South Padre Island Windsurfing Pages

Winter 2008 Newsletter

Membership Stickers – Another new year is already well underway. So
be sure to renew your 2008 South Padre Island Windsurf and Kiteboarding
Association membership post haste, if you haven’t already. Bay access is
becoming harder and harder to come by these days, so help the
association fight the good fight for your right to ride the wind here on
SPI. The annual rate remains $25.00 per car, and the monthly rate is
$15.00 per car. The annual membership form is available on our website
www.spiwindsurfing.com. Also included is the Liability Release Form,
which MUST be signed and turned in. The owners of the North Flats
property are leasing the use of their property to the members of South
Padre Island Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Association with the
requirement that all members of this organization submit a signed
release form. If you purchase just the monthly pass it will be necessary
to fill out the form at one of the local shops. With the monthly rate
you will be given a mirror tag (no sticker) which will display its
expiration date and the license plate number of your car. The new
stickers should be placed in the upper corner of the passenger (right)
side of your windshield. By displaying your membership sticker it shows
we are in accordance to the property owner’s requirements. We’ll need
some self policing, so we ask _your_ assistance in assuring everyone’s
car at the Flats has either the sticker or mirror tag on display. If you
have any questions about your registration or the release form email
Herman at sbsso@sbcglobal.net and be sure to put SPI Windsurfing in the
subject field.

Fall 2007 – The winds have returned after eluding us most of the
summer. Ahhh, how wonderful!! We had many windy days to enjoy with our
fall sailing friends. This winter so far has also been wonderfully
windy. But even if the winds have been favorable the temperatures have
not. It’s been pretty chilly here lately - like in the low 50’s! Most of
us locals have opted not to brave the temperatures, but there have been
several folks out there enjoying the winds no matter what. Like our
friends Jim from Nebraska, Dave from Canada, Joe from Kansas and Ed from
Illinois. Jim has averaged about 2 hours per day since his arrival in
December! He’s the first one out and the last to come in. Go Jim! As the
weather warms up a bit the rest of will be out there to join in the fun. *

From our Kiteboarding friend, Cliff – This fall was pretty amazing,
in the number of kiteboarders, as well as the wind and weather. The
north flat was the launching pad for 30 to 60+ kiters on any given day.
With lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s throughout November it was a
classic fall at the North Flats. The wind did a little bit of
everything, with prevailing S-SE wind blowing 15 to 30 for days on end.
Good friends, good wind, good times.*

*When the southerlies met their makers, fronts pushed though Deep South
Texas with North winds that were a force to behold. Prefrontal winds
sang a sirens song of 15-25 knots of cool, dense North winds to entice.
Gun-ho and green many a sailor rigged their kite for the wind as seen.
This worked well for a few minutes until they were blown away when the
clearing winds came. Several seasoned kiteboarder got more than they
bargained for in the excessive winds of these frontal onslaughts. It was
nothing serious, just bruised and scared. Sometimes the better part of
valor is to know when not to go. Common sense can go a long way to make
sure we enjoy another day. Especially if the forecast has a gale warning
attached. So far lady luck has been good to most all, but there have
been a few close calls.

Follow the rules. The kiteboarding area is always downwind of the
windsurfing area. If the wind is south we’re to the north, if the wind
is north we’re to the south. Kiteboarders are not to park closer than
200 feet from the waterline. Vehicles are the only fixed solid objects
on the beach. Keep them out of the way. Launch your kite toward the
water, that’s where you’re going. No excuses. Monkey see, monkey do.
Foil kites that are launched straight downwind, should launch downwind
of the principle kite area. If you are a beginner, or are teaching a
beginner, (non-school) please stay well downwind.

The North Flat on South Padre Island is the single most amazing
combination of wind, water and land in all of North America. It is not
our right but an agreement with the landowners, that grants our access
to the Laguna Madre. As a member it is our duty to be good stewards of
the property. Lead by example, share your knowledge, teach don’t preach,
safety, safety, safety.

Look forward to riding with you all in a great 08, thanks.

p.s. Our friend and fellow kiteboarder Rob Piirainen suffered an
aneurysm while out kiting this January. He is recovering quickly thanks
to the heroic actions of the kiteboarders riding that day. Our thoughts
and prayers go out to him and his family for a speedy recovery.*

Blowout ‘08– It is with great regret that we must inform you that
the Windsurfing Blowout for 2008 will have to be cancelled. We want to
thank all the sponsors and volunteers that have helped us over the last
27 years. BUT fear not, in it place we will hold the SPI Free Speed Days
2008!! Presented by South Padre Island Windsurfing these will be GPS fun
runs for men & women to be held at the North Flats on April 15, April
22, April 29 and May 6. So remember to bring your GPS’s. How fast are
you??

Swap meet dates–Do you have gear to sell?? Looking to buy some
gear?? This spring the swap meets are scheduled every Saturday beginning
March 29^th through May 10th. They’re still held in the south parking
lot of Louie’s Backyard, south of the bungee jump area, starting at 9:00
AM. Come check it out!

Our Spring Dinner – The Spring dinner will be held at Louie’s
Backyard on Friday, April 25^th . Dinner service begins at 6:30 PM with
a cost of $20 per person. It’s a great time to socialize with friends
without worrying if you’re missing some wind! A chance to see what our
sailing buddies look like with clothes on!! See you there! *

For Sale-Club T-shirts and Blowout T-shirts are on sale at On The
Beach. Support your club!

See you all soon! Have fun out there, be safe and enjoy!!