Commodore's Notes
(for the Spring 2008 newsletter)

By CCWA Commodore Joe Lynch

The really avid windsurfers in our area believe that the best winds happen when Texas is hot and dry. Conversely, it seems logical that cool and wet weather would result in less than average wind speeds. Since most of Texas received record rainfall in 2007, Corpus Christi included, that’s my official excuse for windsurfing only 36 times last year, compared to 63 times in 2006. For 2008, my casual observations are that it has been warm and dry to date, and that I will be taking days off from windsurfing this year just to rest my body. (It is blowing 29 to 32 at Port Aransas as I write this). On a related note, I did break my foot on November 11th, 2006, but I was back on the water on February 24th, 2007 and estimate I missed just 6 sailable days during that time.

The positive side of the low wind speeds in 2007 was that CCWA had a successful year in achieving our stated goals:

• Protect access to existing launches
• Advocate improvements to established launches
• Explore with our partners the possibilities and practicalities of creating new launches and teaching locations
• Create partnerships with the City of Corpus Christi, Padre Island National Seashore, Visitors Bureau, and Chamber of Commerce
• Promote the growth of windsurfing
• Promote wind sport safety and work with other winds ports for mutual benefit
• Sponsor civic activities

Here is a list of some of our accomplishments:

• CCWA partnered with the Nature Conservancy to educate and increase awareness of sea grasses
• CCWA partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to participate in the Storm Water Drain Stenciling program in the Spring and Fall
• CCWA organized the first community wide Water Sports Swap Meet at the City Coliseum
• CCWA hosted the 2nd annual Discover Windsurfing Day (see video on Home page)
• CCWA successfully lobbied the City Council to comply with the Federal Clean Water Act guidelines and post signs at beaches when bacteria counts are high
• CCWA launch advocates worked closely with the National Parks to mitigate parking/camping issues at Bird Island, and with the City of Corpus Christi Parks staff and Engineering to clarify launch improvements at Oleander Point
• CCWA worked with the newly created kiteboarding association, CCKA, and with the Surfrider Foundation to create safety guidelines at Packery Channel
• CCWA member Mike McCutchon was elected to the Corpus Christi City Council

Having FUN was not a stated goal but, it must have been implied because we had at least 6 parties and lots of good times. So, for 2008 and beyond, I would like to add “Have Fun and Parties” as a stated goal. Also, there are 3 goals listed at the top which all relate to launches. There is probably some way to combine those into one larger goal, which would simplify the list and probably encompass additional possibilities. Your Board of Directors will discuss these options at our next meeting.

This year I’m hoping that CCWA performs as well as last year, maybe better, and I look forward to seeing all our members at the upcoming events.

See you at the beach!
Joe Lynch
Commodore