Photo Shoot Frenzy

Kanaha today was characterized by raging winds and dozens of team sailors blasting around inside the Uppers section of Kanaha as both Starboard and Fanatic were running photo shoots. The Starboard team was on the water first and the freestyle gumbies were throwing themselves around in an amazing show of twisted contortions, spins and loops. Maui wunder-kid Nick Warmuth was joined by the likes of freestyle phenom Tati Frans, throwing flat water goiters and multiple, linked 360s tricks of some sort ( I can't distinguish between most of the freestyle moves).And then there were the little 8 and 10 year old kids ripping it up as well. All this was happening in 4.0 to 4.5 winds. Amazing show.

Team Fanatic opted to rent a helicopter and shoot in the waves at Uppers. The wind swell at Uppers was respectable size today with logo- to mast-high waves. Not the greatest lighting conditions for a photo shoot as we saw numerous clouds and light showers pass through.

For self-sponsored me, it was a well-powered 4.5 on my JP. Blasted around Lowers for a bit, caught some head-high waves there. Then blasted to Uppers, where the wind either dropped a bit or it was a little bit lighter and less gusty.

This makes something like 11 or 12 days in a row of moderate to strong wind. What's more, it looks like we'll get a couple of more at least. Trades may back off a little on the weekend, but looks like they will continue to hang on for the foreseeable future.