Took a swim

I purchased a wave a couple of months ago. I'm 50 years old and have very little sailing experience. I've been able to sail my wave appox. a half dozen times. Yesterday I had the afternoon off and the weather was warm (low 70's), so off to the lake I go. Winds are blowing strong (between 16 and 20 mph). Water temperature was mid 50's. I cut across a rough lake to get to the windward side where it wasn't as rough. Had a blast there, was able to get a hull up for a little while a few times. I thought I had did a pretty good job of not letting the boat turn over in these strong winds. After about 3 hours my arms had enough, working the sheets in those kind of winds is one hell of a forearm and bicep workout, so i headed in. Feeling pretty cocky of my accomplishments, i got lazy on the way in and wasn't paying much attention to what I was doing and next thing I knew I'm in the water behind a capsized cat. I'm not sure what I did wrong for this to have happened, it happened so quick. I had turned it over and righted it solo on a previous trip so i wasn't as nervous. The only thing that bothered me a little was that the bank was approaching quickly. Like previously stated on this forum, the boat moves fast while on its side. So I made sure the sail was not cleated, turned the boat to get the wind to help me to right, and lean back on my righting rope and up it comes but it didn't stop when upright it kept going and flipped over the other way. The next time I didn't lean back as hard and successfully righted her and made it back without further incident. I had purchased a 5mil wet suit to sail it throughout the winter and it worked great. I was never hot or cold the whole time.
Anyway just thought I'd write of my little trip and say how much I have learned by reading post on this forum. It has been extremely helpful and I'll continue having a great time by learning on the water. I can't wait to get out there again.

Sounds like you had a great time and learned a little as well. That is a win win situation anytime. I bought my Wave this past summer and had a blast sailing it right up until the cold weather came in October. Now the hulls are covered in snow, the bay out front is frozen, and I am looking at the Hobie web site checking out accessories for my Wave. The traveller kit is really tempting me.

Enjoy your winter sailing. I envy you.