Top 10 Reasons Why Windsurfing Has Declined
Jerry McEwen
10. I don't know whether or not to dry my sails,.
9. Waist harness or seat?
8. Ellen hasn't taught me how to waterstart my 10.0.
7. I'm too sore from butt-dragging.
6. I need a three-fin quiver, but can only afford two.
5. Can't decide whether to sail my HS 105 or HS 125.
4. Can't decide whether to rig *with* or *without* cams.
3. My Hypersonic was making a weird sound.
2. It's too much like an airplane wing and fuselage taxiing on an
airport runway with a flat tire.
And the #1 Reason Why Windsurfing Has Declined?
1. BFF or FFF?
Mike F
12. My board has only three fins.
13. I can't plane through my jibes.
14. I don't like arguing.
15. It's too haaaaaaaaaaaaard.
16. It doesn't blow 4.0 often enough.
17. The water's flat 'cause there's no current.
18. It's too quiet; there's no macho ring-a-ring-a-ring-a-ring-a.
19. It's too windy where I live.
20. I tried it once. I can't do it right.
Mike \m/
"Jerry McEwen" <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message
news:avmedv4nujkb5fp1d...@4ax.com...
Peter Berkey
"Mike F" <iso...@urxSpamDam.com> wrote in message
news:trJBa.3739$vZ2...@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com...
Frank Weston
It boomed while it was trendy, but now it's not.
Frank Weston
remove Glenn Woodell
says...
>
>There is only one reason: windsurfing was a "trend" sport in the beginning.
>It boomed while it was trendy, but now it's not.
Is that why kiting is so popular right now?
Glenn
Bob Jacobson
longboard and still be cool. When shortboards showed up with planing jibes,
jumpin' and bumpin', and real wave ridin', cool was re-defined.
Unfortunately, many people didn't have the wind, skills, time and money
involved to move on. The "industry" responded with "transition boards"
instead of quickly developing a school system for upgrading skills. Not to
be too harsh on the "industry": even at the height of windsurfing
popularity, we're talking a tiny business. Have pity on your windsurfing
retailer: a seasonal business with expensive inventory, product cycles
measured in months, customers with various skill levels and financial
resources, help that knows how to windsurf, but not how to retail (lots of
cool dudes who look down their nose at beginners), and mail-order houses
selling on price. Not much margin there to develop a good instructional
system.
IMHO, the short wide boards that have been developed to make it easier for
rank beginners are a welcome addition, and the form factor is great for the
big sails needed for low wind planing, but the problem of teaching people to
use harness and footstraps, waterstart and jibe, has not been satisfactorily
addressed. Witness the number of posts on this newsgroup that address these
topics.
Having said all that, from my perspective, windsurfing is in a golden age.
Think of it - easy parking at many popular venues, very few beginners
falling in front of you as you pinch back to your launch site, very good
equipment for every style of windsurfing, and at low prices if you're
willing to buy last year's model. Heck, there's even enough room to share
with kiters. And there's no presumption of cool, so the posers have moved on
to kiting and surfing.
"Frank Weston" <fr...@weston-american.com> wrote in message
news:GvCcnYxEN6w...@comcast.com...
RMoore 41
perspective windsurfing for 20+ years is that it is NOT a family activity and
for the most part the wife and kids hate it and pop is torn between spending
quality time with the family or chasing wind. There is trends and people will
quickly jump on a bandwagon and just as quickly jump off when the fun factor
wears off and the committment of actually have to work at the activity to do it
in a reasonable fashion. In my area windsurfing is fading and sailors are
either not sailing anymore because they are too busy or too lazy or just the
fun factor is not there anymore for them. Some of the real wind addicts have
gone to kiting and they arn't coming back and the new crowd is going into
kiting as it is the current new activity. Will be interesting to see how long
that will last. My guess it will last for quite a while. As far as what is
going to save windsurfing and increase the popularity. I really don't know,
maybe the gear will just rot alongside the old hobie cat that sits in many
backyards OR maybe the wideboards will save the sport as the claim is that you
can learn to windsurf in a day. RON
WARDOG
Bob Jacobson wrote:
>
> Shortboards killed windsurfing.
You're going to have to redefine "shortboards"...;-)
The new shortboards are bringing light air windsurfing back...
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/lopez_wardog1.jpg
The latest and "coolest" board from the "industry", the 227/229cm
Hypersonic 105/125 can plane up a 250lb sailor virtually without
whitecaps...and doesn't "see" holes...
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/lopez_willv_hyper.jpg
It's the great "equalizer" for the big guys at the lake, lately...
Roger Jackson says he can get it planing in 6 kts...we'll find out at
Lake Isabella in July...
SAY NO TO 8'0"'s...;-)
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
MTVNewsGuy
you could
longboard and still be cool. When shortboards showed up with planing jibes,
jumpin' and bumpin', and real wave ridin', cool was re-defined. >>
I have to agree. Not that shortboards are or were bad (obviously they're
great) but even today, the response I get from people when I'm shortboarding
(on the beach they stand ten feet away from the gear, look at it as if it is
exotic and strange, and say "I could never do that") is so very different from
when I've got my old Superlight out (people come much closer, some ask if they
can give it a try.)
I don't think there's anyone to blame...very few windsurfers I know would
longboard if there was lots of longboarding going on. I know because I can't
get the majority of my shortboarding friends out on the water when I'm tooling
around on said Superlight. I think the sport followed a natural business
course, which is too bad, because a bay full of longboards is a beautiful
thing. So are little shops, but they've been replaced by malls.
Michael
US5613
Mike F
days ago by deliberately challenging WSers to chicken races regardless of
what tack anyone was on. I just dodged him, and gave him more space than he
had the ability to usurp, but a guy who has 70 pounds on me took it less
lightly. Good example to set for the kiting community!
