Andy Radley IR212

Andys Music from the Past

2009-11-10T21:05:00.012Z

Here is a selection of music that was recorded in Radley bedroom studios many moons ago!

Andys old rock songs by Andy Radley

Thanks for the Lift

2009-10-11T19:40:00.004+01:00

Sunday 11th October

Its been a month since I posted last. I haven't sailed too much either. Maybe five times in four weeks. I was sick for a couple of weeks. The van is off the road at the moment for repairs and I'm getting home later due to the rail bridge rebuild at Malahide. Anyway I sailed today with Tom at the Burrow. We managed to sail for three hours, Tom on a 5.3 and myself on a 6.1 ,the only sail I brought with me as Tom offered the lift for me and the gear and there wasn't much wind forecast anyway. Lewis and Ryan were out and over fifty kite surfers so there was a nice buzz to the session. Its been a while since I rigged a 6.1 and the rig did feel big today. Still good to get out. Thanks Tom for the lift, even if you do drive on the wrong side of the road somtimes!

Sailing Solo

2009-09-12T23:48:00.005+01:00

Saturday 11th September

Looks like the summer is back for a while. I sailed a light wind session at Malahide today. Practised some duck tacks and switch upwind 360s among other moves. Forgot to bring a drink. If only I had a can of Solo!

Dip in the Soup

2009-09-09T19:07:00.002+01:00

Wednesday 9th September

Back to work or should I say school. I have been busy last week getting back into the routine of getting up early for work. It didn't help that the bridge at Malahide collapsed and I cant get a train directly into town. Anyway between work and bloggers block I have been slow to post anything over the last two weeks. Think I needed a little break from all things windsurfing. I did sail today at Malahide. The wind was light but the sun was out and I could not resist a dip in the soup. The picture above shows the bridge before it caved in!

Enjoyable Sessions

2009-08-29T20:21:00.003+01:00

Saturday 29th August

I had a couple of enjoyable sessions windsurfing this week. Dollymount was fun on Thursday. I seem to be making some progress in the waves now. Finding the best route out and jumping angles etc. With the strong westerly winds on the estuary yesterday I managed a quick blast on my 68l twinser. Looks like light wind tomorrow so its back to the sail throwing freestyle at Malahide.

Praying Mantis

2009-08-26T13:44:00.007+01:00

Wednesday 26th August

Got back from Bulgaria yesterday. My parents were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and so we all went on holiday together. I didn't get to do any windsurfing while there but did enjoy the sun, sea, food and company. The cool little fella in the picture above is a 4" praying mantis that was resting on our balcony wall on Sunday morning. Anyway when I got home yesterday I went for a light wind session at the estuary. You can't beat cold water for getting rid of jet lag!

Simpsonized!

2009-08-16T20:46:00.006+01:00

Sunday 16th August

Another good day on the estuary today. Rigged a 5.6 but I should have rigged smaller as there was some big gusts coming through. Oisin rigged a 5.4 I'm getting a few faster conka tacks now. Still no sign of my Vulcans turning into spocks yet! Last night Helen turned me into a my simpson self. Doh!!

Polar Bear tries Windsurfing

2009-08-15T19:23:00.007+01:00

Saturday 16th August

Sailed for four hours today at Kilcrea on a 5.6 The sun was out and the wind held up for the afternoon. Great to see so many people out on the water.
Check out Bernard the Polar Bear as he tries his hand, (paw) at windsurfing. Looks like he should move that fin back a bit first!

Freestyle Gardening

2009-08-09T20:46:00.003+01:00

Sunday 9th August

Another flowstyle display of Caesar Finies showing what can be done in light wind. There was Zero wind today in Dublin. The only freestyle I done was freestyle gardening!

Two ways to Tango

2009-08-04T12:15:00.010+01:00

Tuesday 4th August

Check out Caesar's 'flowstyle' v 'the Tango', courtesy Eduardo Loedel.

Batman Returns

2009-08-03T22:25:00.017+01:00

Monday 3rd August

After a 10 year break Las Dominguez and Alan Early met up with me today for a session on the south beach Skerries. Las sailed on the Bat mobile which is a custom board made by Bill Canning in the early 90's. He managed to sail away from nearly all his gybes. Impressive stuff after ten years off from windsurfing. Alan sailed an AHD wave board donated by Bill C. Nice retro gear lads. We sailed for about three hours in and around the sand bar at Shenick island with some waves coming in at the top and loads of wind!! Tom Lotocki and Tom Slomski were also out practicing some freestyle. Looking forward to the next session.

