Windsurfing

[RantyDave]

I have been a sailor - dinghy racing mainly, and reasonably good at it too - for many years. I've had a few pops at learning Windsurfing, and while trapped with the inlaws in Maui have put some effort into learning Windsurfing properly.

And we are talking real effort. Rent proper gear (carbon fibre rigs are all good), get proper instruction and go out and practice.

After all this I can assure you, totally, that motorbikes are more fun. With any luck someone can learn from my misfortune and save themselves from this most deeply f*cking aggravating of all sports.

You may now return to your normal programming.

Dave

[Hawkeye]

Sorry Dave - But

Having spent years Windsurfing, I can assure you that it is in fact as much fun as riding the bike. Hooking into a harness, with your feet in the back straps, the board planing and a force 4-5 blowing. You don't have time to think of anything but holding on and hitting the lip of the next wave.

[spudchucka]

I've been windsurfing since the late 80's and used to teach newbies for a while as a way of paying for my new gear. A good day of sailing still gets me going a hell of a lot more than any days motor bike riding. The speed rush I get windsurfing is much more thrilling than going flat out on a bike and you can smack a wave, jump 20 feet or more in the air and ride the waves without having to paddle out. It can be a difficult sport to master but the rewards are fantastic.

I'd hate to think of the amount of $$$ I've blown on windsurfing gear, I used to be quite competitive and always had the lates and greatest equipment. These days I'm a lot more cruisy and don't really get into racing. A bit of wave sailing and bump & jump style is more me these days, although I would like to have a crack at a couple of speed sailing events.

[Motu]

My cousin was on the cover of Sea Spray sailing a windsurfer on Lake Pupuke when they were the latest new thing - no one had ever sailed one,so he said he'd give it a go for them.Sailing has been his life - but but gave me my first ride on a bike with his Puch moped,and I got my Bantam off him.

[Hawkeye]

The speed rush I get windsurfing is much more thrilling than going flat out on a bike and you can smack a wave, jump 20 feet or more in the air and ride the waves without having to paddle out. It can be a difficult sport to master but the rewards are fantastic.

My sentiments exactly

[spudchucka]

My sentiments exactly

Do you sail at Plimerton? Thats still one of my all time favorite spots to sail.

[MrMelon]

I want to get into a bit of windsurfing some time. Best way's just to go get some lessons eh?

[sexy beast]

i have a learner board and rig 2 sails and mast sitting in storage ever since i bought it last winter.....any words of encouragment/tips....to make that maiden windsurf!

[Indiana_Jones]

I get enough excitement riding my wobbly bike in Auckland traffic lol

-Indy

[RantyDave]

Well, boys, sounds like encouragement to me. I have another drowning lesson today - water starts, which the instructors tell me could well be a weeks' work. Jeez. My bloody arms are killing me.

Anyway, thanks. I'll get my shit together yet.

Dave

[spudchucka]

I want to get into a bit of windsurfing some time. Best way's just to go get some lessons eh?

There are a few fundamental skills that will make the whole experience so much more rewarding. Even with lessons you should still expect to do be doing a lot of face planting. The modern gear is a great deal easier for learning on than the ancient vessels I had to use, get into it, its a blast.

[spudchucka]

i have a learner board and rig 2 sails and mast sitting in storage ever since i bought it last winter.....any words of encouragment/tips....to make that maiden windsurf!

Just do it. Go down to a local windsurf shop, (there are several on Barrys Point Road from memory) and find out the best spot for beginners. Latch on to a couple of other beginers and get into it.

[spudchucka]

RantyDave, there are heaps of windsurfers in Wgtn, you shouldn't have any trouble getting encoragement down there.

[Blackbird]

I have been a sailor - dinghy racing mainly, and reasonably good at it too - for many years. Dave

Snap - raced Lasers and Paper Tigers and did pretty well in 'Tigers. It's amazing how many bikers have either sailed or flown or both. I think they all use the same skill sets and give similar types of satisfaction. I'm the bod sailing 2361 in the photo.

Geoff

[DMNTD:Me]

i have a learner board and rig 2 sails and mast sitting in storage ever since i bought it last winter.....any words of encouragment/tips....to make that maiden windsurf!

Sure....bring it on up this way mate and I'd gladly teach you at some wicked good beaches...in exchange for a go myself
Used to race them(just with mates) down at Mission Bay Ak's a few blue moons ago. Miss it longtime for sure.
Agreed with Spud's sentiments on the rush!! Hell....flat out with your board slapping the waves,no motor,just the POWER of nature...that's what I'm talking about.
Used to race a 36' Lidguard and an ol' M Class too. Extremely deceptive are the ol' running boards man!
A rush is a rush but some make ya blush