New Jersey Windsurfing and Watersports Association Newsletter

New Jersey Windsurfing and Watersports Association

Newsletter Vol. 4, Issue 3. Fall 2012

th Learning SUP, Kayaking and Windsurfing at the 4 Annual NJWWA FunFest at LBI

Editing and Layout: 13. Congratulation to ISS staff and Alasdair Gilfillan associates Contributors: 13. Special Feature: Alasdair Gilfillan, Corinne Clean Ocean Zone Shore Tour Gilfillan, Tom Latham, Margo Pellegrino, by Margo Pellegrino Bill DeStefano Photographs: 14. On the Water Thermal Bob, Alasdair Gilfillan, Corinne 16. Sea Nettles in Northern Barnegat Bay Gilfillan, Guy Juliano, Tom Latham, by Tom Latham Eillen Pfaffman 16. Members’ Page Thanksgiving (a windsurfer’s prayer) Contents: by Bill DeStefano 18. Sponsors Page Article From the Editor 1. From the Editor

2. From the President This past year has seen the demise of two of the sport’s 3. Club News major publications: “Windsurfing Magazine” in the U.S and 3. NJWWA Event Schedule “Boards” in the U.K. Although it may be argued that this just TH reflects a perceived declining interest in windsurfing, it 4. 4 Annual Fun Fest @ Bayview Park, should also be pointed out that the Kiting magazine has also LBI by Tom Latham suffered a similar fate. The decision to terminate publication 7. Fun Fest @ Lakes Bay of these magazines thus likely reflects the increasing cost of by Tom Latham production and the switching over to electronic-based 8. Paul Smith Memorial Regatta circulation of periodicals that has been a recent trend in by Tom Latham publishing. Even though “Boards” can still be found on line, 10. NJWWA website: Forums 101 reading online versions just does not have the same experience as reading hard copies of these magazines. 11. 2013 Watersports Calendar Fortunately “Windsport” (http://www.windsport.com/) which 11. Other News happens to be one of our sponsors, is still going strong. 11. World’s #1 SUP racer visits LBI Windsport is a really excellent magazine and, for those of th you who do not currently have a subscription, we suggest 4 Annual Island Surf and Sail Ladies 12. checking it out. Paddle challenge 2

For our sports (windsurfing, kayaking, SUP etc) to continue Bayview park, LBI. This was not only a chance to recall and to thrive and even grow, we feel that it is necessary to not relate fond remembrances of Paul but also to take part in a only support our sponsors, but also our clubs, events, local fun regatta in his honor (see page 8). instructors, and local windsurfing and watersport stores. It is all too easy, (and often cheaper) to buy new gear on the More club activities are planned in the coming months: internet, or used gear on ebay, but is this always the best particularly the next Fun Fest held at Sandy Hook on way to go? Purchases on line require shipping and handling September 22nd and the 4th annual NJWWA gala to be charges, which can often narrow the differences in costs tentatively held at the Brant Beach Yacht Club on November between purchasing electronically and buying locally. Local 3rd. MARK THESE DATES!!. Further details can be found on shops such as Island Surf and Sail (http://www.islandsurf- page 3. sail.com/) on LBI and Extreme Windsurfing (http://www.extremewindsurfing.com/) at Lakes Bay also provide invaluable advice about the best board/sail, SUP From the President board or Kayak to buy to best suit local conditions. They can also help to set the gear up to ensure that the equipment is by Tom Latham performing to its best potential. This can avoid a lot of disappointment when gear purchased on line does not live up to expectations. Unfortunately, it is not an economically viable model for local stores to have a large inventory of the latest gear, but they can certainly order in equipment for you. Nevertheless the local shops do carry spare masts, booms, sails etc that can allow for a quick replacement to ensure that equipment breakdown does not result in a lost session. So next time you are contemplating buying new gear – SHOP LOCAL!