(Click Picture to Enlarge)

Fun on the Estuary

2009-08-02T11:44:00.004+01:00

Saturday 1st August

Unexpected fun sail at the estuary yesterday. I started on my 6.1 in what looked like fading winds and ended up overpowered sometimes on my 5m . I even had the 84l out for a while. And it didn't rain!! I'm finding it hard to start new moves a the moment. Sometimes its hard to dive into the unknown. I did try some double upwind 360s. No luck though i did get into the second rotation a couple of times. Cool to see so many turned up for a sail.

Good While it Lasted

2009-07-28T20:52:00.010+01:00

Tuesday 28th July

(Pic: Alex and Dangerman grab an evening session)

I had nice jumping session at Dollymount today. I met up with Carlos and Alison in the early afternoon. The wind was side on, enough for 5.0 with plenty of ramps all the way out. I tried some forward loops but I am still rotating too slow and land down wind of the board with the sail on top of me. I'll figure it out soon! I managed a conka tack on a wave and continued the ride back winded before finishing with a back wind gybe. I was happy with that one. The wind turned more on shore in the evening and weakened. Good while it lasted.

Shark Caught in Skerries

2009-07-27T21:49:00.006+01:00

Monday 27 July 2009

Richard Brannigan was fishing for prawns off the coast of Skerries, Co Dublin, at the weekend when he got more than he bargained for.

The skipper of the Ambitious trawler caught a porbeagle shark weighing 120kg.

(Taken from the independent.ie 22/7/09)

Spock - Kono Combo!!

2009-07-25T01:01:00.014+01:00

Saturday 25th July

I just watched Rap legend Mattia Pedrani's new video 'Burners 'n' Choppers'. He does a great combo of spock into Kono at 1 min 43 sec. Nice move!

Check it out.

Light Wind Freestyle Video

2009-07-23T02:02:00.008+01:00

Thursday 23rd July

Here is a short video I put together of some light wind freestyle at Malahide Estuary. As you will see, I had a lot of fun with the editing.
Check it out,

Honeymoon in Dahab

2009-07-19T20:02:00.004+01:00

Sunday 19th July

Just back from Dahab. Helen and myself had a very relaxing honeymoon by the Red sea. We stayed in the Hilton which is an excellent 5 star hotel with great service and very friendly staff. I even managed to get some windsurfing each day and Helen had a go too! I had her sailing in a straight line after about five minutes. Turning around might take a bit longer! I rented from club mistral which had the best offer and was next to our hotel. The staff were very friendly and even gave me the last day free! We did some snorkeling at the lighthouse which was cool. Loadz of multi coloured fishies, sea horses, nemo etc. Its also very cheap to eat out in Dahab. If you like fish you will be spoiled for choice. A full meal for two cost us about €21

Attack of the Air Guitars

2009-07-06T06:32:00.007+01:00

Monday 6th July 2009

Helen and Andy's Wedding party. I decided one day before the wedding to play a song with the band on the night. I knew it would be an interesting performance as I had not played with a band in many years and had no practice or rehearsal with the band and had several drinks at that stage on the night. It went down well even though I played in the key of A and the bass player player played in G# for the first verse! No one noticed as they were too busy with the attack of the air guitars : ) Thanks To George for the filming of this rocumentary!

Just Married

2009-07-04T15:25:00.005+01:00

Saturday 4th July

My self and Helen Tied the knot yesterday. We had an amazing day and night. Thank you to everyone who celebrated the evening with us. I don't have any pics as of yet, but there should be some very interesting ones on the way. I even managed to go windsurfing on the day with Oisin and Tom at the south beach Skerries.

Also check out this picture of Balbriggan Windsurfers taken in 1980.
Click picture to enlarge

Survived my Stag

2009-06-28T19:52:00.005+01:00

Sunday 28th June

Thanks to everyone who turned up for my stag. I had a great night . Started with a Chinese and then over to Joe mays in Skerries for a drink or two. Tom Lotocki introduced me to the art of flaming sambuca. I had to hold sambuca in my mouth and make sure my lips where dry so they wouldn't catch fire as Tom lit it up! Crazy Pol! We then moved on to Shags nightclub for a bop and more devil juice. Finished the night with a swim at four this morning at the north beach. Great night!

Flow Style

2009-06-26T22:31:00.010+01:00

Friday 26 June

Not much wind in Dublin at the moment. Cant really complain as the temp is way up this week with just enough wind for light wind freestyle or 'Flow style' as Ceasar Finies is calling it these days. He certainly does flow.