Mike \m/
"remove larc.nasa.gov (Glenn Woodell)" <g.a.woodell@> wrote in message
news:bb83uu$4i0$1...@kant.larc.nasa.gov...
MTVNewsGuy
The new shortboards are bringing light air windsurfing back...
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/lopez_wardog1.jpg
The latest and "coolest" board from the "industry", the 227/229cm
Hypersonic 105/125 can plane up a 250lb sailor virtually without
whitecaps...and doesn't "see" holes... >>
I might even say that planing killed windsurfing (as a more popular sport).
When not planing became the equivalent of not windsurfing, this increased
people's gear requirements while simultaneously decreased the quality of their
prevailing conditions. 8 knots was "bad".
Michael
US5613
Glenn Woodell
says...
>
>God, I HOPE so. ONE of them ate up two lanes across the river a couple of
>days ago by deliberately challenging WSers to chicken races regardless of
>what tack anyone was on.
What kiter with half sense would ever play chicken with a 12 foot pole such as
is found on powered up windsurfers?! I think I'd just hold my course.
Glenn
WARDOG
MTVNewsGuy wrote:
> I might even say that planing killed windsurfing
> a bay full of longboards is a beautiful thing
How about a bay full of people "butt-sailing" ala Mike F?...;-)
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Weed Fin
<< You're going to have to redefine "shortboards"...;-)
The new shortboards are bringing light air windsurfing back...
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/lopez_wardog1.jpg >>
Warren, are you also switching down to a seat harness for the larger sails?
Weed Fin
As long as it's done in butt, montana.
WARDOG
Hyper and big sails...more of the power can be harnessed when you put
the hammer down...
It's scary how much power I can hold down...I'd sure hate to get
catapaulted...I try to get in the footstraps before hooking in, because
the Hyper planes up so fast...you have to be ready...
This slalom stuff is fun and addicting with the "right" gear...
There were 4 other, very accomplished, wavesailors at the lake yesterday
trying the new stuff out...
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
WARDOG
with the right lighting...this one is in Australia...
http://www.wickedweasel.com/oz/galleries/02_03/c_0203_daniela006.html
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Weed Fin
<<In my area windsurfing is fading and sailors are
either not sailing anymore because they are too busy or too lazy or just the
fun factor is not there anymore for them.>>
In my 20+ years of windsurfing I've seen what I call about five
generations/waves of windsurfers come and go. Some stayed on to become regulars
most didn't and became adults.
What I am seeing though is the second generation starting to come back. Most
got married, had kids, and now the kids are getting older and can either play
at the beach or are away playing soccer, little league or whatever. A few of
the hard core on Cape Cod are self employed carpenters, landscapers, plumbers,
etc.. and are still busy building trophy homes for the rich and famous.
I think down the road some of the ex-windsurfers from years past will return.
Weed Fin
<< A bay with a longboarder on a colorful sail can be quite beautiful...
with the right lighting...this one is in Australia...
http://www.wickedweasel.com/oz/galleries/02_03/c_0203_daniela006.html >>
Hey, that's my Aunt!
Mike F
I'm amazed that so many people are amazed by buttsailing, considering how
much work the alternative is. NOT doing it is sort of like cutting the power
steering belt on yer Hummer so you can enjoy the effort. ;-)
And that doesn't even address the OTHER form of buttsailing, where ya sail
yer sinker or bobber upwind as far as conditions allow, knowing that you can
always sit on the board and run straight downwind to get home if the wind
backs off too much to plane home. WSing in an excellent sit-down sport when
the winds don't support doing it standing up.
Mike \m/
"Weed Fin" <wee...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030530154608...@mb-m03.aol.com...
florian
> A bay with a longboarder on a colorful sail can be quite beautiful...
> with the right lighting...this one is in Australia...
> http://www.wickedweasel.com/oz/galleries/02_03/c_0203_daniela006.html
You've got too much time on your hands my friend!
florian
PS: are you carrying that product (not the f2)? If so, can we see you
wear one?
(Pete Cresswell)
>>There is only one reason: windsurfing was a "trend" sport in the beginning.
>>It boomed while it was trendy, but now it's not.
>
>Is that why kiting is so popular right now?
I think there's also the "Volkswagon factor". Back when they were ugly little
bugs with no gas gauge and owned by only a few people there was sort of a
fraternal feeling - VW drivers used to wave to each other.
Same thing with a lot of sports, I think - surfing, Hobiecatting, snow skiing,
windsurfing...now kiting.
Once the unwashed masses get in and the camaraderie factor disappears a certain
number of people drift away and new people are not attracted for that reason.
Dunno what the percent is...probably not real high...maybe less than 10...but I
think it's still one factor among many.
-----------------------
PeteCresswell
(Pete Cresswell)
>I might even say that planing killed windsurfing (as a more popular sport).
>When not planing became the equivalent of not windsurfing, this increased
>people's gear requirements while simultaneously decreased the quality of their
>prevailing conditions. 8 knots was "bad".
Ever read about "Cognative Therapy"? The premise is that people's depression
can be caused by the way the perceive events - as opposed to events themselves.
I remember sailing for hours and hours without even *thinking* about
planing...and enjoying every minute of it. Now, as somebody observed, it's
not cool to not plane...and most people's equipment reinforces that.
-----------------------
PeteCresswell
Juri Munkki
>with the right lighting...this one is in Australia...
>http://www.wickedweasel.com/oz/galleries/02_03/c_0203_daniela006.html
It says "Red Sea" in the main gallery for that model. The Red Sea that
I know of is not in Australia. But...I guess that's not the main point
anyway.
