track. Holding the trainer gave me a steady pull, nearly planing the 12"6 hull (SUPER), and definately letting me slide down the lee side of the head high swell.

It took me no time to catch up and pass David heading towards Locust, and he was a trooper, staying up on his board catching the swell on the PIN.

When I was in the murky waters of the Delta, I put the kite away, with enough of a lead on David so that we'd make it in at about the same time. I caught some great rides on the swell, racing towards the bottom fully planing and getting good rides.

The Swell only got better as we neared Locust as they spaced out more and jacked up.

My fastest and longest ride was my last, that took me right to locust beach.

Tons of fun, and I look forward to doing it again soon.

Interestingly, exactly 24 hours earlier, David and I crossed the bay (Locust to Boulevard to Locust) in pristine glass.

Good times.