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RAL INN said..
it's the getting out of the wetsuit.

I was mindful last session to take it easy rigging as I was sore from previous sessions.
Put the f**cn steamer on inside out!

Biggest problem with wetsuits I have is when I just grab the first one I see and end up trying to put on my wife's wetsuit . It's doable, even though she's quite a bit shorter and lighter than I am. But she really hates when I do that and "ruin her suits" .

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sboardcrazy said..
MobZ you are about my size. I'm 63.. The gear you use is massive so you'd really have to be fit and have good core muscles to survive.

I survived a few decent wind days on it and wasn't sore much. The big gear seems needed here to get out into the wind line offshore.
Maybe i tweaked something in jibe attempts. Or maybe the sore back is muscle building at the start of the season with a dozen good sessions I'm trying to gauge it off the calf muscles. Yep, those are sore holding the big board down in decent wind. If the back settles down a few days after when the calf muscles do i figure it's good. Which it mostly does, it does settle down.

By the sounds of it here, i've got 30 more years to build the muscles and learn to turn. Or to stop hurting the muscles and learn the skill.

Jibes by the masters look effortless, but surely some 'no-pain, no- gain' elements applied for getting there?

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boardsurfr said..
Biggest problem with wetsuits I have is when I just grab the first one I see and end up trying to put on my wife's wetsuit . It's doable, even though she's quite a bit shorter and lighter than I am. But she really hates when I do that and "ruin her suits" .

Does she say the same about her underwear?

66. Get out most days. Can go harder than most of the local crew of any age. Don't try to match the very young guns.

I do weight sessions most mornings. About 7 exercises, 3 sets, 12 reps. Eat well, lots, loads of carbs, wholemeal everything, lots of fruit and veg, good quality red meat, all the other proteins.

Get out on the water most days for a 2 hour session. My technique is pretty solid so if I choose to I can have dry sessions and my watch tells me I have had little exercise benefit from the session. If I choose to go hard the watch exercise rating shows that.

I think the exercise industry is a bit of a fraud. All that go hard, high impact, push yourself stuff is BS. You just wear yourself out, get bored or injured.

My preferred method is do fun stuff that requires some exertion every day. Eat well. Enjoy what you're doing. Have fun.

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Gorgo said..

I think the exercise industry is a bit of a fraud. All that go hard, high impact, push yourself stuff is BS. You just wear yourself out, get bored or injured.

Dunno about that. There seems to be a lot of evidence in bike racing and running studies etc that high-intensity work is far from BS; in fact it's what you really need as you get older. As your example shows, if you have an easy session you get little exercise benefit.

Yesterday I watched a 70+ year old cyclist, state champ in hill climbing in their age division, hang on the back of someone who was less than half their age who had (probably is) on the podium in their age division. Sure, the 70+ year old cracked after a few ks, but compare that performance (and fitness benefits) to the 70 year old cyclists who just noodle around the park on their hybrids at 10 kmh. The fitness of the person who pushed themselves was in a complete different realm to the ones who just take it easy.

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Chris 249 said..

Gorgo said..

I think the exercise industry is a bit of a fraud. All that go hard, high impact, push yourself stuff is BS. You just wear yourself out, get bored or injured.

Dunno about that. There seems to be a lot of evidence in bike racing and running studies etc that high-intensity work is far from BS; in fact it's what you really need as you get older. As your example shows, if you have an easy session you get little exercise benefit.

Yesterday I watched a 70+ year old cyclist, state champ in hill climbing in their age division, hang on the back of someone who was less than half their age who had (probably is) on the podium in their age division. Sure, the 70+ year old cracked after a few ks, but compare that performance (and fitness benefits) to the 70 year old cyclists who just noodle around the park on their hybrids at 10 kmh. The fitness of the person who pushed themselves was in a complete different realm to the ones who just take it easy.

I know a former world 14 foot skiff champ who is 85 and now sailing and winning in Javelins (skiffs), and he said to me the secret is to not stop doing the sport you love, coz when you stop your body starts to get soft real quick.

Years ago we were camping at the Banana River Resort in Florida. One afternoon a car pulls up and three old guys get out. They were all 93 years old and could barely walk, but they were talking animatedly. They hobbled down to the grass launch, got their pre-rigged windsurfing boards/sails out from the rack (Beth let them keep their gear there), and helped each other put the gear into the water. They helped each other put on their harnesses, then stepped into the water.

