Lano

OMG where have I been??

2011-05-02T21:57:00.003+09:30

Facebook seems to have taken over blogging, but after stumbling over my ole blog recently and saw that there are some cool new bits that I can tag onto the exisiting blog, I thought I would get back on the bike.

Report on life to follow shortly,

World Cup 2010

2010-07-13T04:42:00.006+09:30

Richard in the bushes

Tag team substitution

WC party

Head piece

Stella!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gelati

Kanaha fishing

Another World Cup is over, Spain has won (as I predicted), cant say the final was the best game of Football I have seen, but name me a great WC final?
Down in front, Phoebe making a swift exit

We had team Australia come over for the game 8.30am Sunday morning, great time for a Football match, way better than 4am! Viva Espana! Paul and Heidi made amazing Pina Coladas at half time, Kym made bacon and egg wraps and Sally made a great fruit platter for us all to snack on. I did coffee, I do coffee.

Avalon sets off down the right wing
Kym

The last few days have been filled with lots of sailing and lots of beach time. The wind has been very nice to us, with a cool little wave to play around on at Camp One as well. Wind has been in the 20-25 knot range, building at times to 30 knots plus. Everyone very happy.

One legged surfer at Hookipa

Kym and Brett at Hookipa

A small swell hit the north shore Sunday, Hookipa was packed
Someone got a new board

Riley, Avalon and Phoebe have been doing lessons Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays, they are the only ones to be claiming regular gybes and tacks.

Back in Maui

2010-07-04T14:34:00.007+09:30

Team Maui 2010

Brett, Lano, Av, Sal, Riley, Richard, Phoebe and Kym

Back in beautiful Maui, its windy, its sunny, its warm, the beer is cold and everyone is friendly.

Our digs :)

The flight over was OK, not a lot of sleep was had by anyone, I think I got a few hours on the plane, but not a quality sleep by any means. Some good movies on the plane, The new Wogboy movie was entertaining, as well as the new Steve Carel movie, Date Night was OK, amusing maybe? Airports were packed this year, must remember not to enter the US 2 days before 4th July.

Brett sussing it all out for the first time

Quick snack before day two session, Alive and Well indeed!

We sailed on day 1, which was a great was to shake off some jet lag and lack of sleep. All 4 of us were in the water by 1pm and firing on our full quatro goya combo's from Hi-Tech, thanks to Alex who kitted us out (very helpful chap!) I am trying out a twinser 92 Tempo wave, mightbe a bit sluggish for bump and jump, but gybes like a pro. Kym is on a 64 ltr tempo single fin, loves it, lucky its her birthday today! Brett is on a 85 ltr Tempo single fin, pretty sure he is happy with it, but everytine we walk into the rental shop, he is like a kid in a lolly shop, Naish, Quatro, every size and type from the whole range, its awesome. I am thinking of getting back onto a FSW 95 as this is what I am used to, pity I can only get hold of a 2007 version, keen to try the new shape. Plenty of time :)

Team Quatro Goya!

Never use a harness to open beers, this ones yours rich.......

Those crazy kiters

Brett and his rig, brand new sail straight out of the bag

Maui Race Series organised chaos

Happy contented, I just sailed at uppers kym

Riley and Phoebe ready to roll

Had a day of chillin out today, did a bit of Maui Race Series, watched the final races of the day, Peter Biyjl (spelling) took it out, Micah second and the rest were just slogging to the line, wind was tricky to say the least. We also hit the shops to keep the girls happy, Sports warehouse for snorkel gear and reef shoes. Bit of retail therapy at NP Maui shop, expensive exercise!

Huro!

Richard has had a bit of bad luck. He has rented a board from a local lad, Lets just call him Matt Pritchard, which after day 2 he had put a massive dent on the nose after a failed jump at uppers. Feeling pretty bad about the cost of repair (which is yet to be advised) he has also ran over a plant at our rental place. Now here is a great story, the plant he ran over is called a 'night walker', if you dig one up or harm one, the locals say that yopu will encounter the night walkers, which we are currently waiting for. Not sure what form they will come at us, could be ghosts, insects, walking trees? Who knows. Better not have too much to drink tonight, better be prepared! Should have bought the hunting rifles and the BB Guns at Sports warehouse today!

Poor Richard, they do say that accidents happen in Threes, so only one bad thing to happen, wonder what it will be.

Richard before he broke the Tabou, oooooh Tabou! Is that an omen?

Hoping to head southside tomorrow for 4th July, hoping to get a days SUP action, not a lot of swell though, fingers crossed it picks up over night.

Where you been Lano?

2010-06-07T21:18:00.014+09:30

Aussie rules footy, can anyone makes sense of this???

Time to fire up the old blog, thanks for the gentle nudge George! Sorry for the lack of blog action from down under, but bloody facebook has taken over my life.....actually, its just easier sometimes to post up pics and a short note most of the time. But with Maui around the corner and lots to talk about, its time to get busy blogging.

Its almost 4 months since my last post (sounds like an AA meeting opening comment yeah?) so much has happened between now and back then, a new job (Sales Manager - SA Weekend, a very cool magazine in the Adelaide Advertiser), been running heaps, sailing as much as possible, SUP has taken over my life, been loving life with Kym and Phoebe doing stuff.

Now getting set for a trip to MAUI, cant wait to see friends, get warm, surf and sail all day, Kanaha beer o'clock every night at 5, climb waterfalls, mountains, crispy creams?, surf shops, Mana Foods, hang with the other 12 Aussies that are coming over at the same time, 4th July celebrations (our first) - and maybe sail some more :)

So we had the Robe Easter Classic, heres a 12 minute clip summing up the conditions and the action on the beach.

http://vimeo.com/10731799

Kym rippin!

Womens come and try day

Open water paddle contestants - me far right, I came fifth over all, about 6kms open water paddle, hard work!

Lanomobile

Kym sailed well and took out the ladies division and the mens was won by Tom (the vicco) who totally dominated (most probably will not get onvited back as he was too good!)

So now onto Maui, only a few weeks to go, might dust off the luggage from the top rack......and break out the board shorts,

Aloha!

Oh, and did someone mention the world cup? OMG, so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Arghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Aussies, PS: on the look out for comfy couch and snacks for any world cup action in Maui......

2010-03-01T07:18:00.005+10:30

Kent Reserve - Victor Harbor 28th February 2010 from Dave Lane on Vimeo.

A great afternoon sailing at Kent Reserve........

Heres a cool little vid from yesterday, Kent Reserve, just around from Victor Harbor, 8 of us out, 25 knots, some cool little ramps and some great flat water stuff, reminded me of Maui!

Cya Trev

2010-01-22T22:54:00.003+10:30

Trevor passed away today after a liver issue became unmanagable, he was the best mate I ever had, the best dog to ever live!

He could talk, walk backwards, sit, stay, heel, guard our house, chase off pesky foxes, hang out in the hood even when he though we didnt know, sleep in cars for hours, wee on kiters, avoid snakes, play with kids forever, give us attitude when he didnt get his way, chase cats, sheep, cows and birds, never gave you the ball when he fetched it, always swam in the river / ocean puddle when it was there, babysat Phoebe often, loved his life as much as we love him!

Really gonna miss ya buddy, x

SUP at U-Turns

2010-01-22T08:07:00.006+10:30

The gun, 10'6 FWS Fanatic Fly, Fckn love it!

These cheeky SUPS after work are becoming a regular thing for me and the crew, caught some sweet little lefts at U-Turns last night with Brett, Richard, Ty and Russ, Two hour de-'stress' is the best way to end any day!

The waves were around the 2 foot mark, nice A frame to launch, then a great inside section that walled up for a speedy run to the beach every time. I know they were only small waves, but so much fun, cant wait for the weekend to get back out there.

Is it wrong to be hoping for no wind and a bit more swell? I am so confused......

Russ in cruise mode

Oily seas at Seaford

Ty in the background, mid bottom turn....get out of the way Bretto!

Ty going right

Brett on his way out

Richard on that sweet inside section

Richard looking for his prescription sunnies, but....wouldnt he need his sunnies to look for his sunnies?

Still looking....

One more shot of my board, did I say I really like it?

Cheeky SUP after work

2010-01-14T09:02:00.003+10:30

Had a cheeky SUP session after work today, finished work at 5.15, pick up Phoebe at 5.45, rush home, banana, SUP on roof, charge down to South Port river mouth with the rest of the ONBOARD crew, caught some nice waves, lefts, rights, hit the reef a few times, shared a few, hung out with some great people.

The surf beast!

Pete, Scotty Mac, Steve and the pilates lady!

Here's hoping for more of the same on the weekend,

Christmas 2009

2010-01-11T13:19:00.007+10:30

We had a week and bit off work this Christmas, just the week between Christmas and New Years, more than enough time to recharge the batteries. Time was spent hanging with family and a few days at Beachport and Robe.

Phoebe does her best hovercraft impersonation

Kym had a few drinks

Christmas was split over a week this year, with my family all heading off in all directions this year, so a nice lunch was had up at dads, bit of pool time, a few wines, very relaxing time indeed. I did have a laugh at the conversation that I had with my sibblings about the fact that we hadnt had a decent arguement at a christmas show for a while, if ever. So we sat around all afternoon working out what we could argue about......nup, got nothing! I think this is what I like most about my family, never any issues too big to simply talk it over.....I love them all!

I got Richard this nice handbag, suits him dont you think.

Kym got me this awesome Stand Up Paddle board for Christmas, I am so lucky to get such a sweet present, its already got a big work out, cant wait to put a sail on it in marginal conditions - I am also lucky to have such a great wife!

Phoebe and her friend Lilli at Semaphore...'If ya need'

After the Christmas break we headed down to Beachport with Kyms mum and dad, stayed in this lovely little cottage just off the main street, I have to say this was one of the most relaxing 4 days I have ever had, there was lots of beach time, chillin with Trev, sailing on Lake George and a SUP and sail session at Robe at 3rd ramp.

Dad with his newst cutest grandson, Xavier, cuteness personified!

Lochie and Phoebe having a 'picochat on their DS's over a nuggets and chips at the pub

I like this photo of dad

although I am not sure about this one.....pink shirt with pink fishing rod? Not sure how the residents of Beachport too to this?
Fiona, Kym and Nathan, looks like todays walk on the Beachport Jetty was sponsored by Billabong

Mitcham council also has a lot to learn about tree trimming, this one up in Blackwood looks as though it was done late on a Friday, I am sure it will recover.

Phoebe goes off!

2009-07-26T19:48:00.003+09:30

Spent the day at West Lakes today, so Phoebe could get her fix for the week. Her sailing has improved so much since this time last year.....and she is so keen to sail, pestering us days in advance to hit the lake!

Future world champion in the making!

Best Holiday Ever

2009-07-23T20:31:00.011+09:30

.........but its back to reality now and its actually not that bad.

Team America!

I have a pretty relaxed outlook on everything at the moment, which is usually the case after a Maui trip, I never stress too much at the best of times, but something seems different this year, maybe its because I am very old now, being 40 does make me a wise old man.....

