Hi everyone, I moved to Alpharetta from the UK back in August 2014 and now we're settled i'd like to get back into windsurfing locally at Lake Lanier. I sold all my gear prior to the move across the pond, so if anyone can recommend a local shop or online dealer i'd appreciate it.
many thanks, Simon.
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Welcome to the USA Simon. Always glad to see someone getting back into windsurfing. Depending on what you are looking for, Gene Mathis has had not only a consignment shop but he gets great deals on new equipment as well. I will let Gene comment as he is the expert. We have a great bunch of members who windsurf as often as we can. Atlanta does not get the best of conditions, but mainly frontal systems that roll on through. Also, hurricanes do bring some powerful winds if they are close enough in the Atlantic..
As far as myself, Cape Hatteras is my location of choice and I get there several times a year. 10 hour drive is worth it when the forecast is strong. I may have some equipment if you are interested, but I would definitely start with Gene. Im sure he will chime in when he sees your post.....Not to mention the other regulars who are the experts on advice and gear. Welcome!
First, this reminds me that while we have the gear category in the forums, I wanted to do a bit of a "Virtual Swap Meet" for those looking to buy/sell. Look for it in the next few days.
Great post by Trey. If I can piggy back on his comments...
A shout out to Gene who's grabbed a decent amount of my money for some killer Ezzy sails and Chinook swag. Also, Chuck Hardin in Augusta at Whitecap Windsurfing is super helpful.
Beyond that, for shopping it's the Outer Banks (Cape Hatteras), the Gorge or Florida. There are a lot of shops reasonably close together in OBX so it makes a trip there worthwhile. OBX is one of the great windsurfing destinations in the world so take advantage of it while you are in the neighborhood. April thru June and Sept to November are the best months. I'm partial to late spring, early summer myself. Take a look at some of the photos in the photo gallery to get an idea of what it is like. It's not quite as scenic as Bonaire or Egypt but it's a lot closer and much more affordable.
Florida's bigger shops are Sandy Point in Daytona and Adventure in Miami. The Gorge has several - Big Winds and Windance come to mind and then there is Southport in Wisconsin.
Check Gene and Chuck first, though, as often they can be more than competitive and they've supported the local scene for years.
Welcome to town. It won't be cold forever. If I've overlooked anything, apologies.
Thanks for all the great response so far.
I started windsurfing back in 1991 and have been actively involved with Trent Windsurfing Club back in England. In fact I think i'm still on the who's who page...
Hopefully get myself sorted out soon with everything I need and ready to venture out on the water! gulp...
Nice web site. Maybe webguy will get off his butt and get some more work around done around here.
Yet, here in the land of sweet (honey) iced tea, we complain about the cold.
Welcome to Atlanta - the city where you can live happily without a 4.0
--- The Arrogant Jerk: Crabby and irritable since 1998.
Haha, the Brits are always complaining about the weather, it's what we do (that, and drink tea of course...) I built that website about 8 years ago and it's been hacked to pieces a few times over the years.
I used to sail in any weather as long as it was windy (back when I was young and daft and had no responsibilities). I'm far more selective nowadays. It was more 160L board and 8.5m sail before I moved to the US.
I can't remember it ever being all that windy around Alpharetta last year? (apart from the freaky stormy weather with the odd tornado thrown in that nobody warned us about :-), but i'm not looking for big wind days yet as I need to get back into the sport, improve fitness and shed some pounds. One year of eating your lovely southern bbq food has taken it's toll!!
Simon, sorry to say, WindSense, our local shop, has ran it's course, I still have some left over inventory, bases, harness lines, and odds and ends. And I'll still special order from Ezzy, their sails and RDM masts (including their new 60 % carbon version.), I also still have some consignment gear which has not been picked up, a few booms and some junk sails, (buy anything and get a free sail sale.) .
If you're ordering gear on line, please consider Sandy Point Progressive Sports down in Daytona. That is the retail shop for the Aerotech distributors, they carry a lot of different brands and they have been VERY supportive of our local club over many years. Chinook has also been very supportive of our local club.
Whitecap over in Augusta is the closest shop and has been known to deliver in the Atlanta area.
All that being said -
Anyone interested in my 7.5 and 6.0 Ezzy sails, I'm thinking of replacing them.
Also, Chinook is coming out with their Inflatable SUPs with mast attachments (and one has a center fin.) They should be available in April, and I'm hoping to get two of them to demo and will special order them if there is a demand. I also will be selling my Mistral Pacifico Windsurfing SUP at that time.
http://www.chinooksailing.com/products/index.php?cPath=89&osCsid=51gm3vcpd2nqa9nqjdr4jb9tf5
And Finally, many Thanks to my loyal customers over the year.
Gene
Gene Mathis
Thanks Gene, i've had lots of response through this forum so just weighing up options at the moment. I'll have a look at SPPS online. Many thanks, Simon.