Franx

It's just practice....As you've probably realised, persistance is the key, especially when learning to carve gybe
The Copello should be a nice board - not too much volume either.
4 cam sails tend to be kinda hard whether you can waterstart or not, as the bigger luff tube will fill up with water. I have a 7 cam VX3 5.5m, and I have the same problems. Not the most user friendly, but good for top end speed
Wind never happened at the w/e....I sailed halfway down the lake, getting gradually deeper & deeper in the water , until the wind died completely. Tried to turn, fell off, & walked back along the bottom.....quality session

sempers

Yeah, wind didn't happen here either. Spent a lot of time wobbling about trying to stop my ankles moving.

As there seem to be a few peeps on this thread, what's the concensus - waist harness or seat harness. Pros/cons?

- M.

Amanda-Jane

Sempers, Windsurfing

I haven't been on a board for a few years now but I am training at the moment for my ADI (driving instructor) so should have some decent money coming in an might get something in the spring and get back into it next summer

AJ

Franx

Once again, I'm no expert, but:

Waist harness:
higher hook position makes it easier to hook in & out.
Coz there's no leg loops, you're able to manoevre more easily - good if you're doing wave sailing, freestyle etc...

Seat:
Lower hook position should give more leverage - which is why some racers use them, & you might also get more lower back support (?) Is that right?
But it's harder to hook in & out.

There isn't really such a huge difference. People are generally going for waist harnesses at the moment, coz they're nicer to wear, & perhaps more comfortable.
Try one before you buy it though. Some people will find that waist harnesses just don't work, for reasons of body shape - the harness just slides upwards round their chest etc.
Make sure it fits though, & the hook shouldn't have any movement once the harness is tight. Remember that the straps will stretch after a few outings, & it could end up being too big.

I have a pro limit hybrid (waist), which has been great, when I have enough wind to use it

sempers

Hmm. Think I need to sort my stance

Tried a waist harness and it tended to go up, otoh, apparently I sail with my head in and my **** out - like I'm trying to go to the toilet (apparently) Don't think it's my body shape (hopes!) - I have a waist, not a beer belly. Ambition is to make it to wave sailing.. so perhaps I'll persist with the waist for a bit!

Seat harness didn't feel nice. Perhaps I should try a trapeze harness

Mind you.. the board's currently on the bag on my living room floor... I've been trying to work out foot placement for tacking / gybing whilst watching telly.

Franx

Something you could do, is get hold of the video for RYA 3 and 4. Although a lot of it's stuff you'll know, they are quite helpful, and they have all kinds of nifty tricks for getting round corners....which I can now do all of, of course... or not :]

As for stance, think; knees slightly bent, to absorb chop & keep board @ same angle (flat) to water. only slight bend at the waist, & when a gust hits you, rock back on the heels, and push away with the arms (assuming you're hooked in )...or just plough into a wave and fall off like I did yesterday

sempers

Well, managed to get hold of the 4&5 video, and 'Comfortably fast' Most interesting, seems I'm attacking it the wrong way

Just booked myself a week with club vass... learn how to do it properly

- Mark.

Franx

Is that video any good? I have the old version of the same one, I think - 'turning point' and 'towards the limit'. Quite old, but I got the idea....

I'm back in Aberdeen now, and haven't been windsurfing for weeks, but when I get some time, and the wind blows....

sempers

I also have turning point - similar vintage I think. Don't think it's worth getting comfortably fast - the two overlap pretty much.

Franx

Right ho then.
I still haven't been out in weeks. The wind is blowing around 25-30 knots just now in Aberdeen, & gales forecast for tomorrow, but it's bloody straight offshore.... Might try round by Banff tomorrow though.
That's the problem with sea sailing .

weapon69

What the hell, i'll make it 100

Franx

60 knots in Fraserbourgh & Banff yesterday ...No I didn't go out. It was onshore though, but my smallest is ~5m, so I thought....erm....no. .

frazzle

Anyone windsurf in west wales here. Ive not been out for a year just moved down here and dont know any good locations?

Franx

I hear some of the places to go in south Wales/Cardiff area, are Newton, Portcawl, Aberavon & such like. If you're up towards the north, then I've heard Rhosneigr is a goodun, or West Kirby, if you want flat water speed sailing... Not too sure about West Wales though, as I've never been out there.
Menai strights always seem to get some good winds & jumping conditions, but the tides are hellishly fast, & it might be nasty
Abersoch might be ok as well, as it has a few large sailing events there, but I've never been.

frazzle

Thanks for reply I lived in cardiff and sailed at knap point in barry i now live in llanelly . there is no good good places around here . maybe tenby but that is quite far away.