Ok what 's it like? I'm taking the plunge and going in Aug..don't know if my neck will survive the plane trip or sailing but I've got to try and see..

albers said...

sboardcrazy said...

Ok what 's it like? I'm taking the plunge and going in Aug..don't know if my neck will survive the plane trip or sailing but I've got to try and see..

Just a mute point sboardcrazy, but shouldn't this question be asked before you sign up!

PS: What pushed you over the line in deciding to go?

I've talked to someone who has gone and I've always wanted to go to Lord Howe for bushwalking , snorkelling etc anyway.I've seen topics about it here before but can't bring them up in search.
I've had a very restricted life for the last 7 years since I fell in a heap with RSI and I figure I've improved enough to see what I can do and get out and start living again..I haven't travelled more than a few hours from home for years due to the neck. Someone I sail with is going to Maui and I remembered back in the 80's 90's when Andrew Regan organised trips there and I procrastinated and never went. I can't afford Maui so I decided on Lord Howe .I don't want to regret not going this time! I'm looking forward to not having to waste 2- 3hrs a day driving to sail and rigging up although I'm a bit worried about the 35kts + winds though..might need to put on some weight before then.... also I just got given some $..

I imagine it will be warmer than down here!

sboardcrazy said...

Ok what 's it like? I'm taking the plunge and going in Aug..don't know if my neck will survive the plane trip or sailing but I've got to try and see..

Good on you!

I went a few years ago, and it was a great experience. For me it was a great way to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

I think half the fun was the other guys I was sharing a house with traipsing around the island.

The winds for us that year were a bit hit and miss, but it was still a good holiday.

Make sure we all get daily updates on the trip.

This is a place that has no Mcdonalds, no indoor shopping plazas, no multiplex cinemas, no high rise apartments. And that is a very very very good thing.

Lord howe is awesome for any windsports. I moved to LHI a year ago and had the best time last winter. July - Sept best months for wind. Its normal to have 15-25kn SW winds 4-5 days a week over winter. Its not unusual for it to get to 35+ kn. Small sails are the way to go. Last year I mainly sailed 5.2 (sometimes a 5.7 or 4.4) although the best would have been a 4.8 (don't have one). I weigh 90kgs so you can see how strong it can get
The lagoon provides a safe place for the cross onshore SW's. There are plenty of places to sneak out throught the reef and get some wave sailing.
Off the water it is pretty low key - no mobile phones. Bikes are the main form of transport. Only around 300 people live on the island.

Getting gear to the island can be tricky although I am aware of people getting gear onto the Qantaslink plan otherwise you would need to ship it over (boat generally comes every 2 weeks). I would recommend talking to Taz from Pro-dive as he has heaps (around 20) of boards and gear (2010 JP stuff) for hire.

There are not to many of us windsurfers on the island so never a crowd. Water gets cool but only to around 18 deg. So if you are soft like me pack a wetsuit.