The wind was a nice 15 kt breeze out of the southwest. They uphauled, looked at each other, hollered "ready," sheeted in, and then...

...**pouff** they were off like rockets. After only 30 seconds they were out of sight. If I had a video camera that clip would still be in my collection.

It's awesome to read so many people keep on windsurfing.
I'm 58 and currently have a shoulder injury keeping me from windsurfing but doing physio and hope to be back on the water next month.
Injuries really suck but need to keep positive.
Enjoy life and what activity on the day be it windsurfing, sup surfing, e mtb, also learning to wing foil and when the weather is bad go to the gym.
A couple of months ago even played a game of golf that after the first few tee shots going on the wrong fairway and hitting trees I got the swing and played well, saying that it's something that's a fun social activity but can't replace action sports

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515 said..
... A couple of months ago even played a game of golf that after the first few tee shots going on the wrong fairway and hitting trees I got the swing and played well, saying that it's something that's a fun social activity but can't replace action sports

Careful with golf! One of our local windsurfer injured her back playing golf which has kept her off the water for a while, and then kept her session really short for a while longer. Sad but true.

As long as you dont get injured. Stay flexible. We all know above 'average' fitness is reqd.
Injury at 50 for me.
Havnt sailed since 2021. Too broken to attempt. Fitness not anywhere near sailable.
Shifu, youre a good sailor n a fit Rooster. You will be good for years mate.

I'm foiling at age 75. Smaller gear than needed for a fin.

Biological & chronological age is a factor, but enjoying windsurfing is relative to what your health history is and what your expectations are.

Decade older than you, but no where as old as some others still enjoying windsurfing. Relatively fit & BMI still in the low 20s from a past life as a (too) competitive road, mtn bike racer and nordic ski racer. Started windsurfing in the mid-30's when my competitive days were over. The problem are the long term effects of all the injuries. Cycling was just concussions, lacerations and abrasions. But windsurfing has been couple torn MCLs, left knee ding, shoulder and wrist injuries plus another concussion. So down to just "mowing the lawn". Just something I accept and actually enjoy. Hope is to be able to enjoy the activity for several more years.

One old buddy had to call it quits after needing two totally knee replacements. Injuries and trauma from too many bump runs. Was really into mogul skiing. Another windsurfing friend will be needing a knee replacement sooner than hoped for. Anyone out there that has had to have a knee replacement and still windsurfing?

This thread helped fix my back I think.
It made me feel like a spring chicken.
With lots of stretching and twists, I think it's all good now.

Someone mentioned an 'apes swinging in trees' theory somewhere. Like we are ment to do it.

Windsurfing must be an elixir.

I hope to swing like an ape and fix my back in a long therapy sail session tomorrow.

At 57, I intend to windsurf and foil until I'm physically unable. I'll patch up my decaying body for as long as I'm able to keep me out there. If all the "wheels" fall off as I roll across the final finish line of life, then I've done it right. I love seeing the 70+'ers still out there still fanging it and loving it, you are such a great inspiration

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OldGuy3 said..
Biological & chronological age is a factor, but enjoying windsurfing is relative to what your health history is and what your expectations are.

Decade older than you, but no where as old as some others still enjoying windsurfing. Relatively fit & BMI still in the low 20s from a past life as a (too) competitive road, mtn bike racer and nordic ski racer. Started windsurfing in the mid-30's when my competitive days were over. The problem are the long term effects of all the injuries. Cycling was just concussions, lacerations and abrasions. But windsurfing has been couple torn MCLs, left knee ding, shoulder and wrist injuries plus another concussion. So down to just "mowing the lawn". Just something I accept and actually enjoy. Hope is to be able to enjoy the activity for several more years.

One old buddy had to call it quits after needing two totally knee replacements. Injuries and trauma from too many bump runs. Was really into mogul skiing. Another windsurfing friend will be needing a knee replacement sooner than hoped for. Anyone out there that has had to have a knee replacement and still windsurfing?

