Seeking tips on how to get started windsurfing

[Anonymous]

I’m branching out into new hobbies and windsurfing just really struck me as something I need to do. When I was 10 years old I saw a group of about 70 windsurfers on the Mediterranean and at that point I knew there was something exciting and radical about the sport.

I’m going to start by taking lessons, as per the site which lists Canadaguia as a spot, but first off: are there any really important things to know before I dive into this radical sport?

I’m going to buy equipment eventually, i think after I take a rental lesson, and that’s because I heard you want to try the sport before you know what equipment is best for you. However I’d really love to hear some input on what sort of beginner equipment is best for the finger lakes region especially but not exclusively. I’m “6 2” and slimming down soon to about 220 pounds for the Summer to ride. I won’t go into a budget but I willing to buy something of decent quality that will remove the need to upgrade for some time.

I have one more question to start and that’s what kind of workout regime should i be engaging in to be strong and ready to ride?

I have other questions but I think that’s a good start.

 

Hang Loose,

– Dave

 

 

 

[Rich]

Hey Dave, welcome to the group!  I myself started last year, so I can definitely relate to your questions. As far as gear is concerned, you want a big floaty board with a dagger board. That’s the big fin in the center, usually retractable. 180 liters and up, for volume. For your sail you probably won’t want to go bigger than a 5.5.  Everyone learns at different rates but for me, I haven’t exceeded this set up yet. That is to say, I want to bump up to more advance gear, but honestly it’s not exactly holding me back from improving yet. Which brings me to the point, Windsurfing is hard! Haha, but don’t get discouraged. That’s also kind of the appeal of the sport. It’s really like nothing else you’ve done before so it feels very awkward at first. Just enjoy the progress and being on the water doing something physical. And when you do first feel the board lift off to plane your hooked! As far as getting in shape for it, I would suggest swimming if you have access to a pool. You’ll be doing a lot of that  and it’s a great all round body workout. Push ups and pull ups as you’ll be fighting the rig a lot until you learn to let the wind do your work. Some one told me it takes four years to learn to windsurf, I don’t know, I’ll let you know in three.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the insightful words and the warning that this will be a slowly progressive but fufilling sport to do. I’ve been a skateboarder for years and the work it takes at progressing with confidence and new tricks I found really fun and I hope this will be no different.

If you don’t mind me asking where do you like to ride? I live nearby Conesus and Honeoye lakes and sometimes sailboat on Honeoye. I find the wind in the valley to be hard to read sometimes and that leads me to another question. Are there any books on sailing theory (or windsurfing theory?) you were exposed to that helped you become a better windsurfer? It’s Winter and I’m trying to get as prepared as i can for when the good weather hits.

I’ll definetly be using your notes while i checkout the market on equipment. I’m trying not jump on anything just yet. If you don’t mind me running a few deals past you I could use a good 2nd opinion on this stuff since I am still learning about equipment, brands, etc.. at a slow pace.

And all things aside, I will let you know in 4.

 

Thanks,

– Dave

[Rich]

Oh you skate, that’s cool! I used too as well. The tenacity and balance skater’s have will serve you well windsurfing. But don’t expect the board to respond the same, it’s more like standing on a small boat at first.

I have place on Lake Ontario so that’s primarily where I ride. So when the wind is good, the waves are usually something to contend with as well for a beginner. That’s an advantage of learning on the Finger lakes I think. I’d like to try Long Pond maybe this spring north of Rochester, that’s not too far.

Unfortunately I haven’t found any good books on windsurfing myself, maybe someone else here could recommend. Most of my research has been Youtube and some video with Peter Hart. I did take a lesson however this past November while on vacation in Aruba and it was really great. There’s nothing like having someone right there to point out your mistakes.

I’m no expert, but I’d be glad to give my two cents on any gear you might find. I’m always keeping an eye out for used stuff.  Sorry for the delayed response but the wind storm we had caused some problems, isn’t that ironic?

 

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