4 beginners and a repeat

One of our neighbour's daughters was visiting and wanted to learn to windsurf. I had said I offer lessons (and don't charge for them!) and so we arranged for an 11am beginner session at the Launch Pad. I got boards and sails out to the point and had the simulator ready. The south water and south wind were nice and warm at 23c.

The beginner crew post session

After a full discussion of where the wind comes from, how to uphaul, steer and turn plus tennis and hip saves, it was time for the group of 4 friends to try. Ashley was first, and got the hang of it on land quickly. Camille also got the hang of the simulator and I got the two of them out on the water. I followed them with the seadoo and each got a quick tow back upwind. As they sailed back to shore I got Natasha and then Justine on the simulator and then out on the water.

Nice form Ashely

Camille doing well

Angie trying the simulator

Natasha heading out for a long run past the snorkelers!

Busy island

Fun times for this instructor

Each of them did great. Ashley gets the award for initiative and being first. Camille gets the award for being way better than she thought she would be. Natasha stayed dry the longest and is awarded the longest first run. Justine gets the award for longest session and for the most back and forth runs. With a second day on the water, each of them would easily be keeping upwind and be able to explore the Bay.

That was 4 hours in the sun, and the wind had decreased, then increased as return guest Chris headed out to see what he remembered from last year. He did great, staying upwind completely despite the increasing wind.

Chris remembers what he learned last year

Fly - be free Chris!

After a quick lunch I headed out for a foil session on the 140 Stingray and Idol 5.6. I managed to get 45 minutes of good SE wind just as it started dying in advance of some huge thunderstorms.

Upwind / downwind track on the foil. Wind from the SE

I managed to get a few "tail assisted" jibes on the foil

My jibes keep getting better, with a few tail assisted ones where I kept my speed. Definitely getting the front foot in the strap right away helps. Stepping in front of the strap like on a normal shortboard jibe stalls the foil. My duck jibe and carve 360 attempts were fails, but still fun. Still lots to learn but feeling very comfortable with zero overfoils in the whole session. So nice to get a good session in after all the beginner lessons.