I am in Melbourne for the next 12 months and sail yachts drom 30 to 60 foot at home in Dublin Ireland - I simply love the sea but have never been out windsurfing - but would like to start - I am looking for advice - I am 46 and have my 8 and 10 year old daughters with me and would like to get the three of us started - is this feasible or are the girls too young ? - if too young I willl likely get a small cat and sail together on it but windsurfing looks fantastic - I watch boards out regularly in the bay

Where would I go for lessons - total beginner !

Any advice appreciated
Dave

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azimuth said...

I am in Melbourne for the next 12 months and sail yachts drom 30 to 60 foot at home in Dublin Ireland - I simply love the sea but have never been out windsurfing - but would like to start - I am looking for advice - I am 46 and have my 8 and 10 year old daughters with me and would like to get the three of us started - is this feasible or are the girls too young ? - if too young I willl likely get a small cat and sail together on it but windsurfing looks fantastic - I watch boards out regularly in the bay

Where would I go for lessons - total beginner !

Any advice appreciated
Dave

Take the kids to the SHQ kids club on Sunday

www.shq.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=376&Itemid=57

you'll need to register and they may be full for Sunday but you could go for the next one on the 16th

Hi Dave,
Considering the age of your girls you may look at getting a kids sail(rig) for them and a larger sail for you, but you could share a board, depending on your weight you could get a board around 130L, that both you and your girls can uphaul.
You maybe able to pick up something on this site?
Or.
Check out this link, it'll give you details of the two local stores for lessons and advice on equipment.
www.wv.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=13&Itemid=58

Also Inverloch Windsurfing Club are holding their Learn to Windsurf series on the 8th & 9th of Jan. You can get free lessons and the guys down there will be happy to give you advice. See link for more info.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Victoria/IWC-hosts-the-Learn-To-Windsurf-Series-89-January/

Hi Dave, Welcome to Melbourne!
As well as the excellent other suggestions, you can use the SHQ learners rental gear at Sandringham boat harbour any day of the week for free - if you are a Windsurf Victoria member (see their website for membership details - not expensive). The SHQ gear is perfect for learning and the harbour is safe and learner friendly. The friendly staff will probably even give you some helpful pointers.

But if you can, definitely get down to Inverloch for the Learners weekend on the 8th and 9th Jan. You'll meet lots of great people, it is a lovely learner friendly spot, and there will be heaps of gear to try. Inverloch is an easy 1.5hr drive from Melbourne so you can do it for a day trip, or stay over - but being peak season most accom will be either booked out or peak price.

Hi Dave,

Welcome to Victoria. All of the above suggestions are spot on. As you can see from all the posts us windsurfers are more than happy to help out and we are very approachable. I would suggest popping down to Sandringham beach (SHQ Kiosk on Jetty Rd) tomorrow morning to chat to guys about the kids club etc. Also next weekend if you can get down to Inverloch (Anglers Club) you can meet myself and others from WV, etc. Also check out WV newsletter for up and coming events and advise.
www.wv.org.au

Regards,
Stephen