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March 02, 2008
East Coast Report.........
Thoughts from post baja.
Here is what happens when you return from the perfect Vela Baja vacation.
1) You tell all your friends
2) You make all your friends look at all your pictures..twice or more
3) You consider moving to Baja permanently
4) You read all the windsurfing magazines in prepartion of the new season.. again
5) You email all your new and old buddies from Baja with all the photos and memories and compare who misses the wind the most
6) You watch any and all utubes that have windsurfing or baja in the title
7) You start planning next years trip and try to figure out how you can stay longer
8) You consider working for Vela
9) You read the wind report every day hoping your mind will see the visions put on paper
10)You add Vela or Baja to your favorites (and every morning drink your coffee while it snows and/or in the evening drink your margarita) while browsing the web
11) You watch the video Dave sent of all the fun you had while in Baja and his documentary about dreaming of windsurfing
If you have experienced one or more of these post-baja experiences we will see you back on the wall in January of 2009 (and don't forget to practice your croquet this summer to keep in shape)..you never can tell what the prizes may be but you can be sure you will take home a life time of great memories.
PS For those of you who remember Kelly and Jodi they had such a good time they are back in the adventure so best of luck in their Kiting lessons!
Back to you Meredith.... Your east coast amiga, Janice February 26, 2008
In moments of ultimate crisis, at the verge of catastrophe, what you previously believed is stripped from your mind. In moments of extremity, things that seemed small or nonexistent suddenly become hard reality and very important. The veils of illusion maintained by society have fallen away. Your mind empties of political events, bank accounts, and mothers-in-law. You see the evolution of huge waves while sensing the continuously changing consistency of the wind. You must be in the moment! Or else get wiped out by it! In a state of pure sensation, you act on impulse: should I jump? Should I jibe? Should I bail? There is no ideal response. There is only impulse and the moment.....A unique feeling floods the brain. When you stretch your luck into the unknown, fear becomes exhilaration. from “Windsurfing Outlaws in the Garden of Hedon” by Brian Sprout
Today started much like yesterday and the day before- with a pod of hundreds of dolphins jumping through the water. This morning Pedro went out to chase them with his camera; photos to come. And the wind? Insanity. Gusty, 10-28. Chop city meets swell city. Please see previous passage. A good day for jumps. The past three days have been some great sailing – around 20knots, some days a little windier, but for the most part really nice consistent wind. Before that we had two days of nada, but guests got some good mountain biking in, and we had a good bonfire to show for it. Should be windy tomorrow. The weather is warming up, and the dolphins and flying fish are out in full force. Ps How about a wind update from our previous chronicler? Janice, are you out there?? February 17, 2008
after a whole two days without wind, it came back yesterday like a bat out of hell. by 11am the sand was blasting off the beach and transforming into shrapnel that stung our eyes. it was awesome! gusty and crazy and out of control. most sailors ran out, then came in 20 minutes later to say, “ok, done for the day!” although, the gorge sailors seemed to like it well enough. but today.....ah, today. it mellowed out into a steady 25, smoother water, beautiful weather, the kind of day where you can stay out for hours and hours and not notice the time. tomorrow should be more of the same. here are some photos from today, beach starting and bare feet-
February 12, 2008
got first in croquet today! wind was nice and smooth, 15-18, maybe some 20's around noon...not much swell, slalom board weather in the late morning. beautiful conditions. today was a gift day, like yesterday, because the forecast was for no wind and most everybody got to sail. speaking of no wind days...somebody just told me this story: so once upon a time there was this guy who ran a windsurf resort, and if there were five days with no wind, you know what he would do? burn a brand new sail. just like that. sacrifice it to the gods. crazy, right? think about that one. in the meantime, here is a picture from today, taken by vela's own artist-in-residence, mr. pedro:
 hasta luego, meredith February 10, 2008
got third in croquet today. the windsurfing wasn't bad either. 22-24, and should blast again tomorrow! everyone is praying for a break, but it looks like it should be windy tomorrow and the next.... meredith! February 09, 2008
easy rider, 15-18, mellow swell, cloudy skies, nice sailing. cutthroat croquet, magnified by margaritas, sunset over the swell.....those who went out today are glad they did, those who did not had an equally epic time biking and consuming fish tacos....in other news, for those who have not tried a windsurf sail on a stand-up paddle board, you are missing out. meredith February 08, 2008
Hola, que hondas!! Meredith here, your new wind reporter, taking over from the lovely Janice!.....It’s been a great week, full of great seshes... Tuesday was good sailing, 20-22....but Wednesday was EPIC. 25-28, mellow swell, perfect slash and cruise weather, 4.2-5.2.....yesterday was fun, not as windy, more up and down, but still windy....today (Friday) is shaping up to be mellow cruising, 12-15, big board big sail....chillaxing. Last weekend there was no wind for a couple days (!) but everyone kept busy with mountain biking, tanning, margaritas, and a hike to old Flat-top.....and then the wind picked right back up. In other news the croquet is through the roof. Competition is fast and furious, no mercy. Backgammon is a close second. Right now there are a couple folks out there planing away....one of whom is the most determined forward-looper I’ve ever seen, and can frequently be seen upside-down with his head in the water and feet in the air....didn’t the Pixies write a song about that? Anyway, there are one, two, three folks sitting on the wall waiting for wind – as if 15knots is not wind! Geez. Days like today rock my socks....6.5, 118L, and just hang out over the water at top speed....no one will be out because no one thinks it’s windy....tons of space, beautiful deep blue water.....a nice rest in between the super windy days. Right now the sun is shining, we got some Louisiana swing playing, and life isn’t too bad. Thought about Mexico lately??? Signing out, Meredith, your friendly neighborhood wind reporter January 31, 2008
Adios to all,
Today is my final wind report.The days have flown by and tomorrow morning our ride will be here.
