The Slalom & Freesail Nationals are on in June at Green Island. Please please please ladies enter & come along so we can have a big line up in the women's section. Let's show how there's a huge field of female windsurfers out there just as dedicated & passionate about windsurfing and love to have fun out there on the water. What ever your ability lets just go have fun & encourage each other.
Select to expand quoteKazza said..
The Slalom & Freesail Nationals are on in June at Green Island. Please please please ladies enter & come along so we can have a big line up in the women's section. Let's show how there's a huge field of female windsurfers out there just as dedicated & passionate about windsurfing and love to have fun out there on the water. What ever your ability lets just go have fun & encourage each other.
Love to but can't afford to go there + just had 3 weeks off so need to work! Good luck!
Would absolutely love to also but can't afford it. I've had two fantastic windsurfing trips to Green Island in 2009 and 2010 and promised my kids if I go to Green Island again it would be with the whole family. So if it was just me going I would seriously think about it but just can't afford to take everyone.
Looks like its just me and the blokes yet again
Good to hear from some fellow female sailors, gets a bit lonely down south. How about we all enter Tattslotto for the next couple of weeks and if we win we can all help pay for you all to go to GI.
I'm still not allowed to sail cos of knee rehab but if not for that would be super keen! I'd love to meet the famous Kazza!! 
Select to expand quoteneedsalt said..
I'm still not allowed to sail cos of knee rehab but if not for that would be super keen! I'd love to meet the famous Kazza!!
Why am I famous, I'm just a normal windsurf addict like the rest of us.
Select to expand quoteKazza said..needsalt said..
I'm still not allowed to sail cos of knee rehab but if not for that would be super keen! I'd love to meet the famous Kazza!!
Why am I famous, I'm just a normal windsurf addict like the rest of us.
Because you are such a good sailor. You get speeds that most of us can only dream of. You give us something to aspire to!
Probably cause I'm jealous, but can someone explain what Freesail Nationals will entail?
Slalom I get, but how do you judge Freesail?
Or did you mean Freerace?
Sailors will sail in a designated zone marked by buoys. They will wear GPS units. Their tracks will be uploaded to software which will calculate their average speed for a given time frame(nominaly 1 hour). The highest result wins. This is my interpretation of the rules, hopefully I'm close. There is probably a bit more to it.
Thank you Buzzby, I meant Freerace but when I realised I put the wrong word it wouldn't edit anymore.
Windxtasy - 
Select to expand quoteKazza said...needsalt said..
I'm still not allowed to sail cos of knee rehab but if not for that would be super keen! I'd love to meet the famous Kazza!!
Why am I famous, I'm just the SUPER FASTEST female windsurf addict
Fixed it for ya 
Ha Ha Ha, no it's called Tassies gale force winds and sailing with the boys, have to try and keep up with them. Oh and sailing Starboard/Severne gear
So ladies how can we encourage females to compete in National events in Aust. Seems to always be low numbers (if any at all) that enter.
Sounds like lack of funds is a No 1, is that because we're a little more sensible with our $$ and have family to think about.
Is it lack of confidence thinking National events are very daunting and we're not good enough?
Is it because not many females are interested in competition?
I used to think there were not many females sailing, but after sailing holidays to WA & Maui I realised there's heaps of us sailing out there.
I'm interested to know other ladies thoughts on competition or just sailing in general, so let us know
Select to expand quoteKazza said..
So ladies how can we encourage females to compete in National events in Aust. Seems to always be low numbers (if any at all) that enter.
Sounds like lack of funds is a No 1, is that because we're a little more sensible with our $$ and have family to think about.
Is it lack of confidence thinking National events are very daunting and we're not good enough?
Is it because not many females are interested in competition?
I used to think there were not many females sailing, but after sailing holidays to WA & Maui I realised there's heaps of us sailing out there.
I'm interested to know other ladies thoughts on competition or just sailing in general, so let us know
I am not a lady but I believe it's a circular problem. They don't think its worth attending because they know the numbers will be so low. Not sure about the slalom but this would definitely be the case for other disicplines. Who wants to travel all the way there to be the only girl, or one out of three?
Although it makes for easy winnings!
Prior to the event I think it would help to pre-arrange a group who agree to go together, which solves most of the problems mentioned above.
One idea if $$$ is a problem is to offer an incentive, lower entry fee for example.
Select to expand quoteKazza said..
So ladies how can we encourage females to compete in National events in Aust. Seems to always be low numbers (if any at all) that enter.
Sounds like lack of funds is a No 1, is that because we're a little more sensible with our $$ and have family to think about.
Is it lack of confidence thinking National events are very daunting and we're not good enough?
Is it because not many females are interested in competition?
I used to think there were not many females sailing, but after sailing holidays to WA & Maui I realised there's heaps of us sailing out there.
I'm interested to know other ladies thoughts on competition or just sailing in general, so let us know
Never really thought of competing. $ is an issue with me.If it was local I'd probably enter but obviously the conditions may not be suitable locally.
Also no comps locally to get experience and I can't even try and match the blokes..no women locally to sail with.
