Atlantic Hurricane season 2005

<>Now that the Arlene has passed, the sun has busted through the clouds again. The winds have subsided. I am finally back to updating the blog.

This past weekend was amazing. With Tropical storm Arlene making her way toward the panhandle, rain bands, gusty wind and overcast clouds have swept across the state of Florida. Each day of the storm brought a different condition.

Thursday I kiteboarded the inlet in 15-20 under overcast skies. A solid showing of the St. A crew. Rain bands swept through the area all day.

<>Friday was sick. My first day of real gusty winds taugt me to stay clear on the tack, take in the depower strap and hold on. The winds were cranking to over 25. I was riding a 13 flexifoil and totally lit. I had to go down a size quick, so I got the 9 flexifoil ready for the rest of the session. The 9 was perfect. With the winds blowing side off shore, the upwind riding was perfect for me.
Later that day, some ominous rain clouds moved through, the wind speed was down and up again to 25 by 6pm. Paul rallied the crew for a down winder. Dale, Paul and I made our way to 9th street, up the beach 10 miles to our destination. I have a new understanding of being gripped. I was so lit on a 13 it was scary. There were times I would hit a 5-6 foot wave going downwind, sky 25-35 feet through the air and crash. With my kite completely depowered, the only way I could slow down was to fall and start again. I really could have used a 9 that evening. After I survived the trip, the guys and Eddie were amazed I made it. That night called for a celebration and that's exactly what we did.

Saturday came quickly. Rain fell like buckets in the morning and then subsided in the afternoon. I decided to film for the day and let myself rest up a bit. I got great footage of the whole crew. We recently batched the footage. I will be working on the editing tonight.
Sunday the wind and the waves dropped off to 10-15. Eddie and I did a late down winder at 6 pm.
Now for the latest news...There is a new formation just south of Jamaica. We will keep you posted...

Max