Reflection of these past few weeks has been on my mind.
Our new friend Tom left a great quote in the Vela guest book..
"Things to do in Los Barriles; ride the rode to nowhere;standup paddleboard;croquet;ping pong;sailing;hiking;snorkeling;Margaritas;and so much more" and Jane and Michael wrote "the dance is over, but the memories remain" so you get the picture.
The best news for this week was our little mexican dog now called Tope has been adopted by Steve a previous Vela man now our Vela neighbor. They have bonded like they were meant for each other and it brings a tear to my eye watching them play together. I just love happy endings.
The wind is up now and Claude is finishing his clinic. We are fed and stretched and looking north. This gal is mucho satisfied with her Baja vacation. Thank you Bev and Rod for the great hospitality as Bev would say "It was lovely wasn't it" Yes it was and Jerry my man, te quiero.
I pass the torch for the next reporter.
The wind is up.... Gracias, Janice January 30, 2008
Hi there wind watchers,
What a 48 hours we have had!!!!
Yesterday we hit the water early and the wind was blowin'.
Started on a 4-7 with an 84 L JP. Had to come up to a 5-4 but kept the 84 and after a quick lunch back to a 4-7 until my arms felt like lead. We all dragged outselves back on shore to compare notes. Jerry was on the 84 L JP with a 5-2 expression all day. THe water was bright with windsurfers from the area and the kiters did their downwinders as well. But the day was perfect. We all were red eyed and happy at croquet. Claude won again . He has the happy grin today. Last night following all the activities we made it down to the bonfire. A nice crowd and the stars were so bright.
We all straggled home for motrin and a good nights rest.
Today is my Birthday! I am so lucky to be spending my birthday in Los Barriles. My friend Jane brought me a flower and Jerry shopped right here at the palapa bar for a silver braclet. He even brought me fruit and coffee. I think vacations make everyone happy and always in a good mood. Well almost always.
So the wind has pretty much been building all day. Rod tried a 5-0 about 1230 but it just wasn't that windy yet. Jerry was back to his 5-2 and 84 L today. I went with the 5-7 Expression and 84 Liter all afternoon.
We said good bye to a few folks today and as ususal it was sad. Everyone told the wall gang that they would be back. So hard to leave when the wind is blowing. Kinda see a tear in some peoples eyes.
Tomorrow is supposed to be nuking. Michael and Jane leave and we will really miss our buddies.
More Motrin and margaritas...
Sore but happy wind reporter, Janice January 29, 2008
Hola,
Sitting up at breakfast today we see and hear and feel the wind. The anticipation of the arrival has the place buzzing. We expect a good day on the water today.
Yesterday morning the water was like glass. A good time for the paddleboards and kayaks. A few of us headed down to North beach to check out the scene. Pedro gave us a tour of the palapas. Then we headed back.
The girls left yesterday. Hope the rest of their journey is full of adventure and new friends. Ben and Richard left yesterday back to the north.
New arrivals were lured to the croquet course last night and are quickly getting the hang of the Baja rules.
The trip to Todo Santos has been postponed today on account of wind.
We are all pumped up to get a great day on the water... as you all know the days fly by and we will soon be back on Cape Cod in a foot of snow.
