August 30th: Wing Board (5.3m² + Wind Board)

Today, another school session on the beach.
And again today――the wind is weak (cries).
Why doesn't the wind blow much during Enoshima's summer?
Even though the sky is clear and blue,
it seems the crucial wind has gone somewhere else.

Amidst this, the instructor said.
"Since the wind is light today, would you like to try a slightly larger Wing?"
Although I replied with "Absolutely!",
there was a little anxiety deep down in my heart.

What I was handed was a 5.3m² Wing.
Holding it, it felt completely different from the 4.0m² I had been using.
It's big――and heavy.
As I waited for the wind, its weight gradually made itself felt in my arms.

Today's practice content was the same as last week's.
Go upwind, jibe, and return.
However, when holding a large Wing,
even with a weak wind, it reacts to the slightest gust.
The moment the wind catches it, I feel a surge of power,
and the board is lightly propelled forward.
"Amazing!" my heart pounded.
When there's wind, it's surprisingly easy to handle and doesn't feel heavy.
However――the moment the wind dies, reality changes completely.

The Wing that has lost the wind,
heavily weighs down on my arms.
Today's sea is calm with little swell,
but the quietness makes the screams of my muscles even more audible.
Both my arms and shoulders gradually became as heavy as lead.

I was so tired that,
the tip of the Wing almost fell into the water.
So I gently placed it on the board,
and rested, distributing my body weight.
The instructor said with a smile,
"When there's no wind, that's fine. Like a windsurfing mast."
Indeed, that's right.
Hearing those words on the sea,
I could only nod slightly.

Honestly, sailing in light wind is much easier with windsurfing.
Every method has its pros and cons, but I learned something important from today's experience.
Wingfoiling often allows planing even in light wind.
However――on "days with almost no wind," it's difficult to enjoy.
I felt that obvious truth,
along with the pain in my body.

Nevertheless, I didn't sink even once today.
That alone makes me a little proud.
Even though my arms were completely exhausted,
a definite confidence remained in my heart.
Even if the wind is weak,
the "wings" within me are certainly growing stronger.

It's the last weekend of August. It seems the beach houses are already closing. It's unbelievable, isn't it?