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 Monday 17th June – windsurf *** River Orwell-Levington – sunny periods.

Starboard Formula and Slingshgot Hover Glide F/Wind with Tushingham Lightning 8.5

Foil – 18.95 knot max., 17.51 knot ave., 8.02 knot hour, 12 knot mile, 22.90 km., 12 knot alpha.

This is my 5th windsurfing session in a row and despite being knackered I meet up with Andy Mexome and Jason Galbraith at Levington Marina for a foil session. We arrived early around ten to catch the incoming tide and with the wind sw onshore and fairly light we all rigged big, Andy 8.2m Michael 7.5 and me 8.5, the biggest I have used to foil! By the time we got out on the water the wind had gone really light, I did get one OK run but we only had 5 knots of wind with only the odd gust. Andy and Michael were getting some air time but I was struggling in the light airs. Andy had to go pack up as the wind switched SE and picked up meaning you could plan at 17/18 knots again. Experienced foiler Michael was flying but although I was flying, sustaining flight is hard. The only way I could fly any distance was to unhook from the harness which is tiring especially after so many days windsurfing. I am still doing something basically wrong, definitely not standing upright enough, so it’s back to the videos online again. Also, I am still using a 61cm mast which is great for the shallow river but it does lift out of the water easily but I have a 90 coming. So, things are moving along slowly and I do have to sadly rig a big sail at least 8.5 at this stage. I am not sure about the board either but can.t justify spending more money on foiling at the moment, I am still not convinced it is for me, the jury is still out! Andy has kindly offered a go on his foil board to see if that is any better??? Still I was out for two and a half hours in the sun but it is difficult teaching an old dog new tricks:)

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 http://mkwindsurfing.co.uk/booms/

https://wetndryboardsports.com/windsurf/windsurf-foils/slingshot-hover-glide-fwind-windsurf-foil-2019.html?SID=810929ee0d3d94236235c95d49103b2f