Well, I surf launched for the first time with any real wave height. I didn't break anything and got out on my first crack, so I figure I must have done it close to right.

Typically, Lake Michigan does not have big waves when the wind isn't howling, but on Sunday it was blowing just 10-13 mph but there were good size waves coming in.

Winds were out of the south and the way the beach sits the waves were hitting at about a 45-50 degree angle. I was able to keep the bows pointed into the waves, wait for a lull, jump on and sheet in just before the next one hit. I got enough power in the sail to push through then next wave and the one after that and I was off.

Coming back in was a little trickier because after I jumped off, the boat kept wanting to turn sideways but I was able to get it backed in to the beach.

My hats off to you guys who regularly sail in the waves. I found it tricky to tack and going upwind was pretty rough. I didn't stay out too long.