ahhhh...finally, back on the water! you know how it feels after being away from what you love the initial nervousness followed by peaceful familiarity. as uncomfortable as it can be letting go of something that brings me joy it often gives me a clearer perspective on what it is I like so much about it. truth be told, it's the commitment (yes the 'c' word) it takes that leads to the freedom that I love! most don't use those two words in the same sentence but when I'm committed I feel freer. confused? okay, hooked in utilizing my much improved stance 'commits' me to the rig allowing me to be at one with elements in turn giving me the freedom I love. admittedly, my commitment issues arise as I unhook and initiate the gybe but maybe that's something to work out with my therapist.

what did I do with all that time off the water? you know how my lounge lizard loves to stretch out and enjoy life but I managed to get it off the sofa to spend over due time with a friend from vail, bought makeup including red lipstick (shocking I know but hot!), ken arrived from japan so got him settled in, yard work, recycle, selling gear, coffee talk with the girls and am packed to spend a couple of weeks with the hounds in haiku.

monday I was anxious as I stepped onto the 69 with the sun shining, the water warmer, the 4.5 mission matching my bikini and the water crystal clear showing the reef. the sounds of whining from the beach about how flat it is were quickly out of range as I headed to uppers to play on the outside swell and practicing chop hops. t1 ripped by a few times and the local boys were training around the buoys. the brain and heart were ready for a couple of hours of elation but the body would have nothing to do with it so 1/2 hour is all I lasted. not good for my reputation that's for sure! I did take some heckling and heard my ego making a few excuses.

overall the week was windy but 'fluky'. it blew in a variety of directions, stopped then started or was gusty then consistent. most I talked with were frustrated and said 'wish it would make up it's mind.' I've been told that before! but yesterday was solid 3.7 as kc9 and I enjoyed sprecks to ourselves. I left karen after coffee talk as her shoulder still isn't back in sailing condition, she looked a touch forlorn but accepting of her injury. sailing with a pro always ups my game and kc9 is generous with her knowledge so yesterday she fine tuned my gybe initiation. I've heard it a gazillion times and guess I'm just lazy and don't bend my knees enough or keep my front arm straight. yes, these are the keys to keeping speed which gives balance and keeps me dry. we ripped around for an hour, my body felt stronger and she gave me the thumbs up on my initiation! ahh, windsurfing...

a customer came into simmer looking for a "sail that will help him gybe". I laughed aloud (couldn't help myself) and told him if someone designed such a thing they'd take over the industry! my solution? investing in lessons and a good board. I've been asked a lot of things being a beach liaison but never has anyone asked me to fill such an order. I suggested he practice on his 120liter board vs his 90 until he has the moves down. everyone wants to rip a gybe with most not understanding that muscle memory and learning correctly the first time has more value than trying to look cool. we decided the icons would be his best choice since he's burly, likes speed and power but I wouldn't guarantee a gybe.

pascal from quatro dropped off a board so we chatted about windsurfing economics and sounds like the twinser craze is alive and well. most of their custom orders are twinfins though one of the frenchies is having keith teboul make a quad. might as well put your twinser up for sale while it has value because the quads might take over the market next. I love my 67 twinser and shed a tear when it ended up at the doctor's (btw it's still there). yes, having a 63, 67 and a 69 is a bit excessive but they are so completely different. next winter it might be a 75 twinser since the 67 was too small with the 78 pocket being my go to board in the waves. I am planning to test the 0 '10 boards this next month so I can decide what I want ride. oes showed me their new graphics as they move from the flames (kinda like those) and on to other concepts. the thing about graphics is there is no way to please everyone so either the designer has to go for it, continually keep it the same like jp or keep it simple like t1.

my past came calling. now, I've gone back before but it has never worked out so going back doesn't hold much attraction to me since I figure if it wasn't working the first time why would it work the second time? I see him at the beach regularly so it caught me by surprise when he said "what's it going to take to get you back?" "uh, well I'm very happy where I am but thanks" I stammered hoping to show gratitude and respect. I explained that I believe his product is excellent and the opportunity took my windsurfing to a new level but the way I got dropped was a bit of a turn off and I know it wasn't his fault. the pros hop from one sponsor to the next and I doubt they shed a tear, they just watch their bank accounts grow. would a salary entice me? would the promise never to be treated that way again win me over? probably not since money doesn't usually influence me and once I've been burned it leaves a scar. was I flattered? claro que si (but of course) so thanks for the offer.

it will officially be summer on the 21st and the southside waves have been knee to shoulder high so maybe I'll learn to surf. have waves gotten under my skin? can I get out of bed that early? will my shoulders hold up? which wax does what? like my paparazzi shot of dave kalama's toyota, I definitely don't fear more gear and with my my gear caddy returning maybe he'll lug my longboard around. wonder what that'll cost me...

enjoy summer time and remember a little commitment might just lead to a little more freedom!