Hi !

In here I will put up a diary of the happenings on the beach.What happens from day to day when we're out on the waves.
Before you check this out please read the windsurferpage which is about us and the places we use to surf.
I'll use European standards regarding wind speed, date, temperature and other measurements, A translation will be up soon.

97-04-14 Monday.

Wind speed: 7-8m/s, onshore
Waves: very small, onshore
Sail: 6.5m2
Temp: 4 deg. C / 38 deg. F

Today I was all by myself, no one joined me for the first Windsurf of this year. At first I thought it would be too cold, but the sun shined and helped me to keep my temperature up. I use a "Sola Evolution 6mm dry suit" and its very warm and smooth (feels like a 3mm suit). At the first the wind was weak and I couldn't get the board (Bic Astro Rock 285)"out" of the water. I just cruised around for a few minutes and suddenly the wind increased, I was surprised and made a nice dive in the cold water...brrr. Up again with a quick water start and away for awesome speed this time, nearly cracked into a reef. Tried to make a jibe but hey its my first day since october so what to expect.....splash....made my second "dive". Up again and speeded away to try a new jibe but no success this time neither. I tried several times and managed to turn a few times, I think the sail was to big compared to the wind. I should have used a 6.0 instead.
See you next time.

97-04-19 Saturday.

Wind speed: 6-7 m/s, Onshore
Waves: Small, Onshore
Sail: 6.5m2
Temp: 5 deg. C / 41 deg. F

My second time on the water this year, today I had my friend with me
It's a lot more fun when you're two to sail. Today was pretty much the same conditions as last time. But no sudden increase of wind this time.
The wind was almost too weak, hard to gain any speed, I think it's my 95kg that does it and not to talk about my 207cm/6'9". My friend that weight's in to only 65kg get the speed quicker then I do but when it starts to get rough I'm the one who gets the highest speed.
We had sailed for about two hours when the weather-gods decided to go for a cup of tea and turned the wind off....
Just like that.
The only thing to do was to pack up and head home. Now I know this was the last time I used the BIC Astro Rock. (se next note).

97-04-21 Monday.

Wind speed: -- m/s, --
Waves: --, --
Sail: -- m2
Temp: -- deg. C / -- deg. F

No sailing today. Just wanted to say I just sold my loved BIC Astro Rock, to a "rookie"
Hope he'll treat it well. I sold it to afford a new one, a Fanatic Pure Gecko 278 -96 (brand new), 105 liters 8.9kg. I also bought a bigger sail to use in weak winds like these two days.
It was a UP 7.5 -91 or -92 mono film, its a big sail so I had to buy a new mast as well. I got one in aluminium, I never used one of those so I guess I have to see how it feels.

97-04-27 Sunday.

Wind speed: 8-9 m/s, Onshore
Waves: medium, Onshore
Sail: 7.5 and 5.7 m2
Temp: 7 deg. C / 45 deg. F

Today was a great day, perfect wind and waves. It was me and my friend Andreas who cached the wind this fine day.
This was the first time on my new board, and it felt a little too small in the beginning, but after a while I got used to it.
I used my new sail and mast as well and I like the alu-mast, even if its a long one it didn't felt too weak. Not to mention the sail (7.5) which is perfect even though it might be consider too big for this board.

97-05-01 Thursday.

Wind speed: 3-7 m/s, Onshore
Waves: none, --
Sail: 5.7-7.5 m2
Temp: 9 deg. C / 48 deg. F

Three of us made out there today, only to find out that the wind was to weak.
We Surfed for about two hours in varied wind, sometimes strong but mostly not.
Later on a fourth person showed up but then we had had enough so we quitted and hoped for a better day tomorrow.

97-05-02 Friday.

Wind speed: 4-8 m/s, Onshore
Waves: none, --
Sail: 6.5 and 6.6 m2
Temp: 9 deg. C / 48 deg. F

This day was very much like yesterday, only that the wind was a tiny bit stronger. the wind was still "on and off" all the time.
Not much fun today either.

97-05-03 Saturday.

Wind speed: 10 m/s, Onshore
Waves: small, Everywhere
Sail: 5.0-6.5 m2
Temp: 7 deg. C / 45 deg. F

Ok.... now its starting to get fun, I got up real early to look if there was a wind to sail in.
At first it looked like yesterday (no wind) but when I got to the beach I saw that the wind had turned to NW, and was growing strong. I got home to pack up my gear and ask if my neighbour would join me. But he said it wasn't windy enough...hahaha was he wrong ! I got to the beach and rigged a 6.5, got out on the water only to find out it was way to big.
got up to change to a RAF-Vortex 6.0....back in the water....still to big. Went up to find out I forgot my 5.0 at home, got home to get the 5.0 sail and asked my neighbour one more time if he believed me now that I went home for a 5.0.....he did !
Went back and had a few fast runs before the wind died completely. Rigged up my RAF-Vortex again but the wind kept on loosing it's strength so I gave up after four hours of sailing.