This years trip to Maui has to go down as my favourite holiday ever. We had great wind, great waves (especially South Side - thankyou Maui locals for the show you put on for us), great food, great wine (and beer) and great people.

It was great to catch up with Anita and Steve and share the holiday with them, they are our favourite english windsurfers and if we end up backing up for trip 4 next year they better be available!

Free booze taking effect.....

'I say Arlo, lets get bonkered on free Margharita's!'

The wind blew for 18 days straight from the day we got there and gave us a nice little break at the end when we were probably too tired to sail, to experience some of the other great things that Maui has to offer.

Tourists!

We caught a fish.....A Wahu?

A styling Ricko

Grab ya board - Hawaiian Island Surf

Grab ya sails...

We climbed mountains

Phoebe commanding an audience.....I think this was just after she fell and took half the skin off her right knee poor chook.

Westside sunset!

We scored a few waves....really, we did

Arlo and his gun

Phoebe catches one of her 100 waves for the day .....

We caught up with some of the nicest people in the world and had a bite to eat, Pity Robby and his family, who were in the restaurant earlier couldn't hang around, But Ulli, Meesh, Giampaolo and Sharon certainly kept us entertained! Hmmmmmmm Nutella Crepe's. Was also nice to meet Meesh's bro Mark, top chap!

Paparazzi alert!

Evidence that Italians really do talk with their hands!

Ricko boasts about how easy windsurfing is, 'yeah, waterstarting...its easy man!'
It was so good to catch up with our Maui friends, always a pleasure to share some time with them, just a shame we couldnt hang around for another week to attend Ulli's 40th birthday and the 4th July celebrations, maybe next year for your 41st (maybe a joint party?)

Here's what I missed most while we were away, Trev would have loved the beach everyday for three weeks!

Here's what I didnt miss on our trip. Here is my cars outside temperature gauge about to freak us out, 4 degrees, you are joking right???

And lastly, here's a pic of me on the 4th June, my 40th birthday, Lano gets punked!

Say it isnt so!

2009-06-28T02:22:00.007+09:30

My usual 'walk off shame' pose! In my defence, it has been super gusty, I fly out about 600 metres, jumps, planing all the way, turn (its nice to gybe on 3 metre high swells), then try come back in, point down wind to get going, end up pushing too far downwind and ending up near the kiters!

The locals are always saying, rig big, its not that windy, but you look out and it looks like a white out! The wind has had a fair bit of north in it, meaning, apparently, that the wind looks stronger that it actually is!

Kym in usual flat out mode.....

With only 4 days to go on our holiday, the thoughts of leaving this amazing island are starting to surface. We have really scored with the wind, sailing all but one day this trip and even that day we could have sailed (as it was 35knots all day!), but it was Phoebes birthday!

Its Saturday now, the wind looks not too bad this morning, for the rest of the day, should be similar to the last 3 days, sort of light, but nicely powered up on a 5.2. The following 2-3 days are looking a bit light, so we could be resuming the mantle of 'tourists'.

Looking for divine inspiration, Not sure he found it.....

Over the past three days we have sailed a fair bit, we did manage to get up to 'The Needle' for a squiz at the river and the park up in the western highlands. Lovely spot.

Ricko rocked up for a week, on his way to the mainland for a family break, so we have got him a beginner kit and a few sails, so he can too shred up Kanaha. Rick did have a lesson, but

really didnt need one, as he pretty much jumped on the board, threw a few tacks, a few gybes and then worked on his beach starts, all in the first hour! Show off!

Nearly in the footstraps and harness on day two! Nice one mate!

These guys were going so fast the didnt even realise they had run out of water!

Stuart had a bin named after him....how thoughtful

And just to show you some of my progress.......If only we could sail everyday for three weeks back in Adelaide.

Rest Day

2009-06-24T04:16:00.005+09:30

Tourist!

With 11 days straight windy days, our arms and bodies were in need of a rest, so Phoebes birthday (Sunday) was declared a rest day. This was booked in months ago to be honest as we were very concious of not boring Phoebe to tears with endless days on the beach while we windsurf. We still get a few complaints from our junior division most mornings as we prepare for the beach, but its funny how she complains and stamps her feet a bit then once we are there plays in the surf, catches small crabs and snorkels for 6 hours, she really is a treasure.

Nice stance. American lady looking for Korean Missiles!

windy day Southside,

So with Phoebe calling the shots for her birthday, Ocean World got the nod. We have been there four times in the last four years and we are never dissapointed with the entertainment and displays they provide. It was soooo windy at Maalea on Sunday, windiest I have ever experienced on Maui, must have been the ventrical effect of the wind funnelling through the middle of the island (this effect is also the reason Kehei is sometimes a better place to sail than the north shore)

Fishy fish,

Hammertime. Cant touch this!

Austalia's leading Marine Biologist

Hello!

After being educated about the local marine life and some very interesting talks by the excellent guides at the centre, we ventured out to Lahaina for a bite to eat, Phoebe was keen for a lunch spot we went to last year that had a roof top graden and a live band.

More tourists

Problem was, the highway to Lahaina was blocked due to a nasty little bush fire, not 200 metres from Ocean World. We had a good view of it all unfolding from the Maalea harbour carpark and stood helpless as the fire destroyed a house and some beach side pergola's. The fire departmant really had their hands full, what with cars everywhere on a busy Sunday afternoon, as well as ridiculously strong winds whipping the fire in all directions. The fire department even called in the water chopper, quite a frightening ordeal. We havent heard too much since it occured, apart from a few accounts of miracles as fire went right around their properties.

So with Lahaina out of the picture we headed to kehei for a bite to eat at a Mexican place on the main drag. I think it was called 'Freds', I dont know too many mexicans called Fred.

Margaritta's anyone?

Mama's Fish House beach, not a bad little spot for snorkelling and a recap from Ocean World.

Phoebe in snorkelling mode,

Sailing yesterday (Monday) was crazy winds, gusty 25-40 knots at times, so was a frustrating over powered struggle, but no complaints, we all learnt something. Hoping today will be a little more subdued. From where I sit now, it looks like a 5.2 day :)

Phoebe's 7th birthday

2009-06-22T03:23:00.003+09:30

Kym on the Naish

Pavillions at sunset on Friday, some nice swell kicked in today

These crabs at Kanaha will never be the same again! Pretty sure we have caught them all now

The advantages of having a holiday in Maui and combining your 7th birthday are numerous. Firstly, you get to hang out on a beach and swim in nice warm water all day, play with the other kids on vacation, have windsurfing lessons, boogy board, catch fish, crabs and other marine life. But secondly and most importantly, you get to have two birthdays, as Maui is 10 hours behind Adelaide time, Phoebe has wangled a 48 hour birthday extraveganza! Saturday 20th (Maui time) was presents and dinner at the Paia Fish Cafe, followed by gelati over the road. Today is going to be even bigger, we have named it Phoebe Day! Firstly, breakfast at Anthony's, most likely belgian waffles and fruit, whipped cream with a passion guava chaser. Then off to Ocean World for the day, followed by a lazy afternoon in Lahaina - gonna be a big day.

Sailing has been great the last few days, with winds in the 25-35 knots range, all of us well powered up. Kym has been back on her 65 ltr board (currently using a naish wave pro) and her 3.6 mtr sail. I struggled a bit on a 4.7 yesterday, never thought that would happen, might need to look at downsizing the board to an 86 ltr, but I love the 92ltr, its just too big for the chop.

Arlo and Anita are flying along on 77 ltr boards and 3.4 and 4.2 sails, so the trades are definately filling in now.

Yesterday at Kanaha there was a round of the Maui Racing Series. These guys and girls are amazing, so much action in yesterdays racing, especially in the Pro and Semi Pro division. Kevin Pritchard took out the meet, on borrow gear, his brothers boom, an old proto Starboard and one of his spare race sails (he only had a 6mtr) - So to beat the like of Mcgain, Bozianis and Agillera was a pretty special effort.

Paia looking back towards Kahalui

It just keeps getting better

2009-06-20T03:16:00.004+09:30

Hitching a ride....

Waiting for the set wave

Class of 09, all these kids are great sailors!

Shaka!

Sorry for the lack of posting, but I have been so stuffed at the end of the day, just enough time (and energy) to check blog, Facebook, email, then off to bed.....

Basically our routine is now, get up at 7.30am, breakkie, take Phoebe to windsurfing lessons, sit on beach to watch that while watching the world go by, sail for 3-4 hours in afternoon, have beer o'clock at 5-6pm, home for dinner, shower, bed. Everyday!

Its Phoebes birthday on Sunday, so its 'do what ever she wants to do day', looks like Ocean World at Maaleea is going to get a work out, as well as Pinata's for dinner. The wind is looking like it will be nuclear force on Sunday with a predicted 35-45mph forecast (depending on who you talk to) so Sunday might be a good day to rest.

This is not a walk of shame by any stretch! I was down at lowers practicing gybes, managing to pull 4 out of 10 attempts (100% gybes not far away - a lesson might just sort this all out)

I sailed on a 4.7 today, which is rare for me, but not in Maui! It was awesome winds yesterday, averaging at least 30 knots all day, and peaking at around the 43 knots mark. I managed to sail up to the waves at Camp One for the first time ever. Had a bit of a play in the waves, but was too over powered when I got there to try too much, so just cruised around watching the guys jumping and riding the small waves. Super cool, easily the best sail of the trip. Its best described in video, I too lots of footage, so I will try and get it up tonight.

Big Goya and Quatro Demo day planned for today, so will get some cool piccies and board / sail reports for you all.

is that right? (sign on Paia corner)

Til tomorrow.......

Not so windy, but plenty of swell south side

2009-06-16T18:32:00.002+09:30

Maui - kym and a bit of surfing at La Perouse from Dave Lane on Vimeo.

Wind has been a bit light, especially for us heavy weights, so the girls have been scoring in the lighter winds and on our bigger gear,

After a few good days of sailing we decided to check out the south side as well, we werent left dissappointed, some great surfers in the place.

Could be another light day tomorrow, so might head south for a gentle surf session at Kehei......

I have a head cold....who gets a cold in Maui?

We didnt win the lotto.....

2009-06-14T05:00:00.005+09:30

Da beach

Steve and Anita

Already the thoughts of how we can stay in Maui indefinately are creeping into our heads. Could we get jobs? (who wants to work here?) Could we buy a business? Can we get a green card? None of these ideas were appealing, let alone possible, so it was decided we had to win the english lotto. We have two tickets each Thursday for the next three weeks, that will hopefully mean we can stay here forever! Unfortunately we were unsuccessful last night, no emails from the british pools to alert us of our winnings - email must be down

Some random tourists at Kanaha

So with the knowledge of our new found wealth, we headed to Kanaha again, for another cruisey day on the beach, ran into a few Aussie, Peter Ross (OES Boards) and Ian and Michael from North Sydney, who seemed like great chaps!

Kym stalked Tatiana Howard out at the reef at uppers, as she was SUP with the Naish crew and Anita was getting run over at lowers by blind windsurfers

Money doesnt grow on trees, but harnesses do

Just get in da water!

