With the wind from the North today the only local option was Bradfield on the River Stour and the best wind was in the afternoon which matched high water perfectly :) So Mag and I left Felixstowe at 1 ish and drove the 20 miles to Bradfield, finding the narrow lane to the beach, then just under the railway bridge the farmer has a gateway which leads to a lovely grassed area right by the river - there was a big pot-hole on the entrance which you had to take with care. I was the first windsurfer to arrive and with wind gusting to 16 mph and looking gusty I went with my big kit. Local sailer Jason turned up - nice to met him and he was followed by Ian Clarke,Peter Cutts,Mark Smalling,David Coles,Nick Icke + a few windsurfers I didn't know and 3/4 kitesurfers, I have never seen the carpark so full!!! I made the right decision with the longboard and big sail as the north onshore wind is very up and down. I beat away from the beach and got to the middle of the river, then reached 4 miles to Parkeston past Wrabness, it is a beautiful spot to sail and there is more water than at Levington! I spent an hour and a half going up and down before returning to the van for top home made cake and tea:) It was then out on the water for a similar session, reaching all the way to the far shore past Wrabness before beating all the way to Mistley past the quay where the wind picked up. I then reached all the way pack to Wrabness planning all the way :) the wind then dropped so it was time to pack up - so a good day was had by most, the wind is always going to be gusty but good fun none the less !
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