We are starting to get more downwind enthusiasts on the Gold Coast, which is great to see. Downwinding is really good fun (once you get a little bit of experience) and it is also a really good way to spend those windy days when the alternatives are limited (unless you are a Kitesurfer or Windsurfer).

Downwinding can also be very dangerous!

So, I would like gauge the level of interest out there on who is into it and more importantly who wants to get into it.

For those that are already into it we can organise group downwinders, so that people of similar experience levels can hit those runs together. Racing types can train together and long distance cruisers (like me) can do some hits together.

For those that want to get into it we can organise some training for you. There is a lot to doing downwinders and it certainly helps if you can learn from people with experience rather than the hard way. It is also important that we standardise our safety precautions so that we do not have any accidents out there.

Please send me an email (to keep your contact details private) with the following details, if you want to get into this:

Name:
Age:
Contact (for SMS) details:
Do you own a LD SUP?
If so what size?
How long have you been doing LD SUP?
Are you interested in racing, cruising, or both?
What is the longest Downwinder you have done so far (if any)?
Do you have transport (for car pooling)?
Are you also into SUP surfing?

There may also be a few distance SUP enthusiasts who want to stay in the rivers, creeks, dams etc. If so, please let me know as there are plenty of really interesting paddles out there that are waiting to be done...

Sorry for all of the questions but this will help gauge where you want to slot in to start out with.



Thanks - Mike

I have received 3 emails so far and we are going to get together at the SUPSA meeting this Sunday. If anyone is interested in getting into this please come along.

You will find more details about the SUPSA meeting on "THE XBUWHDDCCAAGM EVENT" posting by Just Wrong

I'm in, will send you a note!!

Tomorrow (Monday 4th Jan) looks good for a downwinder. We will meet at the Talle creek (Northern Bank) at 10am tomorrow morning. We intend to run from Rainbow bay to the Talle Creek.

If you are interested in coming along be there. Bring a leg rope as the wind will be pretty strong...

So far we have Dale, Mark (Lacey) and myself

Mike

Was that you guys passing Currumbin today?

I was the guy on the windsurfer that came out for a look.

Hey Labs,

We are meeting on the Burleigh side of Talle Creek, West of the GC Highway Bridge. There is a beach shower which we normallly use at the end of some paddles.

The conditions are not that great today but come down anyway and meet some of the crew.

We will meet between 9.45 and 10.00 and will decide on the route when we get there.

I sent you an email with my phone number so call me if you want
Mike

mikeman said...

Hey Labs,

We are meeting on the Burleigh side of Talle Creek, West of the GC Highway Bridge. There is a beach shower which we normallly use at the end of some paddles.

The conditions are not that great today but come down anyway and meet some of the crew.

We will meet between 9.45 and 10.00 and will decide on the route when we get there.

I sent you an email with my phone number so call me if you want
Mike

Wish I could join you guys on this one!

Out of the question for me today though, 1st day back at work!

Piros said...

Out of the question for me today though, 1st day back at work!

Me too lets us know how it went.

Rob

Ditto. Hope you guys had a blast.

You should have gone this afterernoon it was quite good. Went from snapper to the shop and got good runs the whole way.

Jacko

You now have a race to train for.

Sunshine Coast Paddlers are putting on a King of the Coast - Ocean Craft Race.

Organiser: Sunshine Coast Paddlers
Registration for: King of the Coast - Ocean Craft Race
Date: Sunday 24th January
Location: Moffat Beach to the Wharf Mooloolaba
Online registration closes on: 22/01/2010 at 4:59 PM(AEST)

For entries check out the website.

www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?ID=2339