Cheers to the Vela crew, Pedro, Claude,Chris,Finch,Bev,Rod, Willy, Dean and Tahia for keeping us living the good life. From Mucho Viento Baja , Janice January 28, 2008
Hola all you wind watchers,
Yesterday brought us off the wall and onto Flattop. We have had a couple of days of big gear sailing. Everyone gave it a try. Saturday night our croquet started earlier and we had an intense ending. Came down to Yellow, Black and Orange. Orange prevailed and Claude and Janice (me) took home the trophy!
Yesterday started with our Jesus and Hector taking good care of our Sunday breakfast. The food here has been better than ever. Before you even sit down the guys are there to take your order. It is a family style for dining and you get to meet and tell stories and get to know people who sail in all ports.
Kelly, Jody and I got the paddleboards out yesterday morning. Jerry had been out making it look so easy so we gave it a shot. It was a great core workout.
Bev and Rod came by and picked us up to hike the Flattop. It was very hard for Jerry and Michael to give up the wind watch but we lured them to play on a mountain top. It was great fun.
Visited Rancho Leonaro which is being renovated. Stopped by Bueno Vista but no bananas for daiquiries.
Dan and Dave sailed yesterday on big gear. William is 6 years old and went out kayaking and paddleboarding.
Chris took several guys on a single track yesterday. I think it was Ben and Kevin and Kristof and Richard. A few cactus stories to tell.
Everyone was up early today to watch the sunrise. We had about 8 people watching along with Spot the little Mexican dog.
We are heading up to breakfast. Sun is up and we are ready for a new day in Vela Baja.
Your sunburned reporter, Janice January 26, 2008
Buenos Días,
Things are starting slow this saturday morning. We lost several key players yesterday as they had to return to life on the mainland. Adios to Tracey,Tyler,Tom,Ron and Leah and anyone else I did not name. Of course we toasted your departure.
There was some big gear sailing done and lots of kiting. Books were cracked open and siestas were taken. Hot tubs were enjoyed. Our evening croquet session went over the allotted time and for the first time in like forever we folded down the mallets with no winner. Unheard of.
Today Jody and Kelly are signed up for kite lessions..not on their previous itinerary but hey things change.
Brent is saying adios and heading north before the storm. Brent was a good first timer who enjoyed the baja and feels like he became a better sailor for it.
Jerry and I are working on the photo album today. We still have to download the dinner party but for now we hope you enjoy some memories.
Claude is playing backgammon with Rodney waiting for his next assignment. His student has been progressing nicely with her waterstarts. Pedro is currently making a sign ..I think he has a plan .. Bev and Rod will be arriving soon as we will be under her watchful eye today.
The gang went to Tio Pablos last night. Any feedback from our webwatchers?
I missed the morning bike ride today .. my buttocks needs a rest. And
The kite boys are packing up today.
We will keep our eyes north as we wait for the wind line.
Adios for now, Janice January 25, 2008
Hola,
I am just coming back from a morning ride to the monument with our fearless leader Chris as our guide. Today it was Chris and the girls. Jody and Kelly dropped in to Vela last night on their round -about trip around the Baja pennisula. They are having such a good time that they will be staying an extra day or two. It is just a fun place to hang out and play with good folks.
Yesterday the sailing was killer. I was on a 5-0 and 92 liter JP all afternoon. Jerry on a 5-2 and 84 liter all day. Croquet session had Claude with the big win. He carried his trophy around all night because he was so proud. We took Tom from Zurich out to dinner on his last night. 28 people turned up at La Curva and what a party! Claude made a speech and sang the Canadian National anthem in French.
Lots of sailing stories going on. The Bay Kiters joined us as well and we all had some laughs. I gotta tell you the food was the best yet on our tour of Los Barrillos down home Mexican chow.
As the roaming reporter I must retract our night cap drink from my last report. We had Sangrita not Sangria. The Sangrita is a spicy tomato juice you drink after a nip of tequila. I find it is important to give accurate information on all aspects of the Vela life.
With my pen in hand I roamed the croquet course asking folks the question "What would you like to say about your Vela experience?" Most people had something to say right away and others had introspection. So in no particular order here are some of the responses:
TOM..."I had 4 sessions today.my second was better than my first, my third better than my second my fourth the best.. sailed 6-9,then 5-2 then 5-5
it has been a hellava time"
RON...our ex mountain bike guide now living in Alaska "the place is so different but yet the same"" amazing improvements"
LEAH..."it is enough to live on it for another year until you come back"
CLAUDE..."great day today. sailed a 5-7 on 86 liter board Starboard combat and Rod and I were racing each other and it was fun.."
TYLER..."Margaritas are awesome"
TRACEY.."From riding the single tracks to riding the waves I love THE BAJA" and then she said something like baja strikes back.. but that is another story.