I like the idea of the comp being set up so it's just like an extension of how we usually sail..i.e - you don't have to do slalom etc
Sorry I'm out... not that I'd call myself a windsurfer at the moment. I've barely sailed the last two years.
With the low numbers it's a difficult one. Looking at GPS team challenge there are more than 10 males to every female listed. So assuming same proportion of each race you get 40 guys and 4 girls. When I was racing a bit the small fleets were off putting as it can take meaning out... especially if it meant a large effort/$ to get to the race.
In the PWA slalom they changed the prize money allocation - spreading it out to lower ranks to try and get more entries. Looks like it did work as the the fleet did grow a bit after that. Was fun racing in fleets close to 20 sailors
PS. Most humorous prize ever was for first female Ledge to Lano. Prize = microwave oven
The famous Annika, you really give us something to aspire to. How come you haven't been sailing?
With the PWA slalom races was it all self funded? Did anyone encourage you to enter (e.g. sponsors) or you just thought you'd give it a go yourself?
I hadn't heard of any Slalom Nationals in Aust before, this one on Green Island is the first one I've heard of, does anyone know if there's been others. I know there's always been Wave & Formula Nationals yearly.
Seems everyone is famous now...
With PWA first time round I was going to meet up with Jesper(another famous one) anyway and thought I'd give it a crack. First event was the first proper "slalom" (eg. boat starts) I'd done. So big learning curve- but lots of fun. Pretty much self funded but got good gear support from my sponsors at the time when I mentioned my plans. The next year I managed to bag sponsorship from my work to cover some travel costs to Turkey-- so that was a very nice bonus. But when it comes down to it it's something you have to be self motivated for and willing to spend some $ on. I saw it as my "holiday" for that year. Sadly there aren't many who can break even-- let alone make a living off doing the PWA.
As for not sailing as much - to be honest I lost some motivation for the flat water stuff so tend to only pick the good days that I know will be worth it. Been sailing as much as possible for many years before that so think I just needed a change. Enjoying other hobbies with my spare time and energy. Still keen on the waves - willing to drive 12hrs for a good wave sail if time and forecast allow. I'm sure I'll get the bug again one day.
I know there was a few years of Slalom Nationals at South Beach in WA mid to late 2000s.
Select to expand quoteAnnika said...
Seems everyone is famous now...
Nah. Just you guys. And Astrid
I've never thought about competing - purely cos of lack of ability. My gybes are still not consistent so have always thought I would be so ridiculously off the pace that I'd just be in the way. But it sounds like heaps of fun! And I'd imagine competing would help you improve fast - striving to keep up with so many awesome sailors.
Keep the energy up go girls...
I have seen Kazza keener than most in Tassie for well over twenty years, she is a legend on our Island and a life long friend.
GOOOO KAZZA!!!
Select to expand quoteKazza said..
So ladies how can we encourage females to compete in National events in Aust. Seems to always be low numbers (if any at all) that enter.
Sounds like lack of funds is a No 1, is that because we're a little more sensible with our $$ and have family to think about.
Is it lack of confidence thinking National events are very daunting and we're not good enough?
Is it because not many females are interested in competition?
I used to think there were not many females sailing, but after sailing holidays to WA & Maui I realised there's heaps of us sailing out there.
I'm interested to know other ladies thoughts on competition or just sailing in general, so let us know
1. A national event should be top standard. You have to be good to enter or else it is a farce.
I know I am not good enough. I still can't gybe!
2. I don't have any desire to physically race someone else. I love the competition of the GPSTC but that is enough for me.
3. I love Green Island and I know how good their wind can be, but I can't justify a sailing holiday which is going to cost a lot.
Select to expand quoteWindxtasy said..
2. I don't have any desire to physically race someone else. I love the competition of the GPSTC but that is enough for me.
That's why Ian Fox has invented the Freerace event at Green Island. You don't have to do the Slalom racing.
Yer one big reason to go to GI is because I like sailing in different destinations. I've wanted to try GI and was disappointed when I got into GPS sailing and the GI speed weeks weren't held anymore. When this event came up I thought yeah I'm in, what a good excuse! The thought of sailing on the Great Barrier Reef in the warm tropical waters and that some of the Tassie bunch was heading up was a real motivator, it's fun sailing with your mates in a different part of the world.
And I've always wanted to give racing against other women a crack cause I only get to race against the fella's down here, which isn't a real test. Oh well sounds like I'll be the only women unless there's some secret Kiwi's or New Caledonian women coming over.
Select to expand quoteAnnika said..
Sorry I'm out... not that I'd call myself a windsurfer at the moment. I've barely sailed the last two years.
With the low numbers it's a difficult one. Looking at GPS team challenge there are more than 10 males to every female listed. So assuming same proportion of each race you get 40 guys and 4 girls. When I was racing a bit the small fleets were off putting as it can take meaning out... especially if it meant a large effort/$ to get to the race.