I've seen a lot of younger sailors come to the sport since last year.
It's all about how accessible you make the sport to them. They can't
carry the gear around because they don't have cars, but they are
willing to share gear (at least to start with) and providing storage
containers at the beach relieves them from needing a car.
We now have six 20-foot containers at Mellsten beach. A real surf
center would be nice, but none of the clubs operating at that beach
have the resources to get it done properly...at least not yet.
Still, I think we're seeing growth there instead of decline.
--
Juri Munkki jmu...@iki.fi What you see isn't all you get.
http://www.iki.fi/jmunkki Windsurfing: Faster than the wind.
Jack (Sarasota)
Jack (Sarasota)
"(Pete Cresswell)" <x@y.z> wrote in message
news:eopfdvoq0ed9t328u...@4ax.com...
Jack (Sarasota)
"true believers" are having a blast. Some of them even have longboards in
the Garage. Go figure.
Jack (Sarasota)
"MTVNewsGuy" <mtvne...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030530144214...@mb-m20.aol.com...
WARDOG
http://www.wickedweasel.com/oz/company_index.html
WARDOG
http://surfingsports.com
WARDOG
florian wrote:
> You've got too much time on your hands my friend!
>
Product and market research...
> PS: are you carrying that product (not the f2)? If so, can we see you
> wear one
The company already has models...
http://www.wickedweasel.com/oz/galleries/main/index.html
I'm kind of a baggy trunk wearing guy...but, is this what you're looking
for?...;-)
http://ac-leather-lingerie.com/cgi-local/shop.pl/page=male_thongs.htm
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Charles Ivey
Will you quit posting these sites? I am going to have to purge my history
file now. You are my "trusted content" provider for information so if I get
on some weird email list for going to these "sites," I'm going to forward
them to you....Then Deb can check your history file and wonder why you are
looking at "pictures."
Puritan in Texas (most of the time)
CI
p.s. humor intented
"WARDOG" <moon...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:3ED826C1...@cox.net...
WARDOG
You're making my job more difficult...
I was researching Reef Brazil sandals after windsurfing with one of
their reps at Jalama last weekend...
Disclaimer: Puritan discretion advised...;-)
http://www.eastcoastsurf.com/misc/reefcomp/index.html
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
frusdniw
http://wickedweasel.com/oz/galleries/model_krissy/k009.html
Why not just go naked? What are you really hiding? Why bother? That
square inch of fabric probably runs $50 besides. I think most would agree
she'd be better off spending $50 on some good sunscreen and just enjoy the
ultimate in freedom.
Hans
--
Hans -
http://www.windsurfingradio.com/
http://windsurf.hansanderson.com/
**** remove the z's from my email address to reach me ****
bsinclair
bsnews:3ED834BF...@cox.net...
MTVNewsGuy
the nonplaning sailing as well as planing. I've seen a few (three) former wind
snobs gradually get over their complete refusal to go out on a big board when
they've had the opportunity to learn back to back sailing, or nonplaning
ducktacks, and so on.
Michael
US5613
florian
> Charles,
> You're making my job more difficult...
> I was researching Reef Brazil sandals after windsurfing with one of
> their reps at Jalama last weekend...
>
> Disclaimer: Puritan discretion advised...;-)
> http://www.eastcoastsurf.com/misc/reefcomp/index.html
>
> WARDOG
> http://www.surfingsports.com
>
Way to go, guys.
Are you trying to knock rec.windsurfing off the short list of "workplace-
safe" groups on the usenet?
florian (not too upset, really)
frusdniw
I had these same thoughts as I was on the living room computer yesterday,
reading recdot and click on one of those Wardog-provided links. Oh, did I
mention the part about my 12 year old daughter and her two friends hanging
out nearby, too? I don't need a boss screen, I need a pre-teen
screen. ;-)
Hans
On Sat, 31 May 2003, florian wrote:
> Are you trying to knock rec.windsurfing off the short list of "workplace-
> safe" groups on the usenet?
>
>
> florian (not too upset, really)
>
--
Tom Whittemore
I spent 2 hours yesterday sailing in 2-10 knots of swirling lake wind,
and completely enjoyed the sun and the water.
BTW I was on what I consider a "big" short board 264cm 114l F2 Max2air.
Who cares that the board was only 1/4" above the water.
Could be the reason that I always make my waterstarts now even when I
cannot plane, or survive bizarre jibs and tacks.
--
(\ ( Thomas M. Whittemore USWA/ABC ( sites:
{_\ ( East Greenbush,NY F2 Max2Air/Axxis ( Saratoga Lk.
(__\ ( FIBERSPAR Sailworks/Rushwind ( W. Dennis
{i__\ ( "911" racing on Equipe II US-TW ( Hood River
++^++++++ ( Adirondack Boardsailing Club ( AVON
Club Web site: http://www.abcsail.org
My Web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~vikingsail
WARDOG
Tom Whittemore wrote:
> I spent 2 hours yesterday sailing in 2-10 knots of swirling lake wind,
> and completely enjoyed the sun and the water.
Perfect wind for "butt-sailing" according to Mike...why stand up and
shlog? It's much easier and way less exercise to just "butt-sail" when
you're not able to plane...just hook in and you can do it all day,
"butt-sailing for miles" with minimal strain on any muscle group...;-)
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Jerry McEwen
wrote:
>I'm amazed that so many people are amazed by buttsailing, considering how
>much work the alternative is. NOT doing it is sort of like cutting the power
>steering belt on yer Hummer so you can enjoy the effort. ;-)
>
>And that doesn't even address the OTHER form of buttsailing, where ya sail
>yer sinker or bobber upwind as far as conditions allow, knowing that you can
>always sit on the board and run straight downwind to get home if the wind
>backs off too much to plane home. WSing in an excellent sit-down sport when
>the winds don't support doing it standing up.
