Topic for discussion - are there ways we accidentally gatekeep people from trying windsurfing, winging, kiting, etc when we don't mean to? It's sometimes a problem in other sports, say cycling, where people feel like they need certain gear to be a "cyclist".
One thing we do without meaning to is emphasize the higher speed forms (planing/foiling) and it maybe makes people starting out feel less than when we are actually trying to inspire them. Any other examples?
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I hadn't thought of it that way, but I agree that the group main discussions and focus is in the area of foiling vs, say entry level windsurfing.
I noticed this gap with my own friends and family. I have recently helped people use the old long boards in lite and moderate wind and they've really had fun.
A little marketing helps a lot:
- continue to encourage novices to come out for the regatta. The charter gear is great.
- continue to help people get full rigs together for their first time - or people returning to the sport.
- maybe re-run existing articles on learning. Our community encourages growth anywhere on the experience path. That can be different vs other groups.
- our foiling days are also good novice days.
What else?
I think a lot of the problem isn't gatekeeping, it's lack of awareness, and lack of access.
The best places to sail don't have permanent rental spots, just a rental trailer. At a pretty beginner friendly place (Fred Howard Park), there are paddleboard and other pedalcraft/kayak rentals but no windsurf rentals. It would be a good thing to have a good rental spot there for people to try it out that isn't exorbitantly expensive, and closer to where normal beach goers would be. Scenic, for instance, is only desirable for the odd fisherman unless you already are into the sport. Nobody would go there just to hang out at the "beach". Kite beach isn't really a beach you would go to unless you already kited for the same reason.
Clearwater sailing center has classes and rentals for members, but it's a spot that is over an hour in traffic for just about anyone unless you live right next to it, and kind of away from the main beach area.
This is vs. Hyeres, where I visited, and there's a small bar/restaurant with a permanent windsurf rental place right on the water with sails ready to go. And it's in an accessible area next to a main beach with lots of regular beach goers. There were a large amount of casuals, starters, etc. from what I could see. So, family or friends can have a beer while you do it, enjoy the beach, have a bathroom there, shops around, etc. without having to just sit and watch if they are not interested. It's a whole different setup.
For the two people I introduced to windsurfing, I had to lug the gear myself as well. I wish the spots had a more permanent setup/venue but it is not the case without someone taking the reigns (and spending a speculative amount of money). It may be possible in some places with cooperation with the parks.
rgenet
I guess I am no longer a newbie but I can still remember starting this sport.
At the time I think Nitro called me one of the few "Home Grown" Lanier windsurfers.
Now, there are many "Home Grown" windsporters that call Lanier their teaching waters.
I think we are doing a lot of things correct as a group.
Everyone encouraged me and helped. From gear, trips to Hatteras and advice.
I never felt boxed it or held back.
Lanier definitely has its challenges and there is not much that can be done about it. ( Well, the Corp will not let me do anything about it anyway)
Without this group I would have given up a long time ago.
The only thing I wish we did more of is travel to the coast
Aero's comment reminded me of what Real kiteboarding got right in OBX- creating a destination. Nobody in the windsurfing industry figured that out in the time where there were enough participants to create a critical mass.
It would be much harder to do now with fewer windsurfers and much higher real estate prices.
In general, windsports in the US are very condition sensitive making it more difficult to create an on the water concession. Perhaps Texas is okay and OBX but in general, not really.
Even though the US was the birthplace of windsurfing and to a degree of both kiting and winging, windsports are still cottage industries and don't attract the capital necessary.
Sometimes you just need to be lucky and be the passion of a billionaire. One of the Walton heirs is into mountain biking and they've turned Bentonville into a mtb mecca with parks, trails, etc
I'm not flaming retailers. There aren't many of them and all are working hard just to stay afloat.
rgenet
I benefited from windsurf people:
- renting gear in Hawaii for my first attempt in windsurfing - I was hooked
- seeing a windsurfer on a roof back in the 90s - and then finding this site and you peeps - thank you William et al!
- providing lessons - Calema - Florida. Thanks William for sending me there. I then bought my used longboard there.
- renting gear:
- candlestick park, SF ( from a "bread-truck")
- Hood river Gorge
- Coyote Pt, SF - a store
- I benefited from kiting people:
- just seeing two people off Sanibel, way back - I was hooked
- Real kiteboarding, kitefoiling, and Zoe took a lesson from another shop out there
- lessons in France from a kiteshop
- a guided sess in SF bay with kitethebay - super fun
- Hood river Gorge lessons
- I benefited from Foil people:
- Saw Matt of Real foil surfing in Hatteras, I bought that Armstrong 1200.
- William found the Takuma do-it-all foil board ( in Jacksonville) that I bought and have
- borrowing my friends waverunner and using that with the board and the foil with Sam to fly for the first times
- the whole Atl gang windfoiling (led by William and Chris) and wingfoiling (especially the support of Neil!) - so cool!
Surfing and skateboarding were more organic - as kids we just went out and did it with friends - all the time.
Anytime anyone asks about windsurfing, kiting, etc I always recommend they try it :-).
With Chris and Willliam we talk this stuff up for Jr week at LLSC when we have the chance ...
OK, William - setup a rental and lesson stand at Old Federal
I'm thankful for this community and industry innovations that allows us "to surf" in Atl and all over the world.