Steaks all round

Footnote (hahah) : I am still running, trying to run at least 3kms a day, first day was a 6km horror uphill thrashing, that really wasnt appreciated and today was a 3km jog to run off the aches of sailing for the last two days - how do I stop sweating in the tropics? Tips appreciated

Maui - A nice easy day to settle in......

2009-06-12T17:11:00.005+09:30

Happy Lano!

After yesterdays chaos in airports, transit lounges with face masked tourists (still makes me laugh - they all look like extras in Greys Anatomy) we arrived in Maui around 1.30 yesterday afternoon, grabbed our rental car from Aloha Rental, cheap and cheerful, settled into our digs upcountry and chilled out for the afternoon watching one of 400 cable tv channels. Kym and Phoebe were trashed, but still managed to sleep through last night as well.

looks like that engine has scrapped along the tarmac a few times, we got there OK though,

Phoebe in Honolulu

I got up this morning, went for a cruisey 6km run down through some pineapple fields and Eco friendly villages - bloody hell running in the tropics is hot work, we are staying in quite a hilly area, so I might try and find some flat ground for a few of these runs. We then got ready for the beach with a quick breakie at Antony's in Paia, waffles and eggs benedict were the faves, not a bad coffee there either.

burp

Hawaiian Island looked after our rental kit, they have a newer range this year, which was great, so much range to choose from and great friendly service. Arlo and Anita offered to pack their van with all the kit to free up some room in ours, as you can see they are very talented at the rig load......almost anal about where everything goes.....

Mr and Mrs Neat Freak

If you need me, this is where I will be for three weeks........actually, dont call....

da van

Sailing today was gusty, a 5.5 day for me though. I was on a 101 JP Freestyle wave ( I have the 92 ltr version at home). The wind was reading 16-23 mph, gusting up to 30 mph, but it was very sailable for me, I didnt get onto the water until quite late, as Kym was first into the water and I was snorkelling with Phoebe at the Keiki beach with some of the locals. Phoebe is such a treasure and is fully aware of mum and dads obsession, or is it because she just got a new boogy board and flippers from K mart!? No, she really is a legend.

Tsunami

Hot chicks on the beach

Arlo and his toys

I sailed till about 5.30 solid, was well powered up, popping little jumps and even nailing three gybes, tried some tacks, but was too unco to get any right, plenty of time to work on those.

Beers at the end of the day is always compulsory, it would be un-australian to not have one (2), we have set the rules though that all kit has to be packed away before we have a drink, otherwise we would never leave the carpark.

Hurry up girls, the boys are getting thristy

'Pinata's for dinner tonight, yummy and easy! Mexican food is aways good after a sail...

Till tomorrow peoples,

We are on our way

2009-06-10T07:12:00.007+09:30

I love this sign

Thanks to Kevin Rudds stimulus packages we are off to Maui for trip three. Its just strted getting really cold here in Adelaide, so its perfect timing to be getting into some warm sunshine and into some nice water. Just have a few hours before we jet off, so thought I would put up a few random photos to get us (you) in the mood.......might go chuck the windsurfing movie on as well!

Kym enjoying a frosty at Kehei

Arlo sorting his kit.........

Lano at Kanaha

Kym at Kanaha

This where I will be if you need me :)

You have got to be kidding

2009-05-30T08:54:00.003+09:30

So cruising through Kent Town last Friday after seeing one of my fave agencies, I thought I would stop in Norwood to grab a quick haircut. I seem to remember a classic, red and white polled, barber half way up Norwood Parade, so I cruised by, found it, got out and went in. Now this was a typical old chairs, bad pictures, scrappy magazine, old cash register kind of barber (the kind that women wouldnt go into). I guy was already in the chair engaging in bad man chat with the barber, talking about the World Economic Crisis for the thirtieth time today, Cars, women and footy. I wasnt really paying much attention as I was reading Who Magazine (research) and minding my own business. They finished and I got into the chair, the usual, what do you do (I was in my suit) waa waa waa, same economic crisis chat, footy, cars waa waa waa, just a bit more around the ears please, number 3 all over thanks.......this is where it got interesting. Lets call our barber George Romeo, because that is his name. He finished my buzz cut, grabbed the mirror to show me the back (I should have been suspicious as I havent had that experience for years!) then ushered me up to the counter. I handed him $50, he took it and gave me back $4. I said, 'I gave you a $50', he said 'Yes and your hair cut was $46', I said' you have got to be joking, I have never paid more than $30 for a hair cut like that, David Beckham wouldnt have paid $50 for that!' (well he would have, as rumour has it that DB pays $300 for a hair cut, but you get my point!) So we debated for a bit more, but it was an arguement I was never going to win, what was I going to do? Tell him to put my hair back? I swallowed my pride, said I would never come back and left.

Now, I seriously dont mind paying for service or an experience if I reckon its worth it. But I really fely like I had been ripped off. Because I was wearing a suit and mentioned I worked in Advertising he seemed to think he could charge me more. Did the guy in front of me pay $46 for his identical hair cut? I guess I could ring and ask for a random quote, but I am over it now.

I am off to buy some good clippers, I am pretty sure they cost about $46

Anzac weekend part 2

2009-05-01T08:44:00.002+09:30

Sunday morning at Seacliff from Dave Lane on Vimeo.

Another great days sailing last Sunday, heres a small clip, featuring Kym on her new 4.0 Manic, thankyou Kevin Rudd (OZ Prime Minister, for stilulating us)

Anzac Day at Snaps

2009-04-28T21:20:00.003+09:30

LANO

Chris on a flat bit,

Had a great sail at Snapper Point, Aldinga reef, on Saturday, heres a video of the afternoons session at high tide, Chris, Jakob and Cain ripping it in some testing conditions,

I sailed it earlier in the day, incoming tide, 25 - 35 knots, 92 ltr JP FSW and a 4.7 Alpha (that I won in Robe a few weeks before and though I may never use :) ) I had one of the best sails of my life, pulled the best gybe I have ever done, Russ will testify as he saw it! Started popping little jumps as well, I really feel I have made progress this year,

My new 4.7.........winners are grinners.
My FSW and Kyms Quatro 75

enjoy.....

Untitled from Dave Lane on Vimeo.

March in Radelaide

2009-04-04T08:40:00.016+10:30

Been a steady month for sailing and water activities, as we try and make the most of the last few weeks of day light savings (ends tonight :( ). There has been a very steady SW seabreeze wind patern for all of March, with a few SE sessions thrown in the mix as well.

We kicked off the month with the South Australian Social Wave Sailing groups day at West Lakes. This day was to be a come and try day for the ladies only, but with the bigger than expected turn out we had some of the fellas instructing and offering water cover as well. We had about 10 new girls rock up and give windsurfing a go, all of which got going, tacking and returning. It was a super day (big thanks to Glascraft and Onboard again for their support with boards and small rigs) Hopefully we get them coming back and sailing again.

Not quite a Shaka Jodie
Kym and SophieWest Lakes is actually a pretty good place to learn,

To top it off, we all got a decent sail at Semaphore after we had packed up from the lake. A nice 20-25 knots SW session for a few hours, nice reward for our efforts.

Kym coming back up the beach

My Rig - I have been loving this set up this summer, 92 ltr FSW and the 5.7 Firefly and why for the life of me did I persist with SDM mast?

Skinny is the way to go!

Snakes

Rules :(

Seacliff has turned it on a few times this summer, the best of the sessions being a few weeks back, a solid 25 knots, swinging SW to SSW, which can be tricky. We got some nice ramps and little waves to ride back in, (see previous post for this session) heres a few pics from the day as well.

We are getting fire up for the Robe Easter Classic this year. If last years is anything to go by, its gonna be huge. We had 150 participants last year (110 kiters and 40 sailors) and this year is looking like similar numbers. Gonna be interesting to see how 100 plus kiters and sailors go in the third ramp break, but we will work it out. Stay tuned for next weeks update!

Here's Penny about to lift off at Sellicks, RRD make great beginner boards, just some of them are bigger than most cars!Impractical for windsurfing

Practical for windsurfing

And the end of a Lano era, with the trade in sale of my beloved WRX (it was time to lose the boy racer image that I dont think I ever really had - considering I drove it like I was drving Miss Daisy!) We have traded in for something a lot more respectable and useful, way to go Subaru!

And last but not least, afters at 'The Greek' on Friday, Honey Puffs OMG!!!!!

An Adelaide institution, if you are ever in town, check it out!

http://www.thegreek.com.au/menu.php

Lets go sailing - Seacliff goes off!

2009-03-15T22:50:00.002+10:30

Sorry for the delay in posting, seems Facebook has taken the mantle from blogging for the moment, plus I have been so bloody busy! Here's a clip from yesterdays session at Seacliff......who says windsurfing is dead in Australia? 26 people out at one stage....some great sailors

Seacliff - Sensational Saturday from Dave Lane on Vimeo.

Robe - Australia Day weekend

2009-01-30T21:09:00.003+10:30

Here's a little vid from out last weekend, Robe rocks!

Not a lot of wind for the whole weekend, but a great group of people, some generous gifts (prizes) from our local shops (Onboard and Glascraft), all in all a great weekend.

Robe Australia Day Long weekend from Dave Lane on Vimeo.

A bit of Lano randomness

2009-01-06T16:41:00.006+10:30

These are images from my mobile, its a groovy nokia with a half decent camera on it, heres a few of my faves.......

The first two are the lovely Amy O'hanlon, who has moved to our Perth office, her desk got 'punked' on her last day, nice one Stuart and Jodie who spent hours wrapping everything on her desk.

A nice, no wind day, at Sellicks beach - note cool trailer

Phoebe spraying Trevor with water after school

My beloved Adelaide United (geez I wish they got to play Manchester United in the club world cup last month!)

Adelaide Oval game on Saturday night against Sydney United - another win to us 2-0

Why do people light flares, this was the Asian Champions League final, we lost to Gamba Osaka 5-0 on aggregate :( , we must have looked like thugs to the rest of Asia - makes me mad

Played a bit of golf, Royal Adelaide if you dont mind!

Ryan teeing of on the 12th

Nice lockers, 'get me a towel geeves'

My sister, Fiona and her son Lachie came to stay, we had gelato at Norwood that afternoon. Was great to meet her new man Nathan, lovely chap, hope we can see more of them this year

More Gelati anyone? Illy at North Adelaide......num num num

Lambretta - sweet, Quadraphenia eat your heart out, was half hoping Paul Weller would be the pilot of this baby

And last but not least, another bit of super market madness in Blackwood Coles. Click on this pic to see how hilarious someone has been with one of the kiddy etch-a-sketch's,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T08:25:00.007+10:30

Final post of the year, just wanted to say have a great holiday break and a Happy New Year everyone.

We are currently on a few weeks holiday, enjoying family and friends, windsurfing heaps, eating and drinking way too much and catching up on lots of sleep.

We had a good friend of ours come and stay with us for a few days this week, Megan. She is currently working in Far North Queensland, so its not often we see her. It has been so good having her here, sharing her love of shoes and her new camera.

Megan and Phoebe.

Here's me serenading her, goo goo ga joo!

