Have a very jolly Christmas!!!
I'm spending this special time with my family in Krakow.
There is no snow, so no snowboarding trip this year :-(
Christmas Market in Kraków Old Town - Main Square:
My lovely nieces Natalia and Hania:
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Busy Bee
Last session in Belmullet on icy cold lake, 15th November 09
So not much kiting time since we came back from Brazil...
Busy in work, windless weekends, freezing cold - time to plan another kite holiday!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Yay for First Raileys!!!
Finally!!!
I know it's not perfect but after 4 months of non kiteing and minding my poor ankle I'm delighted to go that far! ;-)
Yay for raileys! Yay for my new kites and super bars! Yay for Brazil baby! ;-)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Romantic Kite Trip - Brazil 2009
Photos from Guajiru
It was great to be back in sunny and windy Brazil.
Specially after 4 months of not being able to kitesurf and only watching and photographing everyone else having fun!
Ankle is still sore and swollen but I'm hoping it will improve over next few months and I won't need any operation.
We started in Guajiru, where choppy waters brought tears to my eyes and big lagoon was closed due to filming of some show... We really enjoyed our luxury stay in Rede Beach Spa Resort! Then moved to pretty Lagoinha, that proved to be a quite tricky kite spot. Next longer stay was in Paracuru, back to the Kite Village :-) Another disappointment - Taiba lagoon was gone... Final destination was Cumbuco and we were really happy there! Brazil is amazing and we are only hoping to be back next year!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
2010 Rebels are Mine!
Just got a brand new 6m North Rebel 2010!!!
The kite arrived this morning to put a big smile on my face :-)
And my new 9m has been with me for about 2 weeks now...
We are off to Brazil this Friday and can't wait to finally use my new kites!!!
So excited!
Ankle is still one big trouble, but the surgeon and physio done as much as they could to get me in the best possible form - I'm allowed to kitesurf but have to take it easy and monitor pain level and any changes in my poor ankle.
To be honest I'm hoping for the best, waving away any negative thoughts and just looking forward to finally get on the water after 3 and half months!
Graham in E&D Marine you are a super STAR making sure I have all needed kites for my holiday. Thank you so much!
The kite arrived this morning to put a big smile on my face :-)
And my new 9m has been with me for about 2 weeks now...
We are off to Brazil this Friday and can't wait to finally use my new kites!!!
So excited!
Ankle is still one big trouble, but the surgeon and physio done as much as they could to get me in the best possible form - I'm allowed to kitesurf but have to take it easy and monitor pain level and any changes in my poor ankle.
To be honest I'm hoping for the best, waving away any negative thoughts and just looking forward to finally get on the water after 3 and half months!
Graham in E&D Marine you are a super STAR making sure I have all needed kites for my holiday. Thank you so much!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
North Rebel 2010
New North Rebels 2010 are already in!!!
I have heard great things about 2010 model and orders are already flying in.
To get your hands on these new babies leave your order with
Graham @ E&D Marine - 0868188908
- The best North dealer in Ireland!!!
I have heard great things about 2010 model and orders are already flying in.
To get your hands on these new babies leave your order with
Graham @ E&D Marine - 0868188908
- The best North dealer in Ireland!!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Specialist Consultation
Sports Surgery Clinic is a very impressive but unfortunately private hospital.
Got my appointment and surprisingly the consulting surgeon was a really nice guy talking me through all my ankle trouble. I haven't got good news, but it could be worse... I was able to do an MRI same day and next morning got a phone call from the doctor explaining results of the scan...
..."It's a MASSIVE impact injury"... "HUGE bone bruising"... "VERY LARGE amount of fluid"... "JOINT injections"... "DAMAGED ligaments and tendons"... "6 MOTHS recovery process at best"... "NO IMPACT activities"...
So as you see it's all good. Yeah...
Well he promised he will do everything possible so I can somehow kite at least a little in Brazil, even if constructing a special supporting braces ;-)
This Thursday I'm off to the hospital for the little medical procedure - joint injections... one inside my ankle, one on the tendon... So far I know only that the injections are done under some scan so everything could be seen and that it could be rather painful and I can't drive afterwards...
