Very Windy Easter

Since moving down to San Juan del Sur I have noticed a HUGE improvement in the quality and strength of the wind. The entire month of March has blown & blown. I estimate that the wind on the lake up at La Virgin would have been over 30kts everyday.

Sadly, however, this great wind has been completely wasted on me as I haven't managed to get out- not even ONCE!

The main obstacle has been my new family responsibilities, but also the main road to the lake has been dug up making the journey time too long. It's only 20kms, but would take about 45 minutes to get there.

I have resigned myself to preserving my kit for next year, and have been skating a lot instead. I figure that as this is probably my last year skating I should make the most of it.

Season Coming To A Close?

Either the season will come late, or it will end without having ever really begun. Since my last post three weeks ago we've had three or four windy days, none of which I got out as, typically, they coincided with baby's doctor days, wife's birthday & car full day servicing.



Looking on the bright side though, all my gear is as good as it was and will last another season.



And, perhaps more importantly, if the season had been good I would have been an absentee father to my beautiful son. Also, thanks to the lack of wind I have managed to get a few more websites up and running. A blessing in disguise- I think not. But we have to do the best we can with the hand we are dealt. Still, I mustn't complain- just check out one of my local beaches:



And in two weeks time we are moving to San Juan Del Sur, which is generally windier than here. I will soon be checking out the "La Virgin" spot. I've checked this spot out a number of times, and it seems to catch a good wind. Its a bit rocky in close, but the launch and land area is good and there are usually plenty of people around to assist. As you can see on the map, we are very close to Costa Rica's infamously windy Bahias Salinas!



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Wind Report For January

The wind seems to have started blowing again. But young John-David / Yolanda seem less than appreciative on my desire to slink off every morning for a few hours of flipping about on the lake. The responsible pair:

From Favourites

Actually, since the wind started again about 5 days ago I have only been out once. I would have gone out for a second session yesterday afternoon- but just as I arrived the wind dropped. As it turned out it was just a temporary lull as by the time I arrived home it was howling again.

So in summary:

• Jan, week 1: VERY windy
• Jan, week 2: NO wind at all
• Jan, week 3: ditto
• Jan, week 4: Very windy in the morning, 12 to 14 meter wind in the afternoon

Also, while giving Yolanda a bit of driving practice along the lake shore yesterday we met a group of boys who had caught a large boa-constrictor. About 6 ft long and very round.

As i write this the wind is howling. But a sneaking suspicion that my new family life may, once again, get between lake and me.

Big Balls, A Snapped Deck & A Broken Leg

There's still no wind, but there's plenty of skating going on to make up for it. This group of skaters from Managua were down enjoying the colonial delights of Granada over the weekend.

Here's David launching into a mental kickflip....

and catching it right at the top on his back foot. This guy seems immune to fear; his flips are spot on every time, whatever he's hurling himself down.

This time launching himself into the street. There's no way this can actually be landed as the street is way too rough. But what the hell.

Another big and unlandable ollie into the street.

Moments before breaking his leg.

Luis, definitely the most consistent skater of the session, launching into another backside 180 down the steps.

And bringing it nicely around for a smooth landing.

And unfortunately here my battery ran out. Check out http://www.skatenica.com for more.

Hopefully will make it to the competition on Feb 10th.

For The Sake Of Honesty...

and completeness I have to report that for the last five days their hasn't been a breath of wind. The previous weeks nuking winds are now drifting into a distant memory and I am kicking myself for not having really taken advantage of them. I had made the assumption that they were going to stay until Easter, or later. Looking at the forecast today I am not seeing anything too thrilling into the near future. On the plus side, I have found a few good new skate spots around town.

Skateboarding: Convinient

The wind is not as strong as last week and the forecast isn't looking too exciting. The mornings would be fine for a 12 meter, but the afternoons would be a little weak. Unfortunately this doesn't tie in with my baby/ work schedule so for the last few days I haven't had my dose of lakeside action.

From Skateboarding...

Still, have been getting out skating quite a bit with my brother Rob and dog Tarzan.

From Skateboarding...

Compared with kiting, skating really is amazingly convenient... Shoes on, and go.

From Skateboarding...

Season 2008 has started!

Had a fun half hour session in the afternoon. The wind was violently strong from early morning, and remained pretty strong through the afternoon lull when i managed to get out. Although the wind had dropped off considerably from the morning, it was
plenty strong enough for a 12- which is my biggest kite anyway.

From First Kitesur...

Could probably have got away with the 9, but I have been disappointed a few too many times recently and wasn't in the mood for taking any chances.

All in all had a good session and managed a few easy moves. Am very aware of a whiplash injury from last year, and so will probably be a bit of a pussy until thats better.

From First Kitesur...

What i really need to do before getting back on the water is:

1. Strengthen neck, a lot


2. Strengthen back, a lot


3. Increase general flexibility, a lot

The wind here is so strong and consistent that injury is almost guaranteed unless you are in good physical shape, which I, for the time being, am not....

I Think The Windy Season Has Finally Arrived...

But having found a scorpion in the babies crib yesterday it looks doubtful that I'll be able to get out to the lake as have been burdened with household chores.

It looks as thought the winds have finally arrived though. It is very windy at the moment and the forecast for the rest of the week is looking good.