97-05-09 Friday.

Wind speed: 12 m/s, Sideshore
Waves: large, Everywhere
Sail: 5.1-6.0 m2
Temp: 4-5 deg. C / 38-41 deg. F

This day sucks ! ! It was so cold I only managed to stay in the water for about 15 minutes then I had to get up to warm my hands (they have never been this cold). I went back and tried a few more runs, it didn't work out.
It was raining pretty much and it was only a few degrees in the water so we "called it a day" and went home.
Worst day ever (I hate this).

97-05-10 Saturday.

Wind speed: 8-9 m/s, Onshore
Waves: large, Onshore
Sail: 5.0-6.5 m2
Temp: 8 deg. C / 47 deg. F

Today the wind came from SW so we went to "Sandviken" which is perfect when the wind comes from that direction. It was not a very strong wind but the bay "makes" big waves anyway cause of the shape of it. It was fun to go "wave" for a change, usually its just flat out slalom but today I had some great "rides" on the waves, I'm also getting better on jumps, not much but I'm trying. I mean its not like a jumping high or anything, I'm just trying it out.
My friend had his premiere for this year. He got cramp in his arms after a few minutes....haha...chicken ! He had to take it easy for a while but I kept having fun until I ran my fin through my sail in a crash....what to say....nothing to do but to pack up and go home, It was a very fun day though even if my sail braked.

97-05-19 Monday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 8-9 m/s , Sideshore
Waves: medium, Sideshore
Sail: 5.0-6.5 m2
Temp: - deg. C / -- deg. F

Me and two of my surferpal's had a great day this monday. The wind was not too strong so I used a 6.5 North sail (I repaired it after the crash last time). The wind came from a angle that made it possible to sail a very long distance at one time, didn't have to turn all the time, which I'm not that good at.
This day I took my first learning steps toward jumping, I figured out how to do, and I managed to jump a few times without falling. It feels great even if my friends tell me its not that high that I think it is :o)
We sailed for three hours.

97-05-22 Thursday.

Wind Direction/speed: N 9-11 m/s , Onshore
Waves: medium,
Sail: 5.0 and 6.5 m2
Temp: - deg. C / -- deg. F

This time it was only me (Benny) and Peter. I have started to work again so I don't have that much time now, today I work evening shift so I thought I could go for a surf before work.
It was a bit stronger wind today than Monday so my 6.5 was a little to big but I didn't feel like going up to change it. With this sail I got rather high speed so I made a few "funny" crashes, one where I got thrown off in great speed and I thought I heard something "snap" and break.....oh no... I thought the rope on the bom snapped off but when I got up and around again, nothing was broken :-o
I tried to practise more on the jump-part and I made a awesome jump (in my opinion) it felt GREAT hahaha. Now something not so cool....I got a new hole in my North 6.5....now you wonder why I don't throw it away and buy a new on.
Answer: Its my best sail ever, Its pretty old but I like it to much to throw it away. It has great torque (or what its called).

97-05-30 Friday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 10-11 m/s , Onshore
Waves: medium,
Sail: 6.0 m2
Temp: 10 deg. C / 49 deg. F

This was a perfect day. used my RAF-vortex 6.0 sail, its a bit hard to trim but I tried different settings and finally got it right.
My jibes are getting better and I even made a little jump with my Fanatic 278.
The wind died out a little in the end but I changed the setting on the sail to get more power and it worked for half an hour then we gave up.

97-05-31 Saturday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 8-10 m/s (16-21 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: 10 deg. C / 49 deg. F

I used my UP 7.5 sail today instead of the 6.5 that is broken. A little weaker wind then yesterday, could have used a smaller sail but like I said, its broken.
I got the feeling that nothing was right this day, everything felt strange and I don't know why.. ??? .. After one and a half our we went home.