Speaking of local events and instructors, NJWWA held two of its annual Fun Fests during the past few months: one at LBI and one at Lakes bay (see reports in “Club News”). One of the major aims of these events is to provide members of the general public a chance to learn or improve upon their windsurfing, SUP and Kayak skills. These events are largely run by NJWWA volunteers, but the events have greatly benefited from the help of professional instructors: Jack Bushko at LBI (609-494-5553) and Petra Kanz (609-641- 4445) at Lakes Bay. Both of these highly enthusiastic Tom modeling the brand new NJWWA T shirt instructors are greatly proficient at getting beginner This past Labor Day weekend has taken on a new meaning windsurfers going and more advanced windsurfers improving their skills. H2Windsurfing (732-642-2834), Jersey Shore as many of our members took the time to honor a fallen Windsurfing (201-527-8892), Aloha Guides (732-735-2156), comrade by attending the Paul Smith Memorial Regatta. and Green Hat kiteboarding (888-kite-001), all provide While this event is local to Bayview Park, Paul’s influence professional watersports instruction in NJ. If you feel like you extended to all of New Jersey, where epic conditions can be are stagnating at your skill levels or know some people found from any point of the compass. interested in learning the sport – why not give them a call, if windsurfnj.org/sites not before the end of the season this year, then next summer. This summer I got to experience both freshwater and saltwater locations while windsurfing alongside my daughter. In addition to the Fun Fests, a number of other club, and While many times I was underpowered in an effort to match club-sponsored events, took place over the past few months. her speed, I was proud to be able to nurture her exploration NJWWA recently provided sponsorship to two charity of various sites. The thermal winds prevailed for most of the events: the 4th Annual Island Surf and Sail Ladies Paddle summer and got us out on the water more often that not. But challenge held at Bayview Park, LBI (see page 12), the let’s face it; autumn signifies the real windsurfing season. proceeds of which went to benefit “Piece of the Puzzle” and Free access, faster commute, affordable lodging; cold fronts, “Girls on the Run” and; more recently, the Clean Ocean isobars, and high winds. Let’s hope some 15-20mph Zone Shore Tour, which supports the mission of Clean forecasts inspire some flip, flop & fly slalom windsurfing Ocean Action to educate people about the need for “Clean throughout the region. Ocean Zone” legislation for the NY/NJ bight. One of the windsurfnj.org/racing central participants of the Shore Tour was local adventurer and out-rigger canoeist, Margo Pellegrino. She kindly agreed Fall also brings colder water, and less rescue opportunities. to provide an account of her experiences on that trip for this This past summer, I experienced “extreme mast failure” with edition of the newsletter (see page 13). One of our own, a light NE wind, ¾ mile out on Barnegat Bay in Lavallette. Marah Shiels also took part in this event on a giant 14 Summer boat traffic allowed me a courtesy ride back to woman SUP board affectionately called SUPzilla shore on a 30’ cabin cruiser. This would have been a (http://cleanoceanaction.blogspot.com/2012/07/tour-for- different scenario if it were blowing 20 knots in the end of shore-supzilla.html) September. In an effort to boost safety, I encourage you all to not only use the buddy system and sail in onshore winds, Finally, earlier this month NJWWA took part in a memorial but also take advantage of the Internet and post when & ceremony for one of its founding members “Paul Smith” who where you plan to windsurf. You may just find some new unfortunately succumbed to a heart attack exactly a year friends to windsurf with. ago while enjoying what he loved to do most, windsurfing at windsurfnj.org/forum 3

See you on the water!

November 3, 2012: Annual NJWWA Gala

To order new NJWWA shirt visit:

http://windsurfnj.org/store/store.htm

Club News

NJWWA Event Schedule

Sept. 22nd, 2012: Fun Fest at Sandy Hook

MARK YOUR CALENDER! – November 3rd 2012 - 4th annual NJWWA Gala at Brant Beach Yacht Club, LBI – Fun, Band, Food (BYOB), Raffle, and more - Be there or be square!

Fun and Food at NJWWA Gala 2011

Now through Oct 2012, 2012: 2012 Slalom Race Series Forecast: SW winds 5-10 mph, mostly cloudy with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Consensus: Lets go for it!

4TH Annual Fun Fest @ Bayview Park, LBI by Tom Latham th July 15 2012 Tracy and Eileen at Check In

As we arrived to setup, the sun was shining and the beach was heating up. An assortment of equipment was provided from our sponsoring shop - Island Surf & Sail. Just as high tide peaked, our first wave of students made it out to the water for their first introduction to windsurfing. We had an excellent accompaniment of volunteers who were able to provide personal instruction for 1 or 2 students for up to an hour at a time. All in all, we had 43 people show up in the morning for what proved to be great watersports weather.

