Thursday, August 9, 2007

All Day Affair at Hamburg


Just another day in the hood at Hamburg. This was an all day blow from 8am to 8pm. Captain Carl brought out the waterproof camera and we had some fun.

Check out the video footage here at YouTube. Footage is low-res and there is no sound. Since we're all too broke to afford a jet-ski for chase footage, chase
footage was shot by yours truly on with a kite, a surfboard, and a not so steady hand.

















Friday, August 3, 2007

Wind returns to Hamburg Beach after three week hiatus.

Hot hazy and windy day brings out the Extreme Fun Team after three weeks of no wind. "The Hamburg SW Thermal Kick" was in full effect today, hopefully this will be a trend. Pat Meric was a great sport and paddled out on a surfboard and took some off shore pics..

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Presque Isle

Presque Isle is about 90 miles South of Buffalo on Route 5. Although Preque Isql doesn't get windy as frequently as other spots, it is a riot when it's good.
From what we have been told, the spot is rideable on a North East and South West wind. I've ridden both and it is a blast.




On a South West, head right to Beach #1 on the left as soon as you get on the isle. For a North East, drive a few miles in, past a small harbor. The road will bear right. Start looking for spots on the left around here.

Stay away from guarded beaches. We are not allowed to ride on the guarded beaches where people swim!

The bay side (on the right if your driving in) seems to suck for riding. Although the water is flatter, there are trees lining the whole area, so you'd have to launch and land in a parking lot. The bottom also looks pretty rocky.



The open side (on the left) is nothing but sand beach for miles. There are protective rock pilings designed to protect the isle from eroding. They are pretty indiscriminate about
eating kites, boards, and people so be careful.



The pilings generate really good waves and a nasty undertow. Its way harder to stay
upwind inside the pilings. Once you get outside there's much less current.Going downwind is no big deal,theres nothing but wide sand beach to land on. Again, just don't come in on a guarded beach.


The place is really dead unless you go at the end of July when the big Presque Isle Fest is. So you should have the whole beach to yourself!

Bring a surfboard. Bring a longboard if you have one. If the wind dies, the waves are the best around and really fun to paddle into. If all else fails, there's a cool little amusement park calledWaldameer Park. Free admission, free parking. Free is good. Buy some ride tickets and hit the Tilt-A-Wirl old school style!