You Are Not Average

Submitted by webguy on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 12:39
Quote:
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that. - George Carlin

Fortunately, we aren't talking about your intelligence but, rather, your body size. A lot of us aren't average. We are bigger, smaller, heavier and lighter than the "average" windsurfer. And, certainly, we don't windsurf in an average place.

Peter Hart has written a pair of articles about windsurfing when you aren't the average size. We can't recommend these enough. You should read both whether you are a larger or smaller than average person as there is a lot of wisdom to be gleaned.

Drone

Submitted by webguy on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 00:38

We've been wanting to write about this for quite some time: how drone photography changes the way that we and the rest of the world sees windsurfing.

For those of us who have windsurfed for a long time, still photography was the more common method of relaying the windsurfing experience to others. If done by a family member, it usually resulted in a nice seascape with a smudge on the horizon which indicated "windsurfer". Unless you had a friend with a really good telephoto lens, this was really the way the world saw you - that dot on the horizon. Colorful dacron sails at least made us noticeable but then we had to go and ruin that with the advent of the monofilm sail. While monofilm had distinct performance advantages with it's lack of stretch, it made windsurfing about as visually appealing as a Pringle potato chip.

Yard Sale - Spring 2017 Edition

Submitted by webguy on Sun, 02/26/2017 - 23:26

Spring has sprung. Well, it's a bit early being late February but we personally witnessed Trey windsurfing in just a shorty the other day, so it must be true. Okay, so he forgot his long suit at home but some years at this time, we're debating whether it will break 40 degrees and warm up enough to even go.

With the change of seasons, some of us need to clear out the garage to make room for newer toys. Others just need to thin the herd a bit. For some of us, we swear that there were only four boards in the garage last August so we haven't a clue how suddenly (and, legitimately) there are six. We aren't aware that boards, fins or sails can procreate like rabbits but they keep popping up.

There are new or progressing windsurfers who are looking to expand their quivers. Maybe it's that first short board or maybe a larger sail. It's time to go shopping and the budget may not allow brand new kit so decent used kit is appealing.

So, it's time for a yard sale. Post what you have or what you are looking for on this thread in the forums: https://windsportatlanta.com/content/yard-sale-2017-22617

If you've listed something recently, just post a link to your existing post if you wish - no need to do it all again.

Barrett's picture

Turning Marginal Days into Fun Days

Submitted by Barrett on Tue, 01/10/2017 - 10:13

Report on New RRD Firemove 122

If you’re like me, you love days when whitecaps cover area lakes. Steady, strong wind makes sailing easy. But light and gusty conditions are far more common. Rather than complain about the lack of good wind, I recently upgraded to a new board that turns many marginal days into fun days on the water.

The board is the RRD Firemove 122 liter. The Firemove captures the excitement of short-board sailing in lower winds than I previously thought possible. It works great with both my 8.5 and 7.0 meter Ezzy sails. In Bonaire I rented this RRD board and thought it was also a good match with a 6.5 meter sail. The 122 liter Firemove handles a wide wind range and smooths out chop. A big advantage of the design is that it stays on a plane, coasting through lulls, without sacrificing turning ability. This board is extremely easy to jibe and effortlessly turns to ride small waves.

I have to credit Alain Ciclet for introducing me to the Firemove. He’s an experienced windsurfer who learned on the south coast of France where Mistral winds create epic conditions. He wanted a board that preserved the excitement and feel of short-board sailing in lower winds. Alain brought his new Firemove to Nags Head where I saw him sail in a variety of conditions.

The Firemove is made in a range of sizes between 100 - 135 liters focusing on all-around freeride performance. The new 120 liter and last year’s 122 liter board come with a quality 42 cm Powerbox fin. JP makes a similar line called “Magic Ride" of wide, short, thin boards. An extra-wide Formula, or Super lightwind board will plane in even lower wind, but can’t match the sheer fun and turning ability of RRD’s new design. This was the most popular board in the rental fleet at Jibe City in Bonaire. I’ve found it’s equally at home on Lake Lanier or the Outer Banks.

—

Barrett

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