Very unhappy, will keep this short. Warm today, long-promised winds showed up briefly in the morning, then went away. Decided to go SUP sailing at Coast Guard with Nina and Jeff. Waves were initially small, then got a bit bigger, but looked doable. I had no problem getting out the first time, caught a few waves, back in upwind without a problem.
Nina fought hard, got through the shore break eventually, only to be thrown off and not being able to hang on to the equipment in the waves. Had to swim back in, but I caught the equipment in time, no problem.
Let Jeff try my board, he looked good and liked it. Did not study the waves before I went out again. Got punished for lack of respect. When I thought I had made it through, a big one piled up behind me and ripped the gear out of my hands. Got it back a short while later, retreat. PK came over with some useful tips.
Pulled the board further up the beach, noticed major damage on both sides and top. Almost broken through, except no damage to underside, and rocker line seems unchanged to the eye. PK said he has repaired similar damage before, but my repair experience is very limited. Will probably have to wait until the next Hatteras trip, unless Exocet takes this as a warranty case. Bought the board at full list price about 3 months ago - the first board I bought new and full price in decades.
Bummer.
5 Days on Franconia Ridge
2 months ago