advice: surfsailing

^^

I be wishin' I no typed that. Me needs to remember to check the plurality of verbs when me change rest sentence.

Yes, it's definitely worth small-wave sailing in these conditions with this type of equipment, I do it all the time on the east coast of Florida. The Infinities are ideal for this, and you might even want to use the cams if you find they help you get out - you're not going to need to worry about quick depowering like you would on real waves. But check the recommendations on the mast - if it's not recommended for surf, you could break it even in small waves. There are two ways to get out: The best is to get planing on the inside and sail almost parallel to the breaking waves and edge your way out as the waves allow. If you need to get over some white water, bear up a little to take it almost head on, then immediately bear off again. Don't be in a rush to get out by pointing too high into the wind and waves. Be patient and bear off enough to keep planing even if it takes you far down the beach - once you are out you can easily make up the lost leeway. Second method: schlogging, if there's not enough wind to get planing on the inside. (There will be more wind outside once you get past the troughs). Put your foot more or less beside the universal and tilt the board to windward. If your board has decent nose scoop, it will drive you upwind. You need to get the angle just right to get through any white water and keep your slight momentum - practice makes perfect. For riding the waves, just do whatever turns you on. Believe me, you can have blast in two foot waves.

It can be, but not if you're too underpowered.

You can kinda grovel over a sideshore wave, but it is very difficult to not be knocked off when hit side on by the wave.

That's why onshore wave gear is floatier and more powerful than gear designed for sideshore wave sailing.

Cheers

good comments by all.

But what about the fin?

The fin is critical. The biggest problem I have seen is too much emphasis on mdeium and softer flexed fins which are preferred on Maui. But the sideshore brake is unique! So are the fins!

Curtis designed most of the hot early wave fins used on Maui. Many are still the fin of choice, especially when your life may be on the line as with tow in surfing, where Curtis Custom fins were used on the 60 to 70 surf at the Cortes Bank last year 100 miles off the cost of san Clemente. Same for Mavericks and Windsurfing, Surfing Jaws.

Anyway it is different when you are sailing onshore. Our Surf 9.25 is wider and great for that. In higher wind and waves the Surf 21 and 22 are the de facto standard for high wind, Gorge and side /onshore waves. UIsually G-10 is preferred for durability and power for higher jumps, staying upwind better.

The B&J 24, 25, and 26 are excellent in these conditions and are much preferred by Dana Miller who saills all over , including his home on Hatteras and the Oregon/Cal coast. You can see a unique picture of his fin gracing the cover of this month's issue of Norwest sailboard.

We also have new generation wave fins tested and developed on Maui for waves. Bill Kline Gorge Sport USA Curtis Performance Fins, Orca Fins, Orca Kite Fins Hood River, OR USA

ph/541 387 2649 fax/541 386 1715

Looks like you made this month's New England Windsurf Journal as well.

Hans I have sailed Port A on northerlies and found it to be side shore and real fun with these 6 foot chunks of breaking waves everywhere. On southeasterlies I used to sail the JP Luby pier as it was closer. It was on shore but side-on from about 45 deg. if I recall. You might check it out it may be mo betta.