anyone up for course racing tomorrow?

[kiwiar2000]

There was PLENTY of Wind today. Around noonish and 1ish, the wind was light(13-15knts) around 4 the wind picked up(25 knts). I did not do the downwinder, but my friend did an UPWINDER to Stiltsville from Matheson Hammock!
-Danny

[kent]

The wind was great and we did do a little testing. we didn't sent any marks, but Modica, Garry, Kevin, and Todd and I set up a few times to check our upwind angle.

We learned quite a bit and improved on our performance in some areas due to some equipment changes. We generally used Modica's board as the upwind bench mark and tuned in an effort to gain near the same angle with a little better speed. I think that down wind has more to do with the rider while upwind is clearly an equipment issue. Time will tell. a few of us will be at Mathenson tonight from 7 til dark.

Kent

[ricki]

Originally Posted by kent

The wind was great and we did do a little testing. we didn't sent any marks, but Modica, Garry, Kevin, and Todd and I set up a few times to check our upwind angle.

We learned quite a bit and improved on our performance in some areas due to some equipment changes. We generally used Modica's board as the upwind bench mark and tuned in an effort to gain near the same angle with a little better speed. I think that down wind has more to do with the rider while upwind is clearly an equipment issue. Time will tell. a few of us will be at Mathenson tonight from 7 til dark.

Kent

Thanks for the report. So, what is the Modica Standard? What is Jon riding these days, a DC creation?

Have fun tonight, looks like the wind is coming up for you.

[kent]

Modica has a ton of boards, but we really wanted to just test upwind and therefore he was using a board called a Placebo. This is actually a surf board with the nose cut off and a fairly flat rocker. the board is about 2 inches thick and at least 45 cm wide. it is set up in a 3 fin configuration and the fins are actually quite large, all being over 5 inches in length.

In talking with Damien, he suggested that in testing with Modica that Modica's board was the fastest upwind. I then tested against his board with my DC directional. we made some mods to my fins and the results got better. i'd say that Modica and I are very close up wind and in a long 15 minute beat would likely finish with in 30 seconds of each other (him being first). My board does seem to be considerably faster off the wind and probably fast enough to catch Modica off the wind, but only time will tell.

The real unknown is how good the SF Bay guys have gotten.

Kent

[ricki]

Originally Posted by kent

Modica has a ton of boards, but we really wanted to just test upwind and therefore he was using a board called a Placebo. This is actually a surf board with the nose cut off and a fairly flat rocker. the board is about 2 inches thick and at least 45 cm wide. it is set up in a 3 fin configuration and the fins are actually quite large, all being over 5 inches in length.

In talking with Damien, he suggested that in testing with Modica that Modica's board was the fastest upwind. I then tested against his board with my DC directional. we made some mods to my fins and the results got better. i'd say that Modica and I are very close up wind and in a long 15 minute beat would likely finish with in 30 seconds of each other (him being first). My board does seem to be considerably faster off the wind and probably fast enough to catch Modica off the wind, but only time will tell.

The real unknown is how good the SF Bay guys have gotten.

Kent

Thanks for the information Kent, a look inside competitive gear considerations and tuning. Keep us plugged in on developments.

As to the West Coast, they have had their race series for how long? Also, with night time kiting and all that great wind in the Bay area. Sounds like it has been a good environment for improvement. Then again, it is interesting how well Florida riders have done over the years despite lighter winds.

Good luck guys!

[kent]

Well, it looks like we will have to wait to find out. According to the V Games organizer, none of the SF Bay area racers are attending the event. This is surprising given that they have lead the charge in course racing. I personally would have believed that the west coast guys would have placed many in the top 10.

As it stands now I see the following riders that are regristered as being able to win races:

Damien Leroy
Jon Modica
Shawn Richmond
Jessie Richmond
Shannon Best
Andy "the grasshopper" Hurdman
Nils
Billy Parker (if he is coming)
and possibly a few that i don't know.

This should be a great event.

Kent

[jon modica]

So today was another successful day of testing. Me and Kevin Steen had a chance to test my derek board "the turtle" and the placebo.
The placebo being very efficent in light wind. Pointed really high. But in the heavier winds its board speed just wasnt up to par. As soon as it hit 14 knots, the turtle pointed almost as high, but almost doubled in speed.
Both boards were strapless.
later
-Jon

[ricki]

Originally Posted by jon modica

So today was another successful day of testing. Me and Kevin Steen had a chance to test my derek board "the turtle" and the placebo.
The placebo being very efficent in light wind. Pointed really high. But in the heavier winds its board speed just wasnt up to par. As soon as it hit 14 knots, the turtle pointed almost as high, but almost doubled in speed.
Both boards were strapless.
later
-Jon

Interesting, both strapless boards. You must have jibing down to a flawless, rapid sequence. Do you find you give anything up rounding marks? Folks may have to dust off copies of "How To Rip" to work on directional jibing techniques.

[jon modica]

jibing is just something you have to get used to. practice alot. I've been spending most of my time working on tacking.