Sunday July 15, 2012 SPONSORED BY: 68th St. & Long Beach Blvd. 9am-4pm Cost: $25 non-members $15 NJWWA members Picnic lunch included CHOOSE FROM:

Information or to REGISTER Online with PayPal: WWW.WINDSURFNJ.ORG Questions? call 862-268-3033 Marah teaching first windsurfing lesson of the day

With many of us having just attended an instructors clinic As the next wave of students started arriving, the stand-up with Jack Bushko, our newfound knowledge found our paddleboards started people on yet another journey across students practicing turning the board around several times the surface of the water. before actually windsurfing across the water.

Kay finishing SUP race Corinne helping a budding young windsurfer

SUPing is a great core workout, and can earn you more It was fantastic to see some 9-year-old kids learning on a water time when it isn’t windy. As the wind did start building, 2.5m² junior sail, and loving every minute of it. Witnessing a the race committee opted for a short upwind/downwind family bond as both parent and children learn to windsurf is course for the SUP Relay Race. awesome.

Tom directing SUP race

Beginners’ windsurfing session SUP Relay Race Results: 1st Place - Michel & Jimmy Larkin We only wish we could spend more time nurturing these 2nd Place - Tom Madsen & Eileen Phafman future windsurfers 3rd Place - Jeff Shaeffer & Diane Pasterkiewicz

Trying SUPing Michael and Jimmy winning SUP race

Just after the Noon hour, Joey's Pizza & Pasta fulfilled our Michael & Ally close behind. These pre-teen and teenage appetites and fueled us up for the afternoon windsurfing kids out there in the middle of us on the bay- nurturing these session. Island Surf & Sail provided an assortment of prizes kids and mentoring them are a top priority! (We need a that were raffled off at lunch. committee boat out there for this reason alone!)

The afternoon Advanced Windsurfing Clinic found professional instructor Jack Bushko hitting the water alongside a handful of progressive students. This included both kids and adults who all had more than a few years of windsurfing under their belts. Jack tailored the instruction right to their level. I observed sail handling, beach starts, jibing, and duck jibing, while the increasing winds found them all flying across the water with Jack.

Laurie going retro on a windglider Guy with Thermal Bob demonstrating tacking In an effort to even the playing field, a quick start was All of our efforts were rewarded with SSW 15 mph winds in implemented. This now found Alasdair, Steve, Guy & Marah the afternoon. As the two buoys were towed out to designate leading at the first lap. Both Alasdair & Marah dropped back, the race course, a 2:30 start afforded the opportunity to rig & while Wallace & Bill S made some good ground. Thermal get accustomed to the conditions. With summer boat traffic Bob finally showed up for a late start, and worked his way up navigating through the boat channel, and low tide limiting our to a 6th place finish. Congratulations to our fairly new racers, sailing area, the race committee set up a starting line across Marah, Kay, and Thermal Bob. the channel and just SW of Sand Island. The figure 8 course put sailors on a beam reach to the WNW for about a ½ mile With the racing now ended, a new race to de-rig and pack and into 5’ waters. 13 racers congregated at the start/finish up was implemented by the warning of an approaching line in 3’ water for a LeMans beach start. thunderstorm. Amid the mayhem, awards were given out as follows:

Windsurfing Race Results:

Men’s Fleet:

1st Place - Alasdair Gilfillan 2nd Place - Steve Acunto 3rd Place - Bill Steber (Wallace DaPron graciously conceded third place as both men had identical scores of 2nd, 3rd & 4th places)

Women’s Fleet:

Alasdair and Tom after windsurfing race 1st Place - Kay Chiang 2nd Place - Laurie Cox The first race found Alasdair, Bill S., Wallace, and Steve 3rd Place - Marah Shiels leading at the first lap, while Ally, Michael and Jimmy quickly finished their race. While the frontrunners held their lead, Steve managed to get ahead of Wallace to take third place Junior Fleet: for the first race. The second race found Wallace, Alasdair, Bill S, and Marah now leading at the first lap. By the finish, 1st Place - Jimmy Larkin Alasdair & Wallace swapped positions, and Marah missed a 2nd Place - Michael Larkin jibe mark and earned a DSQ. The junior fleet held steady for 3rd Place - Ally Latham the last 2 races with Jimmy now leading the way, with 7