Christmas this year was at Kyms mum and dads down at Inman Valley, just out of Victor Harbour, we had a beautiful lunch of Turkey and roasted veggies, topped off with my dads now legendary Pavlova, twas delicious! All this was topped off by a late afternoon walk along the reef at Encounter Bay. One of the best christmas' ever. I did really well in the present department. Kym got me a 430 skinny mast with a skinny Chinook base, so excited! I also got Guitar Hero from Kyms family, if you havent played this yet, get onto it, its a hoot!

Christmas Day walk at Encounter Bay

'Livin on a prayer!!!!!!!!' Guitar Hero getting another work out

Johndo.
Da Pav

Heres the girls singing some random Madonna song, not sure Abbey knows the words :) very cute though,

Have a great New years everyone!

TC Fun - Lano goes old school

2008-12-15T10:50:00.004+10:30

Susie just sent this image through, how stylish of me?

South Australian Social Windsurfers Family Day

2008-12-10T20:43:00.003+10:30

West Lakes family day..

Well last Sunday we had the inaugural SA Social Windsurfing club family day, wind wasnt forecast, so we were expecting to rock up at West Lakes (not the best spot in the world, but very family friendly), so we were hoping really for a few newbies and a float around the lake. Well, it blew 15 knots all day, at one time we had 15 sailors on the lake, three or four new comers and a heap of kids. Russ cooked up a BBQ, Pete from ONBOARD supplied boards and sails to try, so did the GLASCRAFT guys, was good to see Leeanne out as well with her kids.

Bubs Senior gets some action in the TC Runner......only board to get planning all day

The crowd going wild......

Phoebe seemed to be having fun, think she was more interested in jelly fish than sailing though.

After 5 hours of family fun we made the call to hit the wind and waves at Semaphore, it looked windy, but not quite enough, so we made the call to hit Seacliff for a seabreeze session. Great 20-25 knot SW wind for three hours, both Kym and I had a great sail. I have been sailing flat water a bit much lately, so sailing on the smaller kit was challenging to say the least. I had Kyms 93 JP FSW (07) and my new 5.7 Firefly. Steve and Kym rocked up, Susie and Dean were already out, as well as a few other crew, so a good group to sail with

I got a few nice turns in, nearly made some gybes on the small board (aim for end of summer, gybe small kit), also popped a few little jumps, destroyed a 25cm fin on the rocks and had a smile on my face the whole time :)

Cant wait for this weekend, good SW conditions set to kick in come Saturday!

Kym hits the reef!

2008-11-25T21:29:00.004+10:30

Well Saturday turned out to be a great day out, Southerly, highish tide and a little wave on the mid coast, Seaford reef to be exact. We set up with about 8 other fanatics, Kym rigged up her trusty 4.4 Core, then proceeded to hit the waves. Cant see us doing to many more flat sessions after this one, she is totally hooked on the waves now (I had better lift my game)

U-Turns is about 25 minutes south of Adelaide, just south of Noarlunga. This is great for us, as its close to home, nothing better than being in the water 30 minutes after leaving home. We sail all over the state, mainly on the south coast, which means a one hour drive, so mid coast is looking like a good option this year.

Crew heading out

Dean Ryles showing us all how its done....fark he is a good sailor!

The view from Seaford back towards Southport / Noarlunga, breath taking coast line.

More pics from Milang weekend

2008-11-22T07:09:00.006+10:30

After spending three days in 'the editing suite' earlier this week, I thought I would post up some pics from the weekend in Milang, as I am not sure the video did the weekend justice.

Hoping to get into the ocean today for some bump and jump action, the last few weeks of flat water have been great for tightening up on a few technique issues, ie Gybes and tacks, so feeling better about a bit of seawater.

Demo gear getting thrashed (I mean responsibly used)

Kiters on the beach. This shot really shows the plight of the River Murray and how dire the situation is with the lack of water. Those sand bags in the fore ground are meant to be a breakwaters to stop erosion. The water level has dropped about two meters in the last year. Global warming and drought coming to a town near you.

It pays to have your name on your kit, as it could be presumed 'Demo', one poor chap, Kym from Barmera had his new 09 FSW JP ready to go on the beach, goes up to get his GPS or a drink, comes back to find it has been tested already, so didnt get to christen it :(

Kym with the Quatro, not sure it was in its element on the flat water.....

Kym cranking on the 5.0

Sam Doeke, a very fast man and a top bloke

Susie coming in for a rest

Simon testing the new 09 pryde sails, it does match his board, could be an expensive summer the way he was charging around all day! (Also looks like Simon is Kiting at the same time, what a talented chap!)

Kym getting back in to the swing of things

ONBOARD - Milang Demo Day

2008-11-19T07:20:00.004+10:30

ONBOARD, our local windsurf and kite shop had their 09 Demo day at sleepy Milang on teh weekend. Wind gods were on our side with steady 19-23 SW on the Saturday, then a little lighter for Sunday. Kym, Phoebe and I stayed in a little cabin in the Caravan site, just over the road form the rigging area, thnaks Milang Caravan Park.

Pete had rigged up all of his nice new Neil Pryde sails, Flys's, Firefly's, V8's and Alpha's as well as supplied some sweet new JP Supersross' and X-cite rides. About 40 sailors made the trek as well as 20 odd kiters (which made for a tight often slightly dangerous launch area) - But knowone died!

Heres a video I put together of the weekend, I will post up some pics later. And yes, appologies for the sound track, Foo Fighters again, but I wasnt feeling too creative when editing the footage). If anyone can give me some tips with editing Sony Hi Def footage, it would be muchly appreciated :)

At last something worth watching on 60 minutes

2008-10-27T09:47:00.001+10:30

A fun Day at Goolwa Lake

2008-10-26T21:25:00.004+10:30

Had a nice sail at Goolwa with a few friends today, 25 knot (at times) North Westerly seems to be the new norm at Goolwa, normally on works on a SW, but the NW enables you to sail up what is called Aggies creek, a remnant creek for yester year.

Had a great time, blasting around with Hamish and his dad (thanks for these photos Peter, you have a talent behind the camera!)

Note to self, need to apply more down haul, that sail looks so baggy!

I put on a 'Lano Gybe Clinic' today! Today was definitley a day where things started to click into place! Even nailed a few tacks as well. I really feel that I am progressing quickly with my sailing now, this summer is shaping up to be a great one for sailing!

Local photographer Susie Burgher was out at Days St on Saturday just before the wind dissappeared, heres a sample of her work, new lense doing the trick!

Timmy smacks another lip, he is ripping it up at the moment!

Love this photo! Looks so fast!

Dean Ryles out the back on his twinser

and again!

Middleton Bay, South Australia, not a bad place to be at all!

SA BBQ and Sailing club

2008-10-17T15:30:00.000+10:30

Well a group of us mad keen windsurfers got together on Tuesday night to reform the 'SA Wave Sailors, heres the link to the website.

We are treating it pretty casual at this stage, ie rock up, have a snag on bread, go for a sail and have a few beers and talk shit all afternoon. Sounds like what we always do, so why not start up a club, so we can all sail together?

Keep an eye on this link

http://www.ssaws.blogspot.com/

WTF?!!!!

2008-10-10T14:48:00.006+10:30

Are you fckn serious, October 9th and Christmas stuff is for sale in the local supermarket!? I nearly chucked......

These same bon bons and the dolls were on sale at 90% off a few months back, now they are back at 'christmas prices' again.......where will it end?

....which is probably what Trevor is thinking, as we gave him a trim yesterday, he was not impressed. Sorry Trev, it was bloody hard not to laugh, you will be better off in summer though dude!

From this.......
To this.....

hahahaha!

KOALA ALERT!!!

2008-10-02T20:22:00.008+09:30

I heard a terrible noise when I got home last night, like a growling, moaning sound coming from across the road. I parked the car, crossed the road and stood in the gully looking into the gum trees. Now it was pretty dark so I couldnt see too well, but I could make out a shape up the top that look very Koala like. They are in the spring mating season and the males are fighting for the right to the 'ladies' in the neighbourhood, other lady Koala's. They sound like a group of seals in a David Attenborough doco, its quite an amazing sound.

The 'fella' Koala's can really put on a show when they fight for territory and the right to mate, we have seen them year on year fighting in the trees next to our house. They get very boisterous and tend to fall out of trees attached to each other, scratching and clawing at each other. I will try and get them in this practice over the coming weeks.

Here's one of the fellas this morning, pretty sure he was fast asleep when I found him, as you can see he wasnt that impressed when I woke him up, poor guy nearly fell out the tree!

Just as I woke him up, nearly falls off his perch,

I am sure if he knew how he would have flipped me the bird about now

C2B 2008

2008-09-23T11:10:00.004+09:30

Well the City 2 Bay has been run and won (definatley not by me) again. Another beautiful day greeted us on Sunday morning, 19 degrees, a light breeze form the north, perfection all round.

As I had done absolutley no training, I opted for the short version, 6kms, form Kurralta Park Centro to Glenelg. I was feeling pretty confident I could make the distance, as 6kms is not too far to run. I am not sure about my preparation for this though, the night before I had a steak and two beers, but I made up for it at breakfast by having a banana (?), I also had a sail on Saturday afternoon, which was pretty exhausting. The reach was only about 200 metres long, due to the wind direction in the Goolwa chanel, so lots of gybe and tacking training, quite tiring.

My time for the 6kms was 31.49, which was what I was hoping for, last year I did the 12km version in 1.02.38 or something like that, so I was on par with my last years pace.

Well done to all of the other Tiser runners, most of them posting PB's for the day.

29,000 people ran in this years fun run, so bloody good effort to all that made it out........

Media Club Bowling night

2008-09-19T12:16:00.005+09:30

Just a quick post to show you what happened at the Adelaide media Club Bowling night! We filled 23 lanes at Norwood Bowl, 5 in each team, three from the Tiser. Two marketing (Retro Rollers and Team Tiser) and one Agency team (they called themeslves Teachers pets). Now I am a member of the Agency team, but I was damned if I was going to wear the outfits they were wearing! Great work team!

Agency Team, now you can see why I was happy to join another team, black and white are not my colours!

Resident Ranga Ryan, went as a contestant in Australian Idol, needless to say, he was mobbed by fans! After he took off his Idol T shirt he resembled a bus driver, weird!

Amy O, Lano and Jodie. Be happy Jodie, you cant win everything

Tiser FC - Great work team,

Scotty and Lano share a few tips (what is it with those gloves Scotty?)

No idea what Jodie is doing here?

Son shapes up for another strike!

Another great night, always a fun time on these bowling nights. We were a bit miffed with the lack of a 'best dressed' prize this year. KWP! (an advertising agency) went as a full bridal party and stayed in character the whole night, brilliant, even to the extent of sending a thankyou note to Jodie V on behalf of the bride and groom.

Now lets go windsurfing, should have some better material tomorrow, looks like its gonna blow.

Resume normal service please

2008-09-13T17:24:00.005+09:30

Oh yeah!

