I need Help, does anybody know someone on the Gold Coast that can give me some Windsurfing Lessons I have my own s##t 80's gear to get me started in the flat. I can't find anybody who is keen too teach.
My History
I'm Five 0 = old man
Been surfed for 45 years I own 20 surfboards
Been surfing Stand Up as well since 2005 I own 6 SUP's
Pity your down the Coast, If you were up Redcliffe way I would be more than happy to help you out. I love the old gear.
Give SurfFX a call, they will hook you up with someone local.
If you need to learn from pretty much scrap you will be better off getting a lesson via them with the use of some of their newer gear... trust me, I learnt in the 80's on that old gear and it is so much easier on the new stuff. What would take a week back then takes an hour now days.
If you haven't found anyone to give you some tips by early Jan shoot me a message, I will come and give you a few pointers - unfortunately I'm not really available till after then.
Most instructions to learn to windsurf are on the internet. If you start on a day with light wind in a safe place you are not risking anything. You might need just a bit of help with the initial rigging and set up of the board and sail. If in doubt you can send pictures. Remember to downhaul and outhaul at the recommended lengths, that's the most critical part.
Thanks for the Replies
I've been giving it a go in Currumbin Creek when the wind is NE
(Yes I'm the real beginner kook)
BIG Thanks to Kirk.
Kirk from Gold Coast Windsurf gave me a Windsurfing lesson today stoked I had fun. It's a lot harder than you think, I swore a lot under water when I'd fall off. I recon I'll be sore in my traps tomorrow.
It is hard to learn, but its easy once you do learn.
When you can waterstart, get hooked in, get the board planing, get your feet into the straps - that's when it really takes off. Its so much better when you get past the learning stage and it takes a lot less effort when you have the skill. Thats why its so rewarding. Stick at it and it will be worth it.
I'm in a similar position...only about 6 weeks or so into it and 50 next month...when things go wrong I love to use the Danny Glover quote "I'm getting too old for this **" but then I just get back on....Funnily enough I could be cruising along thinking everything is fine then all of a sudden be tossed cos I forgot to release pressure on the boom...and the harness only seems to make the accidents hurt more
I guess just don't give up....I had 2 professional lessons and it helped me for confidence but in hindsight there was nothing I learned there that I could not have picked up from just going out windsurfing and studying/following others form/direction etc. So it all just comes down to "quality" time on water. I still class myself as a beginner and it wont be til I am planing using both the straps and harness that I will start to feel comfortable.