Our second beginner windsurfing session found us greeting Suraj, who recently got hooked with a lesson in Florida, and brought 4 of his friends along to introduce them to The Après Windsurfing Destination of the Thermal Café windsurfing. This is a true testament to the addictive nature found us gathering for a final raffle for even more prizes of windsurfing, and something that we, as a club, like to provided by Island Surf & Sail. We cannot say enough for nurture. Brian continued mentoring these 5 guys into the their sponsorship of this event, and the provision of a full lunch hour, until he was satisfied with their newfound array of watersports equipment. Complimentary issues of the capabilities. New England Windsurfing Journal were provided to windsurfing participants, and our Junior Fleet 1st Place Finisher won a 1-year subscription to Windsport Magazine.

Its has always been a task to promote this event locally, and Joni Bakum really came through as Park Director and liaison to Long Beach Township. And of course, there is our army of NJWWA volunteers-18 in all- to make this event run smoothly. Thank you all for making this event so successful!

Fun Fest @ Lakes Bay by Tom Latham

August 4th 2012 Petra and intermediate clinic

After a delicious lunch catered by Jo Jo’s Italian Grille, 8 of us gathered for the advanced windsurfing clinic featuring world-renowned instructor Petra Kanz. This Q & A session covered the topics of waterstarting, jibing, harness & footstrap use, and more. It was very informative, and a good pre-curser to the following weekends full day advanced windsurfing clinic on the water.

The race committee soon began distributing numbered vests and recruited 10 slalom racers. A simple ¼ mile back-and- forth figure 8 course was officiated by our race committee of Brian and Mr. Larkin. Following a LeMans start (on your mark, get set, go) Jimmy Larson has a big lead approaching the first mark, followed by Jesse Sander. Somehow, they both took turns in the drink as Tom Latham widely jibed around them. With the juniors required to complete 1 lap, Jimmy beat everyone to the line to take first place junior, followed by Michael and Ally. Tom was able to hold the lead through the second lap to earn first place, followed by Jesse, Petra, and Rich Lees.

The flags were blowing from a light southerly breeze as we arrived at Lakes Bay with the cloudy skies. Ally got the registration table up and running efficiently. Our first 2 students lucked out and were given a full hour of 1-on-1 instruction by Tom, Bill, and then Brian. This made for a tremendous day for them, only to be topped by trying stand- up paddleboarding, compliments of the Extreme Windsurfing Women’s top finishers crew.

The wind remained light, with gusts few and far between, so memorial “glass inscribed” plaque, which the NJWWA there was minimal planning and footstrap use. We have originally displayed at last year’s gala. found that most contestants are decked out for slalom, freeride, bump & jump conditions, so we like to keep it simple to encourage participation.

The second race found Jimmy once again first around the mark, with Jesse finding his zone and blowing the doors off of the rest of the fleet. Between races, some flowstyle (aka: freestyle) action could be witnessed with Jesse, Rich, and Petra handling their sails impeccably. /p>

For race 3, I found my daughter trying to take me out. That’s what I get for implementing PWA Slalom “No” Rules. I don’t know how she was able to hold onto both her own boom, and mine, for such a long time? I was able to recuperate and work my way through the pack in the light winds, thanks to my “longboard”.

The awards ceremony soon followed, with raffle prizes for all present. Special thanks go out to Jim Karabasz at Extreme Windsurfing for his generous donations of accessories and apparel. Additional thanks for the provision of New England Windsurfing Journals and Windsport Magazine prize subscriptions.

Lakes Bay is a top notch windsurfing destination, complete with on-site shop ( Extreme Windsurfing ) and hotel (Comfort Inn & Suites ). Wondering if it’s blowing? Bookmark the new Lakes Bay Webcam for visual confirmation.

