Out of Season

What a strange July. Besides being windier than normal, today the wind is still blowing from the North as it has for the last couple of days.

I can only wonder what August is going to be like.

I pay attention to the seasons more as a kiteboarder. At least, I think of the seasons much differently. In the past, I rarely noticed the wind and thought of seasonal changes in relation to school and holidays. Now when I think of the weather changing, I relate to how our sessions change. Each season has its positives and negatives.

Summer means big kites, small waves, ditching the wetsuits, the promise of tropical storms, sunset sessions, jellyfish, seaweed, and hanging out on the beach waiting for the wind. Fall means crisp air and warm water. We will be eking out the sunlight as the days become shorter and making our return to Big Sabine Bay for our first North-wind fronts. Winter means unpacking our drysuits and all other necessary accessories: booties, hoods, and gloves. It means packing a warm change of clothes, wool socks, and hot tea. It is gusty, crankin’, North-wind days, but also deserted beautiful beaches and the odd Gulf side session with crystal clear water and sunshine. Spring is always a happy relief from the biting cold winds, breaking out the shorties but still having numb toes after a good session. It means lots of wind and waves and losing the 10 lbs you’ve been hiding under your drysuit all winter long. It’s looking forward to warm weather, the time change, and the return of sunset sessions.

But even though we know generally what to expect from the seasons, Mother Nature throws us curve balls too. Certainly, this July has felt out of season.

The photos included here come from several July sessions.

-Meagan-