Comments, comments, comments...
This is the kvetch korner for those of you who have something to say about this site:
Thanksgiving weekend...
November 28, 2009
An after-turkey-day Saturday session at Coyote.
Sunny skies and a little storm clearing onshore blow brought a full crew out to the point.
click clickie here for more pics...
End of season blues...
October 31, 2009
October 27th and the wind doth blow...
October 27, 2009
Although not as strong or gusty as yesterday, it was another chocolate-foam day on the Bay at Coyote.
A few
pics of the festivities here...
Overnight RV parking in the works...
October 9, 2009
The San Mateo County Parks and Rec. Department has decided to offer limited overnight parking at the windsurfing beach at Coyote Point. The lines have been painted, but so far no official word on availability or pricing.
According to one of the rangers, the lot will still be gated and locked at closing time. Sounds like getting in and out will only be possible during regular park hours. From the looks of it, the vehicles will have to be self-contained. There's no sign of hook-ups.
To be continued...
It's Fleet Week and the Blue Angels...
October 8, 2009
...are back in town. They fly in and out of SFO for the weekend airshow.
(click image for larger view...why are there two #7 jets?)
A lucky few who haven't given up on the season get a great view from the water.
Although not as spectacular as the main event over the San Francisco waterfront, it's still an adrenaline rush to be out on the Bay when they fly over returning to SFO.
Free showers and massage therapy...
October 5, 2009
Offered in comments by local slasher/windsurf guy...
"I will gladly provide showers for all of the pretty ladies who frequent Coyote Point to windsurf...Massage therapy can be included as well. Help rigging...Not a CHANCE !...Happy Endings...I will not go there?"
If it wasn't so close to Halloween, I'd be S C A R E D !
:)
The first weekend of October...
October 3, 2009
More crazy winds hit Coyote today. The parking lot filled with wind addicts hoping to end the season on a high note. From what I see, this season isn't over yet.
Vic (right) and Dave (left) headed out
click pic for larger (although crappy, out-of-focus) pano image
You can see 36 more pics from the beach if you clickie clickie here.
Fall arrives with a blast...
September 29, 2009
coyoteandre
Seems just as soon as I think the season is in the can Mother Nature serves up a heapin' helpin' of whompin' wind. Today featured west wind anywhere from 25 to 45 knots.
More light wind fun as the season winds down...
September 27, 2009
The season at Coyote will soon be over. On October 1st the park will close at 6PM and at the end of Daylight Saving Time the gates will slam shut at 5. For all intents and purposes, this was the last-call weekend at the Point.
Formula-types, longboarders, kids, and one lazy, brainless kiter took advantage of today's light wind package. pics click..click
Al's little one...
September 26, 2009
On the Bay at Coyote today.
Al Mirel's 4YO
gets some one-on-one water time with dad. 2 thumbs up for the kids and kudos to the parents who take the time to share their windsurfing passion.
a few more pics of the diminutive Master Mirel here...
September's been a bonus month...
September 25, 2009
...but, not so much wind today...
That said, we won't be discouraged from hitting Coyote even if there's just a hint of wind.
Luke got the best of today. pics here...
The last weekend of Summer...
September 22, 2009
Is often bittersweet because a long Winter is ahead.
More pics from last weekend are here...clicky clicky!
iPhone apps…while I was away…
August 22, 2009
A couple of great additions to your iPhone arsenal of apps...Mark Paine's Twitter client iApp, Howl (Howl iTunes AppStore link) check it out.
and TomTom's iPhone turn by turn navigation iApp (TomTom iTunes AppStore link).
each makes your iPhone a better smart phone.
Gotta love warm wind and water!
August 17, 2009
Mo (4.0/66) and Jen (3.6/78 )at Kanaha
Maui days and mai tai nights…
August 12, 2009
So many umbrellas...so little time.
Our trip so far has been great...warm, windy fun with good friends.
Jen at Kanaha
Sunset on the south shore
I'm sitting on the lanai watching the remains of Tropical Depression Felicia raining down on us. So far it's been a non-event but that didn't stop us from enjoying a hurricane party last night at the SNix's.
More pics...
well, it wasn't quite a hurricane, but we partied anyway.
SNix blew an imaginary conch at sundown...it was very loud.
Chance was bored with all the adult shenanigans.
Cream puffs for dessert were da bomb! Mai tais and cream puffs...life is good.
Classic conditions at Coyote…
July 25, 2009
Some days have the perfect setup...a steady NW breeze blowing 20+ knots with a strong flood to create those smooth rollers we all love to play on. Today was that day at Coyote. It was so classic people came out from the woodwork to have some fun.