If you haven't seen him yet check his style out here .

Recycled Tiga Wave Board

2009-06-22T23:19:00.008+01:00

Monday 22nd June

I spent the evening making a garden bench from an old Tiga wave board that a friend of mine was dumping. Turned out nice.

Check it out,

Click picture to enlarge

Island Fun

2009-06-14T21:11:00.014+01:00

Sunday 14th June

Yesterday Tom, Oisin and Myself scored another freestyle session at the island. Oisin packed his camera in a ruck sack and managed to keep it dry on the way over. Anyway it was a fun session while the sea breeze lasted.

Today I Rest

2009-06-09T17:29:00.004+01:00

Tuesday 9th June

I hope everyone had a good weekend of windsurfing. I know the speed boys did at the burrow. Oisin had a nice freestyle session there yesterday with good reports. I got home from town a bit later yesterday, and so sailed closer to home at skerries on 5.7 I'm feeling tired today after four days of sailing, so in a way I'm happy its not windy!

Check out pro windsurfer Yoli de Brendt with her latest video of her training in El Yaque - Venezuela

Nice Session at Skerries

2009-06-05T21:56:00.004+01:00

Friday 5th June

Sailed today at Skerries with Tom, Megan and Oisin. We sailed on 5.0 Tom and Megan rigged 4.7 Nice session. Theres plenty of variety sailing at the south beach in Skerries. The sand banks connected to the islands provide flat water areas for freestyle and you have waves on the way out for jumping etc. Also the water is nice and warm now after our mini heat wave. Looks like more North East wind tomorrow at Costa Del Skerries...and rain!

See ya there,

Andy

No Wet Suit Needed in Ireland!!

2009-06-01T23:48:00.006+01:00

Monday 1st June

Another super day. Went for a light wind freestyle session at Malahide. Tested the water and decided to give the wetsuit a rest. The water felt warmer than the air temperature! That's a first for Malahide. Anyway I managed to pull something in my shoulder from trying a jiz. Think I need to do some yoga before i try that again.

Przykręcają co muzyka

2009-05-31T11:22:00.009+01:00

Sunday the bleeden hot 31th of May

Super hot day yesterday. I met up with Tom Slomski and Oisin at Skerries. We were hoping for a sea breeze to kick in. That didn't happen so plan 2 went ahead -Pimp Tom's ride! Tom had a load of boxed car audio goodies inc, speaker pods, tweeters, amp and crossover, and a bass bin big enough to double as a seat! We finally got the lot up and working . I could definitely see an improvement.. in my tan and Toms stereo is now pumping out polish classics!

Toms Van - Not

Vulcan Simulator

2009-05-28T22:12:00.003+01:00

Thursday 28th May

Beautiful day today but zero wind. Not even enough for a light wind freestyle session. Great weather for cutting grass!

I also decided today to spend more time trying port tack vulcans. I have been landing them on starboard for a while now. Its hard to carry over what I've learnt on starboard tack to the other so i set up my vulcan simulator again in the shed to help me gain some muscle memory. Also this is my more natural side for the back winded part of a spock so I need to land one soon!

If you haven't seen my simulator before, Check It Out.

Cracker of a Day

2009-05-24T18:42:00.007+01:00

Sunday 24th May

Cracker of a day today. I got a little sunburn and that was with factor 15 applied! Helen wanted me to wear 30. Sailed for about three hours at Malahide trying light wind freestyle. I figured out the best angle for throwing the sail behind my back and retrieving it as it comes around. If you don't throw hard enough it lets you know by hitting you in the back! Great to see so many people on the water having fun.

Victor Fernandez 2009

2009-05-20T17:49:00.002+01:00

Wed 20th May
More action from Victor Fernandez 2009. Check it out

Congratulations Sonia and Martin

2009-05-18T20:49:00.003+01:00

Monday 18th May

Congratulations to my sister Sonia and her husband Martin who got married on Friday. Great day. Sonia is now 'Sonia O'Sullivan' . The only thing this Sonia ever ran was a bath! The pic is of me playing Van Halen's 'Jump' with the wedding band 'catch 22'.

Relax and Spin

2009-05-15T11:50:00.002+01:00

Friday 15th May

More light wind freestyle. This time its Jersey joe practicing some light wind freestyle in front of Windsurf Inc. South Padre Island, TX with some moves he learned in Bonaire.