>
>Mike \m/
I'm not amazed by it, I think we've all done it or something close to
it. I've fallen close to the beach 1/2 dozen times and, rather than
waterstart, I just flew the sail and let it drag me the rest of the
way in.
It's just fun to poke fun at because of the name.
bsurf
sails, $300 booms and $300 fin quivers. Not to mention all the extra
gadgets (extensions, bags, racks, tools, wetsuits etc...) that could
easy add up to $4000.
But that's not the worst part, your $1600 board is an eggshell and
your sail can't handle a lot of sun!!! whats that, a board carries a
mast and a boom that are rock solid, and the best WS day should have
sun.
I also think that pressure valves and finboxes with 2 screws are not
helping in anything, think of it if you forget to tight it (valve) or
loose it you could damage your $1600 board, even if you do it it could
wear out and let water in.
I know that manufacters can't build $300 bombproof boards, at least
with all the exotic materials they are using now, but what about $1000
boards ($600 in closeout) in a 2 lb heavier construction that is not
that crisp but a lot more durable, forget pressure valves, and also
fin boxes that don't require tools, something as easy as the ones from
Mistral and Fanatic in the mid 90.
The same goes with sails, at least they should be able to handle a lot
of sun and cost a little less.
I bet you that if equipment like that came out, a lot of more people
were willing to try it, or not to quit after some of their quiver have
broken. I have some friends that stop WS after they damage their first
sail. They rather spend $300 on a surfboard than $600 on a sail that
only lasted 6 months.
Bernardo
Jerry McEwen <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message news:<avmedv4nujkb5fp1d...@4ax.com>...
> The Top 10 Reasons Why Windsurfing Has Declined
>
> 10. I don't know whether or not to dry my sails,.
>
> 9. Waist harness or seat?
>
> 8. Ellen hasn't taught me how to waterstart my 10.0.
>
> 7. I'm too sore from butt-dragging.
>
> 6. I need a three-fin quiver, but can only afford two.
>
> 5. Can't decide whether to sail my HS 105 or HS 125.
>
> 4. Can't decide whether to rig *with* or *without* cams.
>
> 3. My Hypersonic was making a weird sound.
>
> 2. It's too much like an airplane wing and fuselage taxiing on an
> airport runway with a flat tire.
>
> And the #1 Reason Why Windsurfing Has Declined?
>
> 1. BFF or FFF?
WARDOG
I see an "event" at the Velocity Games last Saturday in Corpus that was
interesting...
"Thrashin Fashion Extreme Style Show Concert presented by John
Casablancas Models"
Further research reveals John is a "legendary Lothario" with an
attraction to teenage models:
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/news/politics/columns/citypolitic/1866/
Watch out down in Corpus for those "city slickers"...;-)
This woman at the half pipe doing color commentary made a few hearts
and pacemakers in the NG skip a beat...imagine what the Extreme Style
Show Concert would have done...;-)
http://www.corpusbeach.com/images/images/Vgames/DS5-21-03b.jpg
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Mike F
Nobody makes us buy new gear ... or cars ... or homes. NowFOOD .. that's a
different story. And I even bought my motor home new because the savings on
lightly used ones were marginal. But WSing gear depreciates instantly and
dramatically, even new late in the season. If you don't have that available
near you, maybe a big swap meet would pay for your trip to a hot area.
Mike \m/
"bsurf" <bpol...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ff9d2175.0305...@posting.google.com...
Peter Berkey
Uh-huh, I can see this connection. Also, can imagine equipment testing and
handling is part of this research?
Mike F
in the waterstart position", or "effortless slogging". The seated version
might me called "cruising in a recliner".
Now, don't both of those beat "isometric torture"? ;-)
Mike \m/
"Jerry McEwen" <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message
news:2qehdvkjhs37pd7s8...@4ax.com...
WARDOG
frusdniw wrote:
>
> So explain to me why someone would even spend the money on this:
>
> http://wickedweasel.com/oz/galleries/model_krissy/k009.html
>
> Why not just go naked? What are you really hiding? Why bother? That
> square inch of fabric probably runs $50 besides. I think most would agree
> she'd be better off spending $50 on some good sunscreen and just enjoy the
> ultimate in freedom.
Wayulll,
Their company Mission & "Vision" statement says:
http://www.wickedweasel.com/oz/company_index.html
"We are not motivated by profit but by the desire to provide a fun
range of quality products for the benefit of women and their
admirers and the challenge of building a modern, ethical and
socially responsible business in the new world economy."
Better value than you thought...5X better!
It's only $17 Australian ($10 USD)...they have a currency converter...
http://bikinishop.wickedweasel.com/cache/item-253public.html?cache=no
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Tom Whittemore
not!
;->
Peter Berkey
> year old daughter and her two friends hanging
> out nearby, too?
Good thing ya didn't open that link someone posted in the tornado survival
thread.... that was a BAD, BAD, BAD picture. Whoever did that one should be
ashamed.... however, it could save a life someday ; )
Bill Kline
>From: Tom Whittemore vikin...@earthlink.net
>Date: 5/31/2003 6:39 AM Pacific Daylight Time
>Message-id: <3ED8B115...@earthlink.net>
HI TOM!
VERY WELL PUT!
The soul of frestyle is from old school longboard (windsurfer freestyle). It
was done for entertainment and exercise.
Robby Naish, Peter Cabrihna, Maui Meyer , Mike Waltz and others transfrerred
freestyle to shortboards in the early 80's.
