Downwinder in 30mph winds, with gusts averaging 40mph - with Dan, Jess and Del

Probably the windiest downwinder I've done so far. During our paddle on Sunday, winds were averaging 30mph and gusts were averaging 40mph. It was nice to have some company as Dan, Jess, and Del joined me.

Since we hardly ever get conditions this windy, it was challenging but still a blast. Problem is that our windy days occur outside of summer. Downwinding is not a summer sport here. Just get the right suit and it's comfortable, even in winter. 

We launched from Norris Cres., just west of Humber Bay and finished at the Toronto Windsurfing Club. In Humber Bay the larger groundswell pushed us WSW while shorter period wind waves were blowing WNW. This made it tricky to maintain longer glides.
As we reached Toronto Island, there were a few minutes of howling wind that threatened to push us away from the Island so we dropped down to our knees and paddled hard to make the beach on the point. Took a break on the beach before doing the rest of the paddle mostly sheltered from the offshore wind by Toronto Island. 


I did get a bit of video, which I'll post at some point. In the mean time, here are some pics I took today:

Wind readings at Toronto Island

Launch site:

Dan with his prone board. He came 7th in the stock class at the M2O this year on that board.

Dan:

Jess. Watch out for swans near the launch.

Jess:

Del: