ddubwinokur wrote:Thanks guys. For suck a freakin peanut gallery you all are damn helpful
ddub
Thats some funny shit.
Yes, they are all correct. Sounds like you are ready for third.
I remember my first day at 3rd (2006). On a 04 13m fuel w/ 2" of throw on the bar, 163 Slingshot Drake TT, and TONS of wind. I was managing fine until I lost my board. It was so freaking windy I was just skipping downwind towards the bridge, unable to body drag cause i couldn't stay in the water. Some legend brought me my board and dumped it in front of me. I was able to get back up wind but then missed the landing on my way back in (not easy when you suck). Had to self rescue, and came in on the rocks (first of about 3 rescues at third). Ahh.. the memories of sucking.
Some tips for Third:
Try to get out early and get back in early so the wind doesn't shut down on you. And so you don't end up self-rescuing in the dark (gets lonley out there).
Low tides can be your friend, you can touch pretty far out on the right tides.
Launch at the upper launch and get upwind as soon as possible. Gives yourself space for error.
Stay within a small swim of the shore so you do not have a long rescue.
If you can stay upwind, come in at the upper lauch there is a huge shadow at the lower launch and it takes some skill to keep the kite up in it. (SWIRLS).
Bring a cell phone if you are alone.. gives you a little piece of mind.
It gets more and more windy the further you tack out to the channel. If its kinda light and you think you can't stay upwind consider going out further to get more power. (but know your limits)
Everyone has to pop their cherry sooner or later, and then you have to pop the OB/OCEAN cherry. (the inside at many of our surfspots are actually pretty safe if you stay inside)