October 26: Wing board wing 5.0m² (new model): Battle against offshore wind

Today started with getting measured to order a semidry suit in preparation for winter.
I usually rent a 3-season suit, but for winter sea conditions, a perfectly fitting one is essential.
It's better if it prevents water intrusion and is easy to put on and take off.
Full gear including boots, gloves, and headgear––
It was expensive, but I thought it was worth it if it means I can comfortably go out into the sea in winter.

However, this decision means going out to sea even in the middle of winter. I'll do my best.

After finishing the measurements and heading out to sea, the wind was unfortunately weak.
Today, I was actually supposed to try a Foil board for the first time, but
these conditions are too dangerous.
The waves are also small, and I don't feel like SUP surfing.
In the end, I decided to ride the Wing with my usual board.
It's self-practice with a rental, not a lesson.
However, the instructor said he would also come out to sea with me.

Today, I was allowed to use the instructor's old Wing 5.0m².
It's light and feels good.
Offshore wind from the NNE, wind speed 4m/s.
I can barely ride; it's just enough wind.
Once out at sea, I'd go upwind, drift downwind, then go up again––
I repeated this 4-5 times.
It was a more modest distance than usual, but
still, my heart pounded with excitement at the stable ride after a long time.

However, that peace didn't last long.
After a few back-and-forths, the wind suddenly dropped when I was offshore.
It didn't completely stop, but it was a light breeze of about 1-2m/s.
I could stand, but I couldn't move forward.
Before I knew it, I was slowly drifting downwind––towards Enoshima Yacht Harbor.
There, the embankment means I can't touch the bottom.
If I keep drifting like this, getting back will be extremely difficult.
Panic slowly welled up within me.

I instinctively changed direction and tried to go offshore, but
the wind didn't return; instead, the yacht harbor was getting closer.
“This is bad.”
I looked for the instructor and saw him surfing happily near the shore.
Today wasn't a lesson. I felt reluctant to ask for help.

I braced myself and let go of the Wing.
It wouldn't drift away because it was attached by a leash.
I lay prone on the board and started paddling.
However, the Wing created drag, and I couldn't make much progress.
Moreover, it was against the wind––draining my physical strength.
Even so, after paddling for about 30 seconds, I noticed the sandy beach was slightly closer.
“I might be able to make it.”
Thinking that, I desperately continued paddling, even as my arms screamed.

However, the beach was still almost 500m away.
My shoulders were heavy, and my hands were numb.
If I stopped paddling, I'd immediately drift away,
so I moved my arms again with sheer willpower.
“This is tough… but I'll make it somehow.”
It was at that moment.

I happened to look sideways and saw the instructor coming towards me on a SUP.
“Use this!”
He said that and offered me a SUP paddle.
It seemed like he wasn't watching, but he had been paying attention.
As expected of the instructor. I was saved!

When I paddled using the paddle, my progress changed dramatically.
Still, the distance was long, and I was out of breath, but
it was much easier than paddling by hand.
When I finally returned to the sandy beach,
the sound of the waves at my feet echoed like a deep sense of relief.

“In situations like this, it's good to attach the paddle to your board.”
I nodded deeply at the instructor's words.
His words carried kindness and the weight of experience.

My spirit almost broke, but
looking out, the wind was picking up again.
After a little hesitation, I went out to sea again––
This time, I set off with the paddle secured to the board.
However, once offshore, the wind dropped again,
and I was again carried downwind.
In the end, I had to paddle back with the paddle I had just attached.
Oh dear, that's what it means.

After that, I put away the Wing,
and switched to SUP surfing practice.
The waves were small, but I got about 20 good rides and was satisfied.
With SUP, there's no worry of getting into trouble, and I can truly enjoy it.
Indeed, on windless days, this is the best.

Today was a fulfilling day.
However, I keenly felt the risks of self-practice in offshore conditions.
Safety gear, a paddle, judging the wind––
I must prepare everything properly before heading out.
I headed home feeling a little blue, but
I felt that my resolve for the next windy day had grown stronger.

It was drizzling, so the sea was deserted...