Hi all, I live in Wynnum and I love watching the windsurfers out on the bay and wish I could do that. The time is has come for me to get out and do it. Is there anyone in Wynnum/Manly that can give advice or even show me the ropes? I want to learn before I buy any gear to make sure it is a cool as I think it is.

You've taken the first step! Well done. And you live in one of the best areas for sailing.
Next step visit the shop, Board Crazy, get some expert advice on lessons and suitable gear. Get the best advice possible.
Then get out there, it's a great sport and keeps u healthy.
See u on the water!

If you don't know someone who can give you a turn on a beginner setup and teach you some basics, then go for a lesson with any reputable shop or business (Board Crazy is pretty close for you) to have a try and see if it's what you might like to continue with. Then either contact Royal Qld Yacht Squadron with regards to their YA accredited sailing course and learn to sail with them or alternatively continue with lessons from a shop or business (like BC).

RQYS have all the beginner boards and a brilliant instructor. Their learn to sail program is excellent (if only my daughter would realise the opportunity she has at her doorstep) They post here too or just visit the RQYS website.

Learning never stops and some the fun is in it, especially when you learn a new skill. Like yourself, I used to look at windsurfers and wonder how do they do it. Thirty years later I got the chance to try. The modern equipment is lighter and better in design. You just need plenty of persistence, a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn new skills. Practising these is where the fun starts. On a difficult day you may get exhausted and thrown about like a rag doll, but it is still good exercise. Try getting that with a gym membership ( no disrespect to those guys).

I started about 3 years ago at 48 years old. As Mark said - persistence. Don't expect to be wizzing around from the start. It takes plenty of practice & time on the water. What seems impossible will become possible - you just have to stick with it. I still have heaps to learn, but that is the great thing about windsurfing, it is journey. Have a read of Morgan's Windsurfing Learning Curve thread on Seabreeze, that might give you some idea of the journey ahead.