BRENT..."somewhere between Jerry's World and Margaritaville I have found myself"
RICHARD..."I got my ass kicked today at Vela and it hurt"
KEVIN..."after the flurry of equipment changes I dialed in and got a 2 hour session with great swell. A nice afternoon hottub "
MICHAEL..."Vela is more than about windsurfing"... ahhh Michael...
JANE ..."I came for the sailing and stayed for the croquet"
LOW PRESSURE BOB..."I will take money to remove my wetsuit ?"
BEN..."the women here are super friendly and sexy" ahhhh Ben....
and finally
ROD.."The highlight of my day was letting Claude win at croquet and then giving me his prize for winning" Wink wink...
These reports I hold true and none are made up I swear.
Thank you Chris for a great ride this morning you are the man.
A side note: we are going to be updating photos on the Baja site. If you want to see them you must go to the Baja Vela site and look at photos; you can't upload them from the wind report site. BUT it is getting windy OH NO!!! My photo gig is going to have to wait.
For those of you who live in the Bay area. First .. Dave we hope you made it home safe and second to the Sactown boys.. we miss you and tonite in your honor tune in to Tio Pablos for a song dedicated to you all.
Time to hit the water.
Your friendly reporter, Janice January 24, 2008
Hola Amigos and Amigas,
Today is the day. Go big or go to the Palapa bar.
Yesterday was a good warm up to our session today. We had a range of 5-7-7-7 with the afternoon picking us all up and out to the rollers. It was a blast. The winds have been warm these last few days which keeps us on the water til the very end.
Looking out the window right now Tyler is reporting 12 knots and building.
(So this will be a quick update)
Our afternoon international croquet session yesterday was outstanding. The players were randomly selected and that kept us closely matched. Rod and Claude came away with the trophy and a bottle of wine (which they shared with us losers). Mexican night was bonita. We had sangria at the outdoor palapa with the moonshine smiling down over us.
Today brings us all out to the wall. Claude did a great clinic this morning and has us pumped for the day.
You can see some updated photos on the site but we are working on more photo updates.
Stay tuned ..... Your Happy Camper Janice January 23, 2008
Hola,
Early report today as we are expecting the wind to come up!
Yesterday the guests and staff kept busy relaxing and watching for any wind action. Jerry, Tom and Dave and Brent hit the 1st 15 minutes of wind and hit it hard. Micheal, Michael ,Tracy and Tyler and Claude hit the second wave of 15. Most of us moved too slow and that was it. We did some whale watching and jumping rays galore entertained us. Today we will sit with the neoprene and be ready.
Michael and Jane took the opportunity to paddle board for the afternoon. There was biking and reading and finally the afternoon croquet.
The final results:#1 Jerry and Janice (Cape Cod), #2 Dave from the Bay area
and #3 Michael (Medicine Hat Canada) and Tom (Zurich)..hence the international contest.
We had a full moon bonfire with a warm breeze. Terrific conversations.
Had some cerviche completments of our fisherman friends Klaus and Karl and of course prepared by Leo.. some fish tacos and sashimi.
Today the itinerary is as follows:
breakfast, stretch class, swimming and the ultimate anticipation "the wind" watch. It is mexican night on the menu so we can only look forward to yet another perfect day in Baja. Your roaming reporter Janice January 22, 2008
Hola from Baja,
I am offically your guest wind reporter keeping you with the up to the minute details on the life of a Vela Baja junkie.
Welcome to our current conditions. Today is Tuesday... Bonfire night and for those who are in the know it is Tio Pablos Karaokethon. But let me back track.
This is our fourth trip to BAJA. This year the staff has seen a few changes but still the helpful and happy folks who hold us up to high standards for windsurfing and croquet.
Peter is the grand pooba keeping us busy and in style with the JP boards and Starboards all in tip top shape. All the sails are rigged and screaming "pick me pick me" when we walk up to the sail options.
Claude is still a pirate but he is stealth this year. Perhaps tonite he will sweep the ladies off their feet in his singing style. He is very busy teaching this year. We all agree he is an excellent instructor and several people are up and sailing already.
Chris is back with his beautiful side kick Ginger and took a group out to the mountain trails today. They did "the works" and returned with that smile but dusty face thats shows they are happy mountain bikers loving the trails up in those hills..
Finch is the go-to guy. He is everywhere and can keep up and surpass everyone. You know we are all busy discussing the options and he already has taken care of business.
Bev and Rod have gone above and beyond to make us all feel at home. Bev is on the wall keeping us located with her tracking beam and Willy and Dean have spent a day or two making sure we don't drift off to South America. Rod is keeping us all in good health and updating the Baja croquet rules to include international standards.
