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courtneyr
Posts:29
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| 10/02/2007 10:39 AM |
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Hi Waggy!
My name is Courtney, I'm 16 years old and weigh 67kgs. Started windsurfing in December of 2005. I only windsurf in the St Francis mouth- Great Spot! I'm in the harness, perfect water start, almost carve gybing. got 3 nice wave sails these last holidays and an old Fanatic Ultra Mamba 260cm. i have never gone into the waves before so i have a few questions-
1. on the board it says that its buoyancy is 65kgs. What does this mean . and how does it relate to my weight?
2. what kind of winds should i start wavesailing in?
3. What moves do i need to master before i go in?
4. And finally- when i do go in for the first time, what should i try to do? Could you please give me a basic "guide" to wavesailing and how to get good...
Thanks a lot
Courtney |
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WAggles
Posts:317
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| 12/02/2007 10:00 AM |
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The 65L on your board relates to the Volume of the board. In theory the board should support 65kg before it starts to sink.
So a 65L board would sink with your weight and and the weight of the rig.
Wave Sailing:
Before you venture out in the waves remember the following:
* Never sail alone.
* Have somebody watch, they can alert help should you need it.
* Never sail in an off shore wind.
* A cross-on shore wind is best.
* Always sail where there are other sailors out.
* Spend time looking at the conditions and talk to the other sailors.
* Do not go out if there is a big beach break.
* Pick a day with 20knots of wind and small waves.
* Set up you kit perfectly on flat water before going in the waves.
A great place to learn is Big Bay in Cape Town. The waves are small on the left and get bigger on the right.
The beach is also shallow, so you can stand most of the way out.
Things that you be able to do before you hit the waves.
* Waterstart very quickly. (only the pro's can up-haul in the waves)
* Make 90% of your Gybes ( Again only the Pro's can tack in the waves.)
* Make Chop Jumps.
* Be totally comfortable in the foot straps.
* Get planning very quickly.
Tips.
* If you fall in the impact zone. Never let go of your Kit if you fall in the waves.
* If you fall in the impact zone. Water-start and go in the direction the board in pointing. ( There is no time to swim the board around etc.)
* On your way out... go as far up-wind as possible
* On the way in.. Use the waves to get you back up-wind.
* Bend your knees as you go over the white water.
* You need to check your speed as you go through the waves. Sometimes you need to rush to get over the wave and other times you must wait.
All Said.... Find a buddy that can sail in the waves and go out with him. |
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bigairdave
Posts:49
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| 12/02/2007 11:16 AM |
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Hey Courtney,
Where are you based ? St Francis ?
There are a few guys sailing actively in J'bay - i think they mostly sail Paradise Beach. Pop in there when the west is blowing (maybe also the east), and chat to them about the conditions, and to keep an eye on you.
Shelleys is also one of the best sailing spots in that area, but I wouldn't recommend it to beginner wavesailors. It has a reputation of destroying kit, due to the powerful waves.
If you are heading to PE, the Swartkops mouth is a good place for beginners, in the Westerlies, but only on the incoming tide, unless the waves are very small ! You can turn before reaching the waves, or venture into the wave / white-water zone. It's usually small in summer, so you can sometimes sail out to sea, by dodging the waves.
Drop me a mail (bigairdave@gmail.com) and I will give you my cell number, if you are heading to PE to sail - to sail a user-friendly spot.
As long as you can waterstart pretty quickly, in strong-current conditions you should be okay.
Cheers
David. |
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courtneyr
Posts:29
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| 12/02/2007 3:28 PM |
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Hey Guys
Thanks a lot for the tips i'm sure they'll help a lot! we're planning on a trip down to st francis on the weekend of the 24th. i'll try my luck in the waves then.
Shot
Courtney |
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