Hi yes I'm 66 and had 2 total knee replacements and a hip replacement in the last 3 years.
Still going strong - windsurfing (ocean), kitesurfing but mostly windfoiling these days.
Also play regular tennis, golf, cycle, ski and lots of gym work for the rehab exercises to keep muscles around the joints coordinated and strong.
The key apart from the rehab I think is keeping cardiovascularly fit, as flexible and strong as possible but also working on positional balance a lot.
My knees are better now than they were 20 years ago. Just have to be careful not to do too much in any one session - usually an hour max. The 3 tin joints should see me out my surgeon tells me!

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Gestalt said..

how can I retire so that I have more than 5 years of windsurfing left in me. Even 10 years seems to finite

Get a job that you won't/don't enjoy forever, get the adult kids to pay rent or move out, pay off debt, work out how much you currently spend and how much you think you will need to spend in retirement (and get help/advice from a financial planner if needed), set your target figure and save hard for it. Retirement is the best life ever!!!

A desire to keep sailing can usually overcome any age obstacles. I can't stay out as long as I used to and it takes me a little longer to recover but even with all my aches and pains I'm still out there on the good days. I don't waste my time going when there's a chance of it being a sch-log fest because Sub-planing wears me out much more than planing does.

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OldGuy3 said..
Biological & chronological age is a factor, but enjoying windsurfing is relative to what your health history is and what your expectations are.

Decade older than you, but no where as old as some others still enjoying windsurfing. Relatively fit & BMI still in the low 20s from a past life as a (too) competitive road, mtn bike racer and nordic ski racer. Started windsurfing in the mid-30's when my competitive days were over. The problem are the long term effects of all the injuries. Cycling was just concussions, lacerations and abrasions. But windsurfing has been couple torn MCLs, left knee ding, shoulder and wrist injuries plus another concussion. So down to just "mowing the lawn". Just something I accept and actually enjoy. Hope is to be able to enjoy the activity for several more years.

One old buddy had to call it quits after needing two totally knee replacements. Injuries and trauma from too many bump runs. Was really into mogul skiing. Another windsurfing friend will be needing a knee replacement sooner than hoped for. Anyone out there that has had to have a knee replacement and still windsurfing?

What sort of windsurfing caused your injuries? Waves?

50 feeling like 100 after todays session. 14 gusting 25knots with an 8.6 on a 120litre board for 3 hours. Didn't want to stop but I thought I'd better after unhooking for a gybe and realized I could no longer hold the boom as it got pulled out of my hands like it was covered in grease. Nothing like a massive crash to let you know you've had enough.
3hours later my forearms still feel like rocks

Used to be a pro cyclist and I've seen people in their 70's kick much younger riders butts. Windsurfing I think is a bit different as there's more strength and impact involved

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Chris 249 said..

OldGuy3 said..
Biological & chronological age is a factor, but enjoying windsurfing is relative to what your health history is and what your expectations are.

Decade older than you, but no where as old as some others still enjoying windsurfing. Relatively fit & BMI still in the low 20s from a past life as a (too) competitive road, mtn bike racer and nordic ski racer. Started windsurfing in the mid-30's when my competitive days were over. The problem are the long term effects of all the injuries. Cycling was just concussions, lacerations and abrasions. But windsurfing has been couple torn MCLs, left knee ding, shoulder and wrist injuries plus another concussion. So down to just "mowing the lawn". Just something I accept and actually enjoy. Hope is to be able to enjoy the activity for several more years.

One old buddy had to call it quits after needing two totally knee replacements. Injuries and trauma from too many bump runs. Was really into mogul skiing. Another windsurfing friend will be needing a knee replacement sooner than hoped for. Anyone out there that has had to have a knee replacement and still windsurfing?

What sort of windsurfing caused your injuries? Waves?

Never a serious injury wave sailing. Lucky. Plus haven't windsurfed Maui Northshore for couple decades. Just a few "that hurt" and some gear. Locally we don't have real waves. On good days Bump & Jump conditions that beat the poo out of me and break my gear. Usually just gnarly chop that is unforgiving if your jibe tech isn't spot on. Wear over the years has sort of caught up. MCLs were just due to wrong place. One from a needlefish hit. Other from getting hit by a straight-line wind (derecho).

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SteveV said..

