Hey all

Interested in trying out Windsurfing, Kitesurfing while ok was not my cup of tea(something about being attached to something so powerful scares the living **** out of me to put it frankly lol)

The kitesurfing forum has a newbies section but cant find one here and don't want to bore you more experience with same questions i'm sure you get asked ALL THE TIME.

Got a heap of questions about starting up, best schools to learn through in Perth etc but dont know where to ask them

Hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Cheers

Here is fine fire away

cool thanks

Best school to get lessons through in Perth(SOR)?

Are kitesurfing harness's different to windsurfing harness's. I got a Mystic ladies i would like to keep and use for Windsurfing?

Are there any clubs you can join to meet people to go with?

Is it easier/harder/same to leanr as Kitesurfing?

Would you say it's less dangerous? Whats the worst that can happen?

How much would a beginners set roughly set me back?

Thanks for any advice you can give me

windforce and 2nd wind both have windsurfing lessons
not sure about the harness some have different hooks.
harder to learn but keeps things interesting as always something to work on to improve.
here on seabreeze is the place to pick up gear
safety bay have a windsurfing club and are a great group of people with lots of experience.

windsurfing has given me a real sense of achievment.
takes a while to get the hang of but then when you lay over a gybe on a 3metre ocean swell and head for shore, its a buzz you dont get from other sports.

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WindnWater said...

cool thanks

Best school to get lessons through in Perth(SOR)?

as ratz said 2nd Wind Sailboards and Windforce. Windforce at Pelican Point is NOR so you probably want 2nd Wind.

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Are kitesurfing harness's different to windsurfing harness's. I got a Mystic ladies i would like to keep and use for Windsurfing?

I use a kite seat harness and a windsurfing waist harness. The only significant difference between kite and windsurf harnesses is in the hook shape - the kite one flares a bit more at the end which can make it slightly harder to unhook. Waist harness are easier to get in and out of, seat can give more leverage and for longer sessions can be a little easier on the body.

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Are there any clubs you can join to meet people to go with?

You can join a GPS team. gpsteamchallenge.com.au/ It's a great way to make things more social and you will learn heaps. The teams cater for all levels of skills.

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Is it easier/harder/same to leanr as Kitesurfing?

A bit slower to learn than kiting but probably less intimidating. Best to learn on dedicated learners gear.

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Would you say it's less dangerous? Whats the worst that can happen?

Anecdotally there appear to be far fewer serious accidents with windsurfing. A serious injury on a windsurfer is usually a sore rib from hitting the boom after a catapult, on a kite you have the potential to be dragged - under water; onto land.

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How much would a beginners set roughly set me back?

Take lessons on learners gear, see if you like it. Some shops, like Windforce, will sell you beginners gear and guarantee to buy it back.

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WindnWater said...

cool thanks

Best school to get lessons through in Perth(SOR)?

Are kitesurfing harness's different to windsurfing harness's. I got a Mystic ladies i would like to keep and use for Windsurfing?

Are there any clubs you can join to meet people to go with?

Is it easier/harder/same to leanr as Kitesurfing?

Would you say it's less dangerous? Whats the worst that can happen?

How much would a beginners set roughly set me back?

Thanks for any advice you can give me

Where abouts south of river? http://www.2ndwind.com.au/intro-lessons.asp
Harness is ok but do get a windsurfing hook (different shape)
Clubs - Windsurfing Western Australia www.windsurfingwa.org.au (events cater for those who are already windsurfing but run social events and a good way to meet people)
Safety Bay Windsurfing Club safetybaywindsurfingclub.org.au/SBWC2011/Home.html
A good beginners set around $1K for a board eg
2011Starboard Go 17117127185.5SEC B$1,199

2010Starboard Go 17517525391SEC A-$1,250$1,149

2010Starboard Start - Medium20528594SEC B+$999
from windforce.com.au/web/second-hand/windsurfing/second-hand-boards
and around the same for a rig but get some lessons first.

Harder to get good at and you will get bumps and bruises when learning but as long as you sail within your limits the worst case is a swim if you have gear failure

Keep the question coming! 30 years for me next year and still love it more than any other sport I have done.

I think also that the reason we don't have a newbie's section is that we aren't elitists. To quote Harty "you can talk to anyone even if they have a number on their sail", and they'll be happy to chat.
I find fellow windsurfers to be the most approachable people I know. But I do know some roughies.

Thankyou all so much:) Paddymac and Lao shi your answers are just what I was after. Will suss out those schools for lessons as soon as I get a day off lol meanwhile I'll keep learning all that I can to educate myself. Really looking forward to giving this all that I got:) Is also great to know I can approach most of you without being ridiculed for being a newbie so thankyou:) hope to see you all out on the water someday

Hi- I sail at melville where 2nd wind teach- it is a friendly spot both in terms of the people who sail there and also as a place to learn- nice shallow water, sand bank etc. With good beginners gear it is possible to progress really fast- it has taken me ages to get to blasting stage as I have kids so limited time but its been worth it- I have enjoyed the whole process - although many frustrating sessions too- and was hooked from my first fast run. I use a kite harness- just changed the hook. I am there most windy weekends so feel free to pm me if you want to hang out.