Has anyone here picked up windsurfing after surfing? I am thinking about windsurfing on days when its windy and small. Would love to hear your experience and what type of windsurf board you started on! Thanks!
Used to do it in the 80s. Had my own rig that I bought in '82 while stationed in Pensacola. In bays and lakes mostly, Florida and Calif, but didn't get out in the surf with it. Then I got married. Sold my rig. No more fun of any kind.
Anyone else have an opinion? I guess my question is, is it still recommended to start off on a beginner windsurf board, if I am already very comfortable surfing. Or how steep is the learning curve for a surfer? Thanks!
I was out one day in December and it was a small windy day. There was a guy on a Performance Surf SUP (~8.5 feet) that had a wind surf mount, rigged with the sail. It was just him and I. He was having a lot of fun with small waves, as the wind was offshore/cross so it enabled him to get into the waves. I can't speak to the the learning curve, but if you learned to windsurf, I think it would give you more days in the water, especially if you get one of the Performance Surf SUP's with the wind sail mount, which would also give you a Surf SUP to use when it is small.
My friend used to charge ho'okipa windsurfing. He took me out one time on south shore inside reef no waves. Pretty much flat but windy. Super hard learning curve. Spent hours out there and had fun but it was challenging. Never again though, I had no desire
Where do your its find pics like that?? I have thought about it- even looking on Craigslist and considering buying one. I have a windsurfing board but not the rigging. Great for paddling tho. I always thought it would afford more water time in the summer- plus I love sailing. Had a hobie cat the I used to take into the ocean- loved it but just don't have the time for it anymore, it's about an hour set up and break down at best... So I thought this would be a good alternative... But never did. Tried it one time when I was a young lad - I don't remember much other then it being hard to get the mast up out of the water.
Learning wind surfing is harder than learning to surf . But with a background in surfing , your board skills and balance ability will help on your learning curve . But having a background in surfing will hinder some maneuvers . Just from muscle memory of surfing . And to learn to wind surf in the ocean may not be the best idea , take it to the bay for a while . Many things you need down before you can take it in the surf . Relaunching , up wind , self rescue , etc .. Try kiteboarding its easier to learn knew tricks , eventually kite surfing strapless on a surf board would be a great goal . Remember kite surfing complements surfing , when its windy go kite , when it cleans up go surf , in kite surfing there is no paddling out no duck diving , you can catch 40 waves on a 4 mile downwinder , and out of those 40 wave you probably took the heads off like 30 waves . its a new love for the ocean . and a whole new respect for mother natures gifts
Learning curve is steep. Start with a beginner board that's still made for wave riding. I started after I had been surfing and it's an easy transition. Although... kiting is worlds beyond sailboarding AND surfing.
Being young and dumb at the time (1981), I bought a basic Windsurfer rig before I knew how. About $700 at the time, I think. This was in Pensacola. I had sailed quite a bit, so I figured no big deal. Flubbed around with that thing trying to teach myself. Just wasn't getting it. My girlfriend at the time was laughing at me. Months later, after I had moved to San Diego (without the girl), I finally and took some basic lessons at Mission Bay. That did the trick, and I was on my way.
Glassyandsunny, Wtf, this is a surfing forum and the last last thing we talk about is any type of surfing. If I don't see some naked photos, goats, or whale jiz posted by you in the next 24 hours, you're f*cking fired. I swear to got.
