A beginner wrestling this afternoons fresh breeze

G'day folks

i gave it a crack at Keast Park (Seaford) once the wind went more a Southerly this afternoon - I reckon it was blowing 20-25 knots. This was easily the strongest wind I have been out in ( only been at it with my board since November - have been out probably a dozen times).

i really found it a bit daunting being alone and in such a strong breeze and didn't push it after feeling out of control - came back to the beach pretty quick.

so I know this is a strange question but do I need to just man up and persevere even if I get blown up to mentone trying, or are those sorts of breezes a bit too much for someone with my limited experience? I hate giving up and not cracking in, but I'm also mindful that Mother Nature is someone you don't mess with.

Today was just a waste of time - or I made it that way anyway.

Do other beginners or you experienced people with long memories - did you hit the water in those winds pretty early on?

Thanks

Dave

Guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and invest a good few hours learning how to water start / beach start - I avoid onshore conditions right now because up hauling is just too hard when it gets rough. I know most experienced guys gravitate to onshore locations yeah?

Hi dave-

I feel your pain, I'm still very much a beginner in many ways and have had to learn at Bonbeach so I know exactly what you are talking about... Windsurfing no matter what it is seems to be the hardest.. But that's why it's so rewarding.... E.g even if you only wanted to sail out to the pylons and back that's of course the roughest water and practicing water starting is too is tough when the bay chop constantly pounds you...

You will also spend most your beginner time going out just as everyone is packing up and packing up just as everyone is going out... It's how the windsurf gods filter out anyone who is not an idiot or a madman from the sport!

Most days I still do a walk of shame but it gives me a chance to recover and think about what I'm doing next so don't worry about being blown a little up the beach just don't go out too far

I am still not comfortable sailing by myself far past to pylons on a serious day so you are not alone there, having a mate is safer.

Throw your board on the car and come up to Bonbeach because lots of sailors launch from there, I'm happy to stick my head out if I can as well - I have a bub now so getting out is not that easy but I could still pop across to the beach and give you a few pointers now and again...

Keep it up - with a bub now and a few mates that have stopped coming out as much sometime I think I'm going to pack it in... Then Thursday 2 weeks ago I put a sail on my sup and caught my first few waves, then I went for a lesson and got some encouragement about how close I am to being in both straps (front foot is in) and water starts are becoming more consistent....

I go to the snow and watch people falling on their butt learning to snowboard - I said to myself I'd never go through that again... 2.5 years and I'm still on the beginner slope of wibdsurfibg eating the front of the board, smashing the boom into my ribs, tearing the knees out of my wetsuit....

As many skills as there are I guarantee you the biggest one will be patience, PM me if you just want to catch up and chat with someone who has been through it!

Ginno

Dave, know how you feel. I'm an intermediate windsurfer in anglesea on the sea. 95% of the time on my own and when it gets a bit rough I pack up my toys. Don't wanna end up in tassie.

Water starting and gybing are key and I am still need to improve these.

Good luck and hang in there.