January turned out to be a mixed bag in the wind department here in Baja.  The final count was 11 days of sailable wind, 8 additional days of kitable wind, and 12 no wind days.  January is usually one of the prime months for consistent sailable winds, but January 2004 was a little off.  After the stellar winds of November and December we were hoping the pattern would continue, but Mother Nature reminded us that she's in charge.   

A humming bird mother feeds her babies, on the beach in Baja

And what happens when the winds get light?  One thing that's occurred the past two winters here on the beach, is that many windsurfers have taken up kiting as a light wind alternative to sitting and waiting for sailable winds.  They aren't giving up windsurfing, quite the contrary, they are enjoying both sports.  Most of these multiple wind sport enthusiasts love to windsurf, but in winds of over 20 mph.  They've discovered that a 12 to 16 meter kite can get them out on the water in as little as 13 or 14 mph wind.  The one unique thing about this group (15+) of multi-sport enthusiasts is that they are all over 50 and a few are closing in on 70.  Any stereotypes of crazy out of control kiters go out the window with this group of fun loving folks who are loving the thrill and challenge of learning a new sport.  They seem to be focused on sharing the water in a safe and responsible way...let's hear it for maturity!   

And what happens when there is no wind?  Southern Baja provides a long list of alternative activities and adventures away from the wind and water.  This past weekend we discovered a new one that turned out to be a thrilling and exciting way to spend an afternoon.  CGWA board member Bud Budworth and his wife Vel, joined us at a private rancho south of Todo Santos to drive race cars designed for the Baja 1000 desert races.  Wide Open Baja, a San Diego company that leases cars for tours and the actual Baja 1000, set us up with all the safety gear, instruction, and our own car to test our skills over their specially designed course through the desert.  The cars are specially designed and build by Chenoweth with Porsche engines and 18" of wheel travel.  We had an incredible time and set the fastest times for the track that day, but the good thing is that our co-pilots are still talking to us.  Now if I can just put together a group to do the Baja 1000 next November.  

Happy sailing,  Gary  

Gary and Nancy run the Windance Rental & Demo Center in the summer, 
and spend the winter in Baja on the beach in La Ventana