In the PWA slalom they changed the prize money allocation - spreading it out to lower ranks to try and get more entries. Looks like it did work as the the fleet did grow a bit after that. Was fun racing in fleets close to 20 sailors
PS. Most humorous prize ever was for first female Ledge to Lano. Prize = microwave oven
Ooh..I wouldn't want to be the male presenting it..
Select to expand quoteKazza said..Windxtasy said..
2. I don't have any desire to physically race someone else. I love the competition of the GPSTC but that is enough for me.
That's why Ian Fox has invented the Freerace event at Green Island. You don't have to do the Slalom racing.
Yer one big reason to go to GI is because I like sailing in different destinations. I've wanted to try GI and was disappointed when I got into GPS sailing and the GI speed weeks weren't held anymore. When this event came up I thought yeah I'm in, what a good excuse! The thought of sailing on the Great Barrier Reef in the warm tropical waters and that some of the Tassie bunch was heading up was a real motivator, it's fun sailing with your mates in a different part of the world.
And I've always wanted to give racing against other women a crack cause I only get to race against the fella's down here, which isn't a real test. Oh well sounds like I'll be the only women unless there's some secret Kiwi's or New Caledonian women coming over.
You'll win! ..I was the fastest women sailor in NSW for May when I posted my first speed..I was the only one posted! As I said I can only go down from here and it did..
Select to expand quoteKazza said..
Oh well sounds like I'll be the only women unless there's some secret Kiwi's or New Caledonian women coming over.
Not that I'm aware, we have the same issue here, only three girls/ladies entering the comps.
that's why I think the freerace format is a good, no, a great idea, no pressure, no jibing at the mark with a crowd around you, sail as you wish, just having fun while trying to go as fast as possible.
the way to go !!!
Select to expand quoteKazza said..Windxtasy said..
2. I don't have any desire to physically race someone else. I love the competition of the GPSTC but that is enough for me.
That's why Ian Fox has invented the Freerace event at Green Island. You don't have to do the Slalom racing.
Yer one big reason to go to GI is because I like sailing in different destinations. I've wanted to try GI and was disappointed when I got into GPS sailing and the GI speed weeks weren't held anymore. When this event came up I thought yeah I'm in, what a good excuse! The thought of sailing on the Great Barrier Reef in the warm tropical waters and that some of the Tassie bunch was heading up was a real motivator, it's fun sailing with your mates in a different part of the world.
And I've always wanted to give racing against other women a crack cause I only get to race against the fella's down here, which isn't a real test. Oh well sounds like I'll be the only women unless there's some secret Kiwi's or New Caledonian women coming over.
I have to admit I never even read the ad because nationals = top sailors and that is not me
The free race idea is a good one and more likely to attract a wider range of sailors. The only "race" I have ever entered was that kind of format.
I remember one of the Wave Sailing Nationals at Marrawah we only had 2 ladies entered, and in comps you need 3 in each category, so one guys wife who had never gone out in waves before entered just so we could hold the ladies section. I don't think she made it through the white water, but everyone thought on ya for doing this. AND she got 3rd!!
Next question: Should there have to be 3 in each category for that category to be an event (especially in categories like womens). It's not our faults that it's a sport that attracts mostly men. My partner thinks it should be a handicap thing if there's not enough in a category.
I'm on a roll here, I've never had ladies to talk to on the forums.
PS and yes Astrid is a superstar sailor, she's a tough one to keep up with. But hey yes we're all superstars because not many females want to tackle our sport.
Select to expand quoteKazza said..
So ladies how can we encourage females to compete in National events in Aust. Seems to always be low numbers (if any at all) that enter.
Sounds like lack of funds is a No 1, is that because we're a little more sensible with our $$ and have family to think about.
Is it lack of confidence thinking National events are very daunting and we're not good enough?
Is it because not many females are interested in competition?
I used to think there were not many females sailing, but after sailing holidays to WA & Maui I realised there's heaps of us sailing out there.
I'm interested to know other ladies thoughts on competition or just sailing in general, so let us know
No 1 for me. Before kids I used to make it to way more competitions but priorities change with a family and a mortgage and that's also why I also love the GPSTC as I can compete any time I go sailing and against way more that I have ever physically sailed with. If I was going to GI I think I would rather sail in the freerace anyway rather than the slalom. I think the most girls in one race I have been in was when I did the ledge to Lancelin I think there were about 10 of us which was fun. (Naf prize though for 1st I got a portable cd player, I guess at least it wasn't a microwave). Also fairly rusty at slalom racing, last one I went in was the Qld state slalom titles in 2006 and there were no other women so I had to go in the freeride class, won so was happy with that.
One other thing that would have been good would have been a bit more notice. I only found out about the event at the end of January. If I had know about it earlier than this it I may have been able to arrange to go. I also thought it was fairly unlikely that there would be enough entries to have a women's division so its a long way to go to just compete against the men. Both times I went up there for the GI Speed comp there were no other girls
Select to expand quoteka72 said..
(Naf prize though for 1st I got a portable cd player, I guess at least it wasn't a microwave).
Think I would have preferred $$
A tip for people have trouble with gybing. Sail somewhere that you know could have sharks underneath you and boy do you start nailing those gybes!
