Well I'm glad I drove the 3.5hrs there and 3.5hrs back Yesterday.

Spent the morning in a very usuable westerly then just after lunch all hell broke loose.

Out came all the speed boards and it was on.

I pulled out the old waveblade that was built mid 80's which I have modified with an angle grinder to be out 6ft long and attached the 5.8m Koncept. 40kts SW would be a conservative estimate, the sand was a cloud and stung.

Anyway these speed boards are a whole new world and really need a whole rethink on technique, I certainly have a new respect for anyone who can better 40kts.

I saw 4 gps Max speeds 35.8(me) 37.9 38.7 and 43.2.

I have been sworn to secrecy on who. there were others who possibly were between 39 and higher but I didn't see their results.

I picked up a few pointers on what to do with my board so its into the remodelling section for it.

best winds
Tony L

Hi Julien,

Yea it seems that BMX helmets and skateboard helmets may have some advantage, if that's why some use them.

The speedblade was ok beating back, but it was still better to walk the first bit back to get a usable angle. You travell a heck of a lot downwind at that speed and angle, plus the distance you travel slowing down is long enough.

And yea I scored a brilliant plant, went to slow down and lost front grip in process (electrical tape holding grip on is not condusive to holding on). That was my second fastest run as well 35.7kts.

best winds
Tony L

Elmo,
that sounds like secret code stuff.

In motor racing we had a similier term called "IF Racing"

" If only dis dat or da udder ting did and didn't happen, I wooda won".

So If only I'd had a better board/sail size/mast/boom/fin/preparation/fitness/wind/balls, I would have gone that fast.

best winds
Tony L