Here's a short vid from todays down-winder.. Jonathan took his new ski on his first down-wind run.
It was like a hot summers day here in Melbourne.. and tomorrow looks even better.. 
DJ
Great weather in Melbourne.....for swimming 
First down wind run on the ski, managed to fall in about 8 times, although the conditions were pretty choppy with a lot of west in the swell. Boy oh boy does that ski have some glide on a swell, but is it as much fun as stepping back and surfing a runner, actually don't think so. Will be interesting to compare once I get a little better on the ski. Loving the challenge though.
I probably would have gone for an oc1 but my 17 yo lifesaving son was really keen to get a ski. Trouble is now on flat water if we go for a paddle he is so much faster on the ski than I am on my 14' x 25 Ace it's not much fun.
Could be an excuse to look at a second hand OC1 so we can paddle together, at least I can get my head around the paddle stroke on the OC1!
I think the beauty of the OC1 or ski is exactly what you said CMC, you can paddle upwind easily and get some great glides in crappy conditions.
One bugger about the oc1's is the cost. They generally seem heaps more expensive than a ski and still slower.
Jonathan, How's the shoulder holding up with the ski paddling? Are you resting from the sup entirely or just the longer paddles?
Well I was planning to rest but then we had 25 knots perfect downwind conditions.....
I think it's the really long distance stuff that was the problem, the stabilizing muscles get tired and I start stressing bits I shouldn't be.
I'm going to try to paddle less distance and do more weights/Theraband exercise to build up strength in the stabilizers.
Ski does feel better but during the downwinder the other day any technique went out the window as I tried to not fall out and/or get onto runner, no way am I ready for down winding the ski yet, but it is good fun!
Here's the start of yesterdays run.. Bummer the video didn't work for the rest because it was one of our better runs and I had some great footage of linking up runners.. You can see Jonathan on his new ACE.
DJ
OC1 - I've been sniffing around for one, asking around who has one etc...
Just hit the jackpot. For some stupid reason I hadn't asked around my own Torquay Outriggers Club. Turns out we have an OC1 up at Geelong Outriggers. And it is now coming back down to Torquay IMMEDIATELY!! This weekend!
So, Torquay Outrigger Members will have FREE access to an OC1.
Thanks CMC.
Tell him to drop me a line, or Jeanette who pulls it together. 0430 403 087 for J.
We're getting a new club house built too. GORC (Great Ocean Road Commitee) & Council are investing for us... as far as I know, free for the Outriggers Club. One of our Outrigger guys is on GORC though.... probably helps.... Actually, he would almost qualify as a Fast Eddie Silver Fox (wrong name!).
I'm excited about the prospect of an OC1 being on the beach very soon! Currently the boats are on the beach, in a partially tucked away sheltered section. I actually prefer the informal beach location over the clubhouse.http://www.torquayoutriggers.com.au/
