So in my last post I was complaining about how spring hadn’t arrived yet, and now I’m happy to announce that we actually skipped spring and went straight to summer this weekend!   With record-breaking temperatures in the 90’s, Jetty Island in Everett, WA delivered the goods on Friday and Saturday.  Friday brought with it hair-dryer steady 14m winds from 2 to 5:30.  It was a classic northerly thermal push out on the island and the word on the street is that other kiters were able to get on the water at local spots like Golden Gardens and Carkeek Park in Seattle.  We showed up around 3 o clock and by then there were about a dozen kites on the water.  I was fully powered on a 9m Slingshot T2 while the bigger guys opted for larger kites like the 13m Slingshot Rev that Ryan Murray rode and the 14m 08 Liquid Force Havoc that Brad Gordon threw down on. 

Katina launches Kim Michaels for a sunset ride.

On Saturday, even warmer temps rocked the convergence zone and a freak southerly wind blasted the Jetty providing solid 12m conditions, albeit a little gusty.  Regrettedly, once Jason and I saw the southerly readings on the anemometer, we decided to cancel our Jetty trip for the day.  I’ve tried to ride Jetty on a south wind before and always wound up frustrated with the inconsistent winds and horrible chop.  However, it sounds like everyone had a great time and were just happy to play in the water on such a hot day.  I heard Ryan Murray was even out riding in just boardshorts (a stark contrast from the bootie-licious ice cold water on Friday). Finally, as the sun dropped late Saturday night, the northerlies trickled in allowing for a memorable sunset session for the lucky few who stuck around.  Next time I definitely won’t let a south wind prevent me from joining in on all the fun! 

Jason and Brad Jensen post-sesh (note the booties on Brad’s feet)

 
Melissa snags a coveted sunset cruise

Both Friday and Saturday boasted huge numbers of kiteboarders at the Jetty.  While on my port tack, I counted almost 45 kites on the water Friday evening!  I heard that there were around 30-35 kites out on Saturday as well.  Luckily, everyone was safe and very respectful of each others space and sailing etiquette which is a good sign as the numbers will only continue to grow throughout the summer.

  

Trep lookin’ classy

Since the “Sound Downwinder” was canceled due to an unreliable forecast, the PSKite Board Members brought the party to the Jetty Island dock on Saturday night.  They rewarded all the famished, dehydrated, and sunburnt kiters with free beer and hotdogs.  Again, I don’t know what I was thinking skipping out on the festivities on Saturday, I’m definitely kicking myself!  It sounded like everyone had a great time and here are some pics to prove it. 

Pierre takes advantage of the free dogs

Magen “Liquid” Force looking lovely in her PSKite hoodie

Thanks to Jim “Stringy” Stringfellow for providing all these amazing photos, as usual.  I have to remember to bring my camera with me more often.  Luckily, Jim’s always there to save the day with his professional pics!  I hope everyone had a great weekend.

   
Jim and his beautiful daughter Abby.