Many longboarders like Tinho and folk in Florida never stopped longboard
freestyle.
Now with the new wider boards you can truly sail freestyle in light wind. You
get a ton of exercise. We talk about adrenaline rush all the time, but many of
us windsurf for exercise.
I have attended a number of international freestyle events. Our company was a
sponsor of King of the Cape and the Bonaire PWA finals last year.
These guys literally compete right down to barely planing. The worlds best
loved the light wind venue of Bonaire. They sail no matter what and lead our
sport, inspiring us all. Freestyle is a sport for the people: all conditions
anytime, from nothing to Nuclear in the Gorge or in the Canaries or WHEREVER!
Now, new school Freestylers sail on regardless right on up to 7.2 or so. Some
stop at 110 to 117 litres or so. Others go bigger. The point is: Freestyle is
fun and great exercise!
Enjoy! You are leading the rest of us with your posting.
Bill Kline
Gorge Sport USA
Curtis Performance Fins, Orca Fins, Orca Kite Fins
Hood River, OR USA
www.gsport.com
ph/541 387 2649 fax/541 386 1715
WARDOG
board...I think he prefers flip tips...;-)
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Bill Kline
2. Windsurfing is about adrenaline, when many also enjoy the exercise,
3. The attitude that sitting on the beach is somehow superior to sailing if the
is a breeze.
4. Hardcore seems to imply high wind and waves, when hardcore is about sailing
regardless in all possible weather, wherever you are.
5. You are somehow a more advanced sailor if you sail only high wind and waves.
The best in the world sail in all conditions sail on regardless.
6. The center of the sport is waves and high wind: The center of the sport is
lighter wind sailing, prevalent around the world.
7. The windsurf pyramid is the high wind and elite wave sailors at the top,
when reality is the world is a pyramid turned upside down. The recreational
sailors in the real world support the top sailors. The best of the top sailors
realize this and operate that way.
8. Very few women windsurf
9. Few kids from 16 to 25 windsurf. This group comprises 65% of the readers of
Surfing magazine. Surfing is many times larger, despite the fact there is more
sailable water worldwide than surf able water.
10, No clothing company involvement: the big money in surf promotion is
clothing and lifestyle companies. Windsurfing needs such involvement. Surfing
is hard core, you paddle to get out, get LOTS of exercise.
Windsurfing needs to be hardcore, sail on regardless in all winds! Such is the
soul of our sport. When the opinion leaders are soulful, the sport evolves, be
it basketball, windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, or LIFE!:)
Happy sailing
Jerry McEwen
>In my opinion what's killing WS is $1600 boards with $400 masts, $600
>sails, $300 booms and $300 fin quivers. Not to mention all the extra
>gadgets (extensions, bags, racks, tools, wetsuits etc...) that could
>easy add up to $4000.
You make a good point, but those things sure don't kill it for me! I
can pick up used/closeout gear way cheaper than that.
Cases in point: 117 liter Fanatic Bee, good condition, $250.
New 7.0 V8, $350
New 9.5 V8, $199
These items are not my only gear, of course, I have a newer, larger,
lighter board and rig since I live in a light-wind location, but
bargains can be had.
I don't often recommend a $4,000 setup to a newbie. The young lady I
taught yesterday will be leaving her gear in Tenn and going back to
work in Colorado. Her 225 lb. dad will sail the board, but she will
sail it when she comes to town for regular visits. They are going to
pick up a used Superlight in primo condition for $250-300. I will sell
them dirt-cheap or give them an old 8.4 and a base extension and an
old 5.3. Shorties are $30 at Sam's Club. They will get a lot of
mileage out of about $350.
If they love the sport, they might pick up a used GO, Start, etc. once
they know they're hooked and will have no trouble getting their money
back on the Superlight if they wish to sell it.
>But that's not the worst part, your $1600 board is an eggshell and
>your sail can't handle a lot of sun!!! whats that, a board carries a
>mast and a boom that are rock solid, and the best WS day should have
>sun.
That's true for some people, but my best days are overcast and Tenn.
does not get that bad UV anyway.
For the people in Florida/Texas or wherever where UV is a major
factor, how much is that sail costing them if they pay $350 for a
closeout and get 300 hours sailing time? I think they would say it's
worth it.
As for eggshell boards, there are plenty of indestructible boards out
there, you just have to weigh your options and consider your skill
level.
>I also think that pressure valves and finboxes with 2 screws are not
>helping in anything, think of it if you forget to tight it (valve) or
>loose it you could damage your $1600 board, even if you do it it could
>wear out and let water in.
What if you forget to put oil in your car? Are you going to sell
yours?
>I know that manufacters can't build $300 bombproof boards,
You can buy a $300 bombproof board, tell me where you are and I will
help you find one. I've taken a few to the dump in past few years.
> at least
>with all the exotic materials they are using now, but what about $1000
>boards ($600 in closeout) in a 2 lb heavier construction that is not
>that crisp but a lot more durable, forget pressure valves, and also
>fin boxes that don't require tools, something as easy as the ones from
>Mistral and Fanatic in the mid 90.
>The same goes with sails, at least they should be able to handle a lot
>of sun and cost a little less.
Used mylar sails can be found cheap if that's what you want to sail.
>I bet you that if equipment like that came out, a lot of more people
>were willing to try it, or not to quit after some of their quiver have
>broken. I have some friends that stop WS after they damage their first
>sail.
I recommend people get comfortable in the harness and past most of the
catapult stage before they buy monofilm. I've never put a hook or a
foot through a panel, but lots of folks have.
Jerry McEwen
Jack (Sarasota)
Oh, I get it, for those gurlie sails? :)
Jack (Sarasota)
"bsurf" <bpol...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ff9d2175.0305...@posting.google.com...