Well, after 5 - 6 weeks of 'what the hell am I doing with my life' talk and the reality that I will be living in Adelaide instead of packing up my (our) lifes to moving to Maui anytime soon, I have decided to get out of teh doldrums and Harden the fuck up!

After returning from Maui in 2006, I had a few problems getting back into the swing of things, was uninterested in work, fitness, wanted to just go sailing all day.....you know the feeling. It took me only a few weeks to get back into normal Adelaide life. Now after spending 3 weeks in Maui and having the best holiday of my life, the time to retuen to 'life' has taken 5 weeks!

I must admit, life in SA has been pretty fine, I have had some cool work functions, a day at the horse races (and getting paid for it) some cool lunches with frineds and clients, I have had some sailing time, a cool session at seacliff last week, I have the city to bay running race this weekend (probably do some training), but the best thing about the last 5 weeks has been coffee! So I dedicate this post to my trusty coffee machine...

Aint she a beauty? I have had this cheapie sunbeam special for about three years now, best $199 I ever spent. Makes a bloody good brew. There is such an art to making the ultimate home made Machiatto or flat white (thats a latte for you seppo cafe crawlers)

Step One: Have good fresh coffee, freshly ground if possible, or I cheat and use Vittoria espresso blend. Pack tightly in the coffee cup, making sure you twist the wedge when packing, turn on machine and make espresso (short black) fill 3/4 of cup (use proper cups)

Step two: make sure a good creme is covering the top of the shot, other wise its a waste of time, gotta have a cream!

Step 3: Fill the milk jug half full and start the milk frother (technical term) and start frothing, making sure to have the steam sitting just on the surface of the milk, heat milk while frothing until unable to touch bottom of the stainless steel frother.

Pour milk into side of coffee cup, making sure to make pretty patterns, patterns are important! Notice crema on coffee, num num num!

Drink while reading paper.

Depression has set in

2008-08-08T19:35:00.007+09:30

Bend zee kneez Lano!

Well I am writing this blog, curled up on the couch, watching shit football before the Olympic opening ceremony starts, not even sure I will stay up to watch the opening ceremony, yawning already. It is about 3 degrees outside, my ribs are still sore and now I have the flu (bloody air travel) We have been back from Maui for only 6 days, but I am still missing the place. This week has been really hard to go back to work, I took all of my photos and video in on my laptop, but not really sure it was everyones cup of tea, whether I was perceived to be rubbing it in that I had just spent 3 weeks with friends in Maui, sitting on beaches, drinking heineken, and sailing everyday, or they merely werent interested in windsurfing. Pretty sure its the later.

The last week in Maui was one of the most relaxing weeks of my life. I truelly switched off, kicked back, chilled out, didnt have a care in the world. Although the week didnt start off that well, cracking my ribs out the back at Kanaha while gybing on a wave. Such a simple impact, too much speed, a little chop, slipped on the deck, fell on the mast between the boom and the base, flush on my ribs. I have cracked ribs before, so when I heard the crack I knew what I had done. I sat out the back catching my breath, then sailed in to shore. I sailed for a few more runs, then decided to call it a day mid afternoon. So had the usual, hurts to breathe sensation, picking things up hurt as well. I rested for a few days then decided that I should have another sail around Monday/Tuesday - Big mistake! I aggravated them again, so the pain was intensified for the rest of the week. But I didnt care, I was in Maui!

Arlo, Anita, Dave, Sharon, Giampaolo, Chris and Kym (Phoebe in the front looking tired)

So my last week was good time to play with Phoebe, take lots of video for our windsurfing movie (I have 26 GB of footage - maybe I should have asked Levi for some tips on how to put a movie together), and basically kick back and watch Maui mosey on by....

And now to thank a few people for sharing their Maui with us, these people totally capped our trip off, it wouldnt have been the same with out meeting you all and sharing a bit of your lives.

Sharon - It was so good to meet you, I hope we can keep in touch for years to come, thanks for being social secretary, even if you did sack yourself, chin up and lots of mast base pressure.

Giampaolo - Love your insights into life in Maui, was great to hear many of them first hand. Thanks for introducing me to blogging, boom camera's, brazillian ass, superfreaks and a thought provoking attitude that has made me question many of the decissions I make.

Ulli and Michelle - Fark guys, way too short a catch up, but great to meet you and put faces to names...I will try to bring my mountain bike, surf board, trials bike, motocross bike, monster truck next time, so we can do more that just eat pizza and drink beer (stuff that we will just eat pizza and drink beer)

Keith - What a great life experience for a windsurfing to meet the man who is responsible for most of the windsuring boards shaped today, you are such a legend, thanks for the tour and the walk through the factory, will never forget it!

Steve, Anita, Chris, Kym and Phoebe, what a great holiday hey? Having you all there was tops, lets do it again??? Today?

Heres some of the photos from the last week on Maui......

Peter Ross showed us through his OES (Ocean Eyre Surfboards) operation at the cannery, keep an eye out for the new 09 shapes he is putting together up Pauwela way, the new twinsers are looking and performing amazingly. Wonder if Pete can put a stand up with a mast track together for me?

Two living legends, Mark Richards MR and Shaun Tompson, two great men, two great surfers. Seen here at the Maui premier of 'Bustin Down The Door' movie, their story of how it was when the Aussies and South Africans invaded the Noth Shore of Oahu. Great film, do not miss it!

Kym got to meet Levi, her life is complete....

Hubb Hubba, one for the ladies.....actually I dont mind it either (the board that is),

Footnote: Levi if you ever read this, we apologise, well I do anyway, for stalking you twice while on holiday, you are a true proffessional, thanks for listening to our dribble..

....and this is what holidays are all about, having fun....till next time,

Flatbread and more stalking

2008-07-25T01:19:00.007+09:30

The girls get a coffee fix at Pauwela, triple shot lattes all round.

Another good couple of days, with you will never guess, MORE WINDSURFING!

The wind has been as Chris puts it....'Cracker Lacking', blowing around the 25-30 knot range most of yesterday and slighty less on Tuesday. I have been sailing on gear much smaller than at home, 4.7 and 5.0 were the call of the day yesterday in the strongest winds so far on the trip, must admit, I didnt enjoy it too much yesterday, pretty gusty and hard work, but had a good couple of runs later in the day.

We have been using a couple of demo boards from Quatro, a 75 ltr Freestyle Wave and a 95 ltr Freestyle Wave, OH MY GOD! these boards are amazing, everyone in the group has had a go and now wants to buy one. It makes our hire boards, which arent too shabby, look second rate. The Quatro's have all taken our sailing to new levels even in the space of only a few days. I am finding that I can hold a higher line when trying to pinch up wind (thus not having to walk back from lowers everytime I sail - 'The Walk of Shame'), I can get on a plane quicker, the foot straps are minimal and simple (centre fitted as well, which I love) and although not the quickest board out, they are so user friendly, even confident to pump a few chop hops intentionally! Kym is looking seriously at the 75 ltr, Chris is buying the 75ltr, Arlo is weighing up a custom 09 model or a 85 ltr 08 model. Pascal at the Quatro shop has been so helpful, bloody top bloke.

http://www.quatrointernational.com/boards/2008/ Check these out!

Levi Siver was our next stalking victim yesterday. Chris spotted the Red Bull stickered sailor in the carpark around 2pm and ran up to get me. We both trundled up to say hi, he was back early from Canaries / Pozo, didnt say why, maybe homesick, or heard that we were in town, who knows. I do get the feeling the Hawaiians dont like the Canaries much. Levi was kind enough to stop for a chat before he went out on his new twinser and a 4.2. (Note to self: Always carry camera in Kanaha Carpark) Got a few snaps as he came out of the water..

Levi shares a shower with some sailors,

Drum roll please................................

.....Caught up with the Maui Blogging community on Tuesday night, Sharon, Michelle, Ulli, Hannah and Nick, no Giampaulo as he was feeling ill, poor chook, hopefully we can catch up later in the week. Was great to finally meet everyone, we all had such a great night, lots of stories, experiences, life changing moments were shared over pork pizza and Big Swell Ales, was truly the best night of the trip by far.

We learned a few tricks from Sharon about the art of stalking, as we watched in amazement her behaviour when a certain 'hot young gun' walked in the room, cameras in handbags, over the shoulder snaps, it was very educational and we will certainly use the techniques gained in our remaining time on Maui.

Hannah and Sharon, subtlety not a strong point :)

The man of mystery....

The girls share a laugh, Meesh, Hannah and Sharon. Arlo lost something,

Stalking tip number 468 : When using face detection camera, be aware that face prints on T- Shirts cause confussion on camera, take lots of photo's of t-shirts to prove point. Well that is my excuse and I am sticking to it.

Arlo on a 3.5 and a 77 ltr board, will it ever happen again?

Hot chick at Kanaha.

Day 10 in Maui

2008-07-23T03:57:00.006+09:30

Hmmmmmm Daquaries anyone?

Winds have been light for a week now, with a few exceptions (Sunday and Wednesday last week) so we have just been cruising around, not rushing to the beach to be in the water by 11am like we should be! Phoebe had her windsurfing camp last week and is backing up again next week for another session. Good for her to meet lots of other kids her age and interested in windsurfing.

I have finally got my self sorted with sailing this place, I think I am too used to 20 knots, dead flat water and big boaty boards. Here, there are no such conditions, there is chop, stronger winds and to get through all of that you need to have a smaller board. Its taken me a week, but I have stuck with some hire kit that I can handle. I am sailing a 93 ltr Free Style Wave (102 ltr on lighter days) and using a 5.2 and 5.6 Neil Pryde Core. I am in love with skinny masts!!!!!!!!

I have tried quite a bit of different equipment sicnce being here, Starboard 122 ltr Futura, Ezzy sails (:() Naish 111 ltr boards, even tried a super freak sail from Hot Sails Maui, but it was too light. Keith at Quatro offered to let us demo some boards this week, so we are all keen to see what they can do for us. Also the new Goya sails look amazing, christmas is just around the corner.

We went to Ocean World on Sunday to check out the Sharks and other fish that hang out around the islands, such a huge abundance of marine live around here. Turtles, Catfish, Tuna, killer crustaceans - actually most things around here are capable of stinging, spiking or chewing you.

Heres a few of the most recent pics

More killer fish at Ocean World.......

Afternoonses at Oyster Bar Lahaina, great view from up on the second floor rooftop garden....

Surf at Lahaina

Phoebe at Sprecks

Kym and Anita stalking people again.........

Week One

2008-07-20T04:20:00.004+09:30

Well the wind has been light, very unseasonal for this time of year, but hey, we are in Maui having an absolute ball. We have spent most days at the beach either at Kanaha or over in front of the condo's at Kehei. The wind has shown potential all week, Sunday and Wednesday being the pick of the days, with 20 - 25 knot winds from the East, but the other days have been strange, wind holding in the 18 knot range and very gusty and up and down, cloud and even some rain has held the winds back in my opinion. Here's hoping for stronger winds next week, looking a bit more promising.

