Howdy all

Thought I'd put this in here as I'm a QLD lad, from good old Redcliffe.

The thing is I need a new hobby for when it's windy. Currently I can only get on the water when the winds down, and after awhile of not being on the water I go a little loopy. So windsurfing would allow me to be on the water whether its rain, hail or shine.

I love the looks/sounds of windsurfing. Except there's one thing scaring me off, I have no idea where to start. Board? Sail? All those other little bits and pieces?

I'm about 85kg on a good day and 6ft tall.

Any suggestions?

Also any suggestions on any good beginner books that will lay down the basics?

Cheers
Ethan

mate go to a good windsurfing store, on the goldy surffx, brissy not sure, but venture and express your interest, even if you only intend buying second hand gear, these folk will be only to happy to steer you in the right direction.

I taught a mate a few years back, he bought a second hand big slalom board for 300 bucks, and some other gear for a few hundred, witihn 1 year he was sailing, flat stick and upgraded to some better gear, again second hand.

You will find the shops will be keen to see you on the water, not just trying to sell you gear, it is quite a community style of sport.

Also walk up to some lads windsurfing and have a chat, Im sure you will feel welcomed.

Good luck!

Neil Pryde/JP also has a trailer full of gear getting around running beginner days. I think it's due back up in Qld soon, or may already be here.
Call your nearest shop and ask.
It is quite intimidating to start, and lessons are not easy to come by.

Start by getting divorced. That will save you time later and avoid the risk of losing half your sailing gear.

do some drive bys any windy afternoon at Queens Beach North (even though we call it Queens)
Go down Griffith rd to the water and turn left onto Flinders Parade

talk to any of the guys, everyone is helpful even the kiters many of whom are ex sailors

Great to hear you are interested in getting on board with windsurfing.

We are all keen to get new people into the sport, once you get the hang of it it is a very rewarding pastime that keeps you fit while you are having fun. It's also the sort of sport that has so many aspects to it that it keeps you interested for a very long time. Here is another link to the Windsurfing Queensland site www.windsurfingqld.com/ it has links to starter classes / lessons which can also be very beneficial. There is also a list of the shops you can visit to get some more info.

Hope to see you one the water soon.

Thanks for all the help fellas. What a friendly bunch. :D

I'll be sure to drop into queens one windy afternoon.

I checked out the site you suggest Scotf, found a couple of places close to home. So thanks for that.

I've just been sussing out www.surfconnect.com. That's a lot of money for a couple of hours. How many would the average person need to get down the basics? I shot them an email, but they ended up replying about kite surfing. :S :P

I can't stop looking at Gestalt's pictures. Looks like so much fun, and its just an added bonus that everyone seems so friendly.

Stay safe everyone
Ethan

find a buddy to teach you