Waves Got Bigger

Cabarete morning 4/15/09 update - I got worked pretty good on Tuesday as the waves at the reef were bigger than Monday and it was another windy day. They were getting over head high. I went for a swim after getting separated from my gear but "no problema" as I just relaxed and got to my gear, waited for the big sets to rumble on my head, found the lull in the sets and waterstarted. I was however, also able to catch some good ones and have fun out at the reef despite the bigger wave size and my inexperience in them. I had my GoPro helmetcam with me for part of the afternoon session and thought I had some great footage of a complete ride out through the reef, jibing out in the open ocean, and riding waves back in....but for some reason the clip stopped before I even got to the reef. I need to figure out what's going on with my GoPro...its being fickle on me.

In the morning, we went to Playa Encuentro, the surfing beach a few miles away. I paddle surfed while my daughter had a surfing lesson. She wasn't a big fan of the coral reef bottom (as opposed to our sandy bottom beaches back home). But she persevered and caught a few small waves. I caught one good wave before I went in to help her out.

Vela Windsurf is top notch...great equipment and they even had some super glue for me to apply to the one dang blister on my hand. The food at their adjacent bar/restaurant (Voy Voy) is also very good...we ate at their Dominican buffett last evening...it was delicious.


Room With A View


Still working on my duck gybes...not there yet


On the new Neil Pryde Firefly 5.4 sail and JP/Australia 101 Freestyle Wave board. I liked the Firefly...nice power. I tried and didn't like the Combat wave sail..not enough power for me. I think I'm just used to having more power from all the lake windsurfing.




The Locals


The surf camp at Playa Encuentro


My daughter surfing


me doing a little bit of stand up paddle surfing