I'm hoping for some Valium and local anaesthetic!
I suppose I will get more post care information after the treatment. There better not be too much resting!...
Got my appointment and surprisingly the consulting surgeon was a really nice guy talking me through all my ankle trouble. I haven't got good news, but it could be worse... I was able to do an MRI same day and next morning got a phone call from the doctor explaining results of the scan...
..."It's a MASSIVE impact injury"... "HUGE bone bruising"... "VERY LARGE amount of fluid"... "JOINT injections"... "DAMAGED ligaments and tendons"... "6 MOTHS recovery process at best"... "NO IMPACT activities"...
So as you see it's all good. Yeah...
Well he promised he will do everything possible so I can somehow kite at least a little in Brazil, even if constructing a special supporting braces ;-)
This Thursday I'm off to the hospital for the little medical procedure - joint injections... one inside my ankle, one on the tendon... So far I know only that the injections are done under some scan so everything could be seen and that it could be rather painful and I can't drive afterwards...
I'm hoping for some Valium and local anaesthetic!
I suppose I will get more post care information after the treatment. There better not be too much resting!...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Interesting Cute Things
Still off the water ;-(
Lots of time for shopping then :-)
Well.... it's mainly window shopping, as the injury turned out to be a rather expensive one.
Just check out this tiny wetsuit!!!
Yep, it's for real!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Absolutely Nothing
Still off the water, sore and swollen... so nothing interesting to blog about ;-(
Well, not entirely true... there is some exciting news - booked flights to Brazil!
Hope to be back in action in about 3 weeks and in my top form for kitesurfing holidays! :-)
Keeping fit at the moment - gym and swimming almost every day, working hard to get my ankle as strong as possible.
Well, not entirely true... there is some exciting news - booked flights to Brazil!
Hope to be back in action in about 3 weeks and in my top form for kitesurfing holidays! :-)
Keeping fit at the moment - gym and swimming almost every day, working hard to get my ankle as strong as possible.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Freaky Accident
Unfortunately I'm a victim of yet another kitesurfing injury... I hardly can't believe I managed to bust my ankle so badly!
Went to Streedagh on Saturday afternoon and arrived just in time for a late session on the lagoon.
Almost 2 hours of fun later the water started getting too shallow - the tide was on the way out... After having a great session and busting myself trying all sorts of tricks I decided to take it easy and with 2-3 more tacks just ride upwind to get back to the shore.
I wish I could say I went for some mad megaloop trick but it was just a small jump transition I was going to do... well it didn't work that way ;-( My micro loop got unintentionally hooked in and with already lots of power on my 9m I got super powered up and lifted quite high. I wasn't floating, I was being pulled by a truck with no breaks and no steering... At some stage I remember being higher than my kite and knowing this is going to end badly -fortunately I managed to kick off my board but landed very hard on my right foot and immediately felt unreal pain. I have no idea how it didn't get broken!!!
Thanks to all friends and kind strangers I was quickly rescued.
Amanda was first running through the water in her dry clothes, somebody else went after my kite and board, then guys run with a surfboard and got me to the shore. There was hot tea, lots of blankets, hugs and compassion. Nailer called an ambulance and within 40 min paramedics were on the beach looking after my ankle and making me all better with the laughing gas. Suddenly the pain was bearable and world was full of love and I was even able to giggle (!) a bit - great stuff!!!
Went to Streedagh on Saturday afternoon and arrived just in time for a late session on the lagoon.
Almost 2 hours of fun later the water started getting too shallow - the tide was on the way out... After having a great session and busting myself trying all sorts of tricks I decided to take it easy and with 2-3 more tacks just ride upwind to get back to the shore.
