A few years ago, when a couple of mates and I launched the Long Board Wind Surfing website it was to try to promote the fact that we needed to do exactly what Robby (and Svein) are now saying - that is, promote ALL of this fantastic sport, not just one great part of it.
At one time, when Johnsy was having getting the plastic for the One Designs, I don't think there as a single longboard windsurfer in production in the world. Now, as Robby is saying, they are among the top sellers. We copped a fair bit of flak a while back, so it's nice to see another heavy hitter in the sport now giving the same message.
I recall at a NSW wavesailing event back in the 1989, Scott O'Connor (who was the rep for North Sails and Tyronsea at the time) said not only that, but if this part of the sport was not actively promoted, the sport wouldn't survive.
Greg Johns should be applauded for his vision in keeping the One Design alive. I don't think the average windsurfer recognises what he has done for the sport in which so many characters and fads have come and gone.
I bought a One Design a few weeks back and I am blown away by the simplicity and fun of this board. I can sail it in five knots and have a ball, and it works fantastically as a cruising SUP too.
Clarence
"a good day of windsurfing is still better than a better day of anything else" Psst don't tell kiters that
"a good day of windsurfing is still better than a better day of anything else" Psst don't tell kiters that
A bad day of windsurfing is still way better than a good day at work in my book!