We have been giving the BBQ a work out at our house, lots of delicious chicken and sausage meals, washed down with Heineken or the local version of CoopersAle, Its the Volocano Red Ale that has satisfied our thirsts. Some nice wine here as well, although we did find a few nice Aussie 'staple' wines to remind us of home (not that we are home sick)

Here is Phoebe at her windsurfing camp. She is loving it! She has pulled more gybes than me this trip! We have her signed up again next week.

Tarzan Arlo, about the take the swing of death at Twin Falls.....

Twin Falls again, such a great spot.

And heres a few shots of Hookipa last night, nice wind swell and about 14 guys out.

Who's this happy windsurfer? GP in a ponderous post surf moment.......

Footnote: Went out for dinner last night to Casanova's, love that place, great service, great food and great wine.

Maui - Where its at!

2008-07-15T04:32:00.007+09:30

We are finally here and settled into our digs up in Haiku. It is so good to be back in this tropical island paradise, it is so amazing this place. The people are friendly, the food is healthy and cheap (thanks to our strong Aussie dollar) and the sailing has been great. The flight over was quite un eventful, a bit too long a stop over in Sydney, which sort of unavoidable, but the Sydney - Honolulu leg was a breeze, then a quick trip through immigration and customs and we were on a flight to Maui. We decided to pack as much into our day on day one, so we picked up our cars, picked up our windsurfing hire equipment and did a small shop, needless to say we slept pretty good on the Friday night!

We have two pretty dodgey hire vans from Al Wests, but they are perfect for what we need, great for throwing sandy 5 rigs in the back and comfy enough for tired sailors slumped in the back.

The house we have rented is great, up in the hills away from the hustle and bustle of Maui, Kahalui and Kihei. Not so good if we have a few beers and go out, but if we sail all day, cant really see us lasting past 9pm anyway. All very comfortable, our hosts are great as well.

Phoebe is having a ball, I seriuosly dont know how a kid can stay in the water for 6 hours at a time? She is such a trooper. We will be getting a bigger body board for her to catch the waves at Kanaha and maybe a fish net so she can catch our dinner every night :)

...And biggest news is I ran into Sharon sailing at lowers, spotted the green Superfreak cruising the bay, so wandered on down with Phoebe to say hi, was so good to finally meet you Sharon, hoping we can catch up over the next few weeks to spin a few stories and sink a few ales. Maybe a BBQ somwhere after a sail? That goes for all you Maui Bloggers and friends.. davenkym@internode.on.net if you are keen.

And the other big news.....WE MET JASON POLAKOW! All of us went to Safeway to grab some supplies, we pulled into the car park and this black ute pulls up next to us, Chris gets out and just starts talking to this guy, we are not to sure who he is talking to, turns out it was JP, so Chris then tells him his complete life story in twenty seconds, he is so accomodating, walks into the shop with is, I handed him a shopping basket (calling him 'Jase' in the process - so Aussie!) He was grabbing a few beers and supplies, said his ribs were too sore hence not being in Canaries. We were all so stoked, couldnt believe we all got to meet the man himself, he said we could catch him at Hookipa when its going off......not sure I will do that, but Chris and Kym might.

North Haven - One week to go!

2008-07-03T21:18:00.005+09:30

What is it with the wind in winter? We have wind all week, 20-25 knot SW winds all week, then come the weekend, nothing! We decided to capitalise on the northerly winds that were blowing on the weekend and headed up to our northern most beach on the metro coast, North Haven. Great little spot popular with the kiters, dead flat water, a cool very tiny wave and nice sandy beaches.

Have also been checking the Maui wind cam a bit lately......what is going on over there? Where is the wind? To me it looks like three days in a row with no wind, didnt know this happened in summer, still no reason to cancel our holiday...is it?

Here's me rigging up for an epic session in 5 knots of wind! ooooh I found a dollar!

My sail caddy.....Kym.....anywhere on the beach please

Another boat load of containers leave outer harbour. Big fckn boat

Phoebe gets in some Dakine practice...not sure we will be needing this jacket in a weeks time

Not long now.....

2008-06-18T20:38:00.007+09:30

Where is the wind?

Well not long to go until our holiday in Maui, we are getting a little excited to say the least. It would be nice if we could get some sailing practice in before we leave but mother nature is giving the wind machine a rest at the moment in SA. Havent sailed for 5 weeks, its almost as if my new trailer has jinxed the wind.

So with no wind there has not been much to do but catch up with family, have a birthday, get ready for Phoebes birthday and basically just hang out and wait for our holiday!

Heres a bit of a run down of whats been going on.........

Four generations of 'the girls' in the Symo clan!

Crazy windless skys in Adelaide - (Seacliff / looking back to brighton for all you google earth freaks)

Susie and Dean saying goodbye on the weekend, have a great trip guys.....gonna be warmer where we are going :) Miss youse already

It was my birthday a few weeks ago, Kym organised a present for me, a new waterproof camera. Its a Oregon Scientific ATC 2K Action cam. Its SD card compatible, has built in microphone, three resolution settings, is bloody easy to use which is fine by me. I will do some testing in the weekend, may kick off with a quick mountain bike ride on Saturday morning and a car drive in the morning (could probably mount it to the roof racks?)

http://www.atc2k.com/

Opinions please

2008-06-08T19:14:00.003+09:30

Old Faithful - 4 Mega pixels, 5x optical zoom...

I am looking at upgrading our trusty old, cheapie, Kodak digital camera. What cost us $250 a few years back has served us well, even if its a bit clunky it still takes a decent shot most times. The draw back I find with it, is its long distance ability and its battery life being a tad short. But for $250 its not a bad little camera.

As we do lots of outdoors activities, sailing, windsurfing etc, though it might be an idea to get a digital SLR. So good friend Susie has one for sale, a Fuji Film S9500 Finepix. She wants $400 for it (second hand)

Now I am a newbie when it comes to photography, not much of a skilled operator, more a point and shoot kind of guy. Is this camera going to still be that?

I have played around with it for a few days and its seems to be quite user friendly, has some nice features, Macro, built in flash, anti shake function, movie mode (26 minutes only) as well as plenty on tunability. Our old camera was just simple, select mode, point shoot, wait for auto focus to capture, then it would fire off. To me this is the biggest advantage so far, the shutter speed.

Other benefits, not motor to focus lense, this chews the batteries, its also nicer weight in your hand.

Now, I am hoping there are some photo nerds out there that can give me some insight etc as to if this camera is what I need.

Main use - Sports / outdoor photography, small videos every now and again.

PS: Looking at getting a Go Pro when I get a round to ordering one....will be a fine toy to play with in Maui!

Happy Birthday to me.....

2008-06-05T11:38:00.004+09:30

39 yesterday :(

A pretty uneventful day, a few drinks at the pub, pizza and pasta with Phoebe at Rimini's in Blackwood, in bed early........is this the end?

Maui countdown - 25 working days today!

Welcome to club 30 knots!

2008-05-18T20:27:00.006+09:30

Well I finally did it, 30.4 knots to be precise! I am so stoked, as I really saw this as unatainable. Saturdays Session at Goolwa ranks as one of the best all time! Wind was forecast for 25-35 knots with squalls reaching 40-50 knots, hail and showers, we got all of the above.

We arrived at 7.30am, still cant belive the girls got up at 5.30am, car was loaded (new trailer in two haha), the speed demons were already sailing, special note to Carl Mcdonald who reportedly had been at the landing at 5.30am (dude it doesnt get light till 6.30)

I rigged the 5.7 Saber and my trusty 2007 Carve 122 and hit the water, my first run pushed out a 30.4, a run that was not to be topped all day, by me anyways!

Heres the run I did, bit shakey but it was farken windy!

Kyms also had a great day, pushing out her top speed ever as well, a 28.4knots on a JP Freestylewave and a 4.4 core wave sail! Imagine what she could do on some slalom gear? Time to go shopping!?

Highlights of the day....
Chris Dimond and Tim Hemer both going past 40knots!

Low lights.......
Putting my leg and elbow through my fave sail, 5.7 Saber (I hope we can fix it)

Heres Phoebe with the ride of the day.....

Normanville Family Fun Day

2008-05-04T21:20:00.005+09:30

Well with wind hard to find in Adelaide for the time being, we have had to find other things to keep ourselves busy. We decided today to spend the day on the other side of the Fleurieu Peninsula (we usually sail on the Goolwa, Victor Harbour side) looking around Normanville / Carickalinga and Second Valley. It was a sunny 22 degrees, so we decided to hit the cafe at Normanville for a bit of lunch, yummy fish and chips with a cleansing ale, Phoebe with the Lasagne (cant believe hers was a kids size meal - it was huge!)

Thankyou Mr Coopers...

Lasagne!

Then it was off to walk along the beach, looking for shells and sponges, with the biggest bucket we could rustle up...

The worlds smallest jetty....Normanville....apparently it used to be longer.

Second Valley jetty was going off with a group fishing for squid, didnt see any being caught, but the jetty was black from all the squid ink. The coast line is so spectacular between Normanville and Cape Jervis.

*Kym with neck in a brace due to a recurring neck injury, all better now thanks.

Foo Fighters!

2008-04-28T14:43:00.002+09:30

Went to see the Foo Fighters in Melbourne on Saturday night, they totally rocked out, heres a few snaps.

I thought I was quicker!

2008-04-21T21:07:00.002+09:30

Here's a recent clip of me sailing at Sugars beach at the Murray Mouth, I thought I was going 30 knots +, but only chugged out a 28 knot flat fastest time! Maybe Kym and I need to invest in a speed board (slalom) and one of those monster 8 metre sails! Maybe not.....

Trailer Tales!

2008-04-16T10:45:00.005+09:30

After weeks of bloody sweat and tears, mainly other peoples, because I am no handy man, my trailer is finished.

For years we have struggled with a small car, sometimes loading 5 boards on the roof as well as a sail / mast bag (even booms on the roof as well!) with the fear of the roof racks peeling off everytime we exceeded 100kms per hour! I have longed for a trailer to hold all of our gear, so sails dont get crushed, also being able to take all of our gear with us etc.....

So here it is, Lano's trailer, complete with waterproof seals on the trailer edges, a chequer plate lid with roof racks, sexy blue paint job, Gas struts with 70kgs pressure to help lift and hold the weight. I am excited!

Big thanks to Chris, fellow windsurfer and man with access to a large engineering workshop! Also big ups to dad for lots of painting and drilling late into the evenings! Dad in the background :)

Arlo

2008-04-05T17:13:00.001+10:30

I just love this photo! This is a friend of ours Arlo, one of the usual suspects when its blowing in SA!

Easter Classic - Best yet!

2008-04-05T16:27:00.006+10:30

Well the 30th Easter Classic has been run and won. Well I say win, but the classic has become more of a social gathering with three days of free sailing. 112 competitors signed up, $40 entry got you, free beer on the Friday night party, thanks Coopers (burp), also a cool hoodie, t shirts, hats, stickers, money well spent.

Conditions looked promising all week leading up to the event, 4-5 foot waves and solid winds greeted us on the first day, Friday. Kym hit it with the other ladies, Susie and Penny, very impressive considering waves arent the main focus with womens sailing in SA, but they did great, getting out through tricky shore break and showing good wave riding skills, some nice Gybes on the inside, aslo some good impromptu jumping by Kym early on (pity she didnt land the 6-8 foot first air!