I wish I could say I went for some mad megaloop trick but it was just a small jump transition I was going to do... well it didn't work that way ;-( My micro loop got unintentionally hooked in and with already lots of power on my 9m I got super powered up and lifted quite high. I wasn't floating, I was being pulled by a truck with no breaks and no steering... At some stage I remember being higher than my kite and knowing this is going to end badly -fortunately I managed to kick off my board but landed very hard on my right foot and immediately felt unreal pain. I have no idea how it didn't get broken!!!
Thanks to all friends and kind strangers I was quickly rescued.
Amanda was first running through the water in her dry clothes, somebody else went after my kite and board, then guys run with a surfboard and got me to the shore. There was hot tea, lots of blankets, hugs and compassion. Nailer called an ambulance and within 40 min paramedics were on the beach looking after my ankle and making me all better with the laughing gas. Suddenly the pain was bearable and world was full of love and I was even able to giggle (!) a bit - great stuff!!!
I'm off to physio soon and hoping the recovery will be speedy even if painful.
Monday, May 25, 2009
New Board
I just got myself a new board!!!
She is a lovely addition my my kitesurfing family, just look at this beautiful top performer:
She also came with new pro foot pads and they are super comfy! Pro pads are standard fitting in all new NHP boards (666)
I already had 2 sessions on my new board and I think it's the best board ever! Really loving it!
Get yours from Graham in E&D Marine (0868188908)
She is a lovely addition my my kitesurfing family, just look at this beautiful top performer:
She also came with new pro foot pads and they are super comfy! Pro pads are standard fitting in all new NHP boards (666)
I already had 2 sessions on my new board and I think it's the best board ever! Really loving it!
Get yours from Graham in E&D Marine (0868188908)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Girls Weekend in Banna 22-24 May
We were blessed with the weather - sunny, warm and windy enough to get wet three day in the row! Great session on Friday and amazing conditions on Sunday, very light on Saturday.
Mel went out with me to try unhooked kiteloops... wow!!! It was fun in 10 knots on Sat - should had tried with the board on! ;-) More scary on 9m on today... couldn't reach back to grab the bar with the front hand...
Will definitely give it another go on 12m in very light winds...
Mel went out with me to try unhooked kiteloops... wow!!! It was fun in 10 knots on Sat - should had tried with the board on! ;-) More scary on 9m on today... couldn't reach back to grab the bar with the front hand...
Will definitely give it another go on 12m in very light winds...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Rush
Saturday was a family day, but Sunday was our play day! ;-)
Since the wind was forecasted to drop right off around 1pm I dragged Gavin out of the bed early-ish and hit the road to Rush to meet up with Aoife. It was lashing rain all the way in but the moment we drove onto the beach the sun came out and decided to shine for us for good few hours. What a surprise! Wind was steady and strong - super powered up on my 9m but loving it!
Unfortunately by the time Amanda and Derek arrived around 4pm the wind was almost gone and rain was once again in heavy action... The second session was painful!
Went out to see Sinead and Sean and their beautiful house and met there Mairead with Vinnie and their cutest baby girl Ava! It was great to end the weekend going out for a bite to eat with friends!
Roll on next weekend - girls going wet and wild in Kerry!
Since the wind was forecasted to drop right off around 1pm I dragged Gavin out of the bed early-ish and hit the road to Rush to meet up with Aoife. It was lashing rain all the way in but the moment we drove onto the beach the sun came out and decided to shine for us for good few hours. What a surprise! Wind was steady and strong - super powered up on my 9m but loving it!
Unfortunately by the time Amanda and Derek arrived around 4pm the wind was almost gone and rain was once again in heavy action... The second session was painful!
Went out to see Sinead and Sean and their beautiful house and met there Mairead with Vinnie and their cutest baby girl Ava! It was great to end the weekend going out for a bite to eat with friends!
Roll on next weekend - girls going wet and wild in Kerry!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Windy afternoons on Dolly
3 evening sessions on Dolly 3 days in the row!!! ;-)
Mon and Tue was 6m weather and very punchy, busy beach with lots of kitesurfers enjoying sunshine and high winds. Not the weather to try anything again...
Yesterday I ventured on my own and met up with Amanda and Derek on the beach.
