ROBBY NAISH PERSPECTIVE
“This was my first time windsurfing Jaws in two winters. Last winter I SUP’d it but never scored wind and waves. I actually went up there Wednesday with Kai to surf and SUP. The forecast was for rising west swell and very light southeast winds… So almost no chance to sail. We decided to throw our windsurfing gear on the boat just in case, along with surf and sup guns. Lucky thing we did because at sunrise there was already quite a bit of wind. It was already quite windy to surf when we got to Piahi, so Kai towed a few waves. I rigged a 5.0 and jumped into the water and planed away… It was plenty windy. I got a couple of waves and was followed shortly afterwards by KP, Levi, Brawzinho, a kiter, Kai, Morgan, Manu, JP and Swifty. It got pretty busy, especially after an hour or so as the wind slowed down and more than a handful of surfers paddled out. I had a lot of waves and actually had good fun. I rode conservatively, not wanting to risk too much, but it still got the blood pumping. I hate to sound like a pussy but the last time I windsurfed out there I had a “moment” and just wasn’t in the mood for a pounding! I was riding a new gun I just made for myself… it felt really nice, floaty and fast. It is 8’10”x 21’’ (around 269 x 53.5) at about 85 litres. Thruster but I used it as a single fin with an 8 1/4 fin…. But needed either a bigger fin or thrusters to push hard. I was under-finned and had to be a bit carvey and not push too hard.
Eventually the wind backed off, the surfers were getting restless and we were done. It felt great to be out there. Jaws is a lot of stress…. The logistics needing a boat, jet skis etc, the “scene” and so on. I am not overly keen to head out there much of the time as a result… But I am stoked I did! Then the next day I caught a bunch of solid Jaws lefts on my Standup… A good couple of days! And no wipeouts”….Aloha, Robby Naish!’’
Photo Johann/808photo.me