Skårasalen - Hjorundfjorden skiing day 1 (Topptur)

Skårasalen, 1546m 24 April 2016

Our first ski day in Hjorundfjorden with Fjord Adventures

The HMS Gåssten, a refitted Swedish wooden ex-minesweeper, had taken us up the fjord from Alesund yesterday and we spent the night moored at Saebo close to a hotel with a thatched roof.

The naval vessel HMS Gåssten was one of the last wooden Swedish Navy ships ever built and has been beautifully restored with cosy cabins.
Sven drove us up to snow in the van.  We put our skis on and followed a trail up through farm land then on to a steeper climb that led us to a high gully that we then followed to a ridge.

We were passed by several groups of local Norwegians out for a ski.

It was an easy ski up the ridge to the summit where we were rewarded with dramatic views across the Sunnmøre Alps.  Then it was skins off for the descent,

We skied down the ridge then right turn to drop into a steep gorge with some nice powder snow.  The recent fresh snowfall was evident.

It was a dramatic descent down the canyon with the snow getting heavier until we took our skis off and walked along a rough farm track to small harbour where we were picked up Jarred in the dingy.

It was a solid day and a rewarding one.

Skiing down towards the fjord in fresh snow was the highlight,

Nice kitesurfing with my Flite 14.5 at Aspendale - big kite day

Session 374. After a slow start there was some wind during the morning but the wind forecast for the afternoon was better. James, Stu S, Eric and I went to Gnotuk Ave Aspendale.  There are major works in progress at the foreshore. They seem to building a decking promenade along the beach side of the car park.

The wind was light so I took out my Ocean Rodeo 14.5, which was the right choice. Plenty of power, some nice bay waves to surf and even a few backloops.  There were around 6 to 8 kites visible along the beaches in the distance.

Stu had a go and said he liked the kite. James had a go too but the wind then dropped below 10 knots so it was all over.

Kiting with Eric

Stu Styles

Stu Styles

GPS log

Hampton sea breeze and the end of daylight saving

Session 373. Hampton delivered again!  Late afternoon sea breeze of around 17 knots provided some good kitesurfing for myself, Stu and James.  I did my first kiteloop in the air!  It was an anti climax though as I just seem to float down like a normal jump.  I will try one with more wind next time.

The Nugget really is great for these lighter winds.

Daylight saving is now over so evening kitesurfing will be more restricted now.

  

GPS Log

Kitesurfing Point Impossible big waves

Session 372.  The wind forecast for the South West Coast was good so the crew (Dan, Mike, Stu W, Stu S, Eric and myself) drove there in the morning.  We stopped at Breamlea first but the wind was only around 10 knots and there were fishermen on the beach. I saw one kite off to the west so we drove on to Point Impossible which is great kitesurfing location.  Good waves were rolling in and the wind was stronger.  There is lots of reef about but also some good beach for launching and landing.

There was also a smallish surfing (longboard?) competition in progress in front of the car park.  Several windsurfers were already out and also one kiter, who turned out to be Julien.

Getting out wasn't too difficult with some gaps in the big sets and there was enough wind to get about.  Coming in on a wave was exciting as they build in size.  I had some good rides, then picked a big one. I did a bottom turn then came back up for a top turn but I flew the kite too far back and it stalled. I stopped and the wave dumped my.  Slack in the kite lines and it was down.  Bugger!  I also felt a line out behind me and tried to sort it out worried that the kite lines were snagged. Eventually I realised it was the safety line from my harness that had slipped out of its pocket.

I then focused on re-launching my kite which turned out to be difficult as the wind had dropped out.  Eventually I got it up and body dragged down to the beach.  Walking back my board was on the sand (phew).  Thanks Julien for sending it close to shore and Tony for collecting it.

I set up again and headed out for "part 2".  Some waves were very big and intimidating.  I repeated the "top turn" manoeuvre again and dropped my kite, but was able to relaunch it and get out of trouble.

I was then keeping more power in the kite when turning and powering up when heading back out to avoid it happening again.

After a solid two hours were were all well satisfied with our efforts.  Point Impossible is an excellent location for kitesurfing waves, but it is not really suitable for beginners.

Kiting big surf can be tricky compared to bay surf and swells but it is a whole lot of fun.  It is a longer drive to the surf coast, but well worth it when conditions are so good.

  

The following photos are from Stuart Webb.

GPS logs