OldGuy3 said..
Biological & chronological age is a factor, but enjoying windsurfing is relative to what your health history is and what your expectations are.

Decade older than you, but no where as old as some others still enjoying windsurfing. Relatively fit & BMI still in the low 20s from a past life as a (too) competitive road, mtn bike racer and nordic ski racer. Started windsurfing in the mid-30's when my competitive days were over. The problem are the long term effects of all the injuries. Cycling was just concussions, lacerations and abrasions. But windsurfing has been couple torn MCLs, left knee ding, shoulder and wrist injuries plus another concussion. So down to just "mowing the lawn". Just something I accept and actually enjoy. Hope is to be able to enjoy the activity for several more years.

One old buddy had to call it quits after needing two totally knee replacements. Injuries and trauma from too many bump runs. Was really into mogul skiing. Another windsurfing friend will be needing a knee replacement sooner than hoped for. Anyone out there that has had to have a knee replacement and still windsurfing?

Hi yes I'm 66 and had 2 total knee replacements and a hip replacement in the last 3 years.
Still going strong - windsurfing (ocean), kitesurfing but mostly windfoiling these days.
Also play regular tennis, golf, cycle, ski and lots of gym work for the rehab exercises to keep muscles around the joints coordinated and strong.
The key apart from the rehab I think is keeping cardiovascularly fit, as flexible and strong as possible but also working on positional balance a lot.
My knees are better now than they were 20 years ago. Just have to be careful not to do too much in any one session - usually an hour max. The 3 tin joints should see me out my surgeon tells me!

Anyone else had hip replacement and returned to sailing.
Stevev how long did it take to get back on the water after the hip replacement and what did the surgeon say about it. A surgeon i spoke to had no problems but did say if i wipe out badly it may dislocate. What exercises u doing specificly for the hip and can u still waterstart. I was under impression that hip shouldn't be bent past 90 degrees.
Putting it off for at least another year till kids finish school cause there is big risk of post surgery infection cause of immunosuppression.
However this week have been sup sailing in bugger all wind catching some reformed waves at cotton tree. The fun factor is still there .
Hopefully I'll see u back at queens one day shifu. Maybe sailing the sup.

A spritley young man named Tibor goes alright

19 years older, retired for 27 years and did not start windsurfing until the 50's. Decided a worthwhile retirement was to learn to windsurf and wave sail. Slow and persistent, getting lessons at first.

Love to run the trails, wavesail on Pacific coast point breaks of Baja, Mex. and Chile. Chile side-onshore the most challenging, however. Learning to kite now in a lagoon in Canada, and also southern Baja, doing turns reliably. Must start to practice toeside, then switch to a directional board. Do not plan to stop windsurfing; rather, to do both. My quiver has 4.2, 4.7, 5.3 and find myself under and over powered a lot. Gear stashed in three locations. Also use a SUP surf a few times each year in an ideal location for that.

Runners have to deal regularly with their physical limits to avoid bench time and this helped me pace myself in new sports. WS seasons for me are spring and part of summer in northern AND southern hemispheres.

Some things that have helped:

Have modest expectations after a break between austral and boreal seasons, doing shorter sessions with recovery days at first, and letting some days with good conditions go by for recovery. Rest or go for an easy run, do pushups, ab curls, etc. Using exercise bands, but not enough.

Maintain flexibility with stretching and do thorough warmups before pushing.

Run hilly trails for endurance, for the legs and lungs. Have been doing running circuits on grass or track or hilly trail: few laps warmup slow, some backwards running, skip rope for a bit after each lap, do a few pushups, maybe some pullups, and some strides if well warmed up. Hill repeats are also great if thoroughly warmed up, doing the first few cautiously. Did very little competitive sports, outside of some mediocre tennis in school, and only informal stuff when younger so my joints have been good. Bodyweight squats are helpful, two legged deep and one legged shallow squats.

Diet, vegan for the last 12 years, now eating fish infrequently. Avoiding fruit juices, meats, highly processed foods and taking B12, D3, etc.

Keep foot straps wide open for ease of separation when getting washed in surf--feet are nearer the center of the board for leverage. Impact injury time has come from staying with the gear until the last minute. If staying with the gear, never let go of the boom. Most wave sessions, I have to swim for my gear at least once. On some intimidating days, either play it safe or wait until conditions are less radical. Learning how to fall on turns helps a lot.

