Over some years hanging out with the NSW Wavesailors, I’ve witnessed and/or been the recipient of a lot of good deeds. Windsurfers helping each other on the water and off, whether it be to help fix broken gear or lend missing equipment to help someone get on the water or pass on gear they think someone else can use better than themselves. I’ve found the Wavesailors to be one of the friendliest bunch of people I’ve met. Really approachable and encouraging to newcomers too.
My son Alex and I have been teaching some of his friends to windsurf over the last 3 years and a lot of other windsurfers have been really generous with passing on some old boards, masts or booms they no longer needed for the kids I’ve been teaching. Some guys e.g. Brett Goodwin have handed over prizes they have won straight to someone else. Jason Hale has parted with booms, masts, fins, footstraps and harness lines.
This was the first year that one of Alex’s friends (Kye) competed in the NSW Wavesailing State Titles. He took 2nd place in the Juniors (under 18s). The NSW State Titles have been sponsored by Severne Sails and it was the highlight of the presentation night when one of the adult windsurfers (JP) won the awesome prize donated by Severne: a 4.8m 2016 S1. Alex and I had been secretly hoping Kye would win that sail to complete his quiver but it wasn’t to be.
Kye has been using one of our old harnesses so he was super happy to win a new harness along with his trophy. He was absolutely stunned when George (the president) presented him with another sail he personally donated. He couldn’t believe his luck since it was the next size sail up from the ones he has been using.
The very next day, JP approached me to congratulate me for teaching the kids to windsurf and very hugely, extremely generously presented me with his Severne sail to give to one of the kids. It was almost too much when I informed Kye that I was going to give it to him. He agreed to pass on the sail he was given from George to one of the other kids who have been learning along with him and can’t afford one like it. So, thank you Severne, George and JP. You have made 2 kids really really happy!!!
Kye (age 14) has only been windsurfing for about a year. This is his 4th day in the waves!! He is using his previously biggest sail here: a Severne 4.1m XS1. He is wearing his new harness and is really looking forward to trying out the adult's Severne S1 4.8m!
Every time I come to Sanctuary Point I am amazed at how good these kids are and how much fun they have all together. It would have not been possible without your dedication, this is a fact and no one can deny it.
You're a legend Akim, shaping the next generation of legends. I got a feeling some big names might emerge from your neck of the woods in the coming years.
Nice one great story. Akim the enthusiasm you have for the sport and how you help out getting new people into it is fantastic.