Wrong Way Wind
Kai Lenny at Lanes today with Kona winds
Maui’s long streak of light or no trade winds has continued for the past week. That’s not to say there’s no wind though. The last few days we’ve had Kona winds – winds from the southwest rather than our normal northeast trade winds.
Winds looked strongest at Kihei yesterday with the sensor there reporting averages of 26 gusting over 30. Pavillions was pretty packed with windsurfers and kiters. Despite the sensor readings, it looked like 5.7 was the call. By the time I got it rigged and changed though the wind had dropped and my wind dummy on his 5.8 was slogging. Polling sailors who had been out earlier, even though it was windier, it was still a lot lighter than the sensor was reporting – lightweight guys needing 5.3s even at it’s strongest. Bottom line – the sensor at Kihei was reading about 8mph too high.
After running an errand to Haiku today I stopped by Hookipa to check out the Kona Lanes action. A few sailors out, along with several kites. Waves were a lot smaller than the epic Kona Lanes we often get this time of year. Snapped a few photos (see below) and then headed down to Kanaha to check that out.
Several sailors out at Lowers. Uppers was way too shadowed to launch there, but it was very doable at Lowers, despite being light inside.
Should have another day or two of these wrong way winds, then another cold front passage will usher in a brief return of light trade winds in the Thursday – Friday time frame. Hopefully a little stronger than recent episodes.
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