Thanks to all of our tireless NJWWA volunteers who ensure the success of our Fun Fest program. (Unfortunately, my Eileen recounting fond memories of Paul new GoPro helmet-cam misfired) The plaque was inscribed with words from the poem “Sea

Fever” by John Masefield which Bill D. read to the attendees. Paul Smith Memorial Regatta by Tom Latham

Paul’s Plaque

This past Labor Day weekend marked the 1-year anniversary of the passing of founding member Paul Smith. As family and friends planned the installation of a plaque in Bayview Park commemorating his life, this has inspired the creation of the Paul Smith Memorial Regatta. With over 40 people in attendance, family, friends and NJWWA members and associates including Bill D., Brian, Eileen, Joni and Jack, shared memories reflecting his life. Following a brief Bill reciting “Sea Fever” ceremony, Paul’s Widow, Kathryn was presented with a

Following the ceremony, attendees scattered white and red Kayak Race Results: carnations on the bay in Paul’s memory. First: Laurie Cox Second: Thermal Bob

Carnations scattered on the bay

A superb luncheon was served in the pavilion, while Jack directed his beginner windsurfers to sail back and forth on the bay. With a very light ESE decreasing breeze, the celebration of Paul’s life concluded with a simultaneous Kayak/SUP/Windsurf race around the island, while Brian regaled spectators with a variety of guitar solos.

SUP Race Results: Medal winners: Corinne and Laurie

First: Alasdair Gilfillan Windsurfer Race Results Second: Jack Bushko Third: Corinne Gilfillan First: Bill DeStefano Second: Bill Steber Third: Joni Bakum (honorary)

SUP: race for the finish Tom with windsurfing champ: Bill D

For instance, under the Who’s Sailing, Where? Forum, Each NJWWA website: Forums 101 launchsite is broken down as a “topic” which you can subscribe to. Throughout the summer, there always seems to be other windsurfers at the beach rigging their 6.0 and 7.0 sails. Now that autumn is arriving, it can be a challenge to find a partner to windsurf with.

The NJWWA Member Forum is the answer:

First you will need to pick a username and password

Maybe it’s your email handle? Or windsurfing stage name?

Duckjiber, Windfix, or Chophopper all come to mind.

Just avoid non-sensical names such as devghcjiklyop, as this will surely get flagged as spam.

If you want to subscribe to a forum, you will need to click on the Subscribe forum area. (it is a little deceiving in that the check mark DOES NOT mean that you are subscribed)

Click it and you will see for yourself.

Once you are logged in, you can check our first 3 primary forum choices.

Once you are already subscribed to a forum, it will then offer you an Unsubscribe forum area. This means that you are Other News now SUBSCRIBED. As other windsurfers post when and where they are going windsurfing, you will be immediately sent an email notification. Confirm the forecast, logon, and notify others of your own windsurfing intentions. World’s #1 SUP racer visits LBI

During the summer months, Island Surf and Sail (ISS) have been running free SUP clinics on Friday evenings at Bayview Park, Brant Beach as part of the summer events series which Joni (Bakum) has played a big part putting together. On Friday May 25th during the Memorial Day weekend, there was a special visit from the world’s #1 SUP Racer Travis Grant, see link: http://www.c4waterman.com/2012/2012/02/25/travis-grant- aus -wins-gold-at-2012-isa-world-sup-championships-in- peru/.

If you were subscribed to the Trixies Landing forum, you would have gotten an email on Friday, July 20th, notifying you to join others at Trixies for an afternoon sesh.

Class dismissed.

2013 Watersports Calendar

Travis and Terry touring the bay We are looking to develop a watersports calendar to offer for sale as a fundraiser for the NJWWA.

We will be accepting your windsurfing, stand-up Travis is from Australia but has close ties to LBI due to his paddleboarding and kayaking photos for consideration in this time spent here as a lifeguard and also as his wife is from project. We hope to get this finished by September and offer LBI. He was spending a few days in LBI to attend a wedding it for sale at the Gala and possibly through local shops. but managed to find time to get out on the water and also give those attending the Friday night ISS SUP clinic some We appreciate your photographic talents, and look forward technique tips for getting improved speed on an SUP board. to your participation. Terry, Corinne and Alasdair subsequently put these racing tips to good use (see pages 9 and 13). [email protected]

4th Annual Island Surf and Sail Ladies Paddle challenge

On Friday July 27th, ISS held its 4th annual charity Ladies Paddle Challenge at Bayview Park.