Jerry McEwen
<Jack...@comcast.net> wrote:
>You can buy a mast for just $400 and a boom for $300?...
>Oh, I get it, for those gurlie sails? :)
>
>Jack (Sarasota)
Hey Jack, if I find out my new student is well-endowed money-wise,
where's a good deal on aused Prodigy?
bsurf
couple of trips to San Carlos a year. There is not a single new wave
board for those conditions under $1200, the closest would be Bic
Tribal and is big and wide for real down the line surfing. All the new
wave boards cost $1200 to $1600 and most of them are build in the
Cobra factory with about the same construction (eggshells).
The other options are customs, but they cost around the same and are
really hard to find if you live in Mexico.
Looking at the sails the one that catches my eye is the Ezzy wave se,
and costs $550.
I really don't mind to tighten my pressure valve and to put on my us
box fin, not even spend that amount of money on equipment (I really
love WS) my point is that those things are the ones that are driving
people away from WS.
Bernardo
Jerry McEwen <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message news:<mqqhdv0bu93th8l8k...@4ax.com>...
Jerry McEwen
winds and I was reading your post from a beginner-gear point of view.
High wind and waves are things I can only dream about, but I think
this thread is about what is bad for windsurfing. If you sail those
conditions, then you are already hooked and obviously know how to
sail. You realize you could buy a number of suitable, used bombproof
boards for $300 apiece in the Gorge, but you are talking about NEW
boards. You have every right to gripe about the price, I too wish good
gear was cheaper - but you want to sail great new gear and it ain't
cheap.
In case you don't know, you can also find used EzzySE's at
www.windance.com and www.windsurfingclassifieds.com.
I enjoyed your post, sail on.
Jack (Sarasota)
I don't have any hot leads, but there are Charter boards around. These
usually go for $500 to $600 less than new, and have only been used for 1 or
2 races. That's what we did for Jane.
Obviously he/she would need to have the basic lessons out of the way before
being ready for the 8.5, but Jane has no problem either beach starting or
uphauling the 8.5, so for light air, flat water sailing even a pretty much
newbie can handle it, once they don't need to uphaul every 5 minutes. I do
recomend getting the race version of the board because the adjustable mast
track, Carbon CB and proper fin make such a big difference, that even a low
intermediate will feel the benefit.
Pepi should know where there are nearby Charter boards hanging out.
If I hear of someone that wants to sell, I'll point them your way.
Jack (Sarasota)
"Jerry McEwen" <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message
news:aqvhdv097k3bh9bd3...@4ax.com...
Jack (Sarasota)
weren't an improvement, those older and relatively inexpensive old boards
would look like a better deal. Of course, the Trip to the Gorge from
Veracruz would add just a bit to the cost.
Bernardo,
Maybe one of the Gorge heads would make a road trip to Veracruz and bring
you something!
Jack (Sarasota) Who used to overnight in Veracruz when traveling between
Honduras and Texas, and always enjoyed it.
"Jerry McEwen" <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message
news:m5gidvcqast9rov2s...@4ax.com...
groove
> The Top 10 Reasons Why Windsurfing Has Declined
Hobie Cats ;-)
Whoops, haven't seen many new ones!
Mike F
you consider that "older" often means one year old or even THIS year's gear
... at something like half price. There were several mint -- they looked
unused -- '02 and '03 JP wave boards for about $800 at the main Gorge swap
meet this year, for example.
Mike \m/
"Jack (Sarasota)" <Jack...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:LbCdnWIoS4Y...@comcast.com...
Jerry McEwen
>Hobie Cats ;-)
>Whoops, haven't seen many new ones!
Thiose things are very hard to pass unless it's 20+, but I used to
love racing with them when we had races here.
Craig (gsogh) Goudie
shapes for Down the Line wave sailing. Bernardo obviously knows
what he wants and that is a good way to get what you want, but I would
suggest getting a custom from a location where DTL wave sailing is the
typical (Bill Foote's Hawaiian HiTechs are this way).
DTL boards are very specialized and there are very few places
in the world where they would be the optimum shape.
Ezzy's on the other hand are abundant and inexpensive on the used
or last years Gorge market.
-Craig
"Jack (Sarasota)" wrote:
--
Craig (Go Short or Go Home!) Goudie
Sailing the high desert lakes of Utah on my:
RRD 298, Starboard 272 and Cross M 8'2" with
Sailworks/Naish Sails and Rec Composites Fins
Sailing the Gorge on my: 9'1" RRD Freeride,
8'3" Logosz Squish, 8'0" Hitech IBM with
Sailworks/Northwave Sails and Curtis Fins
Mike F
Drops waves , etc., "Gorge shapes"? Are they not good for DTL?
Mike \m/
"Craig (gsogh) Goudie" <gor...@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:3EDA1CD1...@netzero.net...
Weed Fin
<<Perfect wind for "butt-sailing" according to Mike...why stand up and
shlog? It's much easier and way less exercise to just "butt-sail" when
you're not able to plane...just hook in and you can do it all day,
"butt-sailing for miles" with minimal strain on any muscle group...;-)>>
What are the dates for the First Anual Mike Fine Hood River Enema Race?
Stergios Papadakis
You get extra points if Anual was a strategic misspelling.
Was it?
Stergios
Mike F
a hefty swim suit when butt-sailing. I once got an enema I'll never forget
jumping off cliffs. I've always dived headfirst since then, favoring a sore
neck over a hydraulic enema.
BTW ... several of us had to butt-sail for 10-15 minutes, then swim, to
shore last night when 5.0 wind suddenly gave way to a couple of knots ....
the price of sinker-sailing.
