2023-09-12 Mosier - F4 Frenzy

The F4

Today started with a Sailworks F4 Foil Frenzy. Pretty well everyone was at Sailoworks and there was lots of action. Kent and Blaine are demoing new F4 Foils. They are GUARANTEED to go faster and turn better. Because they are so stiff, you get a much better feel, and have more control. Or so the story goes.... They are a great bargain at only $3000 US each, not counting the extra 2 front wings and the protective covers.... Call it $4000 US.

The actual cash didn't change hands today. Blaine and Kent took out the Demo and each gave it a try.

Temira's forecast said it would be best at Moiser, but the Sailworks guys insisted it would be better at Rufus. Rufus was the call. Ross thought Moiser would be a better bed, particularly if it got really windy because some of us aren't in the expert category yet. Before I left, I asked Blaine and he confirmed it. Rufus.

I packed my lunch, and headed to Rufus, which is about a 50 drive. As I was going down the highway towards Rufus, Blaine's black van came down the farthest easterly ramp from Hood River and joined the traffic right in front of me. I decided to follow him. Five minutes later, at Moiser, he signaled to turn off the highway, and headed into Moiser... WTF. I followed him in and pulled up beside him when he stopped at the store to buy a Moiser pass.

Apparently as Kent was passing Moiser, he had been talking to Ross - and suddenly the plan had changed!!! A message went out on WhatsApp - which is great for those with data, but..... Even with data, if Blaine had not pulled onto the highway in front of me I wouldn't have checked my phone until I was alone at Rufus. Al, was already past Moiser heading east, but he got the message and was able to turn around. We all arrived at Moiser, except for Vadim. Brad took Blaine's van and started to drive to Rufus to find Vadim, but then he called Mike, who was already there and planning to stay there for the day, and asked Mike to check for Vadim.

Vadim drove all the way to Rufus. Fortunately he had data, and when he didn't see any of us, he checked his phone, but then had to drive all the way back..... What a gong show - and not the first time - and probably not the last.

It was a beautiful day, but an interesting day wind wise. It looked really windy, especially upwind, but there were big holes. I think everyone had a good day, but it was tough sailing/foiling.

Blaine went out on the F4 rig, but couldn't fine enough wind to make it work. Kent then took it out and had a great sail. At the end of the day he switched back to his other foil so he could compare.

Kent - another great day!

Cam was out on his 4.0 wing and had a great sail. He also complained about the lulls, but also had a great time in the wind! He was a bit concerned at the end of the day when he was way upwind and the wind started to die. He managed to catch a gust, do a jibe and foil all the way back like a pro!

Cam had a great day!

I went out on my 4.5. When the wind was up, it was great. When it wasn't, I pumped a lot and wore myself out. I did foil more than I slogged so that is a win. Time on the water is all good!

Kent, Blaine and Brad were on their 3.9m sails all day and had a lot of fun.

We heard from Mike that he had a great day at Rufus, although I am not sure what kite he was on. Ross also made it to Rufus and had a good day until the wind turned North.

We were all pretty well spent by the end of the day. We sat on the grass in the rigging area behind our vehicles and had a couple of beers before heading home. Jim Mudry joined us. He was there with his daughter and her boyfriend. Both of them went foiling, but Jim decided to sit with us.

I left a bit early to have a shower and work on photos, but I understand that Cam was giving lessons on how to work an AED after I left. Harold acted as the subject with a failing heart, and Cam and the rest of the gang came to the rescue. I'm sorry I missed it.

We went to Double Mountain Pizza for supper. Everyone was there, except for Mike who I understand was staying the night at Rufus. Cam's friend Kit also joined us. The meal was as good as the company!

Another great day. I am not sure how many more "great days" our bodies can survive! Kent just about fell out of his chair at Double Mountain when his left leg cramped up!