TOP SECRET
The secret project turns out to be the test of a new Nikon lens, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and I am obviously excited but start to understand that it will be an intense and demanding two days. The pressure is on! One hour ferry ride later, we arrive on the island of Ristna and hit the road that leads to the spot. We eventually arrive at a kind of surfing camp, similar to those popular in the south of France in the summer. There is a small beach bar, some cottages and people hanging around a campfire. We spend the evening with some awesome music, drink some beers and talk to some pretty girls. Jaanus tells me that twenty years ago, no civilians could have access to this part of the island since it was a Soviet military base. I find it incredible that the spirit of windsurfing can flourish anywhere where there are wind and waves. I feel windsurfing will remain immortal as long as there is men and women with access to water.
DAWN PATROL
On the second day we were up at 4am so I could catch the wind and Jaanus capture the beautiful morning light. The conditions were perfect with 2.5m waves and 35 knot side shore winds. The session was magic but I knew that the day wasn’t finished! I grabbed a quick nap to recover for the second session at noon. By now there were lots of other windsurfers, all welcoming me with a great kindness! Personally, I love to share these moments with guys who I have met for the first time but bond quickly with; as windsurfers we all have the same deep passion for our sport!
By the end of the day I have sailed four sessions with over six hours on the water and Jaanus didn’t stop ‘machine-gunning’ with the new lens! We finished the day with Ristna offering us an amazing sunset, which made us all even happier with the results of the project so far. I felt privileged to have shared this long intense day emotionally and physically with the crew. In the evening we hang out in the small bar of the camp and reminisce over the incredible sessions until 1am. Jaanus and the Nikon staff seem happy with the results but Jaanus still wants more and tells me just as we are going to sleep that tomorrow we will back on the water at sunrise…ouch!