Our favorite place is the Palapa Bar where Leo has taken good care of us. Senior Martin just rejoined us and I am certain he will keep us happy.
The first day of our arrival was 5-4 conditions for the hour of sunlight left. Our 3-2 wetsuits has kept us cozy enough. Saturday went off solid 5-0 all day. It was great. Pool is warm , drinks are cold...ya know?
Now we are rested and ready for tomorrow, Michael and Jane, Tom, Tyler and Tracey, and more folks ready for the international croquet set up.
It has been hair raising and very technical but the stakes have been high. We will keep you updated on that.(The course is now set up with lights for night vision!) And the upstairs food area is extended. AND we have a new shopping Vela area which I hope to include in some photos.
Jerry and I miss some of our Baja buddies but we will sing one for you at TIO's.
More later....Your reporter Janice from Cape Cod January 15, 2008
As you can tell by the lack of frequent updates to the wind report, it has continued to be very windy here in Los Barriles. The Beveridges enjoyed a couple good weeks of steady wind, and never even had the chance to come on a mountain bike ride with me since they were saving their energy for sailing and kiting. Tyler has progressed quickly with the kitesurfing and only lost his board once after catching some huge air. Luckily he found it later that night down by Rancho Leonero.
We have had to force ourselves to bring out the croquet set every night after sailing all day. Claude and Rod have been dominating, as usual, but every so often some of our guests who have never experienced the game with "baja rules" get their share of beginner's luck. Scott even managed to win two games in a row. Our new friends Bo and Greg from Chicago caught on quickly, and I am sure they will be practicing before coming back next year.
It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the winter season. But there is much more action to come with Jerry and Janice, Michael and Jane, and other "regulars" arriving in the next couple weeks. The water is still warm, the days are getting longer, and everyone is excited about the next couple months of what has already been an epic season in Baja. Chris January 04, 2008
2008 has never started as solid as this seaon with 14 consecutif strong windy days ! everybody is all smiles and glowing at the palapa bar every evening ...
there wasnt eaven a day i remember we played croquet during these holidays .
surprising to say the least
and there is more wind to come .!
The happy new year is defenitly working out good over here .
And I wish you the same !
cuidense
peterpaul boot December 14, 2007
Cloudy but Windy ! luckily the clouds are moving away acording to the fisherman ..I do tend to trust the fisherman over the weatherman down here ..today i was asked question # 3756 .will the sun be shinning soon ..Yee i said ! thats a first! the wind is blowing! who cares ! Lets go sailling ! plus ..we will not need sun screen today !haha
But it is true thow that when the sun is out ! we some times do not mind having less wind! just hanging loos in our litle dream world ..Bla Bla Bla ..! hee But its good sailling right now and in the comming days its suposed to be Clasic ! sun ,big rolling swells .and mucho Viento ! Do not hesitate ! Jump on the plane !
Got to go ..find some wood for the bunfire ...cheers de mexico ..El Pedro!
Peter Paul Boot November 30, 2007
Score muscles from windsurfing,scrached legs from mountain biking ,have been the main viewable abuse lately ..i haven't seen much sunburns ,people seem to have taken my previous note about sunscreen seriously! Yesterday we had some solid 5.0 conditions mid day and the swell was giving us our first surf able waves in front of the hotel .! the beach up front is sandy and offers a easy launch and land! and the water is warm !..The fisherman are starting to retrieve their boats out of the water as 3 of them already got beached 2 days ago .and are talking about the windy season that has started chasing them away .! all bueno for us ,more wind to come .! today we are going to buy some hammocks so you can lounge under the coconut trees ! Voila ! have a fabulous day!and see you soon! Pedro
peter-paul boot November 18, 2007
Ladies and Gentlemen..welcome to the baja wind report ..
we had a splendid start of the season yesterday with a baffling sunrise and a glassy bay full of fishies splashing around!
Mid day everyone had the pleasure of playing on the water with a mas omenos 17 knots of breeze coming in ! all our shiny new gear was glittering around us as if christmas was already here !
The water is still nice and warm to be enjoyed in our shorts and bikinis !
If there is one special advice I would like to offer today! when your are coming down here ..it would be !...
Wear Sun screen !!!
Although you are on vacation.. and we are working for your pleasures ..
Avoiding working!.. on your tan !
May be difficult !
Have a nice day ,,and we hope to see you soon down here!
And Remember ..Vela Baja is a short season !..and so is life !
cheers
Pedro!
Peter-Paul Boot
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