Some of the action from Friday

I went out on the Sunday on my 6.7 and Carve 122, didnt get slammed, but was frustrated with no wind on the inside, making geting out, even in 2-3 foot swell tricky. Had a good time though. It was great sailing and listening to the DJ on the beach pumpping out some great tunes all weekend.

112 competitors were made up of about 85 kiters and the rest wind surfers. I want to make special mention of the good vybe in the water and on the beach with both disciplines. Before the comp we were all briefed about safety and wave riding rules etc.... I only saw one tangle for three days sailing, no agro, everyone looking out for each other, bloody good fun. Well done everyone.

Sunday nights prezzo was a great event, held on the grass just out the back of the Caledonean pub. Red Bull put up their tent, they even had little Red Bull podium cans which was a nice touch! Alas I won nothing :( something for me to work on for next year. Kym took 3rd prize, Susie slipped 1st around her neck, closely followed by Penny (who by the way is in Maui the same time as us this July)

Saturday had more of the same, just less swell and a tad less wind, but again some great conditions at 3rd Ramp, Robe.

So another top weekend in Robe / Beachport. Big thanks to Pete from Onboard Surf Shop at Glenelg, the work you put into the sport mate in awesome.....

Susie, 2008 womens Easter Classic winner! Go Susie! (Also a bloody good photographer)

The Girls Podium presentation,

The mens division was hotly contested, 'Macca' won, never met the guy but he rips! I only know Deane who finished 3rd, very tight contest across at least 10 sailors....I now want a wave board!

A few beers and a laugh before the presentation, Kym, Dean and Susie.

Kym finishing up, exhausted after sailing All day on Friday....

Phoebe's sailing is really coming on well, especially with the second hand RRD 160 ltr we just picked up!....Even I gave it a crack, this is my flacka to heli tack, just need some wind and i will be right!

Beachport - Speed weekend

2008-02-03T09:49:00.000+10:30

I had last week off work to spend with Phoebe and basically relax. Over the course of three - four days I went to the Zoo, The Museum, 2 kids movies (Bee Movie, Golden Compass), a bike ride along the river and to a Hi Five Concert (hmmmm Charlie). As much as it was relaxing, it sure takes a lot out of you - beats working though :)

We also booked in another weekend at Beachport, our favourite windsurfing destination in South Australia. The KA Sails Windsurfing Speed Challenge was taking place over the long weekend and we were keen to get down and support the event. The wind through the week had been going off, constant 25-35knots all week, so we were looking forward to getting into some of that, but it didnt really go to script! The weather was great, but the wind deserted us to some extent. We had good winds on the Saturday, around the 18-23 knot mark at times, but was really flukey, not good for trying to crack that 30 knot mark (I only pushed out a 23.3 for the weekend - well short of my PB or 28!) Kym struggled with pace as well and concentrated on quantity not quality. She ended up sailing a combined distance of 60 nautical miles for the weekend, not fast, but steady - top speed 23.4knts. One of the local lads, Tim, sailed 102knots on Saturday night alone! Sicko!

Heres a few a photos of the weekend.....

'South Australian Girls Speed Team', Susie, Kym and future world champion Phoebe
The boys settling into a few evening brews, ready to watch the crusty demons style show, the local lads were pretty good motorcross riders, apparently they rode until 3am!

How much gear can you put on a car?

Lake George in all its glory! Where'd the water go?

KA Sails new 'quad boomed' model.....

Dunes near Lake George

TOUR DOWN UNDER!

2008-01-21T16:04:00.000+10:30

Adelaide is currently hosting The Tour Down Under, the first pro series cycling race to be held outside of Europe, UCI version anyways, so its a pretty big deal, lots of big Euro teams attending. I had a chance to ride along with Stuart, my co worker and partner in crime for the first leg. As our work was a major sponsor we got to ride on the track in the car convoy before the race and during the warm up. Heres a few pics from the event....

Stuart looking for a bit more power from the SKODA beast! Engine is in the front mate!

Just looks tuff dont it? NOT! 0-100 in 18 seconds!

Lano and Stuart looking resplendent in our Tiser Sunday Mail T-shirts!

1500 Adelaide Now frisbies about to meet their new owners! Sorry to anyone I scored in the nose with these babies!

...Oh, and there was a bike race as well! C'mon, try harder you lards!

Heres my first video effort from bloggers video loader, hope it works!

2008-01-08T22:22:00.001+10:30

Wow, two posts in one day, thought I would post up some recent pics....enjoy!

One of the locals saying g'day! He was a big sucker.

Lano and Chez, New Years Eve at the Cobbies! Zoolander poses me thinks...Blue Steel

New Years Day sailing at Murray Mouth, Sugars Beach...beautiful spot

Phoebe catching killer crabs at Sugars!

Nice one Santa, Phoebe with her new 2.0 Ezzy Kids rig, not sure she is ready to tackle the waves on Kyms Evo yet! Lookslike she will be a natural, look at the attempted tack on her first effort! More kids rig windsurfing updates to follow, needless to say, she did very well managed to sail for 4-5 metres first effort!

Phoebe gets some fantastic tuition!

Sailing into the sunset!

Waaaaay too long between drinks!

2008-01-08T15:28:00.000+10:30

I am officially the slackest blogger in the world, been spending too much time on facebook and MSN.....oh well, I am back with lots of stories to tell.

Will start off with how much sailing we have done lately! Due to the poor condition of the River Murray lake sailing has been hard to do - need water. I was very upset to see people walking and riding bikes on the area of Goolwa lake where we sail, where I learned to sail as well!

Here's Kym sailing in the channel on a south westerly.

We have started sailing at the Coorong, Sugars beach, end of the Murray River. Its nice to sail in sea water, very refreshing. Some excellent speed sailing conditions at Sugars as well. I cracked a 28 knot run on Sunday, much to Kym's disgust, as her personal best was only 26.2 knots :) Who says we arent competitive?

I have made significant improvements with my sailing this summer, successfully completing at least 8 gybes this year alone.....woot!

City to Bay

2007-09-19T16:40:00.000+09:30

Every year we here in Adelaide have a fun run from the city centre to the beach, Glenelg. I have never been a big runner, so never been interested in running the C2B. Over the last 9-10 weeks our work team, Agency Team, have been training our arses off, running approxiamately 18-25kms a week in an effort to build up to the 12kms that is the C2B! I even bought new shoes and comtemplated buying running and fitness magazines, but stuck with just getting some tips from gym instructors and the online tips from our generous employer!
Race day came up pretty quick, I was confident of making the distance, due to the fact I had accidently run the 12km distance twice, thinkning I was only running about 8kms! Lucky Im not an accountant. Anyway heres a few pics of the event.

Stuart and myself in our stunning running tops! Thankyou Sunday Mail!

Scotty, pretty happy with his 56 minutes .36 seconds in his first serious run! Top effort old chap!

And heres Lano, coming across the line, cutting a fantastic figure, 1 Hour 2 minutes and 37 seconds (yes I know it says 1.15.52 on the official clock, but your time actually starts when you cross the start line, which I didnt cross until the 13th minute mark, something to do with 23,000 people in front of me!!!!!!!!!!)

Now we were meant to kick on after the run, sink a few pints and carry on like we normally do, but this fitness bug has truelly bitten. I went with the usual suspects to the pub, had a pint, but it tasted unhealthy, what is going on!? So I left, caught a cab home and went to a birthday party for a mates wife at the local pub, nice beer garden, friends all around, beers flowing waa waa, but I just couldnt get into it. So a quick wink at Kym and we were out of there, down to Seacliff for a sail in a stormy. I watched, beers were making me sleepy.....Kym went out.

And to finsh off with, heres a photo form a recent team event, the annual Media Club Ten Pin Bowling night! The girls had their own team, Bowling Barbies (they won first prize - Nice cans!) and the boys went as 'The Dirty Sanchez' (we lost, but had a ball, hahahahahaha oh dear)

Robby Naish - Kanaha, June 06

2007-09-11T10:57:00.000+09:30

Heres a video I recently edited, well had a play with, of Robby Naish going for a uick sail at Kanaha. It was the last day of our holiday in Maui last year, Kym had just finished a sail and was packing up. I was on the beach taking some last memory shots. I was chatting the our NZ friends and they had noticed a black labrador dog, they said it could be Robby Naish's dog. Next minute, Robby walks past, keys in his mouth, craziest looking board, hops in the water, sails out, blasts a big air, the most aggressive gybe I have seen, tacks high up in the wind and aims for a beach about 500 metres up the beach (probably his house)

My life was complete.

Dolphins off Christies Beach

2007-08-20T14:12:00.000+09:30

Sorry for the lack of posting, been too busy looking at other peoples Blogs and not concentrating on my backyard, so to speak.

Last Sunday I was invited to be a crew member on my father in laws boat, I think its a Ross 740 sailing boat, its really good fun, always an adventure (always an adventure with spinnacer changes). We all had to be on deck at 10am for a full rigging of the mast and course debrief. I for once made my lunch, so pies and donuts were off the menu (plus I am training for a fun run in three weeks, so gotta step it up!)

Captain Murray the helm! Aye Aye sir!

We started raving at 12noon, wind was a variable inconsistant 7 knots, so slow going. There were 7 boats in the fleet, about five classes covered so racing wasnt going to be too close.

Anyway to cut a long story short, no wind after 1 hour, so doldrums.....race abandoned!

Lucky some dolphins rocked up to entertain us!

And lastly, dont buy your children face paints, as I found out, you will be used as the first experiment! Apparently I am meant to be a tiger!

Holidays Day 1

2007-07-22T17:11:00.000+09:30

Started a week of holidays today, well yesterday really......went down the coast looking for wind and as the photos suggest there wasnt too much around! Gorgeous day at Middleton Point though.

Interesting trip down to south coast, got to the end of the freeway, Noarlunga, and could feel a real wobble coming from the front end and then banging, not good me thinks. So after my mechanical skills were tested, ie finding the button to release the bonnet, I found that the CV boot on the passenger side was torn off and the drive shaft looked a bit worse for wear. So a limp home for 20kms at about 50kms an hour. Only just made it, was making a hell of a racket when we got up the drive way. Mechanics did warn me a few weeks ago that this might happen. I feel an expensive week coming on......

Anyway heres a few shots of Middleton Beach today......

A few sets came through, only about 2 feet at the most, the mal riders were dominating.

This is the view from the carpark back to Goolwa and Day street.

I love coffee

2007-07-13T08:46:00.000+09:30

After reading another blog regarding ethically sourced coffee, I though what a great time to introduce you to our local coffee shop. I spend many hours and money in this place! It is Illy on Waymouth, a chain cafe in the city, right next door to my work building! I love you coffee bean, you are my reason for exisiting! Strong flat white all the way!

2007-07-11T09:55:00.000+09:30

Just a quick post to show you some photos of our valley up in the hills all fogged up. Looks cold eh?

