We stuffed our Sprinter with 7 riders and their full quivers and headed out east for the day. Who knew we could fit so much stuff in there! It was a great test to see how much we’ll be able to haul down to Baja with us this winter.

Our Sprinter stuffed to the brim with Davey’s feet hanging out.

Da Goose loading up his new quiver of ‘08 Liquid Force Havocs.

I can’t say enough good things about Sherman Island! It’s part of the “Delta” of the Sacramento River, about an hour and a half out of downtown San Francisco. It was such a treat to be able to kite in boardshorts too! It was about 90 degrees out so I found myself crashing into the water just to cool off from time to time. The wind was smooth and steady in this flatwater paradise. I rode the 2007 Slingshot 9m Turbo Diesel 2 fully depowered, but I was having so much fun there was no way I was going to go in and rig up a smaller kite. That 9m TD2 is my magic kite. I can ride it in pretty much any wind range and I always have a great time. It makes for smooth transitions and great pull. With my new Liquid Force 127cm Recoil and that kite, I had so much fun and yesterday will definitely go down as the best time I’ve ever had on the water.

Still stoked about our great session.

Jason Slezak checking out the Liquid Force surfboard.

Jason rode the 2007 Slingshot 13m Fuel with the new 2007 Brunotti Pro-X and was totally dialed in. Kim Kern, the local kiteboarding photographer, came out with us as well. Since the Big Air Event was pretty much canceled, all the pros came out to Sherman and she tagged along to shoot them. Our boys (Davey Blair, Jason Slezak, Brian Lake and Moehau Goold) were throwing down along with Sky Solbach and Kristen Boese. Jason was also showing his stuff for the camera. It really helped to build up his confidence and I think being around all the pros gave him the courage to push himself to the limits. We can’t wait to see the pictures that Kim snapped. She called Jason her “floater” cause he would do a board grab and just hover over the camera waiting for her to shoot.

The boys were all trying out their brand new 2008 Liquid Force Havocs yesterday too and they couldn’t stop talking about how much they love the 08 model. Even though the 07 Liquid Force Havoc is a great kite, they’ve made huge improvements for next year. More about that later though. Jason Slezak ripped up the slicks behind the reeds while Davey Blair rocked his signature Indy Glide. But overall, Brian Lake aka “Burney” took the cake for blowing everyone away with what can be done on a skimboard! Keep your eye out for him in upcoming magazines.

I wish there was some way I could ride Sherman Island more often, that place is paradise. Warm temps, flat water, and steady winds. You just can’t beat it. Today we’re headed out to Wadell to shoot some video with the crew and hit some waves. Hopefully we won’t end up sharkbait!