9/17/24 a bit of STOKE sailing 4.2m Vintage Gorge Animal Bonzer 7’6” Quad Club Shred Windsurfing

Got here late but at least enjoyed the river briefly as the wind began to drop on us. Dictionary definition of a sinker. Come on back to the early 90s in the thick of the Windsurfing boom in Hood River and beyond. On a board made in the Gorge for Gorge application. Yeah buddy. Not very often I get to ride the Animal but when I do I appreciate every second on it. One of the guys said to me” Nice Waterski“ while looking the board over. Sometimes takes work to get her to pop up on a plane and worth the extra effort. With gusts over 60 she gets right up on a plane immediately as you can see when on my 2.8m in earlier videos. Thanks again Les! When I got hammered by a gust at the end I tried to fight it to the point that I felt my mast was going to snap as was bending way out of shape. Glad I finally just let it go into the water. Took out my Rutger (in photo at beginning) on a 3.7 and was not enough wind but got up on a plane and the board will take getting used to. It was tricky. Got a text from a sailing buddy said he was heading to Doug’s. I was working and stopped and looked up iwindsurf results for Doug’s and decided stop what I was doing and resume when I get home. Glad I did. Got there just before it started to drop off. Some of us over 60 have heath issues that is for sure but the amazing thing is how a few of my buddies have health issues (like myself) and once you see them on the water ...that all seems to fall away. It is a beautiful thing. If you don’t feel like going sailing because of a health issue(s) but your doctor(s) gives you the “okay” for strenuous activity I would encourage you to go for it.. even when things hurt and can’t go as “all out” as you would like to. We generally are glad we went for it and full of stoke even if we have to shorten the session. You are all an inspiration to many. Got there late but just in time for a taste of the weight of the wind. Worth the long drive. Smiles abounded. Thanks for watching now get out there and get it….