Sunny Days in Skerries

2009-05-13T20:49:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 13th May

I sailed the last two days in Skerries. Nice small waves. Pity the wind was so onshore. Still great to have sun and wind at the same time. Saturday might turn out good for a session at Shenick island Skerries, or if its windy windy! maybe Lowrock. Looks like a day for sail spinning tomorrow in Malahide.

Andy

Sunday 10th May

2009-05-10T10:56:00.002+01:00

Loads of sailing this week. I even got to sail on my 68l and a 4.5 for a full session on the estuary on Wednesday. Yesterday had a bit of everything. Tom L was on his 4.7, I rigged a 6.1 and Steve Flanagan sailed a 9m! All sails made sense at some stage. Today Looks like a light wind sail spinning session at Malahide. Hope the sun stays out for a while.

Nice One Kidger

2009-05-06T23:58:00.002+01:00

Wed 6th May - Malahide

The Fleadh Kicks Off

2009-05-03T18:52:00.012+01:00

Sunday 3rd May

The Fleadh got off to a sunny start yesterday at Malahide with light wind. The lack of wind didn't stop people turning up and getting on the water. For myself and a few others it was a day for tricking around with light wind freestyle. I recently got a bigger board and have become addicted to sail throw tricks and combos. I borrowed the picture above from Pearse Geaney at Bigsurf.ie. Thanks Pearse. There was also plenty of people out on S.U.Ps giving it paddle. Denise worked very hard to make sure no one went hungry with her barbecued quarter pounders. Yum! All donations will go to CARI who help children who have experienced sexual abuse. Alan and the Surfdock crew were very busy as ever getting people on the water and providing kit for testing. Oisin and the red bull girls provided wings! Great day over all.

Today was the same but bigger and better. More people, More wind, More crack and emm, more burgers. No wonder I couldn't get planning! I had a go at my first race. Didn't have a clue where I was going. Unfortunately I had plenty of people in front to show me the way. I also had a go at the speed event and clocked 26.6knots. Not bad for my first attempt. Well done to Steve who clocked the best speed of the day. Over 33 knots. He also does a mean rail ride but not at 33 knots! Looking forward to day three.

See ya there,

Andy

Island Fever

2009-04-29T22:59:00.007+01:00

Wednesday 29th April

We had a classic skerries session this evening at Shenick island. Tom L, Oisin, Ali and myself rigged at 5 and sailed till 8 on 4.7 sails. In a south east wind you get small waves for jumping on the way out and dead flat water in the bay of Shenick island for freestyle. When the sun comes out as it did for a while this evening and the tide is on the retreat this place definitely has something special to offer. Oisin claimed his first Kono while trying to learn burners I think? He said he carved the other way, thats into the wind while switch stance and backwinded and just took off into the rotation! Couldn't believe his luck. Well done. I think he will be trying them off a wave very soon!

See you all at the Fleadh Sheoil festival on the weekend!

Andy

No Wind - Good day for Sheep!

2009-04-28T23:06:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 28th April

Cat Food-Yum!

2009-04-25T10:01:00.005+01:00

Saturday 25th April

Home alone this weekend as Helen has gone on my sisters hen down the country leaving me and Sheba to fiend for ourselves! Looks like Sheba will be sharing the cat food. Yum! On another note I think I will try sailing at Skerries this morning. Might even get some small waves.

Also check out this vid of Erik Håkman and his Bonairean friends in a movie filmed during three sessions of sliding freestyle at Sorobon in Bonaire.

Sailed at Rush this Afternoon

2009-04-22T22:51:00.003+01:00

Wednesday 22nd April

Got out for a sail at Rush this afternoon. Rigged a 5.0 and had to use my 90l freestyle board as the wind was light. Mikey was there with his first van. No more roof racks for him! Kidge and Jimmy were also out making the best of the conditions. I had a fun session. It's rare to see sun, wind and waves at the same time in this country, even if it was a bit light!

Boom Mount Test Shot

2009-04-19T12:48:00.002+01:00

Sunday 19th April

There has not been much wind this weekend so I made a couple of mounts for my Camera. This clip has a boom extension mount so I can film sailing on both tacks.

Check it out!

Trip to Ireland

2009-04-18T10:19:00.006+01:00

Saturday 18th April

I came across his video posted two days ago on you tube. Some nice action. Not sure who the sailors are. Anyone know?