Travis giving pointers to Corinne, Terry and Nick

Afterwards Travis and Terry and Nick from ISS took a not so leisurely paddle round the islands at Brant Beach.

For the past couple of years, the weather did not cooperate for the scheduled events with competitors having to deal with a severe thunderstorm two years ago and, last year, the event had to be postponed for a day due to strong winds (which, of course, many of the windsurfers took advantage of).

This year, the conditions were ideal and there was a great turnout with around 90 ladies taking part. The ISS ladies made a particular strong showing with the ISS “twins”, Jacki and Lizzy Sikkema, respectively coming in first and second th th Nick watching Travis’s technique in the SUP event, Tina Carpenter 5 , and Zoe Deakyne 9 in the All Round category.

NJWWA was one of the sponsors of this event and proceeds went to two charities: “Piece of the Puzzle” and “Girls on the Run”.

Special Feature

Clean Ocean Action (CAO) http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/index.php?id=37 is an organization dedicated “to improve the degraded water quality of the marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast”. During August, CAO organized a “Tour for the Shore” http://cleanocean.wordpress.com/; an event sponsored by various businesses and organizations including NJWWA to bring attention to concerns regarding the coastal environment.

The event involved a 15 day tour of the NJ/NY coastline from Cape May, NJ to Montauk, Long Island, NY. One of those playing a big part in this event was Margo Pellegrino a coastal adventurer http://www.canoekayak.com/canoe/outrigger-canoeist- margo-pellegrino-paddles-the-pacific/ who travelled the entire length in her outrigger canoe. Below is her account of her exploits during this event.

Clean Ocean Zone Shore Tour by Margo Pellegrino, Medford Lakes, NJ

The cell phone rang as my family and I neared our destination in Cape May. The number showed it was Cindy Zipf, president and founder of Clean Ocean Action. I knew exactly why she was calling. Thunderstorms had been predicted for the entire coast of NJ, and from the threatening looking clouds in the sky and the equally concerning red spots on the radar, it looked like the start of the Shore Tour was going to get a little wetter and more exciting than planned for. She was concerned about whether the paddle aspect of the Clean Ocean Zone Shore Tour, a mission to Congratulation to ISS staff and educate people about the need for “Clean Ocean Zone” legislation for the NY/NJ bight associates (http://cleanocean.wordpress.com), would be a “go” or end up grounded. I’d been involved in the planning for this trip for a year, but Cindy and the rest of the crew at COA poured blood sweat and tears into it for even longer, so the weather certainly created more than a bit of frustration. In addition to their success in the Ladies Paddle Challenge, st rd Jackie and Lizzie from ISS placed 1 and 3 among the “Let’s wait and see,” I told her. “Even if I only do a mile, let’s women competitors in the Long Board Classic surfing th st nd just get this going.” I figured that, worst case scenario, if I competition recently held on LBI (August 18 ) and 1 and 2 was forced to cut the day’s paddle short, I’d make up the in the Dog Day road race also recently held in LBI. miles the next day. More than likely, though, and what I was hoping for, was to just ride with the wind and hope the ISS staff members and associates also took part in the 6th th weather held. Mother nature had other plans, though, as annual Sea Paddle NYC event held on August 17 . This usual. The weather has always been the unknown variable grueling event involves Stand Up Paddleboarding completely and it seems as if every year it gets harder and harder to around Manhattan; a distance of 26.5 miles. Those of us accurately predict very far in advance what a given day will who have tried SUP’ing in even moderate chop and currents hold. Unlike the Pacific Northwest, where the wind honks out must appreciate the challenges associated with SUP’ing in of the north or northwest at 20k starting at ten every morning the strong currents and boat wakes in the Hudson and East during July, the East Coast is a total crap shot. Sure you rivers in NYC. Despite these challenges, ISS associates/staff have a higher probability of good south wind for a few days finished in highly respectable positions with Billy Mehl in a row, but one can never bank on that. Well, sorta kinda, placing 2nd in the Elite division, Chris (Digger) Atley 1st place th but not really. Three good running days of south winds will in the Sea Paddle division and Terry Deakyne placing 28 turn abruptly into gusters out of the northwest. The day I got overall. caught in a squall off of AC I was stoked to at least have the wind and swell at my back heading north, but Don Pussehl of Baycats in Ocean City, stuck under the Longport bridge Congratulations go out to all those involved in decided to gun it for his home dock because he had the wind these events. at his back, even though he was going south. What’s truly nuts is that we were within ten miles of one another.