97-06-01 Sunday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 7-9 m/s (14-17 knots), Onshore
Waves: small,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: 10 deg. C / 49 deg. F

When we first came to the beach it felt like it was a 7.5 that would be used. I rigged my UP 7.5 but when entering the water I noticed the wind had died under "sailing-strength".
I tried one run and realized it was to weak. We lied down on the beach just waiting for some wind, and after half an hour or so it started to increase again. we went out again to test it and now it was enough for the 7.5 if a made some adjustments.
The two of us sailed faster then the "visitors" and we "kicked some butt" today. hahaha. After 6 hours (with 30 min on the beach) we went home.

97-06-24 Thursday.

Wind Direction/speed: S 8-9 m/s (15-17 knots), Onshore
Waves: small,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: N/A deg. C / N/A deg. F

A lot of people sailed today (11 sailers). I tried a friends Arrows 6.6 sail, I didn't like it at all. It seemed like it was overrigged but I did not gain any speed. Strange sail ?!! Total sailing time = 3 hours.

97-07-08 Tuesday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 7-9 m/s (14-17 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 6.5 m2
Temp: 16 deg. C / 60 deg. F

I fixed my North race 6.5 and used it today. A good day and very fun.
Total sailing time = 3.5 hours.

97-07-09 Wednesday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 6-8 m/s (12-15 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: 16 deg. C / 60 deg. F

Not the same wind-strength like yesterday so I had to use the 7.5 instead.
After a while the wind died and a few of us went home, but me and a friend decided to stay and see if it would increase again. It did and we had a few really fast rides, you know when the sail is so over rigged you almost get scared. Total sailing time = 3 hours.

97-07-10 Thursday.

Wind Direction/speed: N 15 m/s (30 knots),
Waves: big,
Sail: 5.0 m2
Temp: 15 deg. C / 59 deg. F

Woo, Today I started with a 5.6 but had to go right back up and change to a smaller one, a 5.0 NP sail.
Had to go upwind at first to get out on open water, the waves was huge and breaked all over the place. This was the "windiest" day for a long time.
Sailed for two and a half hour then I was so beat up that I couldn't pack the gear on the car, so I left it at my friends place at the beach. Its really hard to sail both today and yesterday, and even the day before that.
Now I need some well earned rest for a few days (hahaha).

97-07-19 Saturday.

Wind Direction/speed: NNE 10-13 m/s (21-26 knots),
Waves: Medium,
Sail: 6.5 (6.0) m2
Temp: 18-21 deg. C / 64-69 deg. F

Perfect. This was a perfect day.
The wind increased right after we entered the water so we changed to some smaller sails, except one of us, he stayed with his Arrows 6.6 sail and got tired real quick and gave up.
Aprox. 10 to 12 people in the bay this beautiful day with a lot of sun. Me and a friend raced back and forth to see who was the quickest, but since he only weight 65 Kg (143 lb) he always gets away before me (95 Kg (209lb)) but after a while I gain on him cause I can hold the sail much "harder".
We also found some flat water to sail on, real fun too.
Total sailing time 4 hours.

97-07-20 Sunday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 8-10 m/s (16-21 knots),
Waves: Medium,
Sail: 6.5 m2
Temp: 18-21 deg. C / 64-69 deg. F

This day looked pretty much like yesterday but the wind had turned a bit more to east then before and decreased a bit. Instead of the 6.0 I used last day I took my North 6.5 for a ride. And just like the day before we raced back and forth when my friend Andreas made the highest jump this far.
I was right behind him so I got a perfect view of it, he made a 10 point landing as well. The waves was not the best for jumping but we just cruised around and tried to jump on those who looked ok.
Almost as many surfers today as yesterday.
Total sailing time 3 hours.

97-07-30 Wednesday.

Wind Direction/speed: W 2-8 m/s (5-16 knots),
Waves: None,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: N/A deg. C / N/A deg. F

Got up around 7:30 am to check the wind, didn't look all that good but I thought I should try anyway. Packed my gear and headed for the beach. Rigged my largest sail, UP 7.5 race and entered the water. The wind was very "on and off" all the time, as always when its coming from the West. I have a harness made of steel that snapped when I tried to catch a strong wind that came from nowhere. I didn't like it anyway, it was a wave-harness and it made my back ache.
I also got my board cut down under the water and hit a rock, I got a bump in it and a small crack as well. Had to fix it when I came home.
Total sailing time 2 hours.

97-08-15 Friday.

Wind Direction/speed: NE 4-7 m/s (9-14 knots),
Waves: Small,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: 20 deg. C / 68 deg. F

Started at my friends place and had to go upwind to come out on open water only to discover that the water was absolutely filled with sea grass. No chance to gain any speed here.
Went to another place but the wind died out and still some grass in the water.