(Update)
Flash back with this video made by Levi Siver, Andy and Kevin Wolff Ponichtera Ireland in autumn 2000. A road trip of about 500km on the west coast of Ireland and of images that were found by later in the dvd Resonance.

Thanks for the Link!

Waves in Skerries

2009-04-16T10:37:00.005+01:00

Thursday 16th April

North easterly winds this week and waves at Skerries south beach. Yesterday Oisin and myself sailed on 5.0 and 84l twinsers. Later Ali joined us but unfortunately the wind dropped off a notch which made it difficult to sail back upwind. Today looks like it might be even better!
Click pics to enlarge

Sea breeze at Skerries

2009-04-13T00:10:00.003+01:00

Sunday 11th April

Tom, Oisin and myself caught the sea breeze at Skerries this afternoon. With the sun shining and the tide on the retreat, The bay of Shenick island was the perfect place for a freestyle session. Looks like we will get more of the same tomorrow.

Spring Time at Malahide

2009-04-11T12:47:00.009+01:00

Saturday 11th April
Thanks to Mikeys dad for these pics!

A Rest at Last

2009-04-10T20:06:00.005+01:00

Friday 10th April

After six days sailing in a row following being sick in bed for a few days before that, my body has now raised the white flag. I made several attempts to sail yesterday in rush on my 3.7 but after two or three runs I felt totally drained of energy. This morning I never thought I would be so happy to see two days of no wind. A rest at last! On the other hand we might get some southerly wind on Sunday for another fun session at Rush.

'Bach' to Freestyle

2009-04-08T11:05:00.004+01:00

Wed 8th April

Heading to Kilcrea for twelve-ish. Looking good. Also after that Metal video here is somthing a bit more relaxing.
Enjoy

Metal Is Back!

2009-04-08T10:30:00.002+01:00

Wed 8th April

Evening Session at Rush

2009-04-07T22:09:00.007+01:00

Tuesday 7th April

Oisin-backloop

I had another fun session today. Oisin, Ali, myself and a few others sailed this evening at Rush. The wind turned more southerly at around four and kept building into the evening. Loads of nice ramps to be had. Five days in a row now. No wonder I'm feeling sore! Looks like there is more wind to come.

Windy Today!

2009-04-06T10:03:00.002+01:00

Monday 6th April

Check out Normen Gunzlein's new crazy freestyle video shot in Jeri.

Me and My Board are Wrecked!

2009-04-05T21:42:00.011+01:00

Sunday 5th April

Great to have so many people around this weekend at Malahide for the slalom event. I didn't race myself but enjoyed the company on the water. Unfortunately I destroyed The nose of my 90l freestyle board trying a planing push tack and hooking back in by accident. Ouch!

Not much wind for racing today at Malahide, however Oisin and myself did score an evening session at Lowrock. I sailed on 5.0 and 83l wave board. I am now truly wrecked.

Good night

Click Picture to Enlarge

Spring Session

2009-04-02T22:03:00.006+01:00

Friday 3rd April

I sailed a light wind session at Skerries yesterday evening. The water seemed very clear with good visibility of the bottom. I Might try snorkeling over at Shenick island some evening. Sailed for an hour practicing light wind freestyle. Great to have the longer evenings now and nice to see the water is getting warmer!

Anyway I couldn't sail last week due to a tummy bug so I decided to film the lads during a session at Malahide. I arrived a bit late and so didn't get much footage. However I did catch a nice rainbow!

Check it out

Blast from the Past

2009-03-29T18:04:00.005+01:00

Sunday 29th March

Sorry I haven't updated much this week. Spent the last few days in bed with a virus that wont shift! Looks like I missed a few good sessions on the water. Anyway I came across this clip on you tube this morning. With all the talk and buzz of Slalom racing at the moment, I taught it would be cool to see some footage of the Dunkerbeck glory days.

Enjoy

Sick!

2009-03-26T14:57:00.003Z

Thursday 26th March

click picture to enlarge

I Had a nice session on Tuesday evening at Kilcrea. Unfortuanally I had to spend all of yesterday in bed with a tummy bug. Still feelin weak and dizzy today. I hope to be back on the water over the weekend.

Mothers Day at Malahide

2009-03-22T21:58:00.008Z

Sunday 22nd March

Click to Enlarge

Good to see so many people out on the water today at Malahide. No one was expecting wind so everyone was happy except the mothers.

