Land Lock Lady Looking to Learn

tkomarek

tkomarek

Member
129
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Perry Lake
I grew up on a small lake in the Midwest enjoying mostly powered water sports. Unfortunately water hasn't been a huge part of my life for the past few years and I have a burning desire to rekindle the flame. I recently saw on SA a few blurbs on windsurfing and thought "Hey, I can do that!". So I've joined in the anarchy and am hoping to gleam bits and pieces of knowledge off of the rest of you.

I don't know the first thing about sailing, other than I know its a helluva lot more complicated than driving a ski boat or jet ski. I have the mechanical aptitude to handle a larger sailing vessel, but I don't have the desire to start off that big. So windsurfing is the goldilocks golden spot for me.

So for any of you who are windsurfing afficianados, please enlighten this n00b on the best way to get my feet wet.

 
Remodel

Remodel

Super Anarchist
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LandLubbette said:
I grew up on a small lake in the Midwest enjoying mostly powered water sports. Unfortunately water hasn't been a huge part of my life for the past few years and I have a burning desire to rekindle the flame. I recently saw on SA a few blurbs on windsurfing and thought "Hey, I can do that!". So I've joined in the anarchy and am hoping to gleam bits and pieces of knowledge off of the rest of you.

I don't know the first thing about sailing, other than I know its a helluva lot more complicated than driving a ski boat or jet ski. I have the mechanical aptitude to handle a larger sailing vessel, but I don't have the desire to start off that big. So windsurfing is the goldilocks golden spot for me.

So for any of you who are windsurfing afficianados, please enlighten this n00b on the best way to get my feet wet.
Click to expand...
You'll want to take some classes.

Welcome to SA newbie. There are traditional welcomes/hazing for newbies, but I'll leave those to the rest of the crowd. Don't be offended, and prepare to dish out as good as you get.

 
P

Port Tack Approach

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ok its been a few hrs and no one has manned up. Fuck off Newb and show us your tits.

Now that that is done, if you are serious about wanting to get into sailing, my recommendation would be to start on a smallish dingy where there would be more than one in crew. This allows you to learn from someone else rather than trying to figure it all out yourself. Personally I need to see and feel rather than just read in a book to actually learn something. I am not a windsurfer, but I would imagine the learning curve would be more forgiving on a dingy than a windsurfer.

Let us know what area you are in, maybe you can find someone here who would be willing to take you out and teach you a few things. This also keeps the $$ down. you dont have to buy something to figure out if you like it or not

 
steele

steele

Super Anarchist
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Land of the locks
I think windsurfing is a great way to get out on the water. I also sail a keelboat and laser 2, but windsurfing offers some advantages. The gear is much less expensive, especailly since it can be found used. The gear is light and easy to transport and set up by even small folks, and it can be stored in any garage or yard at no cost. In the last few years the boards have gotten more stable, but are still fun. On a good day, no other type of sailing is as athletic and conected to the wind and water.

Some downsides, it is not easy to learn, the combination of learning sail control and balance is a challenge. Lessons are almost manditory. It is wet and can be cold, so most end up with cold weather gear. Once you learn, low wind days are a drag since stading on a bobbing board is not as nice as sitting in a cockpit with a beer in hand.

The best way to go is to take a lesson or 2, and if you like get it get a used board, but try to find one just a few years old. The equipment is durable and you can often sell used stuff for what you paid.

 
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tkomarek

tkomarek

Member
129
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Perry Lake
Exactly steele. I'd get a dingy or cat if I had somewhere to store it. I don't want to have recurring maintenance and storage fees. And I don't want to pay property taxes or have motor maintenance/gas fees.

And I don't (currently) possess a truck, however that is going to change relatively soon.

My sailing excursions will entail Saturday trips to Lake Perry in Kansas. They do have a few yatch clubs and have some races, but right now I want to go solo. I'm not sure if any sailing classes are offered around here but I'll check around.

