Pirates!

Normally we go surfing together, but there are those rare occasions when we’re alone. One of those times was in Rahuste, Saaremaa. 

Triin was on holiday in Saaremaa and as we needed to practice what we had learnt, she decided to go surfing alone. It was quite a windy week. The only problem was that the wind was blowing from north and usually with north winds we surf in Harilaid. Harilaid is a peninsula on the northwest coast of the island that belongs to the Vilsandi National Park. Large number of birds stop on Harilaid on their migration route and there’s also a resting site of grey seals. Usually we are the only kiters there. As Triin didn’t want to go surfing totally alone she contacted a local surfclub to ask for directions to any other surfing spot used with north winds. Mändjala Surfclub said that another option would be Rahuste on Sõrve peninsula and gave detailed directions.

When Triin arrived to the spot it seemed in the middle of nowhere, but there were some kiters already waiting. Access to the spot was a mess – high grass and no space at all. Triin literally parked her car in a 1m high grass and was only able to think about the million ticks that hide themselves in the grass and wait to get on your skin. Anyway, Triin walked towards the locals to check the spot out. The following conversation happened:

Triin said politely hello and walked by the locals. 
Local: “Hope she’s not from the birdwatch.”
Triin looking back with a puzzled face: “Me? Only if you consider those birds (showing towards kites).”
Local: “Oh, then we’re lucky. We thought you’re another conservationist”. 
Triin: “No, I came here to kite, but it’s a new spot for me. Usually we kite in Harilaid with north winds.”
Local: “You actually can kite?”
Triin: “Yes”.
Local: “And you manage the waves in Harilaid?”
Triin: “Yes”.
Local with a surprised face: “To the water then”.

Triin set up her gear and was ready to go. It was a windy day so she took her 9m2 kite. Despite access, Rahuste is a very nice spot. Close to the coastline you have shallow flat water and a bit further mild waves. There are no stones besides one close to the shore and the bottom of the sea is mostly sandy.

As it was blowing nicely Triin managed to enjoy the day fully. She was able to practice riding toeside in both directions and jibe towards stronger foot side. Yet there was an incident she coultn’t get hold on.

When she was kiting there was a student and a trainer quite close by. When the student kited downwind the trainer started walking slowly towards him, took the kite and rid back upwind so that the student could start all over again. But while he was riding upwind and passed Triin he shouted “Pirates!”. Triin thought it was a one time joke and just ignored it, but when it happened again and again, she was absolutely puzzled. What was that supposed to mean? Should she have responded like Jack Sparrow? So ridiculous… 

After 1,5 hours on the water the wind started blowing too strongly and Triin decided it’s time to finish. But there was a tiny canal next to the cars and all of a sudden, when Triin was packing her things to the car, the trainer kited on the canal shouting “Pirates!” once again. So weird!!! Probably it is a local joke or just something that people from mainland do not get.

In short, Rahuste is a decent spot and will probably end up there next time again. But be aware of the “Pirates!” 🙂