and I've got a few questions if ya'll are willing to help me out. I've never windsurfed or even tried, but lately I've been thinking of giving it a shot. I saw a guy at Lake Juliette a couple years ago having a blast and I can't seem to let the memory go. Heres my stats...I'm 41, bout 230 lbs., 6', and VERY clumsy! Is there any hope for me? If I decide to take the plunge what equipment would you guys suggest? I'd like something basic (cheap). I run some, kayak some, bike, and play a little tennis, so for a 230lb. guy I can do ok. I'm getting my scuba certification this August also. I'd appreciate any advice ya'll have to offer. Thanks! ;D
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Talon,
Hopefully, the scuba cert won't be necessary but will be fun when you go to Bonaire.
1) Get lessons.
2) Get lessons.
3) Get lessons (notice a theme here?). You didn't start diving by buying a 20yr old regulator out of someone's garage and jump by yourself into a neighbor's pond did you? Nope, didn't think so.
Windsurfing is not as inherently dangerous (we don't have to stand 10 ft out from the beach for 3 minutes before coming in) but like many skill sports, little things can make a big difference. Little, non-intuitive things. Doing other things helps but unless someone shows you the little things, you'll spend a year/years learning them on your own. Life is too short.
Fortunately for you, the blossoming of wide boards has made learning for folks your size ever so much easier. Make sure you are learning on something wide (at least 90cm IMHO) and floaty. There's no reason that you should feel like you need to use the same equipment as us small more experienced guys. Even some us like using the big wide stuff, too. OTOH, start with a small sail- again, if it's easy, you are more likely to stick with it.
Age (you are about average), clumsiness (you probably aren't) etc really aren't "issues". I've seen 8 yr olds hold their own. I've seen 80 yr olds hold their own as well.
Lake Juliette is a fun place to sail- chances are you saw Jon Danovic sailing down there or one of his buddies. Some of us even go down there in the winter since it is GA Power warmed.
If you can't make it to the clinic, consider hooking up in private with a local teacher or make a weekend of it at one of the schools in Cocoa Beach.
- keep the kayak and bike. the Atlanta area is hardly famous for its wind. You'll need something for those not so windy days.
Talon --
You probably saw either me or Jon Danovic at Lake Juliette. We tend to be the only 'regulars' that sail that lake. Of all the lakes within a 60 mile radius of Atlanta (Lanier, Altoona, Oconee and Juliette) Juliette is by best far the best to learn on. That being said, no lake in Georgia is actually that great to learn on(deep waters, flukey to non-exsistent wind, boat traffic). It can be done, but I know that my brother learned more in one week sailing in Hatteras than I did in one year sailing at Juliette... But heck, I learned to sail here, and so did many others, so it can be done.
Before you buy anything, you definitely need to get a lesson. Chuck Hardin (at http://www.whitecapwindsurfing.com) gives lots of lessons during the warmer months, and he would be a good person to talk to about getting into the sport...
Hey guys. Thanks for all the valuable info! I wish I was able to make the clinic Sat. Do ya'll have any more clinics during the year? Or is this a one time thing? Thanks!
Keith
Keith,
I don't think there will be any more clinics this summer. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)
If you would like to get lessons in a really easy (and relatively inexpensive) place to learn try Windsurfing St. Augustine. I was there a few days last summer and saw them teach lots of people to sail for their first time. Everyone seemed to be successful and have a good time. Its in a FL state park (I think) and
http://flaglerestates.com/windsurfing/staugustine.htm
Here is what the club web page says about it:
Not a bad spot to sail even though overshadowed by Jacksonville and Daytona. You can sail in Anastasia St. Park (just over the bridge from St. Augustine) in Salt Run, a narrow tidal basin that's fairly protected. The local shop Windsurfing St. Augustine is there and offers rentals and lessons. Just beware of the oyster shells at the edges near the tall grass. You can also hop over the dunes at the parking lot for ocean side sailing. There is also intermediate/advanced sailing in the bay, accessible near the lighthouse. Salt Run is a good place, like Huguenot, for those working on their jibes but, while a bit narrower at low tide, is still sailable, unlike Huguenot. The state park also offers camping or you may wish to stay in town in a B & B.
Good luck,
Randy
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Here is a nice little article written by Chuck H. about getting into the sport:
http://www.thrillseekersonline.com/windwindsurf101.html
Here is the deal of the century. I have a complet board rig and sails that I will let you use for FREE. That way you can go out and fool around on it and decide if you want to really get into the sport. It's all beginner stuff. And by the way you can take lessons from Chris Pyron. He is a good teacher and good sailor and his pricing is very reaonable.
My name is David and you can call me at 770-979-7660
PeelSkid