Central Oregon summer got a crazy hot start and today is low 50’s and colder at Elk Lake Resort where I sailed on Tuesday (68 balmy degrees – brrrr).

Warming up with a sweet paddle around the circumference of the lake on the 12’6″ Inflatable Zen technology (windsurf adaptable) board was super fun. Early in the morning the wind was slack and the lake glassy. By 11 am the typical breeze started cranking up. I wish I had pictures. (Back story here)

A few weeks before, Ed and I had flown to Hopetown (Abaco Bahamas) revisiting the site of our honeymoon 49 years ago. The Hopetown marina was a challenging place to return to Windsurfing after about 35 years’ hiatus. Dodging moored boats, lots of ferries and floating moorings was a lot like a Frogger game. I was not stellar in skills but WAS 100% STOKED  with the way the Compact 4.5 sail setup worked on the board. Flying with both the board and sailing rig was easy-peasey.

Today I booked a Level 2 and Level 3 lesson with the team at Big Winds in Hood River, OR. While I can dredge some of the skills from my old memories, I am looking forward to a refresher and tweaking of the expertise.

In my dreams this is how I will be sailing (like Svein Rasmussen) by the end of summer.

Yup, just turned 70 last Sunday. Setting up for a new sport that perfectly complements my love of standup paddling is a treasure. While I am getting into the surf and wave riding less and less frequently, there is no toning down my love of gliding across the water.

Take a look at the video below – and get some wind in your SUP this summer.