97-08-23 Saturday.

Wind Direction/speed: SW 4-6 m/s (8-11 knots),
Waves: Small,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: 18 deg. C / 64 deg. F

The worst day ever !
We knew the wind was weak, but not this weak. Entered the water and gave up right away, instantly.
We tried wave surfing on our own boards, just for fun.
Total sailing time 30 minutes.

97-08-24 Sunday.

Wind Direction/speed: SW 5-7 m/s (11-15 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: 18 deg. C / 64 deg. F

A bit better wind today, tried to start from a new place further out the bay. Got only a few rides then it was enough, no more wind (I hate this).
Tried a new Fanatic blade fin 37cm but it didn't help.
Total sailing time 1 hour.

97-09-03 Wednesday.

Wind Direction/speed: SE 6-7 m/s (12-14 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 7.5 m2
Temp: 18 deg. C / 64 deg. F

I sailed after work. The wind looked a little to weak but I tried a 7.5, and it turned out to be a good choice.
I was alone at first but after a while two more sailers showed up. At one spot on the water,
just outside some cliffs there was this gap in the wind EVERY time I got there. I had to do my best to be light on the foot. to just cruise through it and stay in planning. My gibes went well today, I'm still learning though.
Total sailing time 2.5 hours

97-09-04 Thursday.

Wind Direction/speed: S 7-9 m/s (14-17 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 6.5m2
Temp: 18 deg. C / 64 deg. F

Today I was alone again. A tiny bit stronger wind today then yesterday. I rigged the 7.5 like last day but had to change to a 6.5 after two runs. The wind gained some strength slowly slowly.
This would have been a great day if it wasn't for the seaweed in the water (where else ??), its like those long threads that just love to tangle up in the fin (race fin 37cm).
Two more sailers showed up today too but not sure if it was the same as last day, never come close enough. I had pretty much fun even if I was alone.
Total sailing time 3 hours

97-09-07 Sunday.

Wind Direction/speed: SE 6-11 m/s (12-21 knots),
Waves: small
Sail: 6.5 m2
Temp: 17 deg. C / 63 deg. F

Me and my friend, both on the water at the same time ... !
Very strange weather, the wind was "on" and "off" all the time. Still some weed in the water, but only close to the shore.
My friend hurt his foot so we rested on the beach for a while when the wind was "out"
A rain came in over us with strong winds, but only for a while then died totally.
Total sailing time 4 hours.

97-09-16 Thuesday.

Wind Direction/speed: WNW 10-13 m/s (19-25 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 5.7 m2
Temp: N/A deg. C / N/A deg. F

Rigged up a 6.5 but had to change to a smaller one (5.7) right away, (is there ever the right one in the beginning?).
Another place then the last week but weed even here, very hard to sail. Get very frustrated ...
Total sailing time N/A hours.

97-09-19 Friday.

Wind Direction/speed: NW 6-10 m/s (12-19 knots),
Waves: Medium
Sail: 6.5 m2
Temp: N/A deg. C / N/A deg. F

Same place as last day but a lot weaker wind.
The wind increased after a while and with the wind the seaweed came floating in (again). Various strength and sometimes VERY low. Starting to get colder in the water but still no problem to stay in as long as you wish. Still don't have to use the hood (over the head).
Total sailing time 4 hours.

97-09-27 Saturday.

Wind Direction/speed: N 12-14 m/s (23-27 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 5.0 m2
Temp: N/A deg. C / N/A deg. F

Had some new gear to test out, new harness and new boots. The harness worked perfect like I expected. A high slalom harness with straps around the legs (Simmer Style).
Also new boots that were a little too small ! and a new fin that I didnt try. Had to use the hood today due to a sprained neck ( ? ).
We started with a bit to large sails and had to change as usual. One of my friends hadn't got the smaller sails with him ( ! ? ) so he stayed on the 5.7. Isn't there a "rule" to always have EVERY sail with you ?? Got to tired and gave up.
Total sailing time 4 hours.

97-10-04 Saturday.

Wind Direction/speed: W 4-8 m/s (8-16 knots),
Waves: N/A,
Sail: 6.5 m2
Temp: N/A deg. C / N/A deg. F

Dont really know why this day existed ? When we came to the beach it looked a bit to weak as usual but we decided to take a shot at it. NO CAN DO !!
Entering the water and the weather gods decide to take a nap. Zero wind. NADA NILCH NONE. grrr.
Just waiting and waiting and at the end there was a little breeze. Enough for one run then no more
Total (sailing) time 3 hour.