Ok, had a blast at Halekulani ( Budgewoi ) lake. For the life of me, couldn't hold a 5.4 sail. Too bloody windy. Hit the biggest air and ended up on the nose. Luckily the 277 F2 ride sits back up flat and doesn't nose dive straight down. If you like bump and jump in a safe environment, this is the place. Anybody else trying to keep up with the abundance of North East winds at present?

It's been good hasn't it. I've had 4 out the last 5 days which is almost unheard of for me. The forecast is looking alright for today too and I knock off at 1pm.

I wish I'd gone to Budgewio maybe the 3.2m would have worked well..
I've had a crappy run..none on the weekend..got out Monday at Coal Pt c 20-25kts NE.
Could have been great.. but stupid doesn't put the mast base together securely. I went out and went for a jump 100m out and had a spectacular whiplash stack when the rig came with me and the board sailed off by itself... I started to swim after the board but it was facing downwind and having a lovely time powered by the wind and waves..[}:)] I went back to my rig and dragged the sea anchor in..lucky it was only c 200m off the point as it took about 3/4hrs hour!
Meanwhile I got the attention of the others on shore and they managed to get a lift with a friendly boatie to get my board which had almost got to Wangi by then! Thanks everyone!
By the time I got in I was pretty stuffed but for me to go for a sail its a 5hr slab out of my day and milage on the car etc so I was determined to have one! Rigged small and went out and of course the wind had died hadn't it so wobbled out & back in while I could still waterstart..
OK - Tues time to get a decent sail.. Got down there late and people were freaking out about how strong it was and how they'd been splattered over the front..not good for my confidence after almost eneding up at Wangi last night..So I rig the 3.2m + 78ltre board..By now I have heart palpitations ( 180 beats a minute and I get faint so have to sit until it clicks back to normal). I get them when I'm really buggered + I was a worried about going out.Sat there for 20mins while it howled.. By the time I got out I think it had settled a bit and really underpowered..grr..wobbled in & out trying not to fall in so i wouldn't drift to Wangi..
Bugger this I AM GOING TO GET A B SAIL!!! So everyone else had given it away but I rigged the 4.8m ( as still strong gusts over the other side - dead 1st 400m) + 125..At least if it dies I can uphaul.. Went out for 2 runs and at least got a nice relaxed plane on one then wobbled in as it died..

Oh well better luck next week. I'm glad to stay home and do other things after the last 2 attempts..Sorry about the wordy post but I thought it might amuse a few people..

Sailed 3 days in a row North Harbour - although that's on a 7.8m given the Manly wind shadow. It's been good though, less gusty than it's been for a few years now so fingers crossed el Nino stays with us through summer.....