Also if you haven't seen it yet, check out Mikey Clancy's new video

'A Day At The Mullet'

Sunny Session in Skerries

2009-03-20T20:19:00.002Z

Friday 20th March

I tried to get a sail in this evening at Skerries. Unfortunately the sea breeze turns off as the sun drops so four o clock is a bit too late. When I arrived Oisin and Megan were finishing up after sailing in the bay of Shenick Island. I didn't want to waste such a nice evening so I went out anyway and played around trying to catch small waves back winded.

More Cabo Verde Action

2009-03-18T15:57:00.003Z

Tuesday 18th March

Its sunny! I managed to get out sailing every day since last Thursday. Not always enough to plane, but enough to have fun. On Monday Oisin and myself shot some video. I might have enough footage soon for a light wind freestyle video. A few people caught the south easterly sea breeze yesterday. With a bit of luck we might get some more of that this week.

Gymsurfing Today at Kilcrea

2009-03-15T17:40:00.006Z

Sunday 15th March

Not much wind today at Kilcrea. Oisin went for a blast on some Jp/Neil Pryde race gear while I practiced some light wind freestyle. I did manage a vulcan and a couple of conka tacks and upwind 360s in the gusts. I think i even got some sun. Probably just dirt!

Check out this New school freestyle windskate video preformed by kids with strange sails and a mattress!

Tiree Wave Classic 2008

2009-03-14T17:54:00.003Z

Saturday 14th March

Up early this morning for a freestyle session at Kilcrea. Carlos, Oisin, Randal, myself a few others launched from kilcrea and made our way upwind to take advantage of the small ramps that were forming in the middle and the flat water area by the shore line. On the Malahide side the speed sailors were blasting on a downwind course from the club house to the viaduct. Nice session.

I came across this video of the Tiree Wave Classic 2008 that was put up on Vimeo today. Its 25 mins long so you might be better to let it load first. Check it out

El Yaque- Town of Champions

2009-03-14T08:21:00.002Z

Saturday 14th March

Ricardo Campello destorys it in Pozo

2009-03-12T16:05:00.005Z

Thursday 12th March

Ricardo pushes his 3,7 to the max at his favorite jumping spot Pozo Izquerdo on Gran Canaria filmed during the 2007 & 2008 PWA World Cup.

Last Weekend in Achill

2009-03-10T19:15:00.006Z

Tuesday 10th March

Oisin Van Gelderen enjoying the scenery at the Irish Intervarsities Windsurfing Comp last weekend in Achill.

Click Picture to Enlarge

'Samba' - Gollito's New Movie

2009-03-09T20:07:00.008Z

Monday 9th March

I'm feeling a bit stiff after the weekends sailing. I don't think the cold conditions of yesterday helped and the fact I had to race against a teacher from another school up a thirty foot climbing wall today! I slipped but still managed to get to the top first!
Anyway, I'm just after watching Andre Paskowski's new movie of Gollito training in Jeri. There are some crazy moves in there like a double ponch and a Kono foward attempt!
Check it out.

Cold Hands Today

2009-03-08T18:45:00.008Z

Sunday 8th March

Freezing cold today at Kilcrea but sunny. I rigged a 5.o and was nicely powered most of the time. The vulcans were coming better thanks to big Toms camera work. I crashed at least 7 vulcans in about seven minutes yesterday! Watched the footage last night and found plenty of things to work on. The speed sailors were blasting on the Malahide side. Not sure who ended up at the top of the speed wall but i did see some fast runs further down the estuary.

Check out this nice video made by Max Lesauvage over the winter in Hawaii

Saturday 7th March

2009-03-07T20:58:00.000Z

Here are some pictures captured from my camcorder today. They were not very clear so i gave them the Monet treatment!

Warning- This Video May Contain Kites!

2009-03-05T20:31:00.005Z

Thursday 5th March

Check out the amazing editing going on in Jason Furness and Aaron Hadlows kite video -RE:VOLVE. This doesn't mean I'm going to sell all my gear and get a kite!! so don't like it too much, OK!

Old Style Plank Surfing

2009-03-05T16:23:00.004Z

Thursday 5th March

Just on my way out to the shed to look for the saw. Check out this nice little vid!

Kilcrea - The Caribbean of North Co Dublin!

2009-03-04T19:20:00.005Z

Wednesday the feckin freezin 4th of March

I decided to add a touch of Bonaire to my header pic. If only the water was that colour in the estuary!

Passed with Two Bald Tyres!

2009-03-02T20:02:00.004Z

Monday 2nd March

I didn't get to sail today. Had to put the van through the DOE test. It passed with two bald tyres! Anyway I was feeling a bit stiff after yesterdays session so the rest probably did me good. Looks like plenty of wind tomorrow for an afternoon session, probably at Kilcrea. The van is packed and ready to go. Does the excitement ever go away!

