Surfladle

I am loathed to mention the ‘forecast’ this week, as in my opinion, they got it wrong last weekend, as they did the weekend before. It’s quite frustrating that you can’t rely on a forecast for just two days ahead and I really do cringe when I have passed on the good news that ‘they’ have given it to be a windy and overcast weekend, only for it to be still and sunny (not that sunny is ever bad!). I saw on Facebook that Billy Short, our local weather watcher, banked an early sail during the higher tide period last Saturday, as even he as an amateur meteorologist was unsure if the forecast was accurate and if the wind would hold for the afternoon, which it did not. It seems that the advances in technology are not helping in this particular case, as we all know that Michel Fish cocked up one evening in 1987  (if you were around then..) but generally I would swear the forecasting was far more accurate in those days.. or was it that the weather was more predictable then in comparison to now? If it is, perhaps they should state that they don’t really know and best to ask Bill, as he may well be a better source, being local.  Moan over.   

Next..

Da Kine were a brand that for years were tied in with the word ‘quality’ regarding surf hardware, which is not a surprise when Da Kine (the flexible Hawaiian Noun..) in this particular instance means The Best (please correct me if I am mistaken). Jason Andrews, who represents Da Kine in the UK came in last Wednesday to give us a brief run down of where Da Kine is going for 2023. They have been part of the Adventure Sports Inc. company since 2021 (who also own Cabrinha Kites) and slowly but surely the investment from the new owners is starting to be seen, so we hope they are heading back to being an innovative brand once again. If their new T10 Windsurf Waist harness is anything to go by they are on their way, as it looks great and has a new design which should make it a winner. The T stands for  ‘Thermo Form’, which from T1 to T9  was the go-to harness within the Trade for years. The T10 has changed the harness from being a firm back panel to one which now has soft upper and lower panels combined with an almost rigid centre panel, to still give good back support but make the harness more flexible / comfortable in the rib and hip areas. Sorry but no pics,  as DaKine have not officially launched it and I would be in trouble once again with a supplier for sharing such info but they will be available in the ‘Spring’, so not long to wait. As with everything at the moment,  the price is slightly scary and we will now be looking at £299.00 for this harness, but it does come with a spreader bar (still sliding as well). 

Quick Call Out.. to a lady from the Shoreham SUP Group that came along to the shop with her iSUP for a valve problem last Wednesday. Could she please give me (Danny) a call when she gets a mo. 

Balz Muller, the talented Swiss ‘waterman’,  recently switched board brands from the Swiss manufacturer, MB, to the Swiss manufacturer, Ensis. Some people think they are the same company but in fact not. It made sense as he is ‘doing the business’ for Ensis Wings and having him on their boards just had to happen. A few weeks ago, Ensis released a video of Balz and other Ensis riders having fun, out on one of the Swiss Lakes (still trying to find out which one but we suspect Lake Constance??) and it was quite a spectacular ‘flat water’ show. I do love the end shot.. he is human!  Click Here to View!
 

So much more I could rattle on about but after watching ‘Balz at Work’,  I feel rather inadequate and think I might call it a night! So, for one more time and hopefully a correct one.. what are the weather and the Tide times doing this weekend (I think I am onto a safe bet with this).
 

Saturday.. sun rise is at 6.52am and Sunset is at 5.36pm. Weather will occur between these times and may affect your weekend. Perfect! However, there is a sneaking suspicion it will be a Nor ‘East wind and run at around 16 - 20kts, making it feel chilly as ‘Eck! Tide is High at 14.48hrs on a 6.0m.. good for the estuary on Wing and SUP, but do wrap up. 

Sunday is pretty much the same as Saturday but the wind strength is expected to increase to 17-28kt. Both days are said to be overcast and a slight chance of meteorites and possibly fairy dust.. we will see. Tide is High at 15.28hrs on a 5.5m.

And that is it, apart from mentioning that if some awful event has happened today and I have not covered it, that would be because I am sitting here on a Thursday evening writing this evening’s ramble, as  I have to be out of the shop tomorrow. Fingers crossed no such event occurs.

Have a great weekend everyone!