This guy dragged gear from under his house to windsurf for the first time in 20 years. He insisted on sailing it as is and with a little bit of assistance he got into the water and took off. It wasn't pretty, but it was pretty amazing to onlookers.
A few shots of the launch here...
It's all about having fun...
July 22, 2009
Some people know how to make the best of sketchy conditions and do it with a smile...a lesson for the rest of us. Made this purple sail day all the better for me. Cheers to HC!
Coyote on a Saturday in July...
July 18, 2009
Today Jen rigged a 5.7 and headed for the horizon looking for wind. By the time she got on a solid plane the wind filled in to the beach and a 4.5 would have sufficed for the rest of the ladies in waiting. Most of us sailed too big for too long, but it was all fun!
Gusty westerlies slammed the Bay today...
June 19, 2009
I got to the beach just before 1 pm and Jen was already rigged and ready to roll. She was on a 4.2 and I should have paid closer attention. By the time I rigged and hit the water with a 4.5, the party was over for me. I love a purple sail but the purple sail doesn't love me. :)
Pics from the subsequent love fest here...
Another car in the drink and my triathlon...
June 16, 2009
According to this morning's iWindsurf forecast today was to be a transitional day-- fog in the AM turning to sunshine and NW wind by afternoon--I'm ready for that!
I got to Coyote just before 2 and settled in, waiting for the predicted NW blow. I noticed 4 tow trucks and a police car with full Christmas lights flashing at the corner of fishermen's point and S Airport Blvd. Another unsuspecting driver failed to negotiate the 90 degree turn, probably going too fast, possibly chased by a black 'n' white, ending in a splash dunk in the muddy shallows of the Bay. This corner of the Bay eats at least one car per year. From the looks of it, today's victim car will need more than a good hosing out. Here's a link to the story in the San Mateo Daily Journal.
The wind turned on at 3 and I hit it with a 5.4 and 77 op'd inside by Mr. Happy Face, (270 20 gusting to 27). I had only two runs before the wind door slammed shut with a choppy bobble home only to lose it 50 yards before the beach. Swimming (for a short distance) is much easier than trying to do a no-wind uphaul for a lazy soul like me, but it included a walk of shame back to the original launch at the upwind sandbags. My triathlon...windsurf, swim, walk of shame.
By the time I got back to the launch the wind was back up and I sailed op'd on the 5.4 , this time with a 92 for about 45 mins before the wind door slammed shut again. In many respects today was good, but I hope tomorrow will be gooder!
New iPhone app from iWindsurf...
June 15, 2009
From David at iWindsurf,
"We officially launched an iPhone app today. It's called "Wind Alert" even though it doesn't do alerts yet (because Apple keeps delaying their push infrastructure). There are lots of other things it *doesn't* do yet too (meteograms, human forecasts, tides, maps). But it does wind reports and graphs pretty well, and we wanted to get something launched as soon as possible. Please keep that in mind if you give it a rating or a review. Those other features are being developed now! "
Check it out here...
Wes does Westerlies...
May 14, 2009
Shirin's beau is back in town and taking advantage of the westerly flood winds at Coyote...
The wind gods are looking on us kindly...
May 8, 2009
Yesterday and today marked a return to solid sailing at Coyote. Today was a classic NW with steady wind and 4-turn-rolling-ebb swell. Smiles all around on the beach.
Happy Mother's Day weekend to all!
Another iPhone app worth checking out...
May 1, 2009
If you're looking for anemometer and you have an iPhone you should take a look at Wind Meter. For just a buck you'll get a pretty accurate windspeed measurement.
Here's a link to the developer and here's the link to the app in the Itunes Store.
Vocano Boarding...
April 19, 2009
In Nicaragua...who knew???
3rd Ave "point break"...
April 15, 2009
Yesterday it was blowing 12-47 on the inside at 3rd.
Owain (aka Chilly), shed his sail and surfed the "point break" at the windsurf launch on his windsurf board.
Aaron asked for wind...
April 14, 2009
...and was blessed...???
Sustained winds in the 40's and on-going gusts to nearly 60 knots (my screens are shaking and the patio furniture is in the lagoon) created havoc on the peninsula today. Meanwhile Sergey, (videojibe.com) frolicked in the frothiness of the fray.
Peninsula Ave overpass ramp demolition begins...
April 14, 2009
"The existing Highway 101 ramps at the Peninsula Avenue overpass will be demolished next week, setting off a two-month construction of new ramps, according to Caltrans spokeswoman Gidget Navarro..."
read the rest of the story here...