Double Spocks, Ya must be mad!

2009-03-01T21:34:00.008Z

Sunday 1st March

Oisin and myself sailed an early session on the estuary this morning. The sun was out and the wind was up enough for 6-1. I concentrated mainly on trying to turn my starboard vulcans into spocks and trying port tack vulcans. Oisin made a start on learning double spocks!! Anyway we both agreed that the water is still cold after too many duckings!

Wingsuit Base Jumping!

2009-02-28T20:41:00.011Z

Saturday 28th February

Great to see so many people out on the water today at Kilcrea having fun. I counted 20 sails at one stage. Hope we get something tomorrow.

Also check out this amazing base jumping flying squirrel style video below. Sell you sails and get a wing suit. I heard it doesn't hurt if you crash! You wont be alive long enough to feel pain!

Kauli Reflects

2009-02-28T11:00:00.004Z

Saturday 28th February
Check out Kauli Seadi's interview as he reflects on the Cabo Verde competition.

Switch Air Kono

2009-02-27T16:31:00.006Z

Friday 27th February

Check out Golitos Switch Air Kono. New film out 9th of March called 'Samba'.

Windsurfing Achill Island

2009-02-26T22:36:00.003Z

Thursday 26th February

Check out Gareth Allen and Dan Kealy windsurfing Achill Island. Nice video lads.

La Conka Tack by Monet

2009-02-24T19:32:00.010Z

Tuesday 24th February

Click picture to enlarge.

In his later years Claude got bored painting flowers and discovered old school freestyle!

Splash Points

2009-02-22T19:00:00.022Z

Sunday 22nd February

I had another fun session today. There was seven or eight people out for a blast. I spent most of the time trying carving 360s. I need to carve a little further before i can claim one. More wind might help too. Big Tom was trying back winded gybes and Alison had a go at her first duck gybes. Looks like she forgot to throw the sail back before reaching for the other side in this one. Loads of splash points all round.

Click on picture to enlarge

Spring in the Air

2009-02-21T17:46:00.004Z

Saturday 21st February

Today I sailed at Kilcrea. Rigged a 6.1 with planing winds about 50% of the session. Great to see a few faces I haven't seen since last year on the water. Looks like spring is on the way.

Josh Angulo Crowned the Cabo Verde Cup Winner!!

2009-02-18T21:16:00.012Z

Thursday 19th February

After defeating Kauli Seadi twice, Josh Angulo made sure the Cabo Verde crown returned to its homeland, winning the event for the second time in its history.

Cape Verdian Team Riders

2009-02-18T13:05:00.005Z

Wednesday 18th February

Here is another Angulo film featuring some of the local talent on the Island of Sal. I think i will have to visit this island soon. Don't know about sailing Cabo Verde. That shore break looks mean. There looks to be plenty of easier spots in the area. Anyway enjoy!

More Cabo Verde Action

2009-02-17T17:11:00.002Z

Tuesday 17th February
Here is some more action from Cabo Verde.

Cabo Verde Update - Day 3 Called Off

2009-02-16T21:35:00.007Z

Monday 16th February

Check out the new video on the PWA site featuring action from day one and two. There was no competition today due to light wind and weak ground swell. Click here to view.

PWA Cabo Verde- Day One

2009-02-15T19:24:00.006Z

Sunday 15th February
Check out the action from Josh Angulo on day one at Cabo Verde- PWA World Cup.

Helen and Andy Get Engaged

2009-02-14T16:05:00.001Z

Saturday 14th February
Love is in the air today as Helen and myself got engaged. This morning at seven o'clock I crept down to the van and brought in balloons and roses and placed them very quietly around Helen while she slept. This was not an easy task as balloons are a lot nosier than you think! Anyway we had a fun morning and she said Yes!

Cabo Verde to Kick Off Today

2009-02-14T12:47:00.008Z

Saturday 14th February
First possible start today is at 11.30am local time (GTM -1). To stay up-to-date with the events tune into the PWA Live Ticker for minute by minute reports from the beach, or alternatively browse the event's official website at www.caboverdeworldcup.com

Robbie Maddisons New Years Eve Jump 2008

2009-02-12T21:05:00.004Z

Oisin sent me this link today of Robbie Maddison jumping a Las Vegas replica of the french Arc de Triomphe monument. What goes up must come down. The descent looks insane!

