?si=aXlGWxZxwKKBwFt_

I'm not a wavesailor so I don't undertstand the discipline at all, but I have to ask, do wavesailors like float n ride conditions? I ask because it looks horrible to me...

I never used to like float and ride conditions but now I enjoy them - as long as it's cross off. Very smooth wave faces and apparent wind makes for great wave riding.

has to be good waves, more surfing than windsurfing

@Shifu, I'll try to answer on behalf of all wave sailors... yes : ) float and ride is amazing, there just needs to be enough wind to sneak out through the shore break, and once on a wave it gives you enough speed to build up the apparent wind and then there is plenty of power. Depends on the waves and the wind direction of course.

This is float and ride:



Here it's a bit too light, but still what an amazing day:

Agree

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Shifu said..
I'm not a wavesailor so I don't undertstand the discipline at all, but I have to ask, do wavesailors like float n ride conditions? I ask because it looks horrible to me...

I'm not a wave sailor either tbh. But I still find it fun when the waves are good and like the other guys are saying once on the wave you plane.

that aside what looked horrible in the vid. I thought it pretty impressive

What about waterstarting? What about when you get smashed in the wave and need to get out of there? What about all that tedious and uncomfortable off-the-plane dredging?

Uphaul, or if it's a beach break sometimes easier to swim gear in. Have been surprised by how little wind you can waterstart in when needed
duck dive your gear or hang on or don't go out if it's big
i don't mind dredging

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Shifu said..
What about waterstarting? What about when you get smashed in the wave and need to get out of there? What about all that tedious and uncomfortable off-the-plane dredging?

@Shifu, Waterstarting the wave windsurfing gear in very light winds is not that difficult, and if less than that, just grab the mast and pull the rig up. Good skills to learn.

Mad skills Taavi!

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Shifu said..
What about waterstarting? What about when you get smashed in the wave and need to get out of there? What about all that tedious and uncomfortable off-the-plane dredging?

It mainly takes a different mindset. The wave rides are super smooth. You'll get your best wave rides in float and ride conditions. So if you embrace the challenge of schlogging and trying to get out, uphauling etc. it is super rewarding. Take a big board out to get used to it.

Makes my elbows hurt just thinking about it...

Elbows are ok as you'd be using a small sail.

if you are fully lit then you're too overpowered on the wave.

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Taavi said..

Looks awesome. I did not think that float and ride was a thing in Cape Town. I was under the impression the wind there is usually SW until it picks up and swings SE.

I'm going there for 2 weeks in January 2025, I'll keep an open mind even when the wind is light.

No one takes up surfing because paddling and duck diving is so much fun. The harder it's to obtain the ride the better that ride is.