Backing off when injured, to recover, whether it is from running or windsurfing or .... Having breaks during the year to cross train. During working years would join road bike groups on weekends and run during the week. Did many all day cycles in the hills, one running marathon and more shorter events and one tri.

Windsurfing develops the lats, so after a season, pull-ups are possible. Conversely, pull-ups would be great in the off season.

Learn how to do my own physical therapy to prevent overuse injury, compensate for lots of inactivity while online, e.g., and recover from injury or incipient injury. Be attuned to points of vulnerability. Sometime, just a stretch, or fixing a muscle imbalance, or an insert in shoe or bootie. Good posture is a challenge right now, suggests core work.

Stay covered up to avoid UV damage to pale skin and visit dermatologist regularly. Wear protective equipment for head, eyes, ribs, cold, etc.

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billekrub said..
19 years older, retired for 27 years and did not start windsurfing until the 50's. Decided a worthwhile retirement was to learn to windsurf and wave sail. Slow and persistent, getting lessons at first.

Love to run the trails, wavesail on Pacific coast point breaks of Baja, Mex. and Chile. Chile side-onshore the most challenging, however. Learning to kite now in a lagoon in Canada, and also southern Baja, doing turns reliably. Must start to practice toeside, then switch to a directional board. Do not plan to stop windsurfing; rather, to do both. My quiver has 4.2, 4.7, 5.3 and find myself under and over powered a lot. Gear stashed in three locations. Also use a SUP surf a few times each year in an ideal location for that.

Runners have to deal regularly with their physical limits to avoid bench time and this helped me pace myself in new sports. WS seasons for me are spring and part of summer in northern AND southern hemispheres.

Some things that have helped:

Have modest expectations after a break between austral and boreal seasons, doing shorter sessions with recovery days at first, and letting some days with good conditions go by for recovery. Rest or go for an easy run, do pushups, ab curls, etc. Using exercise bands, but not enough.

Maintain flexibility with stretching and do thorough warmups before pushing.

Run hilly trails for endurance, for the legs and lungs. Have been doing running circuits on grass or track or hilly trail: few laps warmup slow, some backwards running, skip rope for a bit after each lap, do a few pushups, maybe some pullups, and some strides if well warmed up. Hill repeats are also great if thoroughly warmed up, doing the first few cautiously. Did very little competitive sports, outside of some mediocre tennis in school, and only informal stuff when younger so my joints have been good. Bodyweight squats are helpful, two legged deep and one legged shallow squats.

Diet, vegan for the last 12 years, now eating fish infrequently. Avoiding fruit juices, meats, highly processed foods and taking B12, D3, etc.

Keep foot straps wide open for ease of separation when getting washed in surf--feet are nearer the center of the board for leverage. Impact injury time has come from staying with the gear until the last minute. If staying with the gear, never let go of the boom. Most wave sessions, I have to swim for my gear at least once. On some intimidating days, either play it safe or wait until conditions are less radical. Learning how to fall on turns helps a lot.

Backing off when injured, to recover, whether it is from running or windsurfing or .... Having breaks during the year to cross train. During working years would join road bike groups on weekends and run during the week. Did many all day cycles in the hills, one running marathon and more shorter events and one tri.

Windsurfing develops the lats, so after a season, pull-ups are possible. Conversely, pull-ups would be great in the off season.

Learn how to do my own physical therapy to prevent overuse injury, compensate for lots of inactivity while online, e.g., and recover from injury or incipient injury. Be attuned to points of vulnerability. Sometime, just a stretch, or fixing a muscle imbalance, or an insert in shoe or bootie. Good posture is a challenge right now, suggests core work.

Stay covered up to avoid UV damage to pale skin and visit dermatologist regularly. Wear protective equipment for head, eyes, ribs, cold, etc.

Great write-up!

In reply to the OP.

Now in my late 70s. For as long as possible.

Would not go out in high winds anymore, but just buzzing about is great.

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lungs said..

SteveV said..

OldGuy3 said..
Biological & chronological age is a factor, but enjoying windsurfing is relative to what your health history is and what your expectations are.

