The Oxford locals are getting used to my antics.

Today the wind was up and down out of the NW in the mid to high teens so I headed down to the Oxford strand. The air temp was above 40 so I put on an old ski hat, my 5/3 suit, and my new dakine mittens. This was my first time sailing with the mittens and they did cause some forearm fatigue but the warmth they provided was worth it. Anyway, I got about 3 hours of sailing mostly 6.6 120L but I did get a few runs with the 6.6 and my 92L evo when the wind was gusting. Still no other sailors out and we may have hit the 90 degree mark. I'll have to check the reported temp tomorrow.

I stole the idea for the picture from James Douglass's Windsurfing blog.

Chicken

That's right I was scared of the cold. The wind was doing 20 out of the NW most of the day, but the air temp didn't hit 40 until 5:00. Even then the feels like temp was suck in the low 30's. If your an avid reader of the Peconic Puffin you will see that some sailors go out in these conditions. My only excuse is that I typically have to sail alone. Anyway here are some pictures of Oxford with a NW blow last September (no wetsuit required).

I stays really flat when its a Northerly wind, great for speed runs/gybing.

6.6 Sail 120L board almost no chop

Strong S - SW

This is my first post after being an avid reader of the many windsurfing blogs out there. Hopefully those of you like me (wanting to know the conditions / sessions that we missed) will enjoy reading about the windsurfing that can be had on the Eastern Shore of MD. Enough about that:

Today the forecast was for low 20's out of the South and I figured why not try my local launch, Oxford, MD. I've sailed there several times always with a Northerly wind and there is a nice beach to lauch from.
Today I had to seek an alternate launch to access the southerly wind and was plesantly supprised with what I found. I launched from a little beach right next to the Oxford Sailing Club. (Note - the sign on the street says no parking and when sane people are out this may be a problem)
After sitting through a brief downpour and squall the wind seemed to turn off. Then gradually the wind came back untill I was fully powered on a 5.4 and 92l board. The mile wide river created some nice ramps that allowed a couple of really nice jumps (I only wish someone was around to take a picture). After about an hour of the wind continuing to build I was blown off the water and kicked myself for not bringing my 4.7. I took some pictures and video of the location / wind and hope to upload them soon. Anyway tomorrow looks good out of the North I will have to see what the air temp is.