Mike \m/
"Stergios Papadakis" <papa...@physics.unc.edu> wrote in message
news:3EDA9C44...@physics.unc.edu...
Weed Fin
<<> What are the dates for the First Anual Mike Fine Hood River Enema Race?
You get extra points if Anual was a strategic misspelling.
Was it?>>
Butt of coarse. ;-)
zin pyrate
skill reguirements and lots money
Zin
Jerry McEwen <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message news:<ktrhdvkmpvg3kaasp...@4ax.com>...
Jerry McEwen
nice job!
Jerry McEwen
<gor...@netzero.net> wrote:
>Gorge shapes are not good
>shapes for Down the Line wave sailing.
I stand corrected, thanks.I obviously don't know squat about waves.
Mike F
ocean shorelines.
But ya know the STRANGEST thing I see in those magazines? People windsurfing
in SWIM SUITS! That just looks SO weird, and SO out of reality. I guess I
gotta get back to Maui or Corpus Christi to remind myself what that's like.
It's something I've virtually never done in fresh water. They even have LAWS
against letting the Columbia River get that warm, because it kills our wimpy
little fishies.
Mike \m/
"Jerry McEwen" <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message
news:5nbldv01qfcbjl34j...@4ax.com...
Jerry McEwen
wrote:
>They're those big bumps with curling white tops we see in the magazines on
>ocean shorelines.
We see those once or twice every five years or so when a tornado comes
too close.
>But ya know the STRANGEST thing I see in those magazines? People windsurfing
>in SWIM SUITS! That just looks SO weird, and SO out of reality. I guess I
>gotta get back to Maui or Corpus Christi to remind myself what that's like.
>It's something I've virtually never done in fresh water. They even have LAWS
>against letting the Columbia River get that warm, because it kills our wimpy
>little fishies.
>Mike \m/
That looks weird to me too, our ladies usually wear loose shirts to
minimize the carbon monoxide-spewing morons on PWC who circle them.
bsinclair
Sounds like enough people use DTL boards as gorge boards that you might be
able to get one cheap at a swap meet.
Would not necessarily say they are gorge boards. Don't see how this helps
Bernardo.
bs
"Jerry McEwen" <rec...@mail.not> wrote in message
news:5nbldv01qfcbjl34j...@4ax.com...
Peter Berkey
"Mike wrote:
> That reminds me ... I highly recommend wearing neoprene,
> a butt harness, or a hefty swim suit when butt-sailing
Yup, the more padding the better. Some of us have a natural gift in this
area.
> BTW ... several of us had to butt-sail for 10-15 minutes, then swim, to
> shore last night when 5.0 wind suddenly gave way to a couple of knots ....
> the price of sinker-sailing.
Well dang Mike, ya shoulda been at my (secret, undisclosed) sailing site...
'twas a blowin' till the sun went down. Got in 4 hours of nonstop 5.0
conditions with a 5.8 sail... and I even got the blisters to prove it.
WM Pete
Tom
Well, I'm not sure (and not concerned) if it is cool or not cool to plane.
When I started snowboarding I thought the groomed green runs were the
pinnacle of fun. Now I seek trees and steeps. Has nothing to do with cool.
We like planing because it is LOTS MORE FUN than not planing.
Tom - Chicago
"(Pete Cresswell)" <x@y.z> wrote in message
news:eopfdvoq0ed9t328u...@4ax.com...
> RE/
> >I might even say that planing killed windsurfing (as a more popular
sport).
> >When not planing became the equivalent of not windsurfing, this increased
> >people's gear requirements while simultaneously decreased the quality of
their
> >prevailing conditions. 8 knots was "bad".
>
> Ever read about "Cognative Therapy"? The premise is that people's
depression
> can be caused by the way the perceive events - as opposed to events
themselves.
>
> I remember sailing for hours and hours without even *thinking* about
> planing...and enjoying every minute of it. Now, as somebody observed,
it's
> not cool to not plane...and most people's equipment reinforces that.
> -----------------------
> PeteCresswell
Craig (gsogh) Goudie
-Craig
Jerry McEwen wrote:
--
Dan Weiss
Gorge shape (narrow outline, rocker with flat, slightly tucked rails, wide
point back) perform as well in the waves as dedicated wave shapes. Sure, a
lighter air Gorge board will do well in most onshore wave conditions (since
that's very similar to swell bashing anyway) but that same board probably
will not be as fun or powerful when in side shore conditions. Maybe you WD
can smack me down if I deserve it :)
--
-Dan
"Craig (gsogh) Goudie" <gor...@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:3EDB7977...@netzero.net...
Craig (gsogh) Goudie
I got that from WD and I believe him. There was some discussion of getting
someone
to pick up a Gorge board and bring it down to Mexico for Bernardo. He sails
DTL.
I was NOT recommending a Gorge shape for DTL.
-Craig
Mike F
great swap meet prices) ... not a Gorge board. Big difference. I know
they're not $2,000 Island Uniques, but don't JP and Naish and RRD and other
brands' wave boards qualify as DTL boards?
>>> Bernardo,
> Maybe one of the Gorge heads would make a road trip to Veracruz and bring
> you something!
>
> Jack (Sarasota)
Mike \m/
"Craig (gsogh) Goudie" <gor...@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:3EDBB1EB...@netzero.net...
WARDOG
works in the waves...
Smaller Gorge boards are terrible on the coast because their tails and
noses are too thinned out for starters...it's one thing bobbing in the
river...you can always "buttsail"...;-)
You don't want to try that maneuver in the surf...
Many Gorgios disappear in the "black hole" down by "Bossland" at Pistol
River...simply not enough volume in the right place(s) to counterbalance
the rip current...additionally, pointing is not a skill set that gets
fully developed in the Gorge...
