Newbie Equipment Question

jjcrf250 · Joined: 15 Jul 1995 Posts: 1

My boyfriend then (and now my husband) tried to interest me in windsurfing on his old gear on a gusty lake in cold water, and he tried to be my instructor. Not very successful. I did some research and suggested we go somewhere on vacation where I could expect steady strong wind and warm water. We went to Aruba and we both took lessons. After one week he had nailed his jibes and I was planing on a 100L board in my front foot strap and I could "beach" start in chest deep water. Now this was fun! And 15 years later we are both still planning our vacations around windsurfing.

I would strongly recommend taking lessons in a place where the learning conditions are good. I would invest in the lessons, rentals and travel before buying gear. But I am not a patient person and I needed to experience the thrill side of the sport before I was ready to put in the work side.

You may be more patient than me and enjoy being out on the water figuring things out for yourself on your own gear -- that is great. Just remember, if things are getting frustrating don't give up, there are other paths to success!

mrgybe · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 5180

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

MrFish · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 248

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

While I have already offered my thoughts on the question of taking or not taking lessons, I'm more than a bit curious about the price tag for a trip for two to Aruba that includes everything. That would encompass airfare, hotels, transportation, dining, equipment rentals, and of course, lessons. This kind of information would shed some real light on things for those now contemplating learning to windsurf.

Let's assume that the whole experience was a huge success, so that the issue really is not about taking or not taking lessons.

MrFish · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 248

I don't see why it has to be Aruba - it could be anywhere really. The thing is--i think that the early part of ws should be done intensely, like they do kites.

To get to an intermediate level is not hard, unless you spread out the beginner stuff out over a year. Or three.

So many schools do a 1/2 day course for $75, then out the door. That doesn't work. If 1 out of 100 stuck out of that mess, beaches would be jammed. But it reality, it's more like 1: 1000. Lot's of people who've 'windsurfed' haven't.

The only thing is ws that's hard is jibing. Hook and foot, planning, water start all easy, if properly taught. If not properly taught though, all bets are off.

mrgybe · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 5180

Mr Fish is right......clearly it doesn't have to be Aruba............there are many places to learn that are far less expensive for a US resident. Based upon my windsurfing travels, I believe that Hatteras is one of the best places in the world to learn. Shallow sound waters for miles........warm for 6-7 months a year......good instructors and equipment........and relatively cheap accommodation, eating and transportation (with the option to progress to the waves just across the street). Being able to hop back on the board from shallow water, and not worrying about offshore winds is a big confidence booster for a beginner. All you need is that first exhilaration of moving quickly across the water.........without being in fear of your life!!

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

I knew when I asked, the Aruba vacation would represent a steep price tag, but jjcrf250 was so convinced that that's the way to do it. In my view, it was a fair question. Still though, given all the emphasis and importance attributed to taking lessons, it only makes sense to pencil out the real costs involved. Traveling to Hatteras to take lessons would still be quite expensive for someone on the west coast like myself.

For someone like me that lives in Santa Barbara, the closest spots where I could take advertised professional lessons would be at Coyote Point or Alameda through Boardsports School, or in the Delta through an ABK camp during the select time(s) that they show up during the season. Even though one can camp in the Delta for the price of a $20 membership to the Rio Vista Windsurfing Association, it would still take close to 3 tanks of gas ($225) for me to drive my van up and back. Having never taken lessons myself, it's unclear how many are needed and the relative cost for them. Also, one has to question whether the lessons include the rental for the kit too.

So even taking a shoestring approach that would be available to me, I think that it can add up to some more serious money (seemingly more than moonie5961 was thinking to spend for the whole kit on Craig's List), and I haven't even figured in the cost for lessons. If you don't bring your own food, or don't have the necessary camping gear, the cost would escalate further.

It might seem that I'm working some of you a bit, but I think that it's of value to pull the cover off the lesson scenario so that the folks interested in learning windsurfing see more of the whole budget picture. Given the fact that many here have already paid the price for what they're recommending, maybe they can flesh this thing out in more real terms.