Using a kitesurfing leash

Since hearing the discussion lately about failing velcro on leashes I've started using my kitesurfing leash on my ski. It has carabiners on each end and a release. See the red handle with the arrow? That's the safety release which allows you to quickly unhook from the kite (or ski) and prevents "kitemares". The PFD I'm using is a Mustang inflatable with built in rings for a tether when sailing in rough weather.

Paddling Balandra (near La Paz)

Thanks, Chris for putting this together...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osOaFpHr3cs

BEST PADDLE OF MY LIFE... UNTIL WE DID THE SECOND RUN!

The wind had been blowing all night and when we awoke there was a nice swell producing breaking surf on the beach.  We knew the wind was going continue to build so we headed north. Warren, Allan, Renée and myself (Chris) set off  to the Hot Springs to do a 10km down wind run.  Renée dropped us off and returned with the truck to La Ventana stopping at the market along the way.  

After launching from the beach we headed north east to get into the bigger waves and to clear Punta Gorda.  The waves were beautiful... swell with wind waves on top.  The swell was moving fast and would normally be hard to catch, but the extra push from the wind waves sent you screaming down the waves.  

When we got back there were hi-5s all around and I remember saying, "that was the best down wind I've ever done!"  Renée was eager to paddle now so Allan volunteered to drive back up for another go round.  The wind seemed to be a bit calmer (maybe 15knots), but the waves seemed larger.  Once we were out off shore we realized that they were much bigger.  It was hard to stay together because people kept disappearing in the 6 foot swell.  Renée took a spill early on and we circled around.  Paddling into these waves was very humbling.  A few broke just as I was popping over and then I would crash back to the other side.

After flying down a few monstrous waves, I realized that this was definitely going to be even better than the first run.  As we neared La Ventana the wind was picking up again and the Kite Surfers were out in strong numbers.  Luckily they were all being blown down the beach giving us room to surf into the beach safely.

When we got back to Warren's camp I checked my GPS to see how fast we were going.  I remember Warren posting that he clocked his fastest time a few weeks ago at 18.2km.  My GPS was showing 18.3 so I now had the record... for a few minutes.  Then Warren checked his and he had an unbelievable 20.7km.  Warren exclaimed that it must have been the lighter boat... we were both in V-10s, but he had the Ultra.  I think it was more to do with the Wardog's strength and fearlessness!

What an amazing day to cap off an amazing week.  I have to return to the cold tomorrow, but we might try to break another record tomorrow morning.  The forecast is for 30knot winds.  

¡Adiós de La Ventana, Baja Sur!

Chris

This is Chris half way through a four hour paddle. For more photos go to the Surfski Baja Facebook page.

The four of us (myself, Alen, Kim and Rene) were finally able to get on the water today after 3 days of 25 knot winds and 7 foot seas. The remnants of the big waves helped me post a 18.2 kmph (11.3 mph) top speed.