Helm's 2009 Swap dates...
April 13, 2009
Summer Swap Meets:
Find some great deals on used equipment! Bring your windsurf and kiteboard gear to sell!
Swap Meets are always the 3rd Saturday of every month.
Sat. April 18
Sat. May 16
Sat. June 20
Sat. July 18
Sat. August 15
Sat. September 19
10am - 12pm
Sellers should arrive before 9:30
Please park on the street.
Please do not park in "Safari Run's" parking lot. (the lot next to Helm)
"We don't need no stinkin'...
April 7, 2009
...tide chart."
Marion Lepert--USA 143...
April 5, 2009
Everyone who sails Coyote knows Marion.
(I grabbed this shot from her website--hope she doesn't mind)
Be sure to check out her website and keep up-to-date on her sailing accomplishments.
Go Marion!
A pic from the right coast...
April 5, 2009
Our fearless East Coast correspondent, Olivier Corvez, is tired of his Bay buddies complaining about the cold...
"Hi,
This pic (by Steve Cooper - see his blog) is intended for those who may complain about sailing in cold conditions...
Kalmus Beach, Hyannis Cape Cod yesterday. Wind 30-40mph (yes, I was "a bit" overpowered on the Simmer 5.6 so rigged down after this pic...), water temperature : 40 degrees!!! Air temp : low 50s....
Dry suit with 4 layers underneath, 2mm glacier gloves, 3mm hood, 7mm booties... "Almost" comfortable... Any exposed skin was severely "fried"!!!
As I often hear around here as a goodbye greeting : "warm winds"! No Sh*t!!!!
So..... Warm Winds to you on the West Coast! O."
OK, Oli. YOU WIN!
Check out Andre's video...
April 5, 2009
Andre has a YouTube channel and posted an oldie-but-goodie from Coyote. I'm pretty sure he had one of the first helmet cams around!
The Big Muddy
April 2, 2009
Coyote is at its muddy finest on a low tide, west wind flood. Today was a perfect example...
That's why we love it!
It's been awhile...
March 30, 2009
...since posting anything about sailing. March 1st was the official kickoff of my windsurfing season. Not that I sailed that particular day, but that's the date in my official Coyote rule book before which my toes remain dry and warm. Well, dry anyway.
It's been a pretty good month for wind at Coyote. The water'is still cold, but I think I've found the best wetsuit ever. The NPX Sinner, a 5/4/3 semi dry by NeilPryde, is hands down the warmest, driest neo suit I've ever owned (going back as far as my last O'Neill Oasis from maybe 20 years ago). It's an easy-on-easy-off suit and it's gotten me out on the water on colder days than I might normally sail this time of year. The
guy's version is the Assassin.
Yesterday (Sunday) was classic Coyote with gusty West winds and washboard flood chop. Today I feel like I've been in a train wreck. A fine time was had by all!
Your toes are safe...
March 14, 2009
...for another season. Thanks to the efforts of the Parks Department -- in particular Ranger Steve's hard work and guidance-- and with the help of a small group of volunteers, the upwind sandbag ramp was rebuilt today and repairs were made to the bottom edge of the downwind ramp.
Thank you to everyone who came out to help with the project!
Andre sends a shout out...
March 8, 2009
...to Matt Pritchard...
"I just found this information on Pritchard brothers web site.
I am so sad to bring you this message.
Matt Pritchard crashed on dirt bike in California just a few days ago, both legs are broken. How much pain and misery it is, only he knows. Matt is recovering, doing better now."
Andre included a link to the story... (some pics are graphic) We all wish Matt a speedy recovery!
Andre and Matt at Coyote, August 2008
Coyote Point hours of operation...
February 26, 2009
FYI the Park hours are:
- December - February 5:00 P.M.
- March 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Savings Time starts)
- March 7:00 P.M. (after Daylight Savings Time starts)
- April - August 8:00 P.M.
- September 8:00 P.M. (through Labor Day)
- September 7:00 P.M. (beginning the day after Labor Day)
- October 7:00 P.M. (first week[s] of October)
- October 5:00 P.M. (last three weeks of October)
- November 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Saving Time ends)
- November 5:00 P.M. (after Daylight Saving Time ends)
2009 Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8th so as of that day the Park will be open until 7:00 PM.
Just in time...
February 25, 2009
For the new season...John Miller (formerly of Advanced Surf Designs) offers professional repair of epoxy sailboards, surfboards, SUP, kiteboards and personal watercraft.