Thunderstorms, though, really take the cake, as do those crazy winds that we’ve been seeing lately. I’ve been caught 14

in a bunch of bad storms and always feel like I’m running the odds. I start getting a little paranoid until I remind myself that At this time of economic strife and uncertainty, it might seem this is part of paddling in NJ. However, there is a real like a long shot to get decent protection for our greatly difference between the “threat” of thunderstorms and actual impacted bit of ocean, but it would be a huge, significant lightning bolts striking down yards in front of you, like they milestone that would lock in the safeguards against pollution did as I was paddling into Absecon Inlet at Atlantic City. that Cindy and her colleagues have worked so hard for. And That’s happened enough times that I could fully appreciate after all, Cindy Zipf and her crew at Clean Ocean Action are what these two guys who straggled into our kick-off event no strangers to hard work and uphill battles. Cleaning up the must have gone through on as they prone paddled back to coasts of NJ and NY and fighting the big interests that the shore while watching lightning struck the water in front of benefitted from the status quo was no easy task. New Jersey them. They were out about a mile when the storm hit and and New York ocean lovers and beach goers owe her and managed to make it in right before press conference started, her coalition of groups and individuals a debt of gratitude for right when it was howling like mad outside and you couldn’t making it illegal to dump sewage and medical waste off our see a thing. shores, and because of her we now test our waters so we can be sure they are safe enough to swim in. As a South Sean Dixon, Clean Ocean Action’s staff lawyer who was Jersey Chapter of Surfrider Foundation member, I’m stoked going to do the “peddle” part of the two part journey (one by that we continue to participate in Clean Ocean Action’s twice land, one by sea), was game to start in the rain, as was I. yearly beach sweeps, among other things, and I was We just really wanted to get this going-Cindy and the team completely honored to be a part of this amazing Shore Tour. had done an amazing job organizing events along the coast, I hope we do it again, even if it does mean paddling in more and we certainly didn’t want to throw off the schedule on the squalls! For the ocean! first day. Lucky for us, the storm cleared out enough so we could start out shortly after the press conference. Jeff Martin, who runs a kayak/SUP rental and tour place there in Cape On the Water May and also sits on the COA board, helped me get my boat launched, and so the Shore Tour commenced with a spot of sun and fun downwind conditions, especially fun if you’re in an outrigger canoe. The canoe itself is an intrinsic part of the ocean mission. Hawaiian style outrigger canoes have a very long history and tradition associated with them. They have provided a means of transportation for the Pacific Islanders, a means of getting food, a sense of community. Traditionally they are paddled by teams of six paddlers, and the nature of the boat is that it moves best when all individuals paddle as one--driving their paddles into the water and exiting at the same time. Today it is still a way of life, but of course the focus is on the teams and sense of community as well as taking care of the ocean, our most favorite playground, and not so much for sustenance but for many of us still crucial to our survival- albeit for different reasons. The ocean serves as a welcome antidote to the distractions and traumas of chaotic modern life. Enjoying a quiet late afternoon session The boat I’m paddling now is a “Pueo” by Kamanu Composites. Hawaii is the scene of the sixth greatest mass After discussing the “Science of thermals and the art of extinction on the planet. Mostly none of the plants or animals predicting them” in the last newsletter, we are beginning to is native to this chain of islands. The Pueo, though, is one of wonder if thermals are a thing of the past at the Jersey the few remaining native species left. It is considered lucky Shore. Over the last few years there have been fewer and to see one of these little daytime owls. I’ve been to Hawaii fewer days with what used to be reliable summer afternoon once and haven’t seen one, but I do feel incredibly lucky to thermals. The major reason for this is likely the unusually paddle this amazing one person outrigger canoe. It is pure warm ocean temperatures which this year have been joy in the ocean, the rougher it is the more the boat shines. averaging an amazing 5 to 10 degrees above normal. The name of the boat was not without intent. It reflects the desire of the company to impart a value on what we so often take for granted, hold it dear, and take care of it. Kinda like what we need to do for one another, and the ocean. Luke Evslin, who lives in a yurt off the grid and is one of the principals of Kamanu Composites, says it best in his essay about the Liberty Challenge, an international outrigger canoe race that takes place in the NY Harbor and rivers, (http://kamanucomposites.com) “[t]ravel to a race like the Liberty Challenge and it’s a quick reminder of why we do this. It’s about being part of a community much greater than any of us. And it’s about perpetuating an ancient, unbroken, and living culture.” Yes, outrigger canoeing is so much more than a team sport, it’s a way of life. The Pueo was the perfect boat for the Clean Ocean Zone, which would protect the NY/NJ Bight from the ravages of oil and gas development which we know, for so many reasons, are not Learning windsuring and SUPing “the right way to go.”