Lego Lads Spoted in Rush

2009-02-11T23:32:00.003Z

Yep! Looks Like I need Help. Lack of wind has driven me back to the building blocks! No the one on the right, he's real. It's the other two are lego lads from Bonaire.

Lego People Windsurf

2009-02-08T22:57:00.009Z

What a great place to sail. You can sail starboard or port tack going the same direction at the same time! I think these guys are sailing in Skerries.

Click Picture to Enlarge

'Final 1' - New Video From Ceasar

2009-02-06T20:16:00.004Z

Caesar Finies rocks! Here is his new ghost busters/ Jive bunny master mix styled video with head cam and back pack. Hmm, I wonder whats in the back pack? Anyway it would make a great Duracell add!

Check it out.

Irish Windsurfing Festival 2009

2009-02-05T21:49:00.007Z

I see the the Fleadh Sheoil Windsurfing Festival website is up and running. I look forward to sailing in mild May weather. The festival will take place on the May bank holiday, from Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th of May from 10:00 to 18:00 daily. Should be a great weekend.

Check out the site here.

3.7 Overpowered Today

2009-01-29T20:39:00.009Z

I managed my first evening sail of the year! There is just enough light now for me to be set up by 4.15 and sail for an hour. Today Tom and myself sailed in skerries. The wind was side shore, sometimes side off SSE. It was a tough but fun session with Tons of wind and small waves.

Check out Kiri Thode and Co in Bonaire. Unbelievable!

No Windsurfing For Me

2009-01-26T16:21:00.003Z

Not much news at the moment. I didn't get a chance to sail last week. Roll on a warmer February.
Mikey has a new cool video edited. Check out his one handed style . Click here

One Day In January

2009-01-19T18:48:00.008Z

Here is my new video shot in Rush on Saturday featuring seriously strong winds of 45 knots and upwards and temperatures of 6 degrees not accounting for the wind chill. I started on a 4.2 and rigged down to a 3.7 and was still way over powered! Anyway I had fun animating the titles in this one.

Check it out.

Another Fun Weekend Ahead!

2009-01-15T19:46:00.005Z

Looks like another good weekend ahead for wind. It was great to see so many out at Rush last week. Hope we have as much fun this weekend!

The Wind Is Back

2009-01-13T17:56:00.001Z

Today was fun. There must have been twenty people windsurfing at Rush. Loads of wind and waves, with a temperature of a pleasant 10/11 degrees! Oisin had his hands full further down the beach running a master class on ‘learning to fly’.
I'm told this was a great success with a few landing there first forwards! Its been a month since I sailed two days in a row and even longer in the waves. I was happy enough with my progress today. Roll on the longer evenings.

The Estuary Looked Cool Today!!

2009-01-09T00:07:00.004Z

Oisin took a spin by the estuary today at Kilcrea. Apparently a huge section of it was frozen over. He managed to get a few pics on his mobile. Unfortunately he forgot his ice skates!

Jump Test Shot

2009-01-06T17:08:00.003Z

Here is my latest test shot. This was taken with one camera angle. Need a steady cam! Don't think my €149 camcorder is up to this fancy stuff. I would of liked to have me moving in very slow motion in front of the sun and the background not so shaky. Maybe next time! I think this might work well on a jumping move, back loop etc.

Water Dance

2009-01-02T00:30:00.004Z

I spent the last two days trying to figure out different ways of editing in premiere pro using footage of Oisin that i shot during the summer. I didn't set out to make a short film but two days later, here it is!

Happy New Year To All!

2009-01-01T11:48:00.004Z

Matrix Style Windsurfing!

2008-12-30T18:56:00.013Z

Today i decided to have a go at editing something similar to the last shot on the Simmerstyle video made by Gregoire Scherpe. I used some footage of Oisin IR777 doing a flaka. It's all very rough and only took a half hour to put together but I think with the right footage and two camera angles and a lot more time spent on small details of the move, it could look good!

If you haven't seen the simmer style video yet check it out here.

Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia

2008-12-28T18:55:00.009Z

Not much wind today. I met with Oisin and Tom at Kilcrea. Thought there might be wind for a freestyle session. There wasn't enough for a sail so i gave my new camera a test run on anything that moved(ducks and swans)etc! Tom invited us back to his cool new apartment overlooking skerries south beach where we had a meal prepared by his mam and girlfriend of some very tasty Pierogi, a native polish dish.

Thanks Tom, Nice grub!