Decade older than you, but no where as old as some others still enjoying windsurfing. Relatively fit & BMI still in the low 20s from a past life as a (too) competitive road, mtn bike racer and nordic ski racer. Started windsurfing in the mid-30's when my competitive days were over. The problem are the long term effects of all the injuries. Cycling was just concussions, lacerations and abrasions. But windsurfing has been couple torn MCLs, left knee ding, shoulder and wrist injuries plus another concussion. So down to just "mowing the lawn". Just something I accept and actually enjoy. Hope is to be able to enjoy the activity for several more years.

One old buddy had to call it quits after needing two totally knee replacements. Injuries and trauma from too many bump runs. Was really into mogul skiing. Another windsurfing friend will be needing a knee replacement sooner than hoped for. Anyone out there that has had to have a knee replacement and still windsurfing?

Hi yes I'm 66 and had 2 total knee replacements and a hip replacement in the last 3 years.
Still going strong - windsurfing (ocean), kitesurfing but mostly windfoiling these days.
Also play regular tennis, golf, cycle, ski and lots of gym work for the rehab exercises to keep muscles around the joints coordinated and strong.
The key apart from the rehab I think is keeping cardiovascularly fit, as flexible and strong as possible but also working on positional balance a lot.
My knees are better now than they were 20 years ago. Just have to be careful not to do too much in any one session - usually an hour max. The 3 tin joints should see me out my surgeon tells me!

Anyone else had hip replacement and returned to sailing.
Stevev how long did it take to get back on the water after the hip replacement and what did the surgeon say about it. A surgeon i spoke to had no problems but did say if i wipe out badly it may dislocate. What exercises u doing specificly for the hip and can u still waterstart. I was under impression that hip shouldn't be bent past 90 degrees.
Putting it off for at least another year till kids finish school cause there is big risk of post surgery infection cause of immunosuppression.
However this week have been sup sailing in bugger all wind catching some reformed waves at cotton tree. The fun factor is still there .
Hopefully I'll see u back at queens one day shifu. Maybe sailing the sup.

Hi Lungs

Took 12 weeks after each of the three joint replacements. I took it more gradually after the hip (light wind flatish water for a few weeks as a dislocation is to be avoided at all costs). I waterstart easily if the wind ok - my knees are the limiting factor with max 140 degrees flexion (because of the prostheses). My hip has full range of motion and does not inhibit me at all. Your surgeon - his surgical approach (lateral or posterior) and type of prosthesis will be a factor in how long it takes to get back on the water. Best not to rush and get a physio to help you get your gluteals strong again. Post -op gluteal tendinopathy (pain at the side of the hip) is common with the lateral approach - I have this but I just put up with it and it doesn't inhibit me. I do gluteal bridging exercises most days amid a mixed routine of other exercises. I am mainly wind foiling now but you'd have be careful of the little love bites the foil gives your shins with your history.
All the best and keep going!

No kidding about those "love bites." Even when I don't feel the contact underwater, at the end of a day of foiling, I find all these nicks on my shins. I guess shin nicks are how to identify a windfoiler.

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decrepit said..
Well I'm at your, "another 20 years", and still going.
You have the right idea, keeping body flexible and strong is necessary.
A lot depends how well you look after your body, I've known guys push the limits in their early years, and burn their body out early. So it's a compromise, if you want to keep having fun into the 70s don't go too far over the limit now.
I'm learning how much muscles are needed to keep the frame working. everyday exercise doesn't work a lot of these muscles. As you get older unused muscles deteriorate fairly quickly, making joint problems much more likely. Physio guidance can make sure the important muscles get a work out.
I've looked after my body fairly well.
At 69 I sailed 330km in 10 hours at LG.
I was 77 when I had my 40kt PB. This was an OK year for me, recovered from COVID and fairly active.
I'll be 79 in January, and slowing down, still speed sailing, but not in rough water, that's no longer good for my back.
Energy levels are dropping off as well. I find going for an hour is hard work.
But sailing to my ability is still fun.
That's the great thing about windsurfing, you can sail at any level and still enjoy it.

Looking at the GPSTC rankings, there's not a lot happening at 80 and over, I hope to change that, we'll see.

Time to go Foiling Mike, wind or wing, you'll love it & it's easier on the bod??????