Dec 28 2011
Back in action
Its seemed like an absolute age to me, but getting to a stage to even consider windsurfing is only half the battle. Once you are nearly fit enough, then forecasts reappear on the radar, then once you feel ready the right forecasts are hard to find, coupled with the UK winter, dark before and after work, so only 2 days a week are possible if the forecast suits …..
I’ve been doing lots of physio as had impressed my physio at the recent assessment. How nice is it to hear a lady armed with a tape measure praising girth and length? She was really impressed as length matched that of my good tendon, as did girth of my calf, but she noted that my good calf had actually gained half an inch girth too so was extra impressed with my progress.
Anyway, this morning offered the chance to dip the proverbial toe … So I headed to the beach to catch up with the guys and to see how it feels …. below is copied from a session log
28th December 2011
Windsurfing: Cooden
Wind Direction: W
Wind Stength: 15-25mph
Surf / Sea State: Big waves
Air Temperature: Ok
Sea Temperature: Ok
Weather: Overcast but bright
Quick tester session.
Not exactly ideal for first sail since the Achilles op with big waves and ripping tide and brides nighty breeze, but for a December sail it wasn’t cold.
Opted for the 10′5 so I could ride slow and steady and control speed etc while getting a feel for windsurfing again. Went for 5.7m same as Big Mark, and Julian was on a 5.51235m too so didn’t think I’d be overpowered
Set up seemed ideal, although I hadn’t rigged it quite right with harness lines far too far forward ….
Sailed out through the waves fine even trying a couple of cheeky wave hops and all felt fine. I had pretty much forgotten how to sail, fell at gybe, adjusted lines while in the drink, held on as a rogue wave hit me, got organised and water started fine. Riding in was FUN picking up some chunky waves, dropping down as steep as I dared and bottom turning to go back up the face for another go. Ankle seemed to cope fine with backside riding on the 10′5 which is great news as its a pretty big board to turn tight, but it is also a really manouvreable big wave board 
Adding to the joy that a successful rehab session gives, it was great to catch up with the regulars down the beach for a sail
I’m not quite there yet, but I’m back
I should score it as a 5 for that alone, but being honest it was a short session and the rip was punishing everyone!!!
That to me is a real Xmas present …. Hopefully you guys all got some neat treats too
Sounds like a great present, STB!! I spent a week downhill skiing at 17 weeks, but windsurfing sounds much more aggressive than that for a torn AT, so I’m glad it was all fun. It took me quite a while to get back to competitive volleyball, but I did have to “squeeze in” some open-heart surgery first!
Cheers Norm
I guess with skiing you have the boot for support but you still need good calf strength.
Heart surgery sounds like an inconvenience you could have done without, though if ever there is perfect time to be laid up it’ll be at a time when you are already being told to do nothing but rest anyway.
Would probably feel more like someone is messing with a voodoo doll and kicking you while you are down at the time though!!
Glad you recovering well from both of these !!!
Windsurfing can be pretty hard on the ankles hence my slow and steady approach …. Gentle rehab …. Chose my weapons carefully to suit
Hoping for a couple more sessions this week and then heading to the Olympic sailing venue at weekend for some flat water blasting
Still got a way to go before I can properly go for it but at least I know my limits
Have to say that my physio has been brilliant
Had a couple more sessions now and happily all seems good.
NYE I went for a blast at the Olympic windsurf & sailing venue to test the Achilles at speed in flat water. I played pretty safe and took opportunity to test a 2012 freeride board (Exocet SCross 126) with a twin cam 7.1m rig (XO Silverline).
A pretty good test for the Achilles and also the associated muscles …. I could feel that I’ve still got a way to go with the physio, but didn’t do too bad. My gps battery was flat but I borrowed a mate’s one for a quick blast and registered a 500m average speed of 22 knots peaking at 24 knots so pretty constant speed suggesting reasonable control and strength
Followed that session with a cheeky light wind wave session locally today and all feeling good …..
Back to work tomorrow and back to the physio this week too … Making progress