With more than 25 years of experience in the custom board business, John's the go-to-guy for your Bay area repair needs. You can get more info on his new web site.
Baby it's cold outside...
February 9, 2009
Today started with wind rattling the windows and doors and the newly-sprouted flower buds on pear trees getting blown six ways to Sunday. The water in the lagoon was fully capping and the annoying crows were finally hiding out somewhere else. The 3rd Ave cam showed the channel fully lit and the air temp Was a balmy 46. Brrrrrr...too cold for me!
Later in the day, when it warmed to 50, I stopped by 3rd to snap a few pics. HC was there rigging down to a 4.7 4.2 (I stand corrected :)) and there were a few danglers on the inside doing what danglers do. (dangle pics on the dangle page)
There really wasn't anything exciting going on...HC was hanging out in the channel and there's only so much dangling I care to watch when my fingers and toes are frozen. So that's all there is.
Although a beautiful Day on the Bay...
February 2, 2009
Looks like I spoke too soon about interim repairs to the sandbag ramps.
I went to Coyote today to check out the latest and it looks like all that's happened in the past two weeks is a few bags filled and left parked on the windsurf rigging area.
Recent weather and tides have been amenable to the needed maintenance...I'm not sure why the job's been stalled...more to come soon.
Pesky Telemarketers...
January 29, 2009
You know the drill. You finally sink into your well-worn sofa, plate o' hot goodies nestled in your lap, fork in hand, remote control to the 52" plasma neatly tucked at your side, ready to shovel savories like a backhoe loader on crack. You lift your tool, open your pie hole...
and then it happens...
...brrrring...brrrring...brrrring!
This guy is my hero! (might be slow to load--but worth the wait)
One image says it all...
Winter Sandbag Repairs
January 20, 2009
New bags are being filled and set in place beefing up the lower sections of the ramps that have deteriorated since last Spring. Ranger Rick and his crew are taking advantage of low tide and warm temperatures to get the job started. (click for more pics)
Happy New Year!
January 01, 2009
Another sailing season is just around the corner and there's a lot to look forward to at Coyote in 2009.
Last year began with the installation of temporary sandbag ramps to make it easier for us old codgers to get in and out of the water without taking a header down the armor flex retaining wall and to keep our gear dent-free while exiting after a good session.
After a couple of minor construction glitches, the new ramps became the hottest admission ticket in town. The upwind ramp carries the bulk of traffic from the main windsurfing parking lot. The lower ramp (near the concession/restrooms/shower buildings/beachfront) services not only wind sport users but has also become one of the few access points to the lower beach and swimming area. The heavy traffic and the ramps' direct exposure to wind swell and high tides has kept the Park Service busy repositioning the bags when Mother Nature has her way with them. A big shout out to the Coyote Point rangers and park staff who've taken the time and effort to keep the ramps in good working order! With strong winter storms still to come, our fingers (and my downhaul line) are crossed hoping the sandbag structures will survive through the upcoming sailing season.
What's next for the beach renovations?
January 01, 2009
Planning is still in progress for renovation and restoration of the Coyote Point beachfront and promenade areas. The County of San Mateo has approved a preliminary design which includes rebuilding the windsurf access and construction of a completely new and attractive swimming beach engineered to naturally retain and replenish its sand and to be distinctly separate from the sailing area. The County has docs online which describe the project in detail.
The County is making every effort to engage the local boardsailing community in the process and take into account our needs. We believe when this project is complete, Coyote Point will once again be the best launch area on the San Francisco Bay.
Thanks go out to the San Francisco Boardsailing Association for working tirelessly on behalf of all windsurfers and kiteboarders to maintain safe access at all our Bay Area sites. Please become a member of the SFBA. The next endangered access may be your favorite spot.
Got an iPhone?
Is it flooding or ebbing? When's low tide? How much water's coming in today? Every day at the beach the conversation's the same. Whacha riggin'? Is that a flood fin? Why 're you putting up such a big sail? That board looks too small...it's only blowin' 15.
A bit of local knowledge can make or break a session at your favorite launch. At Coyote, rigging choices are often made with the tide in mind. Have you ever had one of those generic tide charts in your hand and bent your brain trying to do the math to get the right time offset for the end of the flood?
If you have an iPhone, Tide Graph by Brainware is a handy tool to get nearly instantaneous tide info for almost any body of water. IMHO, it's a buck ninety nine well spent. Click here to grab it from the iTunes Store. I give it an 8/10...could've been a 10/10 but, it's no longer free.