It was foggy and rainy but really steady and lighter wind - perfect weather for my powerful 9m!
Only 6 kites on the water!!!
Spend few minutes having fun and then an hour an half killing myself trying to do a raley.
Out of over 30 landed 3 and I'm not sure if they looked anything like a raley at all...
Definitely no problems with unhooking, holding edge and power and hooking back in, but there must be something terribly wrong with my pop! Every time I crash is because I can't get high enough to be able to land and I'm ending up flat on my face/belly... It's either a kite a little bit too low or a bad pop!
Need to figure it out!
Mon and Tue was 6m weather and very punchy, busy beach with lots of kitesurfers enjoying sunshine and high winds. Not the weather to try anything again...
Yesterday I ventured on my own and met up with Amanda and Derek on the beach.
It was foggy and rainy but really steady and lighter wind - perfect weather for my powerful 9m!
Only 6 kites on the water!!!
Spend few minutes having fun and then an hour an half killing myself trying to do a raley.
Out of over 30 landed 3 and I'm not sure if they looked anything like a raley at all...
Definitely no problems with unhooking, holding edge and power and hooking back in, but there must be something terribly wrong with my pop! Every time I crash is because I can't get high enough to be able to land and I'm ending up flat on my face/belly... It's either a kite a little bit too low or a bad pop!
Need to figure it out!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Achill - IKSA gathering...
... didn't really happen.
First it supposed to be a comp, then due to some insurance trouble it was turned into gathering and all together nobody really bothered to do anything.
Derek, Gavin and I plus Scrappy hit the road on Fri evening, it was long 4 hours on pretty bad roads but we made it on time for a quick drink in a local pub, followed by many more in the camper. Julie and Nailer joined us after 1 am! ;-)
On Sat morning wind was blowing like mad and from North so we drove to Doogart. Very pretty beach! 32 knots plus isn't my favourite weather but I pumped my 6m Rebel and went out for a blast, wind suddenly started to drop off and there was no more worries of being overpowered.
By the evening wind was gone all together to completely change direction and come back very strong on Sunday morning. This time we went on the lake and I'm kind of proud I survived ;-)
Started almost crashing into the camper - launching on the wet grass can be tricky!!!
I would say guys had a good laugh watching me struggling to hang on to my kite for 2 hours... When I got too tired and too cold, thy decided to got out and the wind dropped right off - big kites weather! I got to admit I was a bit jealous watching them going on the slider...
First it supposed to be a comp, then due to some insurance trouble it was turned into gathering and all together nobody really bothered to do anything.
Derek, Gavin and I plus Scrappy hit the road on Fri evening, it was long 4 hours on pretty bad roads but we made it on time for a quick drink in a local pub, followed by many more in the camper. Julie and Nailer joined us after 1 am! ;-)
On Sat morning wind was blowing like mad and from North so we drove to Doogart. Very pretty beach! 32 knots plus isn't my favourite weather but I pumped my 6m Rebel and went out for a blast, wind suddenly started to drop off and there was no more worries of being overpowered.
By the evening wind was gone all together to completely change direction and come back very strong on Sunday morning. This time we went on the lake and I'm kind of proud I survived ;-)
Started almost crashing into the camper - launching on the wet grass can be tricky!!!
I would say guys had a good laugh watching me struggling to hang on to my kite for 2 hours... When I got too tired and too cold, thy decided to got out and the wind dropped right off - big kites weather! I got to admit I was a bit jealous watching them going on the slider...
It was fun weekend but rather cold and now I'm paying the price for freezing on the beach doing Gavin's line and kite - chest infection and dose of antibiotics! ;-(
Monday, April 20, 2009
No Booties No More!!! :-)
The weather last weekend was gorgeous - warm and sunny, of course the most important element was missing - wind!
But we got very lucky yesterday afternoon, a sea breeze (?) kicked in around 3pm. It was all very light winds but I had a blast on my lovely 12m North Rebel for 4 hours!
I'm wrecked and sun burnt today!
Thanks for the photos "Sin Light"!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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