2007-07-10T11:58:00.000+09:30

Not a lot of wind to try out my new board this last month, have only managed two outings, the first at a local kiter beach in 10 knots, a bit disheartening, and another effort on the weekend at Beachport, two blistering runs in very shallow fin destroying water in Lake George (was all going well until my boom ties snapped in the jaws of the boom clamp)

Very happy with the performance of the new board, feels really light and responsive. I have only done a few runs on it, but already feel comfortable on it. Quick onto the plain, but not as quick as the old Bic. Yet to really put the hammer down on it. I will get a good run on it soon, fingers crossed, looking good for this Sunday.

Heres a few photos of the last couple of weeks activities....kicking off with last weekend catching up with my sister Fiona. Heres Kym and Fiona on the back beach at Beachport.

Back beach again, place called Post Office Rock, Lochie and the fam doing a bit of Dune sliding!

Kym and I laxing on the beach, looks cold eh?

A very dead puffer fish on the beach at dust bowls.

The track down to the back beach coast line. This is a fairly easily accesable track with any kind of four wheel drive, the little subbie (Subaru) did it with ease. One thing that really dissappointed me was the amount of dead Wombats on the roads around beachport this season. I heard from a local that the rabbit colesi (spelling) virus is affecting them this year, I saw 5 dead Wombats in and around Beachport. To me they looked like the had been run over by speeding drivers and four wheel drive enthusiasts. I have only seen two live Wombats in the wild, so to see 5 dead ones in one weekend was distressing! Slow down people.

Lake George, still abit shallow, but still sailable. This is the Saturday, 7th July, just as a squall came in, I am in the water somewhere there, broken boom fitting, trudging back in the mud. Nice rainbow though

The wagon on the spit at Lake George, not much wind, or water to speak of! Lachie doing his best to get the car bogged!

Lano's new board

2007-06-22T09:36:00.000+09:30

Well I took the plunge this week and bought my first ever new board. Big thanks to Pete at Onbord for his help and service (and not a bad deal either me thinks)

I decided to go up in size to maximise Adelaides fickle winter conditions and to be up and cruising all summer. My previous board, a 1996 Bic Vivace is getting a little tired, collapsed foot straps, big dents, a dodgey repair from when we left it in the sun in 2000. I have been eyeing off new boards for years so thought it was about time. I went for the 2007 Starboard Carve 122 ltr, was looking at 111 ltrs but thought it would be too similar in size to what I ride now. Heres a pic of my new board and Phoebe on her 5th birthday!

I so excited!

Happy birthday gorgeous!

Also thought I would also post up a new sail I purchased for Kyms and my aniversary last month, this sail looks indestructable, which is a good thing as I, especially, have a reputation for putting limbs through sails!

The sail I got was a 5.0mtr, will be great for wave sailing and real windy days for me, dont ya love the black?

Footnote: Conrats to Giampaolo Cammarotta on his Windsurfing magazine feature, keep up the good work brah! You can see GP's blog here....http://mauisurfreport.blogspot.com/

Mad May!

2007-05-27T20:34:00.000+09:30

God I wish I was doing this again! Here's me about to have my first sail at Kanaha last year! Fuck that was a good holiday!

What a crazy month May has been! First Kym was away for half of it, with work in Whyalla, then she was a complete zombie for the two weeks after she got back (I guess 16 hours days working in a pellet plant surrounded by Engineers / tradies and armpits will do that to you!) Work for me has been busy, I keep telling myself I need a holiday, but I'm not listening.....although cheap holidays to Maui advertised in todays paper.

I have started football training again, thats soccer to all Americans and uncultured Australians, gotta get back to fitness. I have seen a few photos of myself recently and I'm not impressed. So back out with the boys, great to be out with a team again. Not too keen on the running, but the shooting and passing is good. I still feel I have good touch and stamina, but then realise I have trained for only 10 minutes and there is an hour to go. Stay tuned, a match report will follow...or check out www.uniwhites.com.au I am Divaldo or 'big daddy' - Dont ask!

Also, please do not mention the European Champions League or the FA Cup Final, I am still licking my wounds form Uniteds defeats! At least we won the league.

Sailing has been a bit ho hum lately, two frustrating weeks for me personally, but Kym had a great sail at a break last weekend, place called Snapper Rocks. This shot was taken last weekend, 20-25 knots. Her sailing has really come on, going from strength to strength. She is now starting to nail gybes a lot more regularly and is bloody fit at the moment, helps when you swim 12 kms a week I guess?

Time to upgrade a bit of equipment as my board is getting very tired (1996) I think I have held out long enough, so will be looking around the shops soon. We purchased Kym a second hand wave board last year, a Starboard EVO, only cost $400 second hand, had been thrashed a bit, but she loves it. We were really happy buying a board second hand, especially for wave sailing which we dont do that much of and couldn't justify a huge expense for something that might get used only once a month. I have been reading with interest GP's blog talking about cheap equipment and reusing peoples older gear instead of new kit. Which brings me to my dilemma.....I have been searching worldwide for a good second hand 115-120 ltr Starboard or JP for a good six months now, as I didn't really want to spend $2000 buying a board, but do you think I could find any? No! I even shot an email off to Kevin Pritchard, via his Blog, to his credit I got an email back. He had a quiver of boards up for sale which included a few used S-Type Freeride boards, 115 ltrs too! But mentioned with freight I was probably better off buying from my local shop :(

So if anyones got something, two years old or newer, JP Freeride (xcite ride 120ltr?) or Starboard Carve 115 ltr hanging around and wants to offer it for sale to me, please contact me.

'Hey! Dont you dare blow out my candle!' - this is my niece, isnt she cute?

Till next time.

Whyalla Steel City!

2007-05-01T12:00:00.000+09:30

Spent a bit of time in Whyalla recently, as Kym has been up there with work. For those of you that dont know Whyalla, its a steel producing town, formally a BHP stronghold, not sure if they are still there, but Onesteel are definately there producing metal for railway tracks and other uses.

I used to live in this town 30 years ago, 1978 to be exact, and I can tell you not a lot has changed in this town since. Everything is still dirty, there is still salt bush in the main street, the tide still goes out about two kilometres every day (definate potential for windsurfing!), the runway at the airport is still dirt (or maybe its just stained from the pellet plant)

Whyalla is about 4 hours drive north of Adelaide on the top of the Eyre peninsular. There are approx 30,000 people there (I think) and its South Australias fastest growing city, again. Its been through its fair share of booms, the late seventies was definately one. There are about 4 football clubs, 5 soccer clubs, one ten pin bowling venue, no decent cafes, some true aussie pubs (about 8 of those), one shopping mall, thank god!

Overall its a top place. You have to go looking for things to do. But if you like the outdoors, sports etc you will be well catered for.

Here are a few pics of the first week we went up, yes we flew up twice for one day each time. The things you do for love!

This is the Pellet Plant at Onesteel, looks clean eh? Not!

Took a wrong turn! Sack the captain! HMAS Whyalla tourist attraction

REX Airlines, does it get any more Aussie? Hows the baggage truck?

Some interesting rock formations at Point Lowly. It looked like paving in a backyard.

Family goodness at Point Lowly

Phoebe and I caught the local youth concert weekend! Whyalla's 'Little Day Out' These guys were called forgiveness or deliverance or something scarey. Think Blink182 as 14 years olds and you get the drift. Their first gig! There was also an excellent aboriginal hip hop group on before hand, no pics but they rocked out! I love live music! Cute eh?

First ever show, I wasnt even sure this young lads voice had broken!

Our great brown land!

I love the way the desert meets the sea up on the Eyre peninsula,

Luck we were sitting by the exits! Arggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Until next time,

Our new aussie tradition!

2007-04-18T22:19:00.000+09:30

For years Kym and I have envyed our friends from ethnic or 'more cultured' backgrounds with their traditions and celebrations. Some of our friends have large European families that they catch up with regularly, sharing religious festivals, feasts, passing of relatives, weddings....there is always something to celebrate or a reason to throw a party.

I have Italian friends, who every summer have a huge cook up of the tomato harvest from all of their relatives backyards, they make sauce, have a lamb or pig on a spit, get drunk and dance to Elvis...sounds great to me.

Now us 'culchared' aussies, what do we have? Gee...BBQ's, cricket, the footy, the pub, not too much there for the family. I guess there is christmas on the beach, but with global warning winter falls close to December, January these days, so that could be out of the question. We have horse racing, not really a family day out though surely?

So Kym and I decided to start making our own family traditions, but we are not going to tell them what we are doing. We kicked off our first new yearly tradition with our newly invented Easter game, Easter Pinada. Not sure what the mexicans had this activity for anyways, so we are now claiming it to be an Australian tradition OK

So heres Phobes first effort, she made the pinada by the way, used so much glue on it, it was like a ball of concrete shaped as a rabbit (papa in the background waiting his turn)

Then it was Kazzas turn, snapped it in two, wasnt so strong after all! Love the look of determination on her face for this! haha!

Well at least there was chocolates in it! Two hit Pinada, must work on that for next year if this Tradition is going to take off :)

So there you have it the beginnings of a 'LANO' family tradition, See what else we can come up with for the rest of the year.

Now GP was interested in the work mates in my office, more the ladies I would imagine, so below are a few pics of them all in various positions and stages of alcholism. I love my job (sometimes)

Hannahs and Babs at Clipsal 500 car race, before it got ugly

Two of my clients, I look after them well.......oh dear

Parks and Tonks, two of the biggest legends you will ever find....my partners in crime - (eeew, they have had better days!:O)

Till next time,

OK Sharon OK!

2007-04-12T09:37:00.000+09:30

Well after a few failed efforts, looks like its time to take a day off work and create 'another' blog... so pick a font, new topic - ok, now what to write about? Well to start off, this is me, 37 married, living in mostly sunny Adelaide. I am a keen windsurfer, of intermediate abilities, I am a very keen footballer (the round kind) also am a mad Adelaide United fan.

Gotta thank Sharon and Giampaolo for giving me the inspiration for this blog as I have very much enjoyed their handy work over the last year or so. I don't feel that my blogs are going to be as interesting as theirs, so much colour and so much more going on in Maui than little old Adelaide....anyhoo

This is the Lanomobile, loaded up as usual with 4 complete kits! You can never be too prepared!

Spent the weekend away with Kym (wifey) and Phoebe (legend daughter) and the in laws and the brother in law and his wife and their child, was a pleasant Easter long weekend, no wind so no sailing, but plenty of R and R which was much appreciated. We were staying at Beachport about 4 hours south of Adelaide in a nice little cottage just back from the beach, was cosy but comfortable with all the peeps in the house.

So with no wind, surfing was the go, but waves are required for this as well, damn! 1-2 foot dumpers at the long beach near Robe were the only option that was sort of family friendly. Still was fun to get in the water, get wet....I even surfed in my boardies and rashie, no wetsuit, which is not common in these parts, water temp is chilly at best.

So Beachport happened again for another year, another year of frustration with no wind, but I still rate it as one of the most relaxing places I have been too. If only we could cut the 4 hour drive out it would be perfect :(

So back in Adelaide now, back to the grind.....if you can call my life that, I cruise along really.

So there you have it folks, my first blog post,