Bigger, lighter air, Gorge boards are adequate for onshore wave
conditions, as long as the waves aren't too vertical...a little tail
rocker goes a long way...
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
WARDOG
"Craig (gsogh) Goudie" wrote:
> There was some discussion of getting
> > someone
> > to pick up a Gorge board and bring it down to Mexico for Bernardo.
Let me know if that's true Bernardo, because we are holding a 2002
Exocet Original Wave 75 at $849 for you, when/if you visit us this
Summer...we could have sold it several times already...
MSRP on the '03, which is the same board with slightly different
graphics is $450 more...
We also have the '03 Exocet Universal Wave 78 that we talked about...
http://surfingsports.com/pimages/exocet_uwave78_deck.jpg
http://surfingsports.com/pimages/exocet_uwave_78front.jpg
http://surfingsports.com/pimages/exocet_uwave78bottom.jpg
http://surfingsports.com/pimages/exocet_uwave_78nose.jpg
http://surfingsports.com/pimages/exocet_uwave_78side.jpg
I'll also be getting the 1st shipment of Starboard EVOlutions...
Taking pre-orders now...we have at least 7 coming late Summer...
Volume Length Width Tail Weight Fin box Fin size Technology
EVO 74 74 233 55.6 36.4 TBA US Drake/ MCK 21 Wood/ D-Ram
EVO 80 80 233 57.5 39.6 TBA US Drake/MCK 22 Wood/ D-Ram
EVO 92 92 236 62.0 40.2 TBA US Drake/MCK 22 Wood / D-Ram
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_80.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_02.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_03.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_04.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_007.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_011.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_28.jpg
Also, strong rumors of a new light air wave board from Exocet...
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Brian Mckenzie
>I'll also be getting the 1st shipment of Starboard EVOlutions...
>Taking pre-orders now...we have at least 7 coming late Summer...
Will you be getting one of each size? Do you have Starboards "suggest"
sail range for each model?
Been reading the Starboard forum and a little confused on the models,
except for the 74. Also wonder if they sail a little larger than
their listed dimensions. Waiting on your report and recommendation
when ya gett'em in!!!
Bri
WARDOG
I've heard that "the EVO molds are getting quite hot right now"...
I'll have one pretty soon to verify what's being said...stay tuned...
> "More than a new simple evolution for modern waveriding,
>
> the Starboard EVO is taking us to a new world with a wave board easy to use, more versatile, and more exciting for all!"
>
> Much more stable and forgiving than a "Classic" wave shape, with an exceptional vitality in the maneuvers and surf.
> It also has the highest performance in terms of acceleration and speed, incredibly versatile in a wide range of conditions.
> Starboard's EVO is the first ever wave board which efficiently suits top hardcore wave sailor's need
> and also "waverider - learners" looking for ease of use. "
Scott Mc Kercher, #5 in the world of wavesailing :
“Now we've come up with a board that is so easy to sail, yet offers an
extreme level of performance never seen in wave boards before
These are the reasons why I will use the EVO’s and recommend anyone to
take them for a spin to get to the next level of wavesailing.”
Max WIDTH and TAIL width
-Makes the board extremely stable
-Keeps speed through the flat part of the waves
-Easier to initiate and maintain speed down the line .
-Incredible ease of climbing over whitewater.
-Extemely responsive for a board of this size.- (Due to shorter rail
lengths)
-Jumping ability at slower speeds.( A lot of height and projection)
-Recovery from inbalance is made easier
Sail size
- Smaller sails can be used in most conditions as less power is needed
to accelerate the wider hull , this enables more rig control.
INCREASED RANGE OF CONDITIONS.
The Evo makes it possible to perform at a higher level in junky waves
and difficult wind conditions .
(Even with the use of small sails.- where you would have once had to put
on a big sail to get around)
It’s a very short board7’8, but parallel outline provides performance in
better quality waves (Holding a line at speed)
Also extremely able in onshore backside conditions.
WHY I LIKE IT.
Onshore ability is sensational with a remarkable amount projection into
backside.
Allows later hitting of the lip as well as an innate ability to climb
upover sections.
Projection out of the lip in an aerial is from 1/3 to twice as big as
the past.
Landing from airs are also incredibly soft and safe. (Like training
wheels).
Good rotational motion when you hit the lip or do an air.(Good for
tweaking)
It has amazing acceleration, is quick onto the plane and Initiates a
turn easier at slower speeds, making it more responsive (due to is short
length), but at the same time due to the width, extremely forgiving.
“I've never had a board project out of the lip as fast as one of these
EVO boards, with amazing projection in aerials and while jumping, this
happens when the width of board comes into contact with the lip. (also
very handy for getting over white water.)
They're just so forgiving and fun to sail around on.”
:Scott Mc Kercher
Volume Length Width Tail Weight Fin box Fin size Technology
EVO 74 74 233 55.6 36.4 TBA US Drake/ MCK 21 Wood/ D-Ram
EVO 80 80 233 57.5 39.6 TBA US Drake/MCK 22 Wood/ D-Ram
EVO 92 92 236 62.0 40.2 TBA US Drake/MCK 22 Wood / D-Ram
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_80.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_02.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_03.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_04.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_007.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_011.jpg
http://www.surfingsports.com/images/evo_28.jpg
WARDOG
http://www.surfingsports.com
Dan Weiss
-Dan
"Craig (gsogh) Goudie" <gor...@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:3EDBB1EB...@netzero.net...
florian
<sales pitch for starboard evo goes here>
That's right, Warren, if I only bought that board, the wind and the good
weather would come right back!
:)
florian