I've also been watching some instructional video online which, suprisingly, is rather helpful.

Remodel, no worries about me, I definitely dish as good, if not better, than I get. B)

My boobies, for your viewing pleasure:

/monthly_08_2010/post-46669-078663100%201281721474_thumb.jpg

 

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Cement_Shoes

Cement_Shoes

Super Anarchist
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A to Z
Windsurfing is a different sport than sailing. Knowing how to do one is an aid in learning the other but if you want to windsurf, start off windsurfing.

Windsurfing lessons would be a good help but you can teach yourself with patience and someone who is willing to rescue you when you get blown downwind across the lake while learning.

PS I feel as though the french toast was a lie.

 
B

bgytr

Super Anarchist
5,170
759
If you really want to start out by windsurfing, tell your self to be patient. You will spend a full weekend falling in the water and climbing back up on the board before you show any real progress moving with control on the water. You have the added complication of trying to keep from falling over as well as adjusting the sail to the wind.

Another critcal tip, which will sound silly, but it ain't. Every second you are outside, walking sitting, or whatever, you should be able to tell where the wind is coming from. Feel it on your face, and guage the speed by looking around as well as feeling it on your skin. Absolutely critical.

Windsurfing is an awesome sport, I did the whole shortboard Hawaii thing back in the 80s in its heyday. Nothing gets you more in-tune with the wind and waves than standing on a little board and holding the sail in your hands. You can spend a fortune on good gear, so those that tell you it's cheap, beware. If you get hooked on the sport, and it is addicting, watch out. Your wallet might be in for a surprise.

 
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hobie18rich

hobie18rich

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A Wave club could work for you. sail it take it apart throw it on the roof of the car and drive off. Small simple relatively cheap easy to store and single person single sail configuration. Also roto molded and stable so those oop's at the dock are alot cheaper. (you will make an oops at the dock till you advance in skill.

 
Christian

Christian

Super Anarchist
9,469
46
Hopefully on the water
LandLubbette said:
I grew up on a small lake in the Midwest enjoying mostly powered water sports. Unfortunately water hasn't been a huge part of my life for the past few years and I have a burning desire to rekindle the flame. I recently saw on SA a few blurbs on windsurfing and thought "Hey, I can do that!". So I've joined in the anarchy and am hoping to gleam bits and pieces of knowledge off of the rest of you.

I don't know the first thing about sailing, other than I know its a helluva lot more complicated than driving a ski boat or jet ski. I have the mechanical aptitude to handle a larger sailing vessel, but I don't have the desire to start off that big. So windsurfing is the goldilocks golden spot for me.

So for any of you who are windsurfing afficianados, please enlighten this n00b on the best way to get my feet wet.
Click to expand...

Step in the water - after you have shown us your tits

 
billy backstay

billy backstay

Backstay, never bought a suit, never went to Vegas
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Long River meets the Sound....
Much easier to learn in a small boat before tackling a sailboard. Small trailerable Laser or even a used Sunfish. Once you have the basics of sailing down, the windsurfer transition will be much easier. Taught myself how to windsurf in a weekend, but already knew how to sail.

And,,,,,nice boobies!!

 
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N

Nomenclature

Super Anarchist
1,715
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Cloud 9
If you are going to take the Windsurfing route to begin with,

there are a few things that will make your initial experience easier.

Firstly, warm water. You will likely spend a major portion of your

first session falling into and getting back out of the water.

It is also good to have light but steady wind, hopefully with an

accessible shoreline nearby downwind. You do not want a strong

gusty wind blowing away from the beach.

If you intend to aquire your own equipment, and learn on your own,

do not get talked into a more advanced set up. Start with large, broad

board with a dagger board, like the original Windsurfer One Design.

Begin with a small sail with a short, light weight mast. You will have

to pull the rig out the water dozens of times in your first hour,

this can be very tiring with a full sized rig.

 
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