Hi everyone,

Im new on the forum. I have been leaving in SA for 3 years in Henley Beach and Im initially French. Back in France I was windsurfing with over 15years of practice, mostly speed/flat waters.
Moving to Australia Ive been seriously afraid of sharks and have not practised at all..But im now so keen to get into it again after spending an afternoon in Seacliff yesterday witness all the fun I was missing out on.

So question if anyone can help that would be super!!!

- where are the flat waters I can navigate, I mean the place where sharks are less likely to be present. SeaCliff looked very good. Probably grange and Largs Bay? Ive also been told about Lake Alexandrina?
- also does anyone know a good plan to rent material? I guess id just need a 6m and a 2.sthg meter long board. Once Ive regained my confidence Id like to buy my own gear obviously:-)

Thanks everyone!!!!
Ingrid

Hi Ingrid

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ingridfay said...


- also does anyone know a good plan to rent material?

I don't know anywhere that you can rent gear. The last time I checked, there was a school running at Port Augusta. See this thread for details: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=46518

You could also try ringing Onboard to see if they have any info: www.onboard.com.au/

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ingridfay said...

I mean the place where sharks are less likely to be present. SeaCliff looked very good. Probably grange and Largs Bay? Ive also been told about Lake Alexandrina?

There is a few flat water locations. All involve a long drive: Lake Bonney (only works in Spring), Murray Mouth, Lake George and Boggy Lake. This season, I will be going to Murray Mouth, but due to the distance, it will be a once a month treat. For info, have a look at this site: www.onboard.com.au/sailboardingtipsandinfolocations/

Regarding sharks, the flat water locations don't have sharks (not sure about Murray Mouth ?). The Adelaide metro waters are surveyed by airplanes approximately every 30 minutes - this is a piece of mind. I used to be worried about sharks when I started (I am new sailor myself - 2nd season), but I don't let my imagination ruin a good session now days.

Good luck :). Hopefully see you on the water :)

Ja

thanks Ja for your help, i have contacted on board to see if they can help with rental / borrow! and second hand market to start with.

Are you a windsurfer yourself?? Have you got a sail and a board that I could maybe try out first?? If you dont ask you dont get so...i ask...

Thanks a lot!
Ingrid

Hi Ingrid

Yes, I'm a windsurfer. This is my 2nd season, and I am still fairly new myself. I've progressed to the small boards now, so I don't have that 148L Bic techno anymore. My current boards are too hard to use for a beginner.

I've got a rig (ie: sail, mast, boom, base extension, base) you can use, but not to lend (I don't have the bits to make up a spare sail). If you can get hold of a beginner board, then send me a PM, and we'll meet up on a light wind day. I'll rig you up a sail, fit it to your board and you can have a session.

Ja

PS/ don't buy anything until you have had a few goes on other peoples gear and gain some product knowledge.

if shes been windsurfing for 15 years she could probably show you a thing or two

Sorry Ingrid, I miss read your email (I read it as a 15 year break from W/S). Happy to share stuff. Not sure when I will be sailing next, but it will be within the next few days (Friday looks a goer). PM me if you are keen.

Hi Ingrid,

I have some Gaastra sails from about 2000 (7.0, 5.8 and 5.0) you could have if that helps get you on the water.

PM me if interested.

Regards, Richard

Hi, Between my son and I we have spare boards masts booms and old sails
will give you a message on my next day off, that's windy and see if it suits you !
David