With the average air and ocean temperatures over the last few years being amongst the hottest on record, the concern is that climate change (AKA global warming) may be beginning to impact windsurfing (along with much more dire consequences). We will have to wait to see what the coming years bring, but at least in the short term, the fall should hopefully bring nice westerlies which are more frontal than thermal driven.

Michael navigating while Kyla sails

There certainly seemed to be an encouraging number of newbies getting lessons on these days which have also been ideal for SUP, a sport which is continuing to grow.

Jack with 3 generations of windsurfers: Anne, Michael, Kyla and Eileen (L to R) XXX Having said all this, when the south winds did kick in during summer, we did manage to get some tremendous sessions in. Indeed for the second year in a row, we even managed to get some windsurfing races run in planning conditions during our Fun Fest at LBI (see earlier). Surprisingly, most of these windy days came during August and early September, normally a down time for winds in general. We even managed to get some days with winds reaching over 30 mph which brought out a good number of sailors to local windsurfing spots.

The tranquility of SUP

A hopeful sign for the future of the sport is the number of people resurrecting their former windsurfing activities and also getting their kids involved. Now, as said many times before, let’s see what we can do to keep them involved in the sport. Some suggestions:

1. Stress how much fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly the sport is. Jack teaching Michael 2. Encourage them to get newer lighter, user friendly gear While the summer conditions failed to live up to the hopes of the windsurfers craving routine 20+ mph winds, the 3. Encourage them to get lessons from the Pros predominantly light wind conditions were ideal for beginners wishing to learn the sport or those wishing to move improve 4. Stress the social aspect of our sport on their novice skills.

5. Encourage them to join our club and take part in our activities. 16

Ally and Tom showing the Neo Sport lycra sport skin

Members’ Page

Thanksgiving Corinne enjoying late day light wind sailing (a windsurfer’s prayer)

by Bill De Stefano

Sea Nettles in Northern Give thanks for the sails My surrogate wings Barnegat Bay Alive with the wind Truly magical things

After encountering thousands of sea nettle jellyfish a few Give thanks for the sun years ago in Lavallette, I’ve been reluctant to return there… Engine of the sky until now. Give birth to the wind

Having returned to Lavallette this summer, I not only found a Make my wings fly new sponsor for our northern NJWWA Fun Fests, but Ken & Eileen Hoff of H2Windsurfing.net introduced me to the Neo Give thanks for the wind Sport lycra sport skin. And its loud raucous song

While the sea nettle jellyfish are not overly abundant this May the gusts be few year, they certainly are not disappearing anytime soon. This And the thermals be strong suit takes the fear out of launching in the infested waters of northern Barnegat Bay. Equipped with this suit, I will now Give thanks for the board venture out of my comfort zone, take risks, and try new maneuvers, all while welcoming the possibility of falling in Dancing with my feet the water. I love my wonderful wife. Wind, waves and chance All call the beat Surprisingly enough, once wet, it actually keeps you cool on a hot day, and it provides 50+ SPF. The savings on suntan lotion alone justifies the $40 investment. Sizes run a bit Give thanks for the sea small, so order the next size up. NeoSportUSA.com Rising to meet me Give thanks for the fear Which will never defeat me

Give thanks for my friends Both here and gone May our day’s last sail Be sweet and be long 17

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Start of SUP race at the 4th Annual NJWWA FunFest at LBI