Evenin'

I'm currently learning how to use my shiny new rig - I can do the basics alright and can get back to shore with dry hair in less than 15 knots of breeze - but as soon as it clicks over 15 knots I can't uphaul properly, gybe like a massive gumby and end up floating back to shore too exhausted to pull the sail up.

I probably don't need any lessons, just want to get some hours up and improve my skills to a level where I can cruise with 'regular' windsurfers who won't get out of bed for anything less than 20 knots.

So, any other leaners out there in the Brisbane region who would be keen to get out for a windsurf in lighter airs over the next few weeks?

Btw thanks to everyone who replied to my last post on where to sail - Usually go out just south of the manly marina for convenience if nothing else. Had a look at 'the stairs' on the northern side of the marina but those rocks don't agree with my nice, new board's lovely sheen.

Cheers, see you out there!!!

I've just started getting back into it, have only been to wello a couple of times in the last few weeks (after many years away). I'd be happy to go sailing on 12knot+ days, but i much prefer wellington point to manly, it's very beginner-friendly and works in pretty much any wind. :)

My second time sailing in several years was last wednesday, when i took a 7.5m sail out in 20+ knots! I was buggered the next day, but i had no problem getting going (WHOOOSH!). :D

Some lighter conditions would be perfect, i have a lot to work on!

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starboardtim said...

I'm currently learning how to use my shiny new rig - I can do the basics alright and can get back to shore with dry hair in less than 15 knots of breeze - but as soon as it clicks over 15 knots I can't uphaul properly, gybe like a massive gumby and end up floating back to shore too exhausted to pull the sail up.

We all went through this. I distinctly remember yelling a lot more than I do these days.

I recommend "wasting" a day's sailing learning how to waterstart. Spend an hour or so in shallow water dragging yourself around behind the sail, not actually getting up onto the board. When you've got the hang dragging yourself around as shark bait "all you need to do" is power up enough to come all the way up onto the board. (thanks haircut for the tip)

This will also develop your general sail handling technique, sheeting in/out, forward hand/backward hand etc. etc. enormously. Once you can waterstart you'll find you will be sailing far, far more efficiently.

In light winds practise hanging in the harness and setting the lines up so you can completely let go for at least a few seconds. Also very, very useful. If it's not overly gusty you should be able to sail along with one hand indefinately.

I still gybe like an absolute gumby when even moderately overpowered.

I still like going out in 10 knots for a long cruise, over summer at least. I stop for fish & chips and sail back. Can be really, really nice.

Good advice from the man whose been told twice !!
Learn to water start. It is key to sailing in stronger winds.

Go out on a sharky day, you feet will not get wet, and your water starts will improve very quickly.

I got the basics in knee deep water, but could never get the hang of it, watched some videos and it all came together in the surf where I managed to water start just before being dumped by a medium sort of wave at Bondi, after that it was easy, just practice and practice
After a while you should be able to water start in all wind conditions, it would be a good idea to practice in conditions that you would be just a little overpowered, this will give you the lift needed to pull the board under you as you stand up .

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Cubits said...

I've just started getting back into it, have only been to wello a couple of times in the last few weeks (after many years away). I'd be happy to go sailing on 12knot+ days, but i much prefer wellington point to manly, it's very beginner-friendly and works in pretty much any wind. :)

My second time sailing in several years was last wednesday, when i took a 7.5m sail out in 20+ knots! I was buggered the next day, but i had no problem getting going (WHOOOSH!). :D

Some lighter conditions would be perfect, i have a lot to work on!

Should go out for a smash next weekend, just looked at the forecast and it's gonna be windy all weekend, wrong tides as well. Wellington point is fine for me, I live in Yeronga so another 10mins extra driving won't hurt. That little beach at Thorneside might be worth a try, keen?

Thanks for the tips everyone, + the assurance that learning to windsurf was frustrating for everyone. Btw how does one tell if a day is 'sharky' or not? This is something I haven't had to worry about sitting safely on the deck of a yacht.

If the wind dies down, will be out there tomorrow!

Cheers
Tim

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starboardtim said...
Btw how does one tell if a day is 'sharky' or not? This is something I haven't had to worry about sitting safely on the deck of a yacht.

It's late summer, an outgoing tide, nearing sunset, murky water, overcast sky.
Because of a sudden lull you're stuck trying to waterstart at the mouth of a dirty canal.
A fish or something swims past your leg.
There's splashing from behind you.
Then a dolphin surfaces in your peripheral vision.

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starboardtim said...
Should go out for a smash next weekend, just looked at the forecast and it's gonna be windy all weekend, wrong tides as well. Wellington point is fine for me, I live in Yeronga so another 10mins extra driving won't hurt. That little beach at Thorneside might be worth a try, keen?

If the wind dies down, will be out there tomorrow!

I WAS going to head out tomorrow morning, but my only sail is that baggy 7.5.

Oh what the hell, i'll be at wello around 10. I wasn't too broken the last time. :)

Hopefully the forecast will be optimistic this time and i'll be sitting in a nice 15 instead of the hilarious 22+ i played in last time. :>

I don't know what the thorneside beach is, but wello is the most safe place to learn i can think of, especially in a westerly.

Edit: The weekend outlook